Recent news - euthanasia, marriage and more

Time seems to go so fast. Last week we sent our monthly Journal to the printer - that takes a lot of time and effort and everything else seems to stop - hence less posts on the web about what is happening. We send key reports/events/polls out on our free E-News (click here for info) and then have articles and more detailed information in the Journal.

The website has info on the various issues and we post recent news...

Here's some recent info...

1. Tasmania - euthanasia
The Tasmanian government is planning to introduce a Bill to legalise euthanasia before the end of the year. It is co-sponsored by Premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim. They are planning to release a 'Discussion Paper' which everyone can make submissions and comment about. We'll let you know when it is available.

2. Marriage
The federal MPs and Senators might be on their winter break but the marriage debate is continuing in earnest. Homosexual activist groups are all urging their people to contact MPs. We need to be doing that too - asking them to oppose the legalisation of same-sex 'marriage!
See our Campaign page for more info... click here.

3. HSU Report
The final report into the activities of the Health Services Union has found that 'More than $20 million in questionable payments was paid to suppliers to the union without any form of tendering or contract'. Media report.

4. Voter support for Labor drops
Despite Labor apparently winning the Melbourne state bi-election last Saturday against the Greens (report), the federal Labor Party is losing support in the polls and there is increasing pressure on Julia Gillard's leadership. Newspoll shows support for Labor dropping to less than 30% for the first time in three months.
The NSW branch othe ALP recently voted to deny 'automatic preferenceing' to the Greens at federal elections. (Media Report) One commentator notes that the 'shotgun marriage of convenience' between federal Labor and the Greens is faltering, but warns that the policy positions that have resulted, such as media control, are still "very much alive" (read article).

The Newspoll shows that Tony Abbott has extended his lead as 'preferred Prime Minister' to four points - 40% compared to 36% for Julia Gillard.