Nick Xenophon rejects the Stimulus Package

[Sojourner]

It will be interesting to see what happens over this idea, some are hinting that if it cant get through a double dissolution election will be called, I cant see that happening yet anything is possible in politics I suppose!

Nick Xenophon gains ground on Rudd's stimulus plan

The Australian
THE immediate future of the Rudd Government's $42 billion economic stimulus package is in the hands of Nick Xenophon today, with the independent senator locked in fierce horse-trading with Labor MPs.

With the Senate due to vote on the bill a second time today, Wayne Swan was attempting last night to persuade Senator Xenophon to change his vote after he sided with the Opposition to defeat the bill yesterday afternoon.

But it appears the Government has given some ground on Senator Xenophon's demands for a better deal for the Murray-Darling Basin.

``We have agreed to go some way on that,'' Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen told ABC television this morning, adding the Government wanted to see money already allocated to the basin spent efficiently.

``There's a long way to go ... and there should be more news later in the day."

The Greens and Family First's Steve Fielding voted with the Government, but Labor needed the support of all crossbenchers to get the package through against Coalition opposition.

But Senator Xenophon stood his ground after insisting on the inclusion of an amendment to bring forward $5.35 billion to save the Murray-Darling Basin.

The defeat of the stimulus package outraged industry groups and drew the wrath of the Government, which immediately took it back to the House of Representatives, which sent it back to the Senate for another vote today.

"What happened in the Senate this afternoon was that the Government voted for jobs and the Liberal and National parties voted against jobs," Treasurer Wayne Swan said. "What happened in the Senate this afternoon is that the Labor Party and some of the minor parties voted for nation-building and the Liberal and National parties voted against nation-building."

The Government had offered Senator Xenophon $400 million to bring forward water buybacks in the basin.

Last night, he would not reveal how much money he would require for the Murray-Darling in exchange for his vote, but said he was committed to coming to an agreement.

"I didn't come to Canberra to make friends, I came here to make a difference," Senator Xenophon said.

[Wedgie]

Ive always hated the guy as he's only ever wanted publicity and the way he opposed Norths pokies whilst defending a pokie baron as a lawyer showed me how much of a hypocrite and lowlife he is BUT despite his motives (they're probably publicity and ego driven) I think he is doing the right thing and hopes he sticks to his guns.

[smac]

Heard a news flash on the radio about 20 minutes ago indicating that some agreement had been reached and NX will now support the legislation. Not sure what the gain for NX was, that wasn't mentioned.

[A Mum]

He's 'addressing' the media at 11am.

[smac]

How wonderful for the media. I wish I could be there.

[The Big Shrek]

Ive always hated the guy as he's only ever wanted publicity and the way he opposed Norths pokies whilst defending a pokie baron as a lawyer showed me how much of a hypocrite and lowlife he is BUT despite his motives (they're probably publicity and ego driven) I think he is doing the right thing and hopes he sticks to his guns.

Sorry Wedgie, little thing called ethics and professional conduct rules prevents you picking and choosing clients according to personal views. What a great idea, only popular people get legal representation!

[Leaping Lindner]

"Look at me national media. I'm really important."

Hard to believe he use to be a young liberal.

[mick]

"Look at me national media. I'm really important."

Hard to believe he use to be a young liberal.

When I was at Uni he started as Liberal finished as Labor. Shows a certain flexibility

[A Mum]

I think we're still waiting for him to address the media.
As Channel 10 keep saying "We'll cross live" ...
but they haven't yet.

Edit**

This though...
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/stor ... 01,00.html

[mick]

"This morning the treasurer and the water minister (Penny Wong) have agreed to a package of $900 million in spending commitments including fast-tracking spending for the Murray-Darling-Basin, for its economy over and above any previous commitments,” Senator Xenophon said.

[redandblack]

What an enormous surprise

I never thought they would work out a deal

[Sojourner]

These are the "extras" that Nick Xenophon was able to negotiate for, Rann was on the radio this morning critisizing him for not having passed the Stimulus Package, clearly Mike Rann wont be all that interested in the funding won for S.A which he himself was not able to do........

Senator Xenophon said he would vote for the package after winning $900 million in extra funds for the ailing Murray-Darling basin and other water projects.

It involves bringing forward an extra $500 million over the next three years for water buybacks, $200 million in grants to assist local communities save water and to better manage water and $200 million in stormwater harvesting projects.

[TroyGFC]

Well done Mr X, he seams to be doing what the democrats to shamefully didnt do. I person can make a difference as he has shown. And better still I still get $900!!! Rann you must be quiet embarrassed as it wasnt you who did anything to help save the Murray!!

[Cambridge Clarrie]

Whether you like him or not, what he's done will at least see $900 million used towards assisting the Murray - a good thing. The whole purpose of this stimulus package is to increase purchasing and therefore retain jobs in retail, manufacturing, etc. In reality I think that the government are in many instances taking the common wealth to help people pay for previous spending that they couldn't afford. Can someone please explain to me how someone using their $900 to pay off a 12 month old credit card debt will be stimulating the economy???

[smac]

'Cos they'll chock up the credit card with another $900 in no time at all Clarrie!

[Dog_ger]

Dog_ger Thinks.

What will save us is EMPLOYMENT.

Lets put all efforts into keeping employment the same.

No Employer to cut jobs.

Thats where the $$$ should be channelled..!

[heater31]

So when does my cheque for $900 arrive Mr Xenophon and Mr Rudd????

[LaughingKookaburra]

Ive been a big knocker of Mr. X in the past as a stirrer and an attention seeker. What he has done in 1 week is more than any member of parliment has acheived for the Murray in the past 10 years. Whilst I am sure he has not gained many fans across Australia who are not directly affected by the Murray, he certainly has won the respect out of all those affected by the Murray on a daily basis. He definatly has won my vote on this occasion. If the Murray goes under so does South Australia. Well done Mr X

[redden whites]

What has Mr X actually bought?
Will buying out water allocations in full( even though most who have an allocation are on about 2-5% of that allocation) actually deliver a drop to the river or lower lakes ?Before hailing Mr X and promising him your vote in 5 years time lets wait and see if he as actually delivered anything. He did not buy any rain today folks

P.S. has anyone seen all that water up the river that Martin Hamilton- Smith was bleating about 6 months ago about getting down to the lakes?

[Psyber]

P.S. has anyone seen all that water up the river that Martin Hamilton- Smith was bleating about 6 months ago about getting down to the lakes?

Until we get rid of the upriver high water use activites, like cotton and rice growing, not much water is going to reach SA.
And NSW and Victorian pollies are invested in these industries in more ways than one I suspect..

I boggle that anyone thought growing cotton or rice on this continent was ever a good move.