FIRST Lindsay Tanner and now Maxine McKew. How many more whodunit potboilers are headed our way claiming Kevin Rudd was the victim of a cabal of ALP plotters? John Dorman, Toowoomba, Queensland
The ALP
MAXINE McKew joins Graham Richardson et al.
Jean Tansey, Berwick
MAXINE McWho?
Sampath Kumar, Mornington
THE overthrowing of Australia's prime minister has resulted in the loss of $6 billion in mining tax income. A big loss to the community for one woman's ambition.
Lisa Young, Kensington
JUSTIN Madden tells us that there's a great risk that if "the government is not prepared to entertain alternate options around the grand prix, they may as well be saying goodbye to it". He might as well try to make us panic at the prospect of losing a rotten tooth.
Judith Loriente, Hawthorn
The Coalition
MALCOLM. The time is now.
Rob Whiting, Pascoe Vale South
WONDERFUL news! "Gillard's stocks continue to rise". Now at last the Liberals might come to their senses and rid us of this "troublesome priest". Surely Tony Abbott is the worst opposition leader in Australian history?
Jill Mazzotta, Balaclava
GIVEN the negative poll results for the Liberal Party, how long before we hear the phrase "the leader has the full confidence of the party".
Brian Bywater, Warrnambool
THE question many people will be asking themselves on polling day is not so much which party they vote for, but do they want Tony Abbott as PM?
Noel Howard, Heathmont
Other matters
DICTIONARIES are a help but, as Humpty-Dumpty put it, "When I use a word it means just what I choose it to mean neither more nor less." Who can't go along with that at one time or other?
John McCredie, Hawthorn East
THANK you, Wendy Squires (Forum, 20/10). You made me laugh out loud. I hope my family wasn't too offended by the noise.
Dennis Mitchell, Ceres
LOUISE Asher says she wants to retain the Grand Prix, which will cost more in 2013, but that a night-time event is too expensive. So is the expenditure on the highly questionable rail crossing in Brighton, but that is still going ahead.
Peter McNamara, Canterbury
PHILIP Lynch wants Australia to use its seat on the United Nations Security Council to promote and protect human rights around the world. That would be to "Do as we say, not as we do", would it not?
Margaret Callinan, Balwyn
THE Victorian government has no business subsidising falling attendances at churches. ACCESS Ministries is out to "recruit for Jesus" but shouldn't be using taxpayers' money to target five-year-olds.
Meredith Doig, East St Kilda
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
How can sudden political leadership changes in Australia affect everyday investors?
The article highlights that high‑profile political events — such as the overthrow of a prime minister — can have real economic consequences (it cites a $6 billion loss in mining tax income). For everyday investors, leadership changes can increase market volatility, shift policy direction and affect investor confidence, especially in sectors tied to government policy like mining and infrastructure.
The article mentions a $6 billion mining tax loss. What does that mean for investors in the mining sector?
A reported $6 billion loss in mining tax income (mentioned in the article) signals that political upheaval can reduce government revenue and lead to uncertainty about future taxation and regulation. For mining investors, that uncertainty can affect project economics, capital spending plans and share prices in the short to medium term.
Why should investors pay attention to debates over government spending like the Grand Prix or rail projects?
The article discusses concerns about the cost of the Grand Prix and other public expenditures. Debates over major budget items can indicate shifting fiscal priorities, potential changes to public investment and local economic activity — all of which can influence companies and sectors exposed to government contracts, tourism and local infrastructure spending.
Do opinion polls and political popularity (for example mentions of Tony Abbott or Julia Gillard) matter for investing?
Yes — the article includes commentary on polls and leader popularity. Polling can shape expectations about election outcomes and policy direction, which in turn affects market sentiment. While polls aren’t a direct investment signal, sustained changes in political momentum can lead to policy shifts that matter for certain industries.
How can everyday investors respond to the uncertainty created by heated political commentary and media 'potboilers'?
The article references much political commentary and speculation. For investors, it’s useful to separate sensational media coverage from verifiable policy changes. Focus on company fundamentals, confirmed policy announcements and long‑term plans rather than short‑term headlines that may stoke market noise.
Could government subsidies or controversial taxpayer spending (for example on religious programs or events) affect the investment environment?
The piece raises questions about taxpayer funding for groups and events. Controversial or large subsidies can influence public budgets and political debate, potentially leading to reprioritisation of spending. That can have knock‑on effects for sectors reliant on government contracts or grants.
What kinds of policy changes should investors monitor after a major political shake‑up mentioned in the article?
Based on the article’s themes — mining tax revenue, public events and infrastructure — investors should watch for announcements on taxation (especially mining and resource taxes), infrastructure funding decisions, regulatory reviews and any changes to major event contracts that could affect revenue flows in particular sectors.
Is it normal for markets to react to political drama and leadership speculation, and how should retail investors interpret those moves?
Yes — the article’s focus on leadership spillovers and public reaction reflects how politics can drive market sentiment. Retail investors should view politically driven market moves as potentially short‑term unless they lead to concrete policy changes. Keeping a clear investment plan, understanding exposure to politically sensitive sectors and avoiding knee‑jerk decisions can help navigate that volatility.