What I've learned about Australian politics in the past week

Some random observations arising from the Australian politics and policy scene over the past couple of weeks in no particular order of importance:

• Factions are still fighting hard to retain their control in the ALP so they can maintain power - so they can maintain power and help their mates to retain power. You don't need to actually stand for anything anymore.
• It doesn't matter what you have actually done as a Government - if the media keep telling the a story that you haven't done anything then obviously you haven't
• If you are a member of the media don't need to bother getting involved in actually trying to understand the policy or analysis of the issues. Report it in the context framed by the opposition or some other interested party. You don't need to do any independent thinking.
• Beware of faction leaders bearing polls
• Rumours of internal party polling even if the figures are never produced in public and tested for their statistical validity trump real publically available polls every time
• Public policy decisions are now not going to be made by the Government, informed by the public service and debated in Parliament if the interest group concerned has millions of dollars for an advertising campaign. They will be invited to discussions behind closed doors.
• "Let's do a deal" is the new government motto for policy making - this offers opportunities to contact the process out to car salesman and white good and furniture retailers - that's always been their slogan.