"a policy bum of the first order"

[Gozu]

Peter Costello's idol and the greatest Treasurer in the history of human civilization, former PM Paul Keating was not all that thrilled with Kevin Rudd's decision to bring Costello into the tent as part of the Future Fund board and aside from taking a shot at Costello also had a go at Rudd:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/costello ... -hrbs.html

[southee]

Gee...I wish Paul Keating (Australia's worst all time PM) would go away and retire with his huge payout he made for himself.

The guys a bitter fool. Pfffttt......

[Jimmy_041]

Unfortunately, the people of Australia chose to vote against a GST, and as a consequence, gave a legitimacy to Keating's position as Prime Minister. He now thinks that his views have some importance. Keating is a conman and a revisionist of his own poor history.

One reason for the poor savings record of Australians is the tax regime that he instituted. For example, the superannuation tax on higher income earners only ever covered the cost of administering it.

The Future Fund was never Keating's idea, so he has no credibility to criticize it.

[mick]

Unfortunately, the people of Australia chose to vote against a GST, and as a consequence, gave a legitimacy to Keating's position as Prime Minister. He now thinks that his views have some importance. Keating is a conman and a revisionist of his own poor history.

One reason for the poor savings record of Australians is the tax regime that he instituted. For example, the superannuation tax on higher income earners only ever covered the cost of administering it.

The Future Fund was never Keating's idea, so he has no credibility to criticize it.

I'm not a Labor supporter or voter, but at times I think Keating has some interesting and useful things to say (but not on this occassion), Keating wanted a GST in the early 80s however he was rolled by Hawke. Australia might be in an even stronger position had Keating got his way. The GST has been subsequently proven to be good policy. K Rudd's appointment of Costello means he wants the fund to succeed and won't be swayed by the latte sipping Costello haters. This is a total vindication by a political opponent confirming him as one of Australia's greatest treasurers.

[Gozu]

This is a total vindication by a political opponent confirming him as one of Australia's greatest treasurers

LOL I think you'll find it has a bit more to do with the Rann strategy, "keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer". As toxic as Costello was with the public he was the only one left in the opposition who could attack the government with some form of credibility, not anymore.

[mick]

This is a total vindication by a political opponent confirming him as one of Australia's greatest treasurers

LOL I think you'll find it has a bit more to do with the Rann strategy, "keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer". As toxic as Costello was with the public he was the only one left in the opposition who could attack the government with some form of credibility, not anymore.

I agree, a silenced Costello can only be good for the government, but this is an extremely important position and not one to be handed to a person without talent. I wonder if Rudd can find a job for Mr Keating?

[Jimmy_041]

That's why Keating is shitty

He wanted the 'job as first President - but that never eventuated

[Gozu]

I agree, a silenced Costello can only be good for the government, but this is an extremely important position and not one to be handed to a person without talent. I wonder if Rudd can find a job for Mr Keating?

I doubt Rudd would offer Keating anything especially when Keating bagged his advisors as something like the kind of people who wait for a focus group to tell them what side of the bed to get out of prior to the '07 election. Something tells me a bit of this "Rudd's trying to be a gooddie two shoes" outburst is a bit of sour grapes for being overlooked for something like this and because a guy who Keating has nothing but contempt for in Costello ("All tip no iceberg", "low altitude flyer") getting this gig.

He's got a cheek talking about damaging the Labor brand when he was pretty keen on privatisation and supposedly a company he advises for stands to make a mint if the NSW government goes ahead/went ahead with it's decison to privatise their electricity too.

[Pottsy]

I miss Paul Keating.

I don't care what his policies were like.

I don't care which side his politics leaned towards. As far as I'm concerned Labor and Liberal are very similar to Christian and Catholic. Two sides of the same coin.

But I miss this. http://www.webcity.com.au/keating/

The only time in my life I would watch question time, "just incase".