Pittwater pitfall: The Liberal candidate to replace John Brogden
in the blue ribbon seat of Pittwater has been refused the right to vote
in his own by-election, the Daily Telegraph
reports today. “Liberal Party headquarters confirmed that Paul Nicolau,
who is from Lane Cove, moved into Pittwater on the Sunday after he won
preselection for the seat,” the paper says. “However, under electoral
rules candidates had to be registered as living in the electorate for a
month before rolls closed on October 31.” Independent – and local mayor
– Alex McTaggart is rubbing his hands with glee.

More Cheek: The clock is ticking on Rene Hidding’s leadership of
the Tasmanian Liberal Party. His ultra-defensive reaction to the yet to
be published Bob Cheek diaries has upset many local Liberals. His own
Parliamentary colleagues are now very nervous about what the book might
contain, given Hidding’s over the top pre-emptive assault. It could
well see him gone. His MPs are breaking out all over the place. Serial
rebel Peter Gutwein has slammed the controversial Gunns pulp mill the
Liberals are supposed to be proudly supporting. And Deputy Will Hodgman
has threatened to cross the floor and vote with the Government on its
licensing of betting exchange Betfair.

Why the Queensland health system doesn’t work: Wanna know what’s wrong with the Queensland health system? Check out the salary package for this Visiting Medical Officer’s position: Of course, it’s probably a fortune if you’re from India.