Article in News (unfortunately photo didnt copy across) We’ve analysed the PM’s press conference. Here’s what he was really saying. Weve run Tony Abbotts 45-minute speech through the transliterator. Photo: AAP “Good morning everyone, we have quite a bit to talk about today.” (Strap in. This will take a while.) DEFENCE PAY AAP Jacqui Lambie continues fighting for troop pay, much to Abbott’s chagrin. Photo: AAP What he said: “I have enormous respect for the professionalism, for the courage, for the tasks that our Defence Force personnel do.” What he was really saying: I like photo opportunities with soldiers as much as the next politician. What he said: “All of us would like to see our Defence Forces paid more but what’s possible with a $20 billion surplus is not always possible with a $40 billion deficit. So, I think we just have to be realistic about Defence Force pay.” What he was really saying: I am not going to roll over completely. What he said: “There is a massive budget repair task that’s necessary … We won’t squib it and that’s why we are determined to stick with the 1.5 per cent pay arrangements. But the commitment I give to our Defence Forces is no one in the public sector will do better than them because they are people who face rigours and endure dangers that the average person in the public sector doesn’t face.” What he was really saying: Soldiers are special, but they won’t get any more than pen pushers whose biggest danger at work is a paper cut. What he said: “Nevertheless, I can announce this morning that the Government is not proceeding with the changes to allowances that were announced with the Defence Force pay.” What he was really saying: But I will compromise. What he said: “Not only are we listening to the Defence community but obviously I have discussed this matter with a number of my Parliamentary colleagues [who] have lots of Defence personnel as their constituents.” What he was really saying: We are nervous as hell about losing those seats.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 03:02:51 +0000
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