Red Rag

The Howard Government would never use a sporting event like the Melbourne Cup to obscure debate about major legislative changes. After all, as a Minister told us,

[T]he latest thing that somehow we’re going to be moving a second reading speech as they jump out the gates at Flemington, I mean it’s ridiculous.

Ridiculous indeed: Government MPs will be in their suites watching the race like everyone else. But ninety minutes later, they’ll bring on the anti-civil liberties bill, giving minor parties just ten minutes to scrutinise it before the debate begins. There’s no way the public will still be focussed on the Melbourne Cup ninety minutes after the end of the race, is there?

Broken Left Leg reckons the debate will go something like this:

Two hundred out and it’s anyone’s race.

“I’m with him” ridden by Alan Jones has been dragged to the extreme right of the track Alan Jones opening up a huge hole for “Divide and Conquer”.

“Clap and Cheer” and “Pier’s Agrees” continue to block “Sensible Debate” against the rails.

Foreign raider “Shoot to Kill” has sprouted wings down the outside and we could see more of him later.

“High Court Challenge” has been severely checked by “Trust Me” and the stewards will definitely be looking at that incident.

It’s “Shoot to Kill” leading, but here comes the great stayer “Divide and Conquer”.

“A Nation Distracted” and “Fear” are pushing “Divide and Conquer” forward.

“Shoot to Kill”, and “A Nation Distracted” are battling it out. IT’S NECK AND NECK. “Shoot to Kill”, “Divide and Conquer” and “A Nation Distracted”.

It’s close AND HERE COMES “CROSS THE FLOOR” FROM NOWHERE. IT’S A FOUR WAY PHOTO FINISH.

The race that doesn’t stop the nation is too close to call. A four way photo and a steward’s appeal by “High Court Challenge” mean the final result won’t be known for a while.

(Malcolm Farr’s problem is that he reads the wrong blogs.)