
The Australian Prime Minister, in a power play that one of his own front benchers labelled as being a form of branch stacking has brought in his Coalition partners (from the conservative National party) to out manouvre the more progressive members of his party, and effectively block many of them from having a free vote when the forthcoming bill for gay marriage is tabled in parliament.
Common thinking in Australia is that Abbott is essentially treading water on this and other issues. He's not likely to be re-elected, and there is speculation that despite today's power play (with the assistance of the coalition partners), the PM is looking down the barrel of a party revolt.
In case you are so inclined, there's a fabulous list of achievements that the government has achieved under Abbott. They really make for disturbing and sad reading. Go here for more, or consider visiting One Term Tony for more up to date achievements/follies.
If you want to make your own Straight Outta meme, head here.