Political donations laws in NSW are set to be overhauled in response to rorting exposed at the Independent Commission Against Corruption, with Premier Mike Baird committing to a swath of reforms if the government retains power after the March 28 election. 

Under the changes supported by the NSW government, political parties would be prosecuted as legal entities if they breach election funding rules and donations will be disclosed online and in real time for six months before an election.

Election spending by third party campaigners such as unions and business groups is also likely to be cut in half and spending by "close associates" of parties will be counted against that party's expenditure cap.

The media in Australia – the mainstream media – is obviously very tightly held; there's basically only two viewpoints and most people only listen to one of them. That really annoys me.

On the night of March 9-10, 1945, General Curtis LeMay, head of the Twenty-first U.S. Bomber Command, brought an all-American brand of hell into the Pacific theater of the Good (sic) War as his bombardiers laid siege on Tokyo.

from Crikey …..

The lie that puts you at risk as Abbott wraps himself in the flag

Is he a smooth-talking, disingenuous, cunning salesman who knows that everything he asserts about Israel being in danger of annihilation and not having a Palestinian partner for peace is propaganda nonsense, or, does he really believe what he says?

nuances

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been forced to defend George Brandis in Parliament after the Senate passed a motion declaring him "unfit to hold the office of Attorney-General" over the Government's criticism of Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs.

the difference between fascism and neo-fascism

From John Pilger

Up to 60,000 households will get interest-free loans or discounts on new washing machines, fridges and water heaters under an ambitious $61.5-million election pledge by the Baird government to boost energy efficiency.

Under the policy, tradespeople will also be able to offer upfront discounts on the purchase and installation of energy-efficient air conditioners and heaters.

Environment Minister Rob Stokes said that, for the first time, gas appliances would be included in the energy savings scheme, recognising rising gas prices in NSW.

Almost half of the funds - $26.8 million - will go to help low-income households cut their power bills by purchasing expensive but very efficient whitegoods and major appliances.

The Evening Standard newspaper said the Prince would complete a six-week secondment to an Australian military unit before he leaves the army.

Following his secondment, the Prince is expected to join his father Prince Charles at the 100th anniversary Anzac Day dawn service in Gallipoli.

The popular ABC program is considering implementing what is effectively a Twitter-based "truth-o-meter". 

Or as executive producer Peter McEvoy puts it: "Tony asks someone about the budget. We could then ask [viewers via Twitter]: 'Is this politician answering the question or dodging the question?"'

The results of this snap poll might then be flashed on screen and conveyed to Jones. And if viewers decide the panelist is talking through their hat, Jones could inform them of this, then insist on a clear and direct reply.