As it's more than 100 days now, it has been suggested that a new thread was needed. The current govt has been breaking promises and telling lies at a rate so fast it's hard to keep up.
This below is worrying, "independent" pffft, as if your own doctor is somehow what? biased, it's ridiculous. So far there is talk of only including people under a certain age 30-35, for now. Remember that if your injured in a car, injured at work or get ill, you too might need to go on the DSP. They have done a similar think in the UK with devastating consequences.
and this is the 2nd time recently where the Govt has referred to work as welfare???? So when you go to work tomorrow (or tuesday), just remember that's welfare.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-20/disability-pensioners-may-be-reassessed-kevin-andrews/5400598
Independent doctors could be called in to reassess disability pensioners, Federal Government says
The Federal Government is considering using independent doctors to examine disability pensioners and assess whether they should continue to receive payments.
Currently family doctors provide reports supporting claims for the Disability Support Pension (DSP).
But Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews is considering a measure that would see independent doctors reassess eligibility.
"We are concerned that where people can work, the best form of welfare is work," Mr Andrews said at a press conference.
abbotts austraylia??
Yep, it's all going to plan. This was yesterday in Queensland. Nothing to do with the building.
Anti-Islamic protest in Queensland after mosque approval
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-27/sunshine-coast-protest-against-the-mosque/6577464
he's a funny fellow 
"Matildas, all of Australia is cheering you (for) success in the quarter-finals," he said.
"Your success so far in this World Cup has been remarkable.
"Australia has never made a World Cup football quarter-final before."
In fact, the Matildas made it to the quarter-finals in the previous two World Cups where they were defeated by Sweden 3-1 in 2011, and Brazil 3-2 in 2007.
"he's a funny fellow "
"Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has told Labor caucus members the election could be held before parliament resumed on August 10 and they should be prepared. "
"Australia has never made a World Cup football quarter-final before."
Looks like Abbott is as careful as making (uncorrected?) definitive statement as some I have noticed here, and it was not even a unresearched C&P that could be blamed !
Talking about these world-shattering gaffes, one has to reflect on the nuances within this "beauty" from Rudd when he was Foreign Minister in the Circus under Poor Me (sorry about the forbidden history) :-
"You know what? I'm a happy little vegemite being prime minister."
PS
Where is that pesky election, only a week left to announce writs.
I don't know about everyone else, but untrained electricians???
part of the FTA
Interesting interpretation of "removal of mandatory skills assessment" to mean: "untrained"
Regardless of the reduction of initial "vetting" requirements that allow just the the grant of a temporary skilled 457 Visa, you should note that certain trades require that State issued proficiency certificates must be held in order that the holder be allowed to work at his/her trade
-Electricians: holding a licence is compulsory in case of permanent visa, however the holders of a 457 visa or a working holiday visas can work under supervision. The licence can be obtained through a skill assessment with TRA and then requesting a certificate (ARTC); after that you can complete a short course in order to obtain the licence, which is different for each State and is organised by the appropriate Department for licensing. Alternative pathway to this long process is to apply for a skill assessment with TRA and then attend a school that issues licenses and avoid the ARTC request.
It is important to understand that despite everything, some professions will still need a registration or a licence and therefore cannot escape the skill assessment.
Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb said the claims were the latest instalment of the xenophobic scare campaign being mounted by the union movement against the China FTA.
That, in my opinion, sums it up.
Perhaps the ALP/ACTU should have applied some skills assessment to Poor Me's chief media adviser, McTernan, when he was imported on a 457 Visa (as a knife sharpener?)
it sounds as if they are going to be tested in China
"sounds like" ???
It has been part of the 457 process that initial vetting is always conducted OS, an OTSR just streamlines the technical qualification process.
Applicants who are successfully assessed in a licensed trade receive an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR). The OTSR can be used to apply for a provisional licence. Applicants still need to meet other non-skill licence requirements.
So why have an optional skills assessment?
Australia has a complicated licensing system for electrical workers which varies from state to state. However, all states and territories recognise an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) as evidence to issue a provisional electrical work permit or licence.
The OTSR enables a person to apply for a provisional electrical licence to any electrical licensing regulator, on arrival in Australia, so they can commence work under general supervision in their trade. The person must also enrol with an Australian registered training organisation to complete required gap training within a 12 month period.
"Many employers seeking to recruit overseas workers may select this option to assure them the overseas worker is able to gain a provisional electrical work permit/licence as soon as they arrive in Australia from the relevant electrical licensing regulator. It's also a much simpler process for applicants to go through prior to arrival. Any worker with an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) in the relevant electrical occupation is able to apply immediately for a provisional electrical work permit/licence. Gap training will still be required."
An OTSR just allows assessment OS of an applicant's expertise before they are granted a 457 Skilled Visa. Once here they will still have to comply/meet State licensing requirements.
