Monday, November 29, 2010

Brumby concedes election defeat - 29th November 2010

Victorian Labor leader John Brumby has fronted the media and conceded defeat following Saturday's state election that gave a narrow win to the Coalition led by Ted Baillieu.

His family and many of his former cabinet colleagues were present for the announcement.

Mr Brumby's office had earlier said he would make no statement on his future until all the votes were counted in the south-east Melbourne seat of Bentleigh.

But he now says it will be almost impossible for Labor to take the seat on current count trends.

Mr Brumby says he called Mr Baillieu before the media conference to pass on his congratulations.

"The electorate has spoken and we must accept their verdict no matter how close the result," he said.

Mr Brumby blamed the baggage of 11 years in office as the main reason for his downfall.

"The people of Victoria felt it was time to give another team a chance," he said.

"Not glossing over issues raised in the campaign... governments seeking to serve a mandate in excess of a decade face a seriously difficult time.

"Often it has been a bridge too far.

"Victors have the right to write history, but I believe Victoria is a stronger, better, fairer place than we found it 11 years ago."

Mr Brumby became premier in 2007 after Steve Bracks retired.

He leaves without having received the people's endorsement.

He also did not say whether he will stay on as Labor leader.

Victory in Bentleigh gives the Liberal/National Coalition the 45 seats it needs to form government.

Mr Baillieu will visit Government House this evening.

This morning Mr Baillieu presided over what was his party's last shadow cabinet meeting before forming government.

He walked through Parliament House flanked by his frontbench team and briefly posed for the TV cameras before shutting the door to begin the meeting.

Cheering and applause could be heard soon after.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Woolworths: The Fast Cash People?, by Greg Tingle - 19th November 2010

Gambling and especially potential harm re "problem gambling" continues to get a strong news run in Australia. Today we explore the business relationship that retailer Woolworths (slogan - 'The Fast Food People') aka 'The Fast Cash People' (satire) enjoys in the Australian gaming and gambling industry. Media Man and Gambling911 take a ride on the shopping trolley jackpot with this special report...

Woolworths on Thursday found itself defending its significant business involvement in Australian pokies, as the echoes that they are causing social harm continues.

What's the one armed bandit link we hear you ask. Woolworths, via its majority holding in the ALH Group venture with Melbourne businessman and Aussie pokies king Bruce Mathieson, is Australia's largest poker machine operator and is likely to face more negative press and noise over "problem gambling" due to the anti-pokies stance of some key federal Independent MPs and senators. It's mainly a small but vocal minority, but it gives they a platform to get noticed.

A Media Man insider said 'For some MP's the pokies thing is gold. Some of them see pokies as the new thing to jump upon. Rather like pokies is the new porn to jump up an down about. For the past few years in Australia porn and also the environment were big issues for polies, then mining, not pokies gets a lot of heat. Next year it will be something else".

Woolies Chief executive Michael Luscombe, speaking after the company's annual shareholder meeting in Brisbane said it had no plans at all to exit the poker machines business.

Luscombe advised the firm was planning to introduce a policy to help reduce problem gambling, but he could not or would not immediately name the specific nature.

A communications assistant type then went on to describe the voluntary precommitment policy, under which punters can choose to set limits for wager amounts.

Stephen Maybe, political and media commentator, and anti pokies activist quizzed if Woolworths had decided to pursue court action to prevent councils from such a move or had agreed to a deal with the Victorian Labor Party to use legislation to prevent council action if the Brumby Government was re-elected. Luscombe said he was not aware of any agreement with Labor.

Mayne also said nationwide more than $10 billion was lost on pokies each year. He said Manningham council was investigating the possibility of increasing the rate bill of Woolworths' gaming venues from $100,000 to $400,000.

Woolworths' hotels business enjoyed about $176.7 million in fiscal 2010 pretax earnings and added 6 properties, taking its total number of hotels and clubs to 284.

Woolworths issued a special report on its social, environmental and governance policies, however the report's one-page summary of key 2010 challenges did not mention action to address "problem gambling".

The company noted it adhered to gambling-related laws and planned voluntary measures.

Woolworths also came under fire over its approach to executive pay, with the Australian Shareholders Association citing concern over lack of transparency as the reason for rejecting the remuneration report.

The outfit had good news on its latest trading, with Luscombe stating there had been no direct impact on its business from the latest official rate rise. He expected Christmas trading this year would be "reasonably good".

The company continued to expect 8-11% growth in fiscal 2011 net profit.

He said the company was likely to open more than the 150 home-improvement stores targeted. It has secured 90 sites and planned to open the first stores in Victoria from about July..

Chairman James Strong said the company was keeping its eye out for takeover opportunities.

"The board remains open and alert to a wide range of possibilities that could add value for our shareholders," he said.

Woolies shares rose 24 cents to $27.74 yesterday.

By all accounts Woolworths is making a killing with its current links to the Australian pokies business, and shows no sign of slowing down.

Christmas jackpots are on the way, as the pokies lovers vs pokies haters war down under continues.

Media Man Profiles

Australia

Australia Casinos

Politics

News

Casino News

Financial News

Entertainment News

Media News

Technology News

Sports News

News

Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? What do you think about Woolworths being involved in gambling? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Global Gaming Directory

Saturday, November 06, 2010

James Packer Casino King Tribute To Alan Jones Media King, by Greg Tingle - 5th November 2010

In a very special getting together in Sydney, Australia's gambling king, and up and coming media tycoon, James Packer, has paid tribute to Australian radio broadcasting legend Alan Jones, in a powerful and emotional speech. Media Man and Gambling911 cross now to the action...

Australian media and gambling business champion, James Packer, gave a powerful, emotional and heartfelt address overnight in tribute to talkback radio king and racing identity Alan Jones.

For the uninitiated, Jones is every part the living legend of media, racing and people power circles. Jones and the guest were celebrating his 25 years as a broadcaster in a glitz event at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Media Man favorite gambling tycoon, Packer headlined the impressive event.

Let's go through some of the highlights...

Packer's voice got croaky after describing how Jones had assisted thousands of people, many totally anonymously, showing just how giving of heart and spirit the great man was.

"Alan, no one will ever take your place. You are without peer my friend," Packer said, looking to get touch teary eyed.

Earlier in the evening he told the story of how his late father, Kerry Packer, has encouraged and then persuaded Jones to give up politics for life as a media commentator on Network Nine and then onto Radio 2UE, and before then representing competitor 2GB Radio.

"What do you want to be son...the Prime Minister or a millionaire," KP (Kerry Packer) said to Jones.

"Alan took the money, not the box."

The magical night, which was hosted by advertising and media legend John Singleton and attended by the whose who of politics, media, and arts, also featured tributes from people as diverse as Liberal Party powerbroker Michael Kroger and pop icons Human Nature.

Jones's long-time colleague at 2UE and a veteran of more than 6 decades in radio, John Brennan said Jones was the best broadcaster he had ever heard because of his ability to connect with listeners and his efficiency of description.

"I think that Alan Jones is the Roger Federer of radio," he wasn't afraid to share with the audience.

Even former Aussie prime minister John Howard touched on a remark from Packer that Jones would "pick and stick" by his mates and friends, describing the legend as "an Australian who never let his cobbers down".

He said Jones, more than anyone else, understood the power of talkback radio to influence politics.

"Alan has understood the temperament and the nature of the Australian people They don't like being told by self-appointed cultural dietitians that we should be ashamed of our past - Alan understood that", Howard shared.

He said he had appreciated Jones's support while in office and paid tribute to the broadcaster's record of winning a massive 155 radio ratings surveys.

Jones, who went on to speak last, said Howard was in his mind "the best prime minister Australia has had".

He thanked the people who attended - friends, family and other guests, including some of his listeners, as well as generously paying tribute to his support team at Radio 2GB.

Jones advised his main campaign would be against opencut mining which he thinks turns too much rich pastoral land into wastelands for profit. He elaborated and said he was hopeful he would be able to continue to make people feel better as a result of his work, both broadcasting, community and more.

"The aim of power in this world is to lift people, not crush them," he shared.

Jones has also greatly contributed to the Australia gaming and horse racing industry, with speaking on what's best for Australian racing being one of his passions. It was Jones who basically told Australian racing to lift its game or see more competition knocking on the door of Australia. Jones and his team are aware of the PartyGaming - PMU deal inked earlier this year, and Jones has also offered commentary in the past on Packer's Betfair and the like. Jones is understood to be a supported of regulated gaming and racing, and a believer in responsible gaming, as is Gambling911 and Media Man.

Well done to everyone involved, and Alan, thank you for assisting some of my mates over the years also, which in turn assisted me, and James, thank you also for the opportunity to offer commentary on you, your company, initiatives like GenerationOne, and to offer some b2b to some of your companies showcase events like Crown Casino Aussie Millions Poker Championship. It is truly appreciated and never taken for granted. Long live the Jones, Packer and 'Singo' (Singleton) legends. All Aussie champions of business, community and people power.

Media Man Profiles

Australia

Radio

Television

James Packer

Alan Jones

John Singleton

Entertainment News

Wrap Up...

It was wonderful to hear about the good deeds of media tycoons wasn't it We salute both Packer, Jones, and the good folks who helped put together such a fantastic happening. It was also a nice change to read about big time Australian media players without all the agro and such. Stay tuned for more of the best on gambling, media, entertainment and sports right here at Gambling911.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis. Media Man also publish Media Man News http://www.mediamannews.com

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Global Gaming Directory

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Conn. Wrestling Fans: Not Totally Sold On Linda McMahon Ex WWE Boss, by Greg Tingle - 3rd November 2010

Linda McMahon wasn't the first pro wrestling aka sports entertainment personality to enter mainstream politics, nor will she the last, but tipsters say she might end up being the most talked about, perhaps even to eclipse legendary Jesse "The Body" Ventura, now host of cable's 'Conspiracy Theory'.

To stake the obvious, being talked about doesn't automatically equal votes.

I'm an Aussie (Australian) so I can't vote for Linda, but you bet, I would if I could. She's likable, intelligent and has a proven track record in running a business - a business that she helped turn into a multi billion dollar concern, and has employed thousands of people over the years. That business - The World Wrestling Entertainment "sports entertainment" powerhouse is one of the world's most well known brands and provides millions, perhaps even billions of people with family friendly (these days) entertainment. A lot has changed since the smoke filled arena and bodybuilder - steroid era.

Wrestling fans or not, it is not fair to blame Linda or Vince McMahon on the steroids found in wrestling, or the ultra high level of early deaths found in the wrestling profession. No one forces wrestlers to take steroids or any drugs, but it is acknowledged that in the past - circa 1990 "monster" (big) wrestlers were usually pushed to the top of the card, and that was linked to earning capacity. The life of a pro wrestler can be presented as glamorous, but it is also one that doesn't come without high risks, injuries and the body encountering frequent pain over the years. The WWE has hundreds of wrestlers on their rooster which helps in given the talent a break when they need, as there is always another wrestler available to fill up the card.

Let's now swing forward to the here and now, with an upcoming election upon us...

Connecticut fans of World Wrestling Entertainment have advised Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon's ties to the wrestling aka "sports entertainment" company won't guarantee their votes come the Election.

Pro wrestling fanatics in Hartford on Saturday said the former WWE CEO's political - media campaign has "no bearing" on their enjoyment of the WWE. The company was in Hartford's XL Center for Fan Appreciation Day, which as you can imagine was a fantastic event and quite the moral booster for WWE management and "independent contractors" (wrestlers).

McMahon is running against Democratic state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for the seat of retiring Democratic U.S Sen. Christopher Dodd. A recent poll obtained by Media Man showed Blumenthal leading McMahon at the time of this publication.

WWE representatives say the weekend show wasn't so much about rallying voters. They say it was held to thank fans for supporting the company despite what they have named as unfair attacks on its image from state Democrats and sections of the media. For the record let it be known that Media Man has given fair and balanced coverage to the WWE over the years, even back to when it wasn't afraid to call itself World Wrestling Federation and "pro wrastling". Sometimes we even ran some negative based articles, when they were in order, based on the company's actions.

Only a few weeks ago current WWE top brass Vince McMahon started his own campaign: 'Stand Up For WWE', which by all accounts has been a global phenomenal success.

The global news media should be fair to WWE and Linda McMahon. A quick snapshot shows:

Linda McMahon has a proven track record in business

Politically savvy candidate

Strong community ties

Built leading global brand

WWE is family friendly entertainment (usually)

WWE Wellness Policy (which has proven to be a serious policy, unlike in some other sports and fields of endeavor)

So, wrestling fans or not, when you vote in the upcoming election, vote with your head. Don't be deterred by media beat ups or bias articles.

Will Linda McMahon and her tag team partner of sorts, Vince "Mr McMahon", lay the smack down on their political opponents? You can bet it will be a fight to the finish. Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911 for the aftermath of 'Celebrity Death Match' Connecticut style.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The also offer political analysis

*Media Man conducts some b2b business with World Wrestling Entertainment and publishes Wrestling News Media http://www.wrestlingnewsmedia.com

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Global Gaming Directory