‘Somyurek is no knight in shining armour. He has his own agenda’

Power house: Adem Somyurek’s back in the game just in time to embarrass Daniel Andrews over the pandemic powers legislation.

Welcome to the column where you provide the content. John Ferguson reckoned Adem Somyurek’s power switch had been flipped back on after damning testimony on branch-stacking at the IBAC hearings, as the upper house numbers give him both influence and an opportunity for some form of political redemption in opposing Daniel Andrews’ pandemic emergency powers bill. Rob379’s assessment:

“Adem Somyurek is no knight in shining armour. He has his own agenda. If the by-product of his ‘getting square’ is to kill the Bill, then that is a plus for Victoria. Worth rejoicing (in) the take-down if it happens.”

Terror Australis said:

“One month. That’s the absolute maximum amount of time an emergency declaration or order should remain in place before full parliamentary scrutiny is again required to extend it. Chairman Andrews has amply illustrated what immeasurable social, economic, cultural, health and psychological terror and harm he (or some future government) with unfettered powers, is capable of imposing on an entire population. This must never be permitted to happen again in Victoria – or anywhere else in Australia.”

Lesley laughed:

“Somyurek, who has nothing to lose has ‘out stacked’ Daniel Andrews.”

Charles J asked:

“One wonders why some other Labor MPs have not said they will not support this despicable legislation. Is support for the party seen as more important than support for the people?”

Robert reckoned:

“Somyurek is doing the right thing – having been expelled by labor he is standing up for all Victorians. News for Andrews – we live in a democracy.”

Steve C took aim:

“When the Andrew’s government made a deal with the three crossbenchers late last year or earlier this year to extend the State of Emergency term, wasn’t one of the conditions the crossbenchers requested was that the government would be required to disclose the modelling and public health orders (health advice) on which any future decisions were based? If so, why haven’t the public health order documents been made public as requested and in fact the government has been fighting tooth and nail to block the request?”

From Neil:

“Thank you Somyurek. Your sins are forgiven.”

Ashleigh agreed:

“Thanks Adem, best news day in almost 2 years. Oh to see Andrews squirm … Just brilliant!”

Stalling: Daniel Andrews plays for time after Adem Somyurek’s spanner in the works. Picture: NCA/Newswire

Tetchy Techy said:

“Adem was a ‘naughty boy’ and is now the ‘Messiah’? Sadly, there will be another crossbencher who can be seduced to support this totalitarian bill, in return for something they hold dear. Like Labor preferences at the next election.”

Cheers, said Tiger:

“One of my favourite comments yesterday was from someone saying ‘vote against the Bill, Adem, and you’ll never have to buy a beer in Victoria again’!”

: T:’s take:

“Somyurek has achieved what would have been thought impossible: he has rehabilitated himself from ‘branch stacking pariah’ to ‘saviour of democracy’. And importantly, he will be seen as the only (ex) Labor identity to take on the bully premier. He’s achieving what the since-deposed Labor MPs Jane Garrett and Jenny Mikakos were unable to do.

“Suddenly, the urgent legislation to give more power to Andrews isn’t quite so urgent after all. But that doesn’t mean Andrews will allow the Bill to be properly debated in the Legislative Council. Why? Because he refuses to subject himself and his government to proper scrutiny. That should ring alarm bells for all Victorians.”

Mike_J said:

“At last someone prepared to take on the Chairman. The woke leftists have been silent throughout the pandemic as basic human rights and liberties in Victoria have been destroyed.”

From Walter:

“Somyurek is a champion in my book. The voters of Victoria should reward him at the next election.”

Vic Parent was unconvinced:

“One sneaky man trying to get on top of another. Both with agendas for things other than what the Australian people who vote them in. Somyurek might do a nice thing once, but don’t then trust him for more leadership. He can go too. Matthew Guy is speaking up quite well at the moment. Seems to be fighting a bit. Don’t stop and rest once this is over, plan your next move now.”

Elizabeth’s assessment:

“Let’s keep a sense of perspective here. Arguably this bill does go too far. The fact that so many high profile lawyers believe this supports that view. Our liberal democracy has measures to correct this. These include public protest, but not the sort of horrors we have witnessed on our streets over the past couple of days.

“I suspect many if not most protesters are driven only by their cheap envy and detestation of the Premier of Victoria. They have no understanding of this bill, and no inclination to find out. Some, like the neo Nazis, have deeper, more sinister motivations. Don’t let yourselves be used by these Trumpian types. If you lie down with these dogs you will get worse than fleas.”

Les countered:

“The so-called ‘horrors’, we have witnessed is associated with a decline in our civil and civic virtues. The Premier of Victoria contributes daily to that decline. There are so many examples but I will confine myself to one. According to the Premier any opposition to the Bill before the parliament, only occurs because people wish to play politics. Apparently the Premier is above such demeaning activities. The Premier’s position is clearly untenable, and contributes to the excesses on the streets.”

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Biden time: Xi Jinping looks for a sabre to rattle during the virtual summit. Picture: AFP

China’s supreme leader, Xi Jinping, warned US President Joe Biden this week that he would take “drastic actions” if he felt provoked by Taiwan. Rick 5 reckoned:

“Xi will smile and say whatever Joe wants to hear, then just continue with his plans for war. 1939 all over again.”

Jack wisecracked:

“Not even native English speakers can understand what Biden is saying half the time. The translators will be bewildered. Xi will have no idea what Biden said.”

MikeM recalled:

“I seem to remember Bob Hawke telling the Chinese Australia wouldn’t ‘play silly buggers’ on trade and it was translated as something like ‘play comical homosexuals’.”

Malcolm’s view:

“The idea that China is threatened by Taiwan is ludicrous. It’s simply an excuse for starting a war. First, Taiwan (previously known as Formosa) has its own aboriginal people who are not Han Chinese. Second, Taiwan has only been under Chinese occupation and control fleetingly over the centuries. The Chinese claim that it is a wayward province that needs to be brought to heel is as absurd as the way China is run by the CCP.

“Third, the fact that the defeated Chinese Nationalists fled there in 1949 after losing the Chinese Civil War does not make Taiwan part of China, and Fourth, no one in Taiwan wants to be governed by Communist China. Indeed they abhor the way the CCP treats its citizens and seeks war with virtually every country on the planet if they don’t do what China wants.

“China is as awkward and dysfunctional as it has always been. The only change is that greedy western businessmen over the last 30 years deindustrialised their own countries and sacked their Western workforces and looked for cheap labour and low taxes in China to run their manufacturing plants, feeding a ruthless country’s ambition of becoming industrialised and seeking world domination.”

Stephanie agreed:

“Formosa never was a ‘wayward province’. China is acting in an insanely aggressive way.

Unfortunately Xi has tied his political career to conquering Taiwan and I doubt he is a man who likes to lose face.”

Gavin said:

“Xi once again putting the blame on every one else, either stating or demanding they fix the problem. Problems of China’s making. The list of China’s disregard for international norms and conventions is ever growing. Perhaps if China stopped trying to be the bully and respected human rights and international law there would be less tension and (more) harmony in the world.”

John’s view:

“Of bigger concern to us should be the way the US encourages its supposed friends and allies to go out on a limb supporting its anti China rhetoric. Mostly because of fears about the US losing its economic and technical dominance to China to which it has an ever increasing trade deficit and economic connection.

“This results in the predictable economic reaction from those within China who decide to source their needs from more friendly sources or change their buying patterns to meet US demands. Then for whatever reason, commercial, political, convenience or strategic they can change their tune with little warning and use their market dominance to replace these so called as suppliers of resources, materials and products to China previously provided by these so called friends and allies. Think natural gas, agricultural products and other basic resources in the very recent past.

“We need to understand that in terms of relationships between the US and China, Australia and Taiwan are expendable pawns to be used as seen fit by either party to make a point or advance their interest.”

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Smell of success: After cleaning up on garbage, Ian Malouf soaks up the luxury of his record-breaking $60m apartment purchase. Picture: Ryan Osland

When “Australia’s richest garbo” Ian Malouf first set eyes on what would be a record-setting $60m purchase of a lavish penthouse apartment in Sydney’s CBD, he simply knew he had to have it. Ben didn’t begrudge:

“Well done! Enjoy your hard earned wealth. Great story.”

Respect, said Aaron:

“Started with $100, a shovel and an old truck and took on dirty jobs that others thought were below them. Probably sneered at more than once for being nothing but a ‘garbo’. Good on you Ian, you’ve earned it.”

Grasshopper chirped:

“I first met Ian when he had 2 mini skip trucks in the late 80s. No lotto winner or trust fund business here. He worked hard, had a great vision and new where he was heading and what he wanted, never backed down from anyone or anything. Just goes to show what you can achieve if your prepared to work hard.”

Michael said:

“He went out there, took a risk, built a business and, Bingo, he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse. Good luck to him on how he spends the proceeds whether it’s a new home, a yacht or his next business venture.”

JFK wasn’t impressed:

“Awful. Like living in hotel lobby.”

No-no, said JoJo:

“Sadly, there is something money can’t buy: Enough. Insatiable greed is in my opinion the curse of the wealthy and a destroyer of true wealth. Contentment.”

Lee said:

“The CBD is a bit soulless. Not sure I’d want to live on top of a commercial tower.”

Willem was wowed:

“What a great story of achievement. Inspirational rags to riches story illustrates what a great country we live in. Anything is possible if you have a great idea, work hard and back yourself. Good on him. And as for all the jealous, derogatory comments about the place, its interior or the equity and philanthropic shots, I am pretty sure he has paid his fair share of tax over the years including the whopping stamp duty on this purchase alone. Where do you think that money goes?”

Last word to Biggles:

“The beauty of living on top of a city tower is the greenie activists can’t superglue themselves to your windows.”

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