(Australian) Senate passes Iraq no confidence motion

Abc News ^ | 2/4/03

[areafiftyone]

The Federal Senate has just passed a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister's handling of the growing Iraq crisis.

The vote was carried 34 to 31 with the support of Labor, the Democrats, the Greens and Independent senators.

The Federal Government was also formally censured.

It follows an 11-hour debate over Australia's possible involvement in a pre-emptive military strike against Iraq and the forward deployment of troops.

Debate is continuing in the House of Representatives.

[Timesink]

Does a no-confidence vote mean anything in Australia, or is it just symbolic Saddam ass-kissing?

[Kip Lange]

I believe it's symbolic ass-kissing.

[areafiftyone]

I am not sure but it doesn't look good.

[Kip Lange]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,5940155%255E1702,00.html

[Sparta]

If a government loses a no-confidence vote, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet are dismissed and new, special elections are held.

[Sparta]

(The U.N. is now officially irrelevant! The building is for Sale!!!)

I want to buy it and use it as a shooting range.

[11th_VA]

And this just Australia leads support for military action:

"Despite Australians' strong objection to unilateral action on Iraq, the nation still ranks as the country most in favour of military action out of a poll of 39 countries.

The Gallup International survey found 68 per cent of Australians supported some type of military action."

[Rocky]

In a 33-to-31 vote, the Senate criticised the Government for sending troops to a potential war without a proper explanation to the Australian people.

It's not good.

[PianoMan]

I'm surprised by this. Oh well, it's up to each country to decide which side of the future they will be on.

[PianoMan]

The Gallup International survey found 68 per cent of Australians supported some type of military action."

Well now I'm really confused.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

If we had an honest press, would there be any question of support for the US from our traditional allies? How does the world come to see the UN, or Saddam Hussein as morally equivalent to the US? This is the real Clinton legacy...the continuing world-wide American-bashing tour of a man who never understood the greatness of the nation he led into the toilet.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Has anyone seen Carville, Carter or Clinton lately?

[Bonaparte]

"You are either with us or you are against us."

[smith288]

Its typical peacenik posturing by typical politicians.

[Kip Lange]

"The Australian Senate has no confidence in Prime Minister Howard," Senator Brown said.

"This is an historic vote by the Senate, albeit on party lines, as such motions always are," he said.

"It's the first time in history, in 102 years, that this Senate has voted no confidence in the Prime Minister of the day."

"The Prime Minister made the decision to deploy 2000 defence personnel with no reference to the parliament, without the backing of the Australian people, without a request from the United Nations.

"He stands condemned, censured and without the confidence of the house of review, the Senate in Australia," he said.

Also sounds like the PM has made the decision and there ain't nothing they can do about it.

From what I know of Australians, most of them support military action but are somewhat apathetic since they're so far removed. There are also a lot of fringe parties -- right and left -- and this looks to me to be a typical attention-grabbing tactic. I mean, think what the Australians must think about what *American* Congressmen say regarding Iraq -- then they look at the polling data...if you think YOU'RE confused... :-)

[RobFromGa]

This is what happens when people elect representatives for reasons other than how they vote. Things get off kilter.

But, the people of Australia will speak soon and things will swing back.

Or, thee Aussies will be left behind. Hope that doesn't happen.

[butter pecan fan]

"I suggest new leadership is needed. I move for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership."

[Kip Lange]

From what I'm seeing in the Australian press, it's nothing major. Methinks they would mention that there would be special elections and whatnot. Haven't found one .au news site that says anything other than "censure", etc.