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Malcolm Turncoat
There was however, touble ahead. The government balance of payments continued to drop against Australia's favor, unemployment rose in the second quarter of 2010 as economic confidence fell still further, the unwelcome media attention about the proposed Clean Air Act caused his personal ratings to momentarily fall. In response Rudd announced he would defer the legislation until 2012, citing the lack of bi-partisan support. Other complications included the perceived lack of success of his education revolution scheme, thereafter ordering an inquiry to research the claims. Whilst he promised renewed emphasis on health and education, his poll ratings continued to decline. In a press conference he offered his opinion on the issue saying "the government is having a bit of a rough patch."

The opposition, with its new leader accused Rudd of flip-flopping and suggesting that the proposed legislation would kill jobs, rendering many mines inoperable. While this had affecting his personal ratings, he was still by a wide margin, ahead in virtually every poll. Regardless of the fact, he was frequently attacked for his supposed lack of conviction, responding with an equally deep scythe into Malcolm Turnbull, saying "you know, I find it quite rich. He booted his mate out and then accuses me of having no conviction, and yet, has no loyalty for his leader, pathetic!, pathetic!", whilst Labor backbencher's roared with laughter. Coalition members attempted to assess the damage, as many glanced to the press gallery. While this was hailed as a watershed in his question time history it didn't come without criticism. The newspaper, the Daily Mail, printed numerous scathing attacks against Rudd for the incident, for trying to "reinvent himself as Paul Keating, and rest assured he isn't."
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He also accelerated offshore processing of refugees and asylum seekers. He also reaffirmed his belief in skilled immigration to a weary public, in September 2010 he indicated that immigration would be cut from the 300,000 target that he set when coming to power. The Labor government also re-opened the ETS, though it had been rejected in the Senate, he continued to gather support for it. Regardless of the fact Wayne Swan had successfully lobbied him to delay it several years previously.

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