It’s hard to find enough superlatives to describe Anna Bligh right now. I want her to be my Mum and my Prime Minister and my best friend. I want to sit in front of my TV and just watch her talk because with every sentence, she manages to strike an extraordinary balance of compassion and calm and heartbreak and resolve.
<p><a href=”http://video.news.com.au/1740099592/We-are-the-people-they-breed-tough” mce_href=”http://video.news.com.au/1740099592/We-are-the-people-they-breed-tough”>VIDEO: ‘We are the people they breed tough’</a></p> <p>
Brisbane author Jessica Rudd is currently living in Beijing and was moved to write the following for Mamamia:
By Jessica Rudd
Anna Bligh - legend
Yesterday I went to lunch in Beijing. It felt weird turning up at a restaurant with smiling friends while, a ten-hour flight away, my mum was worried sick, my dad was filling sandbags and my Brizzy mates were making impossible decisions about whether to risk staying home or driving away.
In the restaurant foyer was a wall-mounted television and on it a world news update. The images flicking past were one part familiar, three parts frightening.I recognised the domes at Eagle Street Pier, the twin peaks of the Story Bridge, the red and yellow seats of Suncorp Stadium. I didn’t recognise the rising water, the rapid river, its detritus and the muck beneath it all.
My hometown looked like it had been photo-shopped and here I was on the other side of the world about to pick up a pair of chopsticks.
Clammy panic set in. I wanted to be home making everyone a cuppa. Even to be back at my laptop listening to every press conference and news update online would have been better than being at that bloody restaurant.
Then I saw Premier Anna Bligh and I just knew it was going to be all right. As soon as she came onscreen my pulse slowed, my breathing steadied and my tummy unknotted.
I think it was in her manner—the no-bull way she looked, that calm stare an impossible cocktail of warm compassion and hardcore determination. And it was in the way she spoke. Her tone was certain and her rhythm even-paced.
Somehow, Anna Bligh manages to respect and reflect Queensland’s somber mood without perpetuating its panic. She’s she’ll-be-right-mate personified.
That’s what being a leader is all about. Places lucky enough to count peace, prosperity and palm trees as normal only truly need leadership during times of crisis. Queensland is one such place—beautiful one day, perfect the next. There’s no room for angst under vast blue skies on the verandah with mango dripping down your arms and Powderfinger on the radio.
But when disaster strikes, as it has with mindboggling force in Queensland, we depend on a good leader to shepherd us through it and boy, do we have that in Anna Bligh. I hope my fellow Queenslanders realise the rest of the country is jealous of us. Even hardened political hack friends of mine down south can’t help but gush about Anna.
It’s hard to imagine it was only last weekend that Premier Bligh woke up to a Newspoll with pretty dire approval ratings and a two-party preferred result putting the LNP at 59 points to the government’s 41. I’d have sobbed into my bircher muesli. But Premier Bligh picked herself up and got on with the job.
Getting on with it is Anna’s trademark. And I, for one, think she deserves a pat or two on the back.
About the author: Jessica Rudd, 26, is a Canberra-born, Brisbane-raised ex-lawyer, ex-campaign worker and ex-PR consultant who lives with her husband in Beijing. She has written the occasional column, a host of legal letters, countless press releases and one novel. She hopes this one won’t be her last.
Oh yes. A pat, a hug and a standing ovation.
Post Script: Jess would never mention it but it’s well worth looking at her father Kevin Rudd in this clip from last night’s ABC1 special (scroll to about the 1 min mark). Just. Brilliant.
Comments
367 Comments so far
Well Jessica, one year on and what are your thoughts on Ms Bligh now. Party decimated, Ms Bligh jumping ship and putting her “beloved” Queensland electorate through a by election while preserving the $150,000 top yearly payment she will get now for life. Not to mention how her “partner’s” contract was given 3 year extension with further 2 year right of renewal plus clause that if let go by government he gets a $500,000 payout all signed in December just before the state election was announced. Yes in deed 12 months on and we all sit back and wonder at just how sincere her speech was. Tell us again Bligh how we breed them tough in Queensland and how we get knocked down but we just keep getting up again. Tell us again, as you did prior to the election, that you would stay as the member if elected. And lets hear from your cohort teflon Peter Beattie who thought you should stay on in parliament because you were needed to rebuild the party. But no you are now turning your back and running off to the good life in gay Paree.
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What crap, Jess. Do you write for children? Ex-lawyer yes. Ex-PR/ Campaign worker not. Ex- Author we can only hope.
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You think there all good then look into the brigalow corporation that they float on the wall street market
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Jessica, it’s terribly insulting to wish that anyone else was your mother other than the woman that gave birth to you.
As for the rest of the gullible pratts that have not only fallen victim to flooding but also the biggest snow job in history and by PR work that would make Osama look like a top bloke.
While Anna Bligh was doing news conferences every hour with her trusty Sign Language translator by her side, (work the Party Media Officer should have been doing and with sub titles on the screen if they really were needed) Who do you think was doing all the work, making the tough decisions? Frankly Anna Bligh and her party are incapable of deciding if a hole in the ground that was built to alleviate flooding should be kept full or empty, so have a think about who the real Hero’s and Legends are, and who failed them on what would have to be the simply most obvious of decisions! and for those that still don’t get it, It’s built to alleviate flooding so you keep it EMPTY!
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Are you people crazy? Anna is just a lying, con artist that puts on everything to make it look like she really cares. I’m afraid anyone who beleives that she is actually good for anything should unstrap that rocket pack of BS and get back down to Earth to see what is actually happening. She is one of many Australian politicians that make me ashamed to be Australian.
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Anna’s sole function is to get re-elected, and if she has to drop a few tears on live tv then so be it. She’s hoping that the majority of you will forget about the imminent loss of 3000 jobs at QR national, the scrapping of the fuel subsidy and the fact that many of our health workers still are not paid correctly. Add to that she’s just deposed a Major General to take over the flood reconstruction in the hope that you all forget the past. I hope that most of you here forget to vote at the next state election or are at least too stupid to fill out a ballot paper correctly.
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Dear Anna Bligh,
how can I express my appreciation about your work in this difficult time? We left Brisbane Jannuary the 10th 2011 with enormous sorrow for the important piece of our family we left back, our son with his wife and 2 grandchildren. We followed the flood and the cyclon Yasi through your speech. You could find the right words to make us trust in the best human job.
I wish we had leaders like you in our country.
Gilberta an italian mamma and nonna
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I am sorry Gilberta, she is not a leader she is a deceptive crook. You would know that if you have had to live through her blunders for the last few years!
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Dear Anna Bligh,
how can I express my appreciation about your work in this difficulto time? We left Brisbane Jannuary the 10th 2011 with enormous sorrow for the important piece of our family we left back, our son with his wife and 2 grandchildren. We followed the flood and the cyclon Yasi through your speech. You could find the right words to make us trust in the best human job.
I wish we had leaders like you in our country.
Gilberta an italian mamma and nonna
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Allen who has written a message 2 down has a fair perspective on this situation. Anna did ruin the lives of hundreds of families when forcing to build that Dam – I know because I am a mother of one of those families. It seriously saddens me to see this woman made out to be a hero. She is nothing more than an opportunist.
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Anna Bligh has done a magnificent job and should be leader of the country.
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Then we will see the whole country headed for disaster too, just as Queensland has been for the last few years with her at the helm! Are you insane?
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Anna Bligh the brave leader of our country.
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A question for all you people saying what a great job Anna did during the floods:- exactly what did she do?
- Gave some press conferences providing information that anyone could have read out;
- Shed some tears (did’t most of us); and
- drank some lattes with Julia (It was really quite amazing that they were both in the country at the time)
So don’t confuse giving a press conference with ‘doing a good job’
Some questions that do need to be answered:
- why do we have this debacle every flood about ‘storm damage’ vs flood damage. Isn’t it time for the government to do some governing?
- who was the half-wit who coined the term ‘inland tsunami’ (giving insurance companies aother “out”)” (“I’m sorry Mr Smith from Toowoomba, but you aren’t covered for tsunamis”)
- what fool issues building approvals in flood-prone riverside land in Brisbane? (The same one who then charges higher rates for water-frontage?)
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When did Anna show any humanity when she was trying to deliberately flood peoples houses and incomes all while wasting 1 billion dollars and sending people to depression and suicide to build the Traveston Crossing Dam. Let’s get some perspective. Not to mention her inability to respond to the people of central qld during their flood crisis only the week before the SE Qld floods!
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Absolutely, those who believe she is our saviour are seriously feeding straight out of her hands!
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If all politicians spoke in SENTENCES, as has Anna Bligh in her recent press conferences, they will find that they will enjoy the level of respect Bligh’s been getting.
Bligh’s minders were obviously Absent With Leave. So they couldn’t turn straightforward facts into slogans, sentences into sesquipedalian prolix nor test their renditions on un-focused groups of their own choosing.
Gillard, Abbot, Swan, Hockey, Robb et al – nota bene.
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I am sorry right paddock, but clearly you are a simple fool. Anna is milking this situation for all the spin she can muster inside her manipulative brain. Please get some true perspective on this evil woman.
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I posted further down about whetyher I was being cybical about Kevin Rudd helping was a photo opp.
Well I wasn’t. He telephoned the media telling them where he would be as reported here;
Mike Smithson: David Penberthy yesterday bought in the Kevin Rudd factor with the flood washup, Rudd’s people let the media know exactly what Kevin Ruidd was doing at just about every moment of the day and were invited along….(for flood victims) the last thing you need is a man with a business short who can speak Mandarin coming along with the media in tow to help you out?
Phil Coorey: Yeah, I noticed that a bit….suitcase on his head…it all looked a little bit contrived….why did we know he was doing it, why did a whole bunch of camera crews turn up and do it, that was a little bit crass but that’s Rudd…never miss an opportunity, probably felt a bit aggrieved because it was home town of Brisbane…it was absolutely one-upmanship, there’s absolutely no love between those two (with Gillard) now and Rudd must have been rueing the fact he wasn’t still Prime Minister….must have killed him not being able to do that in his home state so he did the next best thing, look at me, I’m Kevin. Gillard was sort of largely powerless…you can go around the comfort the people who have lost their homes, tour the disaster areas …. He hates what happened and he’s not going to go away as much as they may like him to he’s not going to and he’s done that in a number of ways. He bought a great big house in Canberra -$2.2m just down the road from The Lodge…he’s a very active Foreign Minister and he won’t be pushed away.
I would also like to say that those legends who helped
out makes me so proud, I had a lump in my throat every time I saw them. They are truely amazing
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I think she is showing great leadership skills, but let’s not forget that George Bush’s approval rating went as high as 90% after 9/11.
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This article was written by KEVIN RUDD’S DAUGHTER! C’mon, talk about a biased opinion, is she getting a commission from the Labor Party? Anna Bligh SHOULD NOT get re-elected for another term. If fellow Queenslanders believe this ‘performance’ she has has staged over the last couple of weeks, then we are doomed! I cant wait for the enquiry to begin, because due to the stupidity of the QLD State Govt, many insurance company’s have now been able to wash their hands of the whole ordeal. Thanks to the dam having to be let down when it was way over capacity, they have been able to dodge paying claims. Seems that many Home and Content’s policies need a a flood or flash flood to be caused by nature. The dam being over capacity and then the water having to be released does not meet the criteria. Sure, the heavy rain caused the dam reach above capacity, however releasing the water caused the flooding. Hope you have a good excuse Ms Bligh…
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Everyone is aware that this was written by Kevin Rudd’s daughter. I.e., NOT Kevin Rudd. Are people who happen to be related to pollies not allowed to be impressed by other pollies?
As to the home and contents stuff, shouldn’t that have been read and understood by the policy holders when they signed on the dotted line? Not blaming them and I think it is a dodgy get out clause being used by the Insurance companies, but it is there…
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Agreed. There’s not enough gracious strength in this world. Plenty of charm, plenty of well spoken people, plenty of “say the right thing at the right time”, but not strong grace.
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Anna Bligh has handled this crisis very well and I commend her for that. But lets not get carried away and suddenly put her on a pedestal as a wonderful politician. As I said, she has been calm and in control throughout the flood crisis, but the bulk of the credit needs to go to the amazing emergency workers, volunteers everyday citizens who have done the true hero work. The one person who has really moved me in all this was the qld emergency worker chopper pilot who was desperately saving people in the lockyer valley, but was crying that he wishes he could have saved more, whilst his own house in brisbane was flooded. Broke my heart, he deserves every commendation there is.
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His name is Mark Kempton. He was interviewed by Chris Smith on MTR 13377 (see also 2GB) a couple of days ago. The podcast of the interview was going to be put up on the websites of both radio stations. It is compelling listening. Mark is a true Aussie hero.
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Actually from what I have been reading in the papers over the last few days it seems the QLD government were warned that they had significant flood risk in OCTOBER 2010!!!
They should have released water from Wivenhoe dam as it was at 100% of its official water supply capacity at the start of the wet season, then were would have been more capacity to cope with the extra rain that was experienced.
really instead of praising Anna Bligh
people should be thinking about why the dam situation ws badly handled. THEY WERE WARNED!@!!!!!!!
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Anna Bligh has done a phenomenal job of bringing an entire state (some might say an entire country) together during a time of great fear & uncertainty. We simply cannot compare the issues that her government has faced in the past few years with this current situation of life/death/destruction/loss.
Very few people could have managed this crisis in the way she has done – with such compassion, dignity & determination. I know if I were in her shoes, I would have probably just thrown my arms up in the air & said, ‘This is all too much’ (then run off, crying). So thank you, Anna, for helping us hold it together when for so many, life all fell apart.
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You are very very mistaken. Anna Bligh has been the worst thing to ever happen to Qld.
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Not that I’m up with QLD politics, I would venture to say that these floods could well be the worst thing to happen to QLD?
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Agreed, her heartlessness and carelessness when everywhere else in the state was flooded barring Brisbane was clear for all to see. How forgetful my fellow Queenslanders are. Put simply, she cares more about her career than about us.
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Bundaberg resident, no income for a week but hey-ho
so what…diddly squat
I’ve cried for the loss of life and home impacting the southeast corner, it really is graphic. The magnitude of this state-wide disaster on occasion overwhelms me. You see images of Brisbanites stranded in Fiji, feeling helpless because they want to help, your heart swells to breaking – so very special to be a Queenslander
great work to ALL those pitching in, right around the country
thank you!
And Anna – you really are one astounding Queenslander
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My biggest condolences to the people hurt by the floods. I wish I could give you all a big hug. I cannot stand politics, but Anna Bligh has been a shine light during this massive tragedy. I live in South Australia, we mainly get Queensland TV (we are in the outback) and it seems to be day after day normally they would bag Anna, but boy oh boy she has been the person I have felt has been the most heartfelt, honest and compationate. She has been there for the people from dawn to dusk, when has she slept. South Australia will take her for Premier. Also Kevin Rudd appeared to be just helping out and not looking for anything but to help (and hey I cannot stand the Labor Party). Can I also suggest to people in other states that instead of donating material goods, that they hold a Garage sale and donate the funds the flood appeal.
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i thought Anna was fantastic as well….calm, compassionate and just an absolute star. Kevin Rudd was also admirable and I much prefer him to Julia Gillard.
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Personally, I hate politics and distrust all politicians, HOWEVER, without a doubt, I have a HUGE amount of respect for Anna Bligh, not because of her policies or views but purely based on the way she has reacted and dealt with the Qld floods. Fantastic leaders are ones who instil confidence and show compassion. She really is remarkable.
Just an extra note (reply to an earlier comment) – I don’t believe that Kevin Rudd was helping out with any ulterior motives. He has shown that he is a real human being with emotions and the footage of him helping just shows him as someone that is willing to ‘muck in’ for their community and neighbours!!
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Sitting hear with tears. My thoughts go out to you all. I wish I was there to help you. My heart breaks at the pictures and stories coming out of QLD. You have all the people of Australia to help you and support you. My heart aches for you all and I will be thinking and praying for you all.
Anne
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Regarding the AUSLAN interpreter at Premier Bligh’s press conferences. My understanding is that the company that normally provides subtitling services for the deaf community was located in Brisbane’s CBD. Obviously they had to evacuate & their services were suspended, hence the use of the AUSLAN interpreters live on screen. The ABC is required (as I understand it) to show the interpreter signing but the commercial networks are not & hence can do those close up shots of Anna Bligh as she speaks.
The AUSLAN guys have been terrific! Big pat on the back for them!
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Still seems strange they’re allowed to not show them. Although, most people do tend to turn to the ABC when they need info on disasters like this.
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I thought they zoomed in because they had a dopey film crew. I was yelling at the TV, “what about all the deaf people!! ZOOM out!!” It’s obviously got a lot more red tape behind it!
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Apart from the first press conference they had the interpreter cut out, every press conference I have seen since that time on channel 7 showed the interpreter.
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The Auslan interpreter was not there because the captions were not able to be show, they were there to provide important infomation to the deaf in their own native language. What alot of people do not realise is that English is in most cases the second language of a deaf individual. if you learnt french in high school but grew up with enlglish as your native language would you want emergency information presented to you in french!? It was a discrase to see channel 7 not frame the interpreter but they did realise their mistake and from then on did film the interpreter. BUT today channel ABC 24 has gone and done the same thing in Victoria!! when will the media learn!? deaf people need the access!
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Wow – all I can say is you all have a very short memory. I think that Jessica, being an avid labour supporter, is just trying to boost Bligh’s (Labour) popularity. All I can say is, it isn’t hard to be dignified, compassionate and heartfelt. Don’t forget she has had the team of amazing Emergency Services and educated specialist in meteorology and hydrology – she is just the one standing there reaping in all the reward. If it wasn’t for the those people Bligh would of crumpled to pieces just like her government has. Bring LNP in at the next election and let’s get our state operating effectively and GET US OUT OF BANKRUPCY!
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Oh good lord. Words fail me
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Seriously??? Show some respect, now is really not the time for politics, but humanity, and Anna has shown she has that in spades.
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Yes, when criticism comes, it’s never the right time.
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It’s LABOR !!!
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Good for you Megan. I commend you on your no nonsense comment. Anna Bligh certainly did a sterling job during this past week but as President of Fed Labor I suspect she is used to dealing with disasters. When the water subsides and the really hard work begins let’s see how many people still think Bligh is amazing. I note she was ducking and weaving when questions of an enquiry were raised with her. It is easy to commend her wonderful leadership performance during the crisis of the floods, particularly in comparison to Julia Gillard, but the rage at Bligh and her government felt by many in the Lockyer Valley is to be dismissed by Bligh and her people at their peril.If Bligh was a true leader she would have asked Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman to share the microphone with her, at least once don’t you think? But wait he’s a Liberal isn’t he? And for those people who think it’s not the right time to judge a politician, please tell me when is the right time? My heart breaks for the victims. I know their stories. But I can engage my heart and head at the same time. Anna Bligh don’t let the people of Queensland down again. Go Campbell Newman. We need people like you in state and Federal politics.
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I agree that Anna Bligh has been doing an excellent job throughout the flood crisis. Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard certainly haven’t looked too good in comparison. I thought this cartoon from The Australian summed things up pretty well.
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It’s ironic that KRudd is also in this cartoon.
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This whole thing about Anna Bligh vs Julia Gillard is starting to get old so very quickly. Both are doing the job, and as far I can see both are doing them well. Gillard is there to support Anna Bligh, but for some thats still not good enough. And its easy to see in the double standards we place upon all our female politicians ie. appearance and tone.
We love Anna because she’s a toiler, shes got her sleeves rolled up, she looks tired and dishevelled because she cares. But we look behind her and theres Julia, the robot. We dont want stoic from Julia – we want empathy. The police commissioner can stand there and be stoic, good old Kevin suitcase on his head can be stoic, but not Julia – we demand caring and a soothing voice from her. Her hair isnt messy, she doesnt care…her clothes are neat, she doesnt care…she talks down to us in vague terms, shes a heartless bitch!
If Paul Keating, John Howard, Tony Abbott, or even Kevin was standing behind Anna – we would expect them to be standing there…supporting her, because lets face it we’re just a bit shocked she hasnt run off and had a cry yet.
But not Julia – f**k her, she’s wearing a jacket…she doesnt even care.
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Wow, what a swift judgement you served in your last sentance. So, Chris, I don’t know if you were there or not but myself and a very good friend of mine went to fill in some sand bags for people and basically help as much as we could and… my dearest friend is a very neat dresser and she had on… HORROR… makeup, nice shirt and old jeans.. but further.. please don’t get nightmares… her gumboots cost approx $100. She did check her makeup on our break. Wow, what an uncaring person she is, hey! She is the most caring human I have the good fortune to have in my life. I bet she is over at a friend’s house shoveling Sh*t to assist and still wearing her stylish boots…
It’s people like you that make comments like you did that are the downfall of our society! What a superficial human creature you are to judge based on clothes.
No, I am not Julia’s fan or anything like that, just a caring and open minded Aussie person frustrated at the shellowness of some people…
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Ossie Leo I think Chris was being ironic. I didn’t get the impression he/she believed those things but rather, was having a go at those who do. Perhaps I mis-read it though.
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MM.. Missread, was reading whilst listening to a boring conference call.. touchy due to flood affect…
Sorry Chris, I can see that you may have been ironic etc.. So I apologise for my harsh comments..
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Actually Ossie you illustrated my point exactly about perception with the story of your friend.
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Rubbish Chris, we want Julia to act like a leader not a robot. Do you honestly think that Hawke wouldn’t have shed a tear, that Howard wouldn’t have said empathetic and genuine, and Kevin wouldn’t have said something to try to inspire? As much as you may dislike some of our former leaders, THEY WERE LEADERS…Julia has shown time and time again, that she may be very intelligent, come up with good policies, etc but she is not a leader.
For the record Keating or Abbott would have probably behaved the same way as Gillard (as would SA’s premier Mike Rann)but then they weren’t true leaders either. If only one of the parties had put a leader up for election last year we may have gotten a better election result than the mess we have.
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Gillards not the leader in this situation, Anna Bligh is. But she is doing what her role is which is providing federal support to the queensland state govt who are the primary authorities. I suppose if Gillard performed better on tv, instead in person on the ground right now – the Feds and the ADF would perform better, and you’d feel a bit better about it…
Hawke would have shed a sea of tears but that you dont means you have no strength or empathy?
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You say:
Post Script: Jess would never mention it but it’s well worth looking at her father Kevin Rudd in this clip from last night’s ABC1 special (scroll to about the 1 min mark). Just. Brilliant.
She mentioned his good deed in the first paragraph. Am I being cynical to assume this was staged for a photo opp?
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Yes.
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I have never been a KRudd fan, but I’d like to think maybe he just got in there and got stuff done. Wally Lewis was also on the TV (what a legend) helping random strangers. This will get Anna re-elected for sure!
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Sadly no, you’re not being cynical.
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No you’re not being cynical…pollies love a photo op, however he is the local member for the area and therefore should be expected to show up and help. God help my local member if he didn’t show up to assist in some way if a bushfire went through our area.
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Also, he got out there in quite a dagga tracksuit and was below eye level of the reporter lol, looked a little nerdy but god love Kev, I applaud him, he has done a brilliant job
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Anna, youre a champ. Kev, you’re awesome. I love them both.
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To all those on here commenting on Anna Bligh’s political track record prior to this disaster – maybe you should save your comments for a post on “Anna Bligh – how good a Premier was she before” or something similar.
Unless I am completely missing the point, this article is about how Anna is handling THIS CRISIS. Not how she has managed the state previously, not how she will manage it in future. Jessica et al are simply expressing their (well deserved) admiration for Anna’s compassionate and articulate handling of an unprecedented situation.
What would you prefer – that she had magnificently managed the state politics to date and then completely f**ked up the management of the disaster relief (like many have mentioned eg Katrina) or what is happening now?
Please, save your negativity for a more appropriate time.
To me, Anna is the face of Qld at the moment and I know that if I was one of the flood stricken, I would be drawing great comfort from the dignified and heartfelt manner in which she has kept her state informed and reassured.
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Chrissy, well said! I tried to say the same but I wasn’t as succinct!
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Beautifully said
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I was personally pretty impressed that she’d organised to have an AUSLAN interpreter present in her press conferences. Great to see that someone’s thinking about the deaf community in all this, and that they even got someone who’s familiar with the Queensland AUSLAN dialect.
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How did that work, exactly? I noticed on the press coverage I saw, I could see the interpreter to her left but only a hand now and then, because the camera was zoomed in on Bligh most of the time. =S Was there an independent camera focussed on the interpreter? I’m not very tech savvy! But all I could think as I was watching it was “It’s all well and good to have an interpreter, but catching the edge of her right hand every now and then mustn’t be too helpful for the deaf”.
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It depends which coverage you were watching – the ch9 and ABC were using a wide shot so you could see the interpreter standing to the left of the Premier (or whoever else was speaking). For some reason that I’ll never fathom, some networks zoomed in closer to eliminate the interpreter from the shot.
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You’d think they’d get in trouble for cutting the Auslan interpreter out, wouldn’t you?
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Sitting hear with tears. My thoughts go out to you all. I wish I was there to help you. My heart breaks at the pictures and stories coming out of QLD. You have all the people of Australia to help you and support you. My heart aches for you all and I will be thinking and praying for you all.
Anne
Please leave politics out of this crisis and concentrate on the job at hand. Helping all those affected and devastated by this disaster. It’s good to see the pollies out there helping out the victims of the horrifying week. Go Rudd. Well done Anna. you all Rock.
Anne
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I have always been a staunch admirer of Anna Bligh as Premier of Queensland. Her intelligence, political savvy, and tenacity to remain committed to her strong beliefs in the face of often unfair and unfounded criticism is legendary. In the present climate, her worth as leader is unquestionable. Seeing her standing before the cameras as the reassuring face of her people throughout this horrendous ordeal has been both moving and encouraging…. She is now my super hero and role model!! I hope she has received the big warm hugs I’ve been sending her via the the tube.. Three big cheers for Anna…Bloody Legend…. Bligh.
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It’s times like these which shows KRudd is far superior to wooden robot Gillard….(although why he’s not in shorts and a tshirt is another question)
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Wooden, maybe. Robotic, maybe. Doesn’t mean she cares any less than Anna about what is happening though. We all feel the same inside and express ourselves differently.
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I don’t disagree with you, but one thing most people want in a leader (whether they are able to verbalise this or not) is inspiration…sadly time after time Gillard’s wooden speeches fail to inspire. Leaders inspire.
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Fair enough. When you put it that way I do totally agree.
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Im sure Anna and her team are doing a terrific job (particuarly the emergency services) but from where I sit in the UK, it is the efforts of everyday Australians that have impressed me the most.
On a UK news website there were photos of young guys filling sandbags up in Brisbane (amongst other shots of volunteers) and a Brit made the comment that over here in the UK, people would be sitting on their ars*s whingeing that the govt/council/emergency services weren’t doing enough whereas here was an example of a community in action, everyone pulling together for a common cause.
I have no doubgt the great state of Queensland has some enormous challenges ahead of them, but with the spirit that has been shown so far by ordinary folk, it wont take long for them to be back on their feet.
Bravo!
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In Australia, we have no choice but to band together. One year it’s bushfires, the next its floods, not to mention the ten years of drought. In country areas, there can literally be hundreds of kilometres between neighbours. Who is going to be the first one to help in a crisis? Emergency services can be hours away. We have to be able to help each other in order to survive.
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The Aussie spirit shines in times of need and this is one of those times. I am glad I am an Aussie and would not want to live anywhere else. All you Aussie out there helping, you are all bloody legends.
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I don’t think that’s particularly fair to the British, to be honest. These were the people who got back on the Underground system the day after the bombs went off. We’re more similar than we’d like to think.
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I think you are dead-on here. I think every community pulls together as best it can in times of crisis.
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Is it jessicas job to ensure Anna stays for another term? So she is human, what is so extraordinary about that?
I say Anna can stay, BUT only if she finally pays the Queensland police what they deserve. Not talking commissioners and everyone else in the already high paid positions. I’m talking the hardest working qps employees who are out there day after day night after night, missing important family events, not spending every Christmas with loved ones, putting themselves at risk to protect the public. Shame onnyou Anna.
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Really? You’re really saying ‘shame on you Anna’ right now? Wow.
I’m not saying Queensland Police don’t deserve higher pay but I really don’t think now is the time to focus on this. I’m sure the police (who are probably far more worried about the bodies they are pulling out the water) feel the same way.
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This is probably the perfect time to talk about it – many people view police as revenue raisers, this might be a good time to show the black side of their work.
I think ‘Shame on you Anna’ was a bit uncalled for, and I don’t like her politics at all! She’s working hard now too.
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I too have found Anna Bligh doing an exceptional job. However, that is what is expected of a good leader which she no doubt is. She stands out even more because we are comparing her to Julia Gillard which I have found lacking. When they talk on the same podium, the contrast is tangible
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I’m not familiar with the QLD police pay strucure, but wouldn’t it be covered by a federal award or some type of enterprise agreement? I’m not sure how much influence a state premier would have over a national agreement??
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State award and less percentage increase than other public servants increase.
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Ah, I see.
In NSW I don’t think KK is involved in award negotiations (that’s probably a good thing!).
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I must admit that before this devastating crisis I didn’t know a hell of a lot about Anna Bligh or how capable she was as the Premier of Queensland – but I suppose not living in that particular State of Australia I didn’t really need to.
But I must admit that I am mightily impressed with how she has handled herself and the situation with regards to the floods so far – she has conducted herself with grace and dignity and I truly believe her heart is breaking alongside everyone else’s. She has a really tough job and I think she’s doing it beautifully. Regardless of whether or not she impresses her State on a normal day to day basis – she sure as hell seems to be kicking arse now. And now is when it matters most.
Well done Anna.
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Agreed. A thousand times agreed.
In any crisis like this people have roles. Emergency service folk do a brilliant and selfless job. We help our friends and neighbours. A leader guides us all, informs us, tells us what to expect and stays up all night with little sleep in solidarity.
Anna did that. And she did it with grace and compassion.
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Why do we love a “break down” so much. My goodness, I’ve cried more tears sitting in my loungeroom watching Anna Bligh deliver news and listening to people’s stories than Anna Bligh did in 10 seconds. For goodness sake, why not just be thankful we have leaders who can still let themselves have a cry and aren’t propelled by a machine so inhuman that everything is spin and PR management.
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I remember feeling a lump in my throat watching Kevin’s speech after the leadership topple. The one where he was choking up getting the words out. Complete softie, me.
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I know Anna Bligh is not popular with many in her home state but let me tell you that she looks pretty good to the rest of us. No glamour, no pretence, just a knackered looking woman out there in front of the cameras trying to keep people informed and keep them upbeat and positive. That’s what you want in times of strife. Someone who tells you what’s happening and that you’re going to get through it.
I miss Kevin. There. I’ve said it.
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Admittedly I haven’t been watching the news as much as I should ( as I’m overseas) but I think all this Anna worship is going a little bit far.
Yes, she seems nice, very compassionate and dedicated to the recovery process. But she should. She’s the premier of a disaster stricken state. I think she’s doing a good job – but its just that: her job. I have nothing against her but its still early days. Maybe hold your applause until the show is over.
Also, I’ve noticed here and on other websites people are likening the floods to 9/11. Almost 3,000 people died on 9/11 and thankfully the floods have not claimed anywhere near as many victims. The loss of life, property and animals is absolutely devastating and my heart breaks for those doing it tough. But I think comparing the floods to 9/11 is silly – there isn’t really any similarity and it just builds hype and hysteria. Instead of glorifying Anna and bringing up 9/11 the media (and the public) should focus on getting Queenslanders back on their feet.
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When it comes to policy, I really am not a fan of Anna Bligh or the Labor Party. You will often hear me voice this, sometimes too assertively.
But I give credit where credit is due.
Good job, Anna Bligh. You showed all the traits of a great leader these past days and you have made a die-hard Liberal (surprisingly) proud of you. You have helped bring a state together and keep its people strong in the face of danger, sadness and loss.
Doing your job? Sure. But some people do their job well, and others don’t. And there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging the former – even if this is probably the only time I’ll ever say she’s doing a good job.
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Beautifully put Mia, and Jessica too. Anna Bligh personifies true leadership.
You’ve captured what we’re all thinking.
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If Anna Bligh was a “true leader”, she would have been leading the state long before the flood disaster occurred. She’s been in the chair for over two years moving from one crisis to the next.
She has been the mouthpiece; the public face of the relief coordination team. She has been doing exceptionally well in this role, inspiring confidence in the greater community that all that can be done is being done. But sorry, as politicians go, she is not a leader.
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are you a queenslander bradley?
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Absolutely, 100%. Cut me and I’ll bleed maroon for you !
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i thought so.
i just wondered why you are spending all this time on the internet criticising anna, shouldn’t you be out filling sandbags, baking for volunteers or helping friends?
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classic rainbow. I’d clink glasses with you anytime!
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Regarding my efforts…I have no intention of blowing my own trumpet, rainbow. But let’s just say that in the eyes of my parents-in-law who live in one of the flooded areas, I have earned many brownie points since yesterday morning.
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A true leader lifts her people, touches the hearts of her people, looks into the eyes of her people, walks beside her people. Works for her people. Works to make it possible for others to work to their best. Together. For the common good. For the future of the common good. To boost the best people can choose to be.
Anna Bligh is being a true leader. No hubris. No grandstanding. Just working hard.
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This afternoon I heard a news commentator say that as a result of her being the public face of the disaster coordination team, Anna Bligh’s personal popularity rating has gone through the roof.
A true leader has the people united before the disaster occurs. Anna Bligh failed in this regard.
As I have said several times, as the person handling the hard questions during the press conferences and providing reassurance to the public…she is doing an outstanding job.
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So, either you’re saying that somehow the whole state runs so smoothly in a disaster, regardless of who the leader is, or that somehow she’s miraculously pulled everything together in 2 minutes. I think the experiences of Katrina, the Vic bushfires, show that this is not an argument that works.
She was leading before the disaster struck. That’s why the response has been so well coordinated and run so smoothly, which in turn has made it much easier for everyone not in authority to fit in and offer their best, as well.
Sometimes, when we live in a place where most things work so well, without us having to think about them, we can take for granted the incredible amount of work that goes into keeping those things running smoothly and which doesn’t make the news. Change is hard in a place like Queensland. I’d live in Bligh’s Queensland any day compared to the Queenslands that came before the Labor governments.
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Langbrook (? Spelling) isn’t great either, how about you lay off the politics for now and let her get her bouquets for the time being.
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Despite being a liberal voter and a SOuth Australian, I cannot help but be impressed by her compassion, leadership and her sense of reality. She is keeping it real. She has also set expectations for how Queenslanders will respond to the crisis that has truly set the tone for the whole country. Her dogged resilience has lead the thinking of all those affected by the crisis and I just know that we will all battle out of this together.
HW
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Anna Bligh has been amazing, and also the first person to give credit to those working so so hard to help in this crisis.
I’m in Brisbane, currently cut off from the rest of the city, and the people around here are awesome! From helping move things to higher ground to those with electricity offering to charge others’ phones so they can stay in touch; it’s amazing!
We were walking down the street and a lady was telling everyone that she had made a big batch of spag bol so if we were hungry to come and have some. The human spirit is amazing!
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Nothing like a crisis to see where people go too personally and how they react. Women in a crisis are always great.
One thought I had was would the usual ‘how chicks deal’ with a friend who is having a really bad time kick in when Julia and Anna finally saw each other? Would there be the stoic usually political woman being in a mans world hand shake between them? Or would there be ‘real chic’s reaction and support? You know where when you see your girl sensible friend who you know has some answers and can really help so you totally break down and let it all go and she hugs you and you know its okay and can gather yourself as you have had your girly emotional moment and can keep going now that it is out of the way, never to be spoken of again. That is what I hope happened for them both and that is real feminine strength in leadership and love.
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Completely agree!
I thought you may like this amazing positive heartfelt facebook page, please keep up the top work!
Anna Bligh: The Captain through the Storm.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-Bligh-The-Captain-through-the-Storm/160221280692170
Cheers
Chris
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I love how Kevin Rudd is getting in and lending a hand he is such a beautiful man. when he was in power I imagined he would be an amazing father husband etc and continue to until this day. this footage just proves it… and still wearing a business shirt! haha
This flood is terrifying.. living in NQ we were bracing for the bad weather here, we never thought it would hit the South east. Anna Bligh, the army, everyone have been amazing.. their speeches make people calm they make them see the reality of the situation and seeing anna break down today during her speech bought myself to tear… As an army girlfriend with my partner put on 24 hours to move down there to help clean up i want to go with him I want to help as do so many other wonderful aussies. it just typifies our mateship… our courage
hang in there australia we’re gunna beat this one!
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Fuck sake; people are dead; homes are destroyed; livelihoods are in rack and ruin. Drop the political shit for just a little while.
All the BS circulating facebook, twitter etc about J.G only pledging $1mil but gave $xxmill to Pakistan e. t. bloody c.!!!
I personally have assisted in lodging claims worth a possible $75 odd thousand dollars in the last 3 days.
I’m exhausted and emotional. I refuse to watch the news because I can’t afford to get too emotional about it. I’ve done 3 11 hour days this week (not including 3 hrs travel each day) and have donated my over time pay. Don’t want praise for it, just want to help out to the best of my ability.
AND Ya Know What? Couldn’t give a rats fat about what Anna or Julez or Kev or the Mad Monk have done in the past… all I care about is that people put their own shit aside and lend a hand. All I care about is how the disabled elderly lady will fare tonight after the hysterics on the phone with me today because her house was covered in water and her insurer only included flood cover (EXCLUSION) in the fine print! All I care about is that the lady and her children who were picked up off the side of the road can remain in that brilliant stranger’s home until they find suitable shelter.
This is in no way a dig at MM or Jessica for this post. I guess I was just hoping for a bit more solidarity and a sense of “community” through MM at the moment!
Sorry for the rant. Just needed to get gunk off my chest! xx
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Agreed, how about we get through this crisis before people start sledging the pollies again?
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Hang in there BoPeep…:)
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