Smith stays calm amid the storm (1 Viewer)

[Lentern]

In almost two years since, Smith has been one of the success stories of the Rudd Government; quietly, efficiently and apolitically prosecuting an enormous agenda for his foreign policy wonk boss. In recent weeks Smith has started to prove his worth on a domestic front as well, helping Rudd and the Government out of tight spots.

Smith can sometimes be more effective than his boss, who, when not in control of events, struggles for a while to find his line and length.

A left source said later that as question time rolled on the backbench was starting to stir. Unrest had been growing about where the so-called debate was headed, and Rudd and others were struggling to find the right balance between tough and compassionate.

''Smithy saved the day,'' he said. ''He calmed everybody down.''

The source said this contribution headed off a probable bout of unrest at Tuesday's caucus meeting.

Stephen Smith | Chinalco | asylum seekers | Phillip Coorey

Would have loved to fit this in somewhere else but as he deals with foreign policy its not really Australian politics and it certainly isn't light and or offbeat news.

 

[Iron]

Trust Lentern to be distracted by personality and ignore the actual political issues...

 

[Lentern]

Trust Lentern to be distracted by personality and ignore the actual political issues...

Typically misleading Iron. I make no mention of personality just the enormous amount of work he does, the skill and consistency in which he does it, his underrated talents at the dispatch box and the role he plays in keeping the factional labor party well behaved. Despite the seniority of lefties like Gillard, Tanner, Faulkner and Carr it took the closest supporter of Beazley to settle them down.


A pox on the smartarse moderator.

 

[Iron]

Idc

I'm glad that there are a few competent ministers in the Rudd government, but efficiency =/= good policy. Speer was an excellent minister. Skill etc is no doubt an important factor in evaluating a government, but it should basically be assumed imo. At the end of the day, they actually make decisions that result in things actually happening in the real world and this is what they should be judged on.

Are you saying that you agree with the government's asylum-seeker policy? If not, youre just falling for the spin that all politicians hope you fall for - superficial, ego-stroking bs that distracts from reality.

 

[Lentern]

Idc

I'm glad that there are a few competent ministers in the Rudd government, but efficiency =/= good policy. Speer was an excellent minister. Skill etc is no doubt an important factor in evaluating a government, but it should basically be assumed imo. At the end of the day, they actually make decisions that result in things actually happening in the real world and this is what they should be judged on.

Are you saying that you agree with the government's asylum-seeker policy? If not, youre just falling for the spin that all politicians hope you fall for - superficial, ego-stroking bs that distracts from reality.

For some odd reason I feel like answering this question seriously:
-Whilst they are not the policies I would like to see implemented they are as much as I ever seriously hoped to see an Australian government implement after the 2001 fiasco.
-I seriously doubt Smith is the architect of Australia's refugee policy, it might be Kevin's baby but is more likely a cabinet decision.
-I do believe Smith is one of the more compassionate ministers. His joining the right faction had more to do with economic than social policy or so I believe.