from politicoz ….

four & twenty blackbirds ….

With Rudd's return making Labor competitive again – in the polls at least – a new level of scrutiny is being applied to the Opposition.

The growing pressure to explain how 'turn-back-the-boats' and the Direct Action climate change policy actually work has exposed the thinness of both – on the latter, see Lenore Taylor's critique today. Abbott's refusal to debate Kevin Rudd on either of these issues, or the economy, simply looks evasive. 

Yesterday, Guardian journalist Bridie Jabour took the opportunity of Abbott's visit to Garlo's Pies to ask a series of well-researched questions relating to some travel expenses incurred while promoting his book in 2009. Her persistence obviously irritated Abbott, and his reaction ('Calm down') provoked an immediate flurry on social media. Given that Peter Slipper had been hounded by the Coalition over expense claims worth far less, Abbott's imperious response was ill-judged and, for many, indicative.

He and his party will need to get used to genuine scrutiny.

Nick Feik, Editor

elsewhere ….

tony abbott refuses to explain wrongly claimed travel expenses ….

Bridie Jabour, Guardian Au

"On Monday, Abbott denied incorrectly claiming $9,397.42 in travel expenses while on his book tour, despite freedom of information (FOI) documents published by website No Fibs on the weekend revealing he repaid the money to the government in 2010."

Also: Abbott struggles with questions about repaying government money - Michelle Grattan (The Conversation)