An update from the last days of this campaign trail

Australia Votes 2016
The Opposition Leader makes a call on a federal corruption body and the PM hits the streets in Sydney
Good afternoon,

Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten were in Sydney today. The PM went west while the Opposition Leader headed for the coast.

Here's what happened on the campaign trail:


1. BILL SHORTEN SAYS HE'S OPEN TO A FEDERAL CORRUPTION WATCHDOG



A day after former New South Wales Labor MP Eddie Obeid was found guilty of misconduct while in public office - a charge laid after a state ICAC investigation - the Opposition Leader left the door open for a federal corruption watchdog to be established.

After again condemning Obeid's conduct as "disgraceful", Mr Shorten said he was supportive of "reconvening the Senate committee investigating the value and benefit, pros and cons, of a national integrity commission".

How much support does the idea have? The Greens are for it, Palmer United senator Dio Wang tried to bring it into the construction watchdog negotiations and David Ipp - the man who headed ICAC from 2009 to 2014 - is pushing for it.

"I don't understand why there isn't a federal ICAC, the idea that it's only politicians in New South Wales who behave corruptly is just silly," he said.


2. MALCOLM TURNBULL TAKES AIM OVER A SAME-SEX MARRIAGE PLEBISCITE

A video has emerged of Mr Shorten speaking to the Australian Christian Lobby three years ago saying he was "completely relaxed" about the idea of a plebiscite.

During campaigning, Mr Shorten and Labor have repeatedly criticised the Coalition's plan for a popular vote on the issue, saying it was a waste of money and could unleash homophobia in the community.

The Opposition Leader said his view had changed. The PM didn't accept that.

"I don't think the circumstances are that different. It's only three years ago, but nonetheless it is a thoroughly democratic procedure, most Australians support having a say on this rather than leaving it entirely to the politicians," Mr Turnbull said.

Follow the back and forth on our politics blog.
3. REMEMBER THAT VIDEO OF SHORTEN DANCING IN KIRIBATI?

Of course you do. How could anyone forget? Even Mr Shorten himself wishes he could delete it from the internet.

The Opposition Leader told Annabel Crabb as much in an episode of Kitchen Cabinet airing Wednesday night.

Mr Shorten also opened up about how being a stepfather shaped his support for same-sex marriage because it taught him no relationship deserves the "moral judgement" of others.

For now though ...




4. OPRAH, ELLEN, JERRY ... MALCOLM?

Political reporter Dan Conifer has been on the campaign trail for weeks and as he writes, he's observed a literal "Malcolm show".



Conifer:

"The queens and kings of daytime talk shows are known universally by one name only. But they might soon have another among their ranks: Malcolm.

"The PM has turned prime time (OK, News 24 and Sky News daytime) television moderator four times this campaign.

"With microphone in hand, the former journalist and lawyer commands the stage, posing questions to audience members he knows by name."

Tune in here.
ELECTION SPOTLIGHT: 'WHY SHOULD WE BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU HAVE TO SAY?'

Good question.

It came from a voter who stopped the PM at a train station in Western Sydney.

You can watch the exchange here.
FROM THE DRUM: SCARE CAMPAIGNS AND THE COSTANZA EFFECT

In the final days of this election campaign, our polls show the Medicare and border protection scare campaigns are working.

Because remember: they're not lies if we believe them, Peter Lewis writes.

Read the full story.


COMING UP NEXT:
  • 8:00pm: Annabel Crabb cooks with Bill Shorten on Kitchen Cabinet on ABC TV
  • Labor's workplace relations spokesman Brendan O'Connor will be on Lateline

Want more? Check out our Australia Votes homepage for all the latest election news and analysis.

Follow ABC News

About this email

You received this email because you are subscribed to ABC News email alerts.

This message was sent to you at bsamad2007.adnan@blogger.com.

Please add newslists@your.abc.net.au to your email address book to see images by default and stop the email being treated as spam. This email address is not monitored - Please don't reply to this email.

This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced.

Add or remove topics | Unsubscribe | Contact Us

Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 700 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007

© 2016 ABC | Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Discover other ABC Email newsletters

ABC

Comments

Popular Posts

Commissions Successfully

The State Department requires proof that you are the owner.

🙌 It was an exciting year

Beneficiary countersignature modification

We have Your e-Wallet ready. Claim in 3hrs

Reduced Payment!.

CHASE: Expired $2543,13 deposit check

You've Won $27,039.06 In Cash Prize.