Tim Blair: Deciphering Gladys Berejiklian and Michael Daley’s People’s Forum doublespeak to break down the spin
Detecting deeper messages from last night’s forum is crucial to a full understanding of what the politicians were on about. Here is Tim Blair’s guide to what was said in Penrith — and what was actually meant.
Detecting deeper messages from last night’s forum is crucial to a full understanding of what Labor leader Michael Daley and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian were really talking about.
Here is Tim Blair’s guide to what was said in Penrith — and what was actually meant.
Gladys Berejiklian: I can only speak for the NSW government.
What she meant: Please stop talking about the federal Liberals.
Michael Daley: They’re at war with the environment. One million dead fish in Menindee.
What he meant: A Labor government will somehow be able to stop droughts.
Berejiklian: The amount we are spending on stadiums is less than 1 per cent of total spending.
What she meant: I can’t believe I might be handing all of this money to a Labor government.
Daley: When there was a climate rally for school students, I backed them in all the way.
What he meant: I forgot that the voting age is 18. Damn.
Berejiklian: I went to a public school. Without those teachers I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What she meant: I’m standing next to Michael Daley. That’s just great. Thanks a lot, teachers.
Daley: I can’t remember the exact number for Gonski funding off the top of my head.
What he meant: It’s freakin’ enormous and I’m trying to get elected here.
Berejiklian: What I’m incredibly proud of …
What she meant: This phrase tested really well in focus groups.
Daley: Labor will spend $3 billion on TAFEs … er, let me check that and I’ll get back to you.
What he meant: Uh-oh.
Berejiklian: I want to make sure we keep going. It worries me that we will go backwards if Labor gets in.
What she meant: If I have to get NSW out of debt again, I’m going to scream.
Daley: I loved elections even when I was a little boy.
What he meant: I wasn’t any good at sport.
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