PM Julia Gillard retains top spot by the skin of her teeth this week, on the back of the NDIS and news she will visit Queensland, where Premier Campbell Newman will sign up to a full rollout of DisabilityCare. Victoria signed up earlier this week, with Western Australia and the NT yet to commit.
But the real story in media coverage terms is that Opposition Leader Tony Abbott received virtually equal coverage with the PM, including on the NDIS, indicating the reality has set in that he’ll likely be PM, and almost suggesting the election is already over and we’re in the twilight zone.
For, despite getting a ton of breakfast TV coverage out of his Pollie Pedal, almost all the news has been policy-related for weeks now — it’s as if he’s seen as de facto PM already, or at the very least that since the election date was announced we’re effectively in campaign mode so the pair garner equal time. Whichever way we slice the data, it’s yet more bad news for the (real) PM.
Other movers this week belie the fact a federal budget will be handed down next week: Immigration Minister Brendan O’Connor saying more asylum seekers will be released into the community on bridging visas; Defence Minister Stephen Smith with a new white paper; Peter Slipper back in court on appeal; Joe Ludwig on live cattle exports; and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy unveiling the NBN in Blacktown — complete with a technical glitch that delighted some journos.
Crikey Political Index: May 2-8
Shock jocks had a field day when Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC was requested by Qantas flight crew to switch off his mobile phone, leading him to be reminded of airport safety rules by a security manager.
Talkback top five
In line with increased mainstream coverage, Abbott’s social media traction appears to be growing.
Social media top five
Malaysian Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to challenge the weekend’s election and urged protests, claiming it was rigged.
Comparisons on media mentions
So this is new, so this is a surprise NOT!! LOTO/LNP every where, preface and finishes to every ‘news’ item. Not new, not amazing, not indicative that he will win the election we just have that on constant replay. All designed by LNP/MSM/ABC putsch. Lies more lies and damned lies, propaganda 101 repeat, repeat, repeat, the empty 3 word sloganeering and motherhood statements. No fair and/or fearless or factual reporting at all just Opining by the putsch.
Always did what took you so long to catch on?
The LNP/MSM/ABC putsch have been effecting propaganda 101 for as long as the they have been in opposition. News is now only opinion not supported by facts.
GF50 well said.
This is only relevant if you watch TV. I don’t that much & if Abbott pops up there’s a handy little gadget called the mute button. I imagine all over Australia the soft p-fot of mute buttons all being pressed simultaneously.