Still a close call between Labor and the coalition

Comments on Dennis Shanahan “Coalition MPs find reasons to believe”, 7/09/2010, http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/coalition-mps-find-reasons-to-believe/comments-fn59niix-1225915175930
It would be in their interests to support the coalition from gaming point of view: each of them would be more important when they are with the coalition than with Labor, because 76 is the minimum majority needed and 77 would mean one is potentially redundant.

That logic is premised on them understanding that number gaming.

I think the coalition would be able to offer them with a better package than Labor, purely because they are more conservative and should have more fire power with the same revenue bottom line.

However, Labor has some distinctive advantages with its current policy setting openly on the table over that of the coalition, mainly in terms of its NBN.

So far, Gillard seemed to have made better progress in negotiations, but may have made a strategic mistake to leave the independent trio in such a number gaming.


Abbott was right to focus more on the trio with strong rural supports. But he has so far got nothing to show his success in negotiations yet. Maybe it is the last straw that he hopes to have and use to break the camel’s back (get over the line).

Who knows!

The trio keeps us suspended and guessing!

They have been having a very good time for themselves and they clearly enjoy that!