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.
they're also suggesting a Royal Commission into it. I hope that happens one day 
Australia guilty of 143 human rights violations, says UN Body
The United Nations Human Rights Committee has found Australia to be in breach of its obligations under international law, committing 143 human rights violations by indefinitely detaining 46 refugees for four years, on the basis of ASIO's ‘adverse security assessments’.
"The Committee's decision has confirmed what we have known all along, that the indefinite detention of refugees in Australia is not only inhumane, but highly illegal," said Graeme McGregor, Amnesty International Australia's Spokesperson."
Oh gosh, I just noticed the date of all the above : 22 August 2013,
"shame on those left wingers "
“All of the available evidence points to Australian officials having committed a transnational crime by, in effect, directing a people-smuggling operation, paying a boat crew and then instructing them on exactly what to do and where to land in Indonesia. People-smuggling is a crime usually associated with private individuals, not governments – but here we have strong evidence that Australian officials are not just involved, but directing operations.
A yummy C&P but more waffle than anything, interesting that the ALP's past money connection is not mentioned !
Cash payments have been made to members of Indonesian people-smuggling rings by Australian intelligence officials for at least the past four years - including under the former Labor government, Fairfax Media has learnt.
Fairfax Media has been told that the practice of intelligence agency officials paying members of people-smuggling networks including boat owners and crews goes back to about 2010 under the then Rudd government.
"Australian officials having committed a transnational crime by, in effect......." in effect" ?
I would hazard a guess that AI, and others, have not bothered to read Section 73.3A of the Commonwealth Criminal Code which makes it an offence to provide material support or resources which aid a person to engage in the crime of people smuggling.
Further "73.3A offence requires that the payment "aids" the offence of people smuggling, which means organising or facilitating the unauthorised entry of people into a country
Use a little thought (not C&P one) and wonder if openly returning boat people from a country whence they set sail would contravene Section 73.3A.
I repeat YET AGAIN "they both do it."
If it stops the boat people arriving/drowning, it is money well spent, by both sides.
"while you are here, wouldn't it be a better idea to research over the past 100 years to find out if a sitting MP has ever signed up for the washington speech club??" What a strange question.
I guess Google is still averse to research as there does not appear to be a: "washington speech club". However there is a : Washington Speakers Bureau ! but that has only been around for 36 years!
It would appear that Abbott has signed up but actually is not speeching or even (speaking) yet for filthy lucre. But I am amazed that you still follow his life so closely (habit?) . Can you wait until he eventually quits and talks?, will you be devastated?
SMH
Mr Abbott's decision to join the speakers circuit could be a sign he may quit Parliament
SBS
Former prime minister Tony Abbott has registered with the Washington Speakers Bureau.
Back to the silly "legal" question, and my still unanswered question:
"So, is it appropriate (is it even against the law?) for a currently serving government member to go about taking money in exchange for his public speaking engagements?"
Google is working and Codes of Conduct would be a good place to start! However I am interested in the details involved apropos the "currently serving government member" (a "he" I gather?) and the actual monies involved.
Not the charity lecture event in London recently, really? Do tell, ALL.
