Strange things come out of national political conferences but the ALP proposal to bestow two years unpaid parental leave on new parents - and enshrine legislation to make it the responsibility of the employer to agree to flexible working hours for the five years before the child starts school is something reminiscent of " the Wizard of OZ ".
Whoever thought that up must still be living in the era of single bread winners - when people lived in modest homes with white picket fences on quarter acre blocks - and women left the workforce within two years of marriage or when pregnant - whichever came first !
We are now in the age of two bread winners with a whopping mortgage, living in a McMansion and struggling to stay afloat. The idea of taking two years unpaid leave to bond with the child is straight from cloud cuckoo land. Reality is more like a month off while arrangements are made to find the baby a long daycare centre.
But - there will be those who will see the new legal arrangement as an opportunity to exploit their employer. What are known as " welfare mothers " can hold the prospect of returning to work on flexible hours as a weapon over their boss's head.
Once out of the workforce for a short period work skills are quickly lost as technology races on - and the savvy will quickly learn that it can be profitable to legally withdraw from the right to return to work - for a substantial financial reward.
Many employers have long memories and remember the ridiculous unfair dismissal laws where it was cheaper to pay a substantial sum to get rid of a bad worker rather than pursue a long and expensive ritual through the courts.
Maternity leave looks like becoming another opportunity to exploit !
Monday 30 April 2007
Sunday 29 April 2007
Political chess moves.
Yesterday saw two diametrically opposed chess moves in the great game preceding this year's Federal election.
Kevin Rudd got grudging approval to overturn the ALP'S " No new Uranium mines " policy and negotiate sales to other countries. This was vehemently opposed by the party's left wing but they found themselves between a rock and a hard place. To hand Rudd a defeat would badly dent his credibility. Faced with the best chance of forming government in twelve years this faction caved in. Face was partially saved by a promise to apply stringent safeguards to the use of the mineral - whatever that means !
On the other side of the political divide John Howard announced that to combat global warming the government would proceed to put in place nuclear power stations.
It was a mischievous move - leaving Kevin Rudd with a decision to endorse uranium mining and sell the product to others - but at the same time deny it's use in this country.
Howard is aware that over sixty percent of voters oppose an Australian nuclear industry - but an even greater percentage believe we face peril from global warming - and want something done to lower Co2 emissions.
The debate will go from there, but there is no escaping the fact that all the alternatives touted by the left - solar, wind and wave action - are incapable of handling the base load - and will be for many decades to come. There simply is no alternative to coal fired power stations - or nuclear. It is obvious that this will be the message the government will use in the run-up to the election.
There will be many twists and turns, but it should be remembered that John Howard once won an unwinnable election when he presented the voters with what most pundits considered anathema to victory - the introduction of a new tax !
Most now grudgingly accept the Goods and Services Tax ( GST ) and even Labor now concedes that it is here to stay. The lynch pin of the coming election could well be global warming. Stay with coal fired electricity generation and watch the planet burn - or bite the bullet and go nuclear !
Kevin Rudd got grudging approval to overturn the ALP'S " No new Uranium mines " policy and negotiate sales to other countries. This was vehemently opposed by the party's left wing but they found themselves between a rock and a hard place. To hand Rudd a defeat would badly dent his credibility. Faced with the best chance of forming government in twelve years this faction caved in. Face was partially saved by a promise to apply stringent safeguards to the use of the mineral - whatever that means !
On the other side of the political divide John Howard announced that to combat global warming the government would proceed to put in place nuclear power stations.
It was a mischievous move - leaving Kevin Rudd with a decision to endorse uranium mining and sell the product to others - but at the same time deny it's use in this country.
Howard is aware that over sixty percent of voters oppose an Australian nuclear industry - but an even greater percentage believe we face peril from global warming - and want something done to lower Co2 emissions.
The debate will go from there, but there is no escaping the fact that all the alternatives touted by the left - solar, wind and wave action - are incapable of handling the base load - and will be for many decades to come. There simply is no alternative to coal fired power stations - or nuclear. It is obvious that this will be the message the government will use in the run-up to the election.
There will be many twists and turns, but it should be remembered that John Howard once won an unwinnable election when he presented the voters with what most pundits considered anathema to victory - the introduction of a new tax !
Most now grudgingly accept the Goods and Services Tax ( GST ) and even Labor now concedes that it is here to stay. The lynch pin of the coming election could well be global warming. Stay with coal fired electricity generation and watch the planet burn - or bite the bullet and go nuclear !
Saturday 28 April 2007
Smoke and mirrors !
One thing is becoming clear at the Australian Labor party's national conference. Kevin Rudd is a master illusionist.
The job before him is awesome. Somehow he must convince those suspicious that their wages and conditions will be undermined by AWA's that he will provide a fair go for all - but at the same time he must convince business that he will not take wages back to the bad old days of " a dog's breakfast " of rules and conditions that made employing people unworkable - and both of these objectives has to be achieved without incurring the wrath of the unions !
Enter smoke and mirrors !
Rudd is proposing to amalgamate the Industrial Relations commission, the Fair Pay commission and the Office of Employment Advocate as the sole body to arbitrate all matters relating to employment. This body would set wages and conditions, rule on disputes - and be the fairy godmother of fairness to employee and employer.
In effect, this one body would be the prosecutor, the defence lawyer, the judge and the jury in determining all things industrial.
It is said that " the devil is in the detail " - and Rudd has been very careful to orchestrate the smoke and mirrors to obscure that detail.
As a result, the proposal is all things to all people - until it eventually emerges from the smoke and mirrors and stands in the light of day.
Rudd hopes that when that happens it will be after the election - and he will be the prime minister of this country.
One of the things that should set alarm bells ringing in many people's minds is the fact that the unions are giving it the nod. Obviously the union bosses have been given to believe that this amalgamated body will be studded with stooges who will adopt the union line - and they await a return to collective bargaining under union control and all the baggage that entails.
Rudd is undertaking this country's biggest con job. By playing the cards close to his chest he hopes to hoodwink employees, employers and the unions into each thinking they are going to get their heart's desire.
A pragmatic thinker, Rudd knows that the plan he will unfold when actually elected will be more like the present regime. Industry is employing more people now it has regained the right to hire and fire, so the constrictive choker of unfair dismissal will be a casualty of Rudd's new order. He will probably ease the open slather approach by withdrawing national holidays such as Christmas day, Easter and Anzac day from being negotiated away, but there is no way he will see a return to closed shop conditions or restrictions on multi-skilling.
In short, we are witnessing an election campaign run by a man with skills similar to our present prime minister, What you see is not what you will get - and in all fairness Rudd seems to be a man who would bring in a regime totally different from the present Liberal and Labor party thinking - and that could be what this country badly needs !
The job before him is awesome. Somehow he must convince those suspicious that their wages and conditions will be undermined by AWA's that he will provide a fair go for all - but at the same time he must convince business that he will not take wages back to the bad old days of " a dog's breakfast " of rules and conditions that made employing people unworkable - and both of these objectives has to be achieved without incurring the wrath of the unions !
Enter smoke and mirrors !
Rudd is proposing to amalgamate the Industrial Relations commission, the Fair Pay commission and the Office of Employment Advocate as the sole body to arbitrate all matters relating to employment. This body would set wages and conditions, rule on disputes - and be the fairy godmother of fairness to employee and employer.
In effect, this one body would be the prosecutor, the defence lawyer, the judge and the jury in determining all things industrial.
It is said that " the devil is in the detail " - and Rudd has been very careful to orchestrate the smoke and mirrors to obscure that detail.
As a result, the proposal is all things to all people - until it eventually emerges from the smoke and mirrors and stands in the light of day.
Rudd hopes that when that happens it will be after the election - and he will be the prime minister of this country.
One of the things that should set alarm bells ringing in many people's minds is the fact that the unions are giving it the nod. Obviously the union bosses have been given to believe that this amalgamated body will be studded with stooges who will adopt the union line - and they await a return to collective bargaining under union control and all the baggage that entails.
Rudd is undertaking this country's biggest con job. By playing the cards close to his chest he hopes to hoodwink employees, employers and the unions into each thinking they are going to get their heart's desire.
A pragmatic thinker, Rudd knows that the plan he will unfold when actually elected will be more like the present regime. Industry is employing more people now it has regained the right to hire and fire, so the constrictive choker of unfair dismissal will be a casualty of Rudd's new order. He will probably ease the open slather approach by withdrawing national holidays such as Christmas day, Easter and Anzac day from being negotiated away, but there is no way he will see a return to closed shop conditions or restrictions on multi-skilling.
In short, we are witnessing an election campaign run by a man with skills similar to our present prime minister, What you see is not what you will get - and in all fairness Rudd seems to be a man who would bring in a regime totally different from the present Liberal and Labor party thinking - and that could be what this country badly needs !
Friday 27 April 2007
ANZAC day aftermath.
Veterans were displeased when some clubs and pubs announced that they would ban the traditional " Two-Up " game because of brawls and damage caused by young people.
They were even more horrified when it was revealed after the event that many venues stopped serving alcohol and closed early because of crowd behaviour.
ANZAC day is the one day of the year when veterans attend the dawn service, take part in the march through the streets and remember comrades who did not return from war. Following the ceremonies it is traditional for old mates to have a few quiet drinks, wager a few dollars on " Two-Up " - and remember days gone by.
It is certainly not vets who cause trouble in the clubs and pubs. The problem can be sheeted home to young men who have no interest in this country's past and hold those veterans in contempt. They see ANZAC day as just another holiday - and an opportunity to get drunk and have what they consider a good time.
Perhaps the time has come for venues to make hard decisions. Perhaps clubs and pubs need to be closed to the public on ANZAC day and only welcome veterans wearing their campaign medals and present members of the armed services. Those that decline to make this commitment would be welcome to the hoons and yahoos !
They were even more horrified when it was revealed after the event that many venues stopped serving alcohol and closed early because of crowd behaviour.
ANZAC day is the one day of the year when veterans attend the dawn service, take part in the march through the streets and remember comrades who did not return from war. Following the ceremonies it is traditional for old mates to have a few quiet drinks, wager a few dollars on " Two-Up " - and remember days gone by.
It is certainly not vets who cause trouble in the clubs and pubs. The problem can be sheeted home to young men who have no interest in this country's past and hold those veterans in contempt. They see ANZAC day as just another holiday - and an opportunity to get drunk and have what they consider a good time.
Perhaps the time has come for venues to make hard decisions. Perhaps clubs and pubs need to be closed to the public on ANZAC day and only welcome veterans wearing their campaign medals and present members of the armed services. Those that decline to make this commitment would be welcome to the hoons and yahoos !
Thursday 26 April 2007
Death at the fun fair !
From time to time we hear stories of unfortunate accidents leading to death when fun fair rides fail. Perhaps it is time to have a long, hard look at those rides and examine what safety factors are in place to keep them safe.
Fun fair rides have come a long way since the days of " the Merrymix ". This was a revolving platform containing wooden horses which rose and fell in tandem - and these days attracts only toddlers.
The urge for " thrill " has led to the design and construction of more complex rides which involve speed and sudden deceleration, a dangerous mix if something happens to go wrong.
These rides need inspection and approval at the time of manufacture, but what is concerning is the fact that they move from fair to fair - and these moves require the entire ride to be dismantled and reassembled. Each year the rides become more complex as they compete to provide the " shock " factor that attracts patrons.
Constant dismantling and reassembly must induce wear and tear, plus the danger factor of those doing this work becoming complacent and taking short cuts to save time.
Fun fair rides are likely to become even more complex as competition for customers increases and it is essential that they be kept safe by constant surveillance by the licensing authority responsible. This is not an area where the government can cut costs by reducing services !
Fun fair rides have come a long way since the days of " the Merrymix ". This was a revolving platform containing wooden horses which rose and fell in tandem - and these days attracts only toddlers.
The urge for " thrill " has led to the design and construction of more complex rides which involve speed and sudden deceleration, a dangerous mix if something happens to go wrong.
These rides need inspection and approval at the time of manufacture, but what is concerning is the fact that they move from fair to fair - and these moves require the entire ride to be dismantled and reassembled. Each year the rides become more complex as they compete to provide the " shock " factor that attracts patrons.
Constant dismantling and reassembly must induce wear and tear, plus the danger factor of those doing this work becoming complacent and taking short cuts to save time.
Fun fair rides are likely to become even more complex as competition for customers increases and it is essential that they be kept safe by constant surveillance by the licensing authority responsible. This is not an area where the government can cut costs by reducing services !
Wednesday 25 April 2007
ANZAC day.
Today is ANZAC day, originally to commemorate the 1915 landing by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli but since extended to veterans of World War 11 and other conflicts in more recent times.
The ranks are thinning - and other changes are starting to appear. On the one hand the number of children and young adults attending the dawn service and the march increases steadily each year. Many proudly wear their father's or grandfather's medals and it is evident that the sacrifices made to keep this land free of invaders is not forgotten.
But - there are other aspects that are creeping into ANZAC day that are less than pleasant. Earlier this year a group of World War 11 veterans were shocked when the pub at which they had held their annual ANZAC day reunion since returning from that war declined to take their booking. The management simply felt that they drank too slowly because of their age - and the pub could make more money catering for the younger crowd. That decision hit media headlines - and there was a hasty rethink by pub management when patrons deserted them in droves in disgust at their attitude.
Now there is another casualty. Traditionally ANZAC day is the one day of the year when the gambling game " Two-Up " is played in pubs and clubs. It used to be illegal but the cops turned a " blind eye " until the government faced reality and changed the law to give it official legal status on ANZAC day.
Many pubs and clubs this year are not holding the game. They complain that in recent years crowd behaviour has resulted in brawls and damage - and hastily add that the problem is not veterans but young people who lack both discipline and good manners - and are poor losers when the fall of the coins go against them.
We live in an ever changing world. Maybe the answer is to restrict " Two-Up " games to those who deserve the honour - and qualify by wearing their campaign medals on this " one day of the year " !
The ranks are thinning - and other changes are starting to appear. On the one hand the number of children and young adults attending the dawn service and the march increases steadily each year. Many proudly wear their father's or grandfather's medals and it is evident that the sacrifices made to keep this land free of invaders is not forgotten.
But - there are other aspects that are creeping into ANZAC day that are less than pleasant. Earlier this year a group of World War 11 veterans were shocked when the pub at which they had held their annual ANZAC day reunion since returning from that war declined to take their booking. The management simply felt that they drank too slowly because of their age - and the pub could make more money catering for the younger crowd. That decision hit media headlines - and there was a hasty rethink by pub management when patrons deserted them in droves in disgust at their attitude.
Now there is another casualty. Traditionally ANZAC day is the one day of the year when the gambling game " Two-Up " is played in pubs and clubs. It used to be illegal but the cops turned a " blind eye " until the government faced reality and changed the law to give it official legal status on ANZAC day.
Many pubs and clubs this year are not holding the game. They complain that in recent years crowd behaviour has resulted in brawls and damage - and hastily add that the problem is not veterans but young people who lack both discipline and good manners - and are poor losers when the fall of the coins go against them.
We live in an ever changing world. Maybe the answer is to restrict " Two-Up " games to those who deserve the honour - and qualify by wearing their campaign medals on this " one day of the year " !
Tuesday 24 April 2007
Make or break decision.
This weekends Australian Labor Party National conference is make or break for opposition leader Kevin Rudd. The issue to be decided is a policy change to allow new uranium mines - a subject that is anathema to those on the left of the party.
In essence, this is the stand-off that will either bestow the full leadership crown to Rudd's brow - or weaken him if he goes down in defeat.
It is also the decision behind a decision. Australia must decide if it is going to take global warming seriously - and if so do something about curbing the huge amounts of Co2 generated by coal burning electricity generation.
John Howard has thrown down the cudgels and suggested that the only way this can be achieved is by going nuclear. Rudd is an intelligent man and he knows that nomatter what the woolly minded idealists of his party think there is no prospect of replacing coal with solar,wind or wave generation in the first half of this century. The only option is nuclear - hence a battle looms to take the first step on that road - convincing the hard left of his party that if they want to form government they first must show pragmatism and bite the bullet on the first step on the nuclear road - approving more uranium mines.
If Rudd pulls this off - and the general consensus is that he will - then his chances of being handed the keys to the Lodge later this year are hugely enhanced.
The general feeling in this country is not in favour of going nuclear at this stage, but if both sides of politics are on the same course that opposition will quickly fade as realism sets in. The anti-nuclear people have done a good job demonising nuclear power but their agenda and reasoning is false. The world has already gone nuclear and many countries - including Japan and France - generate much of their electricity in that manner - and have done so safely for decades.
This weekends conference will be a turning point for politics in Australia !
In essence, this is the stand-off that will either bestow the full leadership crown to Rudd's brow - or weaken him if he goes down in defeat.
It is also the decision behind a decision. Australia must decide if it is going to take global warming seriously - and if so do something about curbing the huge amounts of Co2 generated by coal burning electricity generation.
John Howard has thrown down the cudgels and suggested that the only way this can be achieved is by going nuclear. Rudd is an intelligent man and he knows that nomatter what the woolly minded idealists of his party think there is no prospect of replacing coal with solar,wind or wave generation in the first half of this century. The only option is nuclear - hence a battle looms to take the first step on that road - convincing the hard left of his party that if they want to form government they first must show pragmatism and bite the bullet on the first step on the nuclear road - approving more uranium mines.
If Rudd pulls this off - and the general consensus is that he will - then his chances of being handed the keys to the Lodge later this year are hugely enhanced.
The general feeling in this country is not in favour of going nuclear at this stage, but if both sides of politics are on the same course that opposition will quickly fade as realism sets in. The anti-nuclear people have done a good job demonising nuclear power but their agenda and reasoning is false. The world has already gone nuclear and many countries - including Japan and France - generate much of their electricity in that manner - and have done so safely for decades.
This weekends conference will be a turning point for politics in Australia !
Monday 23 April 2007
The Monorail.
Sydney has a forgotten transport system. When the Monorail was built over two decades ago it was greeted with scorn and vituperation by a small clique who demanded that it be torn down. There are still plaintive squawks from this group from time to time.
The Monorail has proven itself as a reliable transport system linking Darling Harbour with the theatre district of the CBD. It glides silently above city streets and it's history is one of safety and reliability. Why - therefore - has this city with such a traffic problem and need for a safe way to move people not grasped this idea and extended the Monorail to service the entire inner city ?
Countless ideas have been bounced off the public, including banning cars from the CBD to running light rail in competition with cars through city streets - and yet the answer would be apparent to any of those planners who cared to stop looking at the ground and elevated their gaze above.
The problem with Sydney is that it has a destination arrival centre at Central station - and lacks a system to distribute those travellers within the city. Any plan to move people on the ground immediately faces the problem of finding space - and all space is presently occupied with people, cars and buses.
The rail loop does a good job placing people on the CBD fringes, but the real need is to move them from those stations to where they really need to go.
Perhaps now is the time for those planners to take another long, hard look at the Monorail and show a bit of vision. We may lack road space - but the one thing we have plenty of is air space. Perhaps now is the time to life our vision !
The Monorail has proven itself as a reliable transport system linking Darling Harbour with the theatre district of the CBD. It glides silently above city streets and it's history is one of safety and reliability. Why - therefore - has this city with such a traffic problem and need for a safe way to move people not grasped this idea and extended the Monorail to service the entire inner city ?
Countless ideas have been bounced off the public, including banning cars from the CBD to running light rail in competition with cars through city streets - and yet the answer would be apparent to any of those planners who cared to stop looking at the ground and elevated their gaze above.
The problem with Sydney is that it has a destination arrival centre at Central station - and lacks a system to distribute those travellers within the city. Any plan to move people on the ground immediately faces the problem of finding space - and all space is presently occupied with people, cars and buses.
The rail loop does a good job placing people on the CBD fringes, but the real need is to move them from those stations to where they really need to go.
Perhaps now is the time for those planners to take another long, hard look at the Monorail and show a bit of vision. We may lack road space - but the one thing we have plenty of is air space. Perhaps now is the time to life our vision !
Sunday 22 April 2007
The " alcohol " question.
Alcohol has been a problem in Australia dating back to the early days of the colony and the " Rum Rebellion ". For decades we had a wowser view on the demon drink with strict laws closing the pubs at six o'clock each evening - Monday to Saturday - and no trading on Sunday.
This led to a peculiarly Australian tradition known as " the six o'clock swill ". Immediately shops and offices closed huge numbers of people rushed to the nearest pub and downed schooners of beer as quickly as humanly possible. As six o'clock neared they purchased as many glasses as they could hold - and when the pub doors closed stood on the footpath and drank their way to oblivion.
The situation changed when the era of clubs opened. Being a member of a club brought into force new interpretations of the licensing laws with the result that drinking was possible during extended hours, seven days a week. The one abnormality was a restriction that prevented patrons purchasing take home alcohol on a Sunday. It was permissible to stand at the bar in a club and drink any amount of alcohol, but to be sensible and drink moderately - and elect to take some home for further consumption - was against the law. As a result, the carnage of the roads reached horror levels.
Sanity eventually prevailed - and the six o'clock law was repealed and the pubs were permitted to trade until ten o'clock in the evening. The churches and the wowser element predicted rape and assault on the streets but the new laws emerged without incident. In fact the style of drinking in Australia changed. Where previously drinking in hotels had been an all male affair the more leisurely evening hours saw mixed couples enjoying each others company - and have a moderate amount of alcohol in tasteful surroundings and beer gardens.
This relaxed atmosphere introduced the need for entertainment and led to the emergence of bands which attracted individual followings. The pubs and clubs sought and received late licenses to cater for this growing phenomenon - and now we have the situation of many such venues trading on a twenty-four hour,seven days a week basis.
This comes at a price. The consumption of alcohol has ballooned - and with it the incidence of anti-social behaviour. The streets of Australian cities are not safe places to be late at night. Groups of intoxicated young people roam at will, assaulting others and damaging property. The incidence of unprovoked knife attacks has soared and it is a rare week when death does not occur somewhere in out cities because of rage invoked by alcohol.
Questions are now being asked. Is twenty-four hour liquor trading necessary ? Would we be a better society if we reduced the hours that liquor was available ? Should the price of liquor be raised to reduce it's availability ? What sort of society do we want our laws to create ?
The chances are that nothing will change because liquor is an emotive issue and if changes are made that change will involve politicians - and politicians always test the wind of public opinion before they move. The vast majority of people are aware of the danger alcohol brings to our streets late at night - but we are a nation that prides ourselves on our civil liberties and we bristle whenever there is a move to restrict them in any way.
Trying to change liquor laws now seems to be like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. Unrestricted liquor is a fact of life - and it seems we will just have to learn to live with the consequences.
This led to a peculiarly Australian tradition known as " the six o'clock swill ". Immediately shops and offices closed huge numbers of people rushed to the nearest pub and downed schooners of beer as quickly as humanly possible. As six o'clock neared they purchased as many glasses as they could hold - and when the pub doors closed stood on the footpath and drank their way to oblivion.
The situation changed when the era of clubs opened. Being a member of a club brought into force new interpretations of the licensing laws with the result that drinking was possible during extended hours, seven days a week. The one abnormality was a restriction that prevented patrons purchasing take home alcohol on a Sunday. It was permissible to stand at the bar in a club and drink any amount of alcohol, but to be sensible and drink moderately - and elect to take some home for further consumption - was against the law. As a result, the carnage of the roads reached horror levels.
Sanity eventually prevailed - and the six o'clock law was repealed and the pubs were permitted to trade until ten o'clock in the evening. The churches and the wowser element predicted rape and assault on the streets but the new laws emerged without incident. In fact the style of drinking in Australia changed. Where previously drinking in hotels had been an all male affair the more leisurely evening hours saw mixed couples enjoying each others company - and have a moderate amount of alcohol in tasteful surroundings and beer gardens.
This relaxed atmosphere introduced the need for entertainment and led to the emergence of bands which attracted individual followings. The pubs and clubs sought and received late licenses to cater for this growing phenomenon - and now we have the situation of many such venues trading on a twenty-four hour,seven days a week basis.
This comes at a price. The consumption of alcohol has ballooned - and with it the incidence of anti-social behaviour. The streets of Australian cities are not safe places to be late at night. Groups of intoxicated young people roam at will, assaulting others and damaging property. The incidence of unprovoked knife attacks has soared and it is a rare week when death does not occur somewhere in out cities because of rage invoked by alcohol.
Questions are now being asked. Is twenty-four hour liquor trading necessary ? Would we be a better society if we reduced the hours that liquor was available ? Should the price of liquor be raised to reduce it's availability ? What sort of society do we want our laws to create ?
The chances are that nothing will change because liquor is an emotive issue and if changes are made that change will involve politicians - and politicians always test the wind of public opinion before they move. The vast majority of people are aware of the danger alcohol brings to our streets late at night - but we are a nation that prides ourselves on our civil liberties and we bristle whenever there is a move to restrict them in any way.
Trying to change liquor laws now seems to be like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. Unrestricted liquor is a fact of life - and it seems we will just have to learn to live with the consequences.
Saturday 21 April 2007
Australia's " Marie Celeste " mystery.
There is nothing like a mysterious sea story to whet the speculation appetite. Yesterday the Coast Guard discovered the twelve metre Catamaran " Kaz 11 " adrift and deserted one hundred and sixty kilometres east of Townsville on the outer edge of the Great Barrier reef.
The sails were tattered, but what amazed the crew who boarded her were the signs of normalcy that prevailed. The engine was running, the radio and GPS systems were in working order, there was an operational laptop computer -and the table was set for a meal. The mystery was the absence of the three man crew - aged 56, 63 and 69 who had set out to sail the vessel on the journey of a lifetime from north Queensland to Western Australia.
A massive search is underway but the finding has eerie similarities to the famous " Marie Celeste " found abandoned in similar circumstances many years ago.
The theory people will have a hey day with everything from sea monsters to UFO abductions, but the fact remains that a vessel in perfect working order - and with no signs of a problem that would have caused the catamaran to be willingly abandoned - defies all logic.
The cruel sea is an unforgiving place that has spawned many mysteries. Hopefully
this will be quickly solved and the missing crew rescued - and then there will be a story that will hog the headlines for many days - and probably lead to wealth by way of survivor stories - and maybe even a Hollywood movie.
And just as likely, there will be no solution and the story will pass into history as another unsolved mystery of the sea !
The sails were tattered, but what amazed the crew who boarded her were the signs of normalcy that prevailed. The engine was running, the radio and GPS systems were in working order, there was an operational laptop computer -and the table was set for a meal. The mystery was the absence of the three man crew - aged 56, 63 and 69 who had set out to sail the vessel on the journey of a lifetime from north Queensland to Western Australia.
A massive search is underway but the finding has eerie similarities to the famous " Marie Celeste " found abandoned in similar circumstances many years ago.
The theory people will have a hey day with everything from sea monsters to UFO abductions, but the fact remains that a vessel in perfect working order - and with no signs of a problem that would have caused the catamaran to be willingly abandoned - defies all logic.
The cruel sea is an unforgiving place that has spawned many mysteries. Hopefully
this will be quickly solved and the missing crew rescued - and then there will be a story that will hog the headlines for many days - and probably lead to wealth by way of survivor stories - and maybe even a Hollywood movie.
And just as likely, there will be no solution and the story will pass into history as another unsolved mystery of the sea !
Friday 20 April 2007
The " Optional " newspaper.
Wollongong's daily newspaper - the " Illawarra Mercury " has embarked on an interesting experiment. From today, the racing pages no longer form an automatic part of the paper. They are now " optional ". For those subscribers who have home delivery it is necessary to " opt in " to have them included. For those who buy at a newsagent, garage or corner shop the racing pages will be available on demand - but in a separate pile from the main body of the paper.
There are obvious advantages. For those with no interest in horse racing there is no loss, but a huge gain for the ecology. How many trees face the chainsaw to provide wood pulp for newspaper pages that nobody reads ?
But - it opens up a Pandora's box. Why should horse racing be any different from other areas of interest ? How many people buy a newspaper to get the latest news - but have absolutely no interest in sport - in any of it's many forms ?
And then there is " the Weekender " - a supplement as big if not bigger than many entire newspapers which is entirely given to advertising houses and property for sale. This may be dumped in the recycling bin by many and only of interest to those considering entering the buying or selling aspect of the home market.
Then there is the little matter of selling price. If you voluntarily forego the racing pages - and therefore save printing costs to the newspaper's owner - why are you not offered a cheaper price for making this sacrifice ?
And if " optional " becomes the norm - and your basic newspaper is simply the local and overseas news pages - with your choice of what other areas of interest you wish to subscribe - then price becomes a whole new ball game.
This experiment in making the racing pages optional will be welcomed by conservationists but it certainly opens up an interesting can of worms. This is where it starts - but where does it end ?
There are obvious advantages. For those with no interest in horse racing there is no loss, but a huge gain for the ecology. How many trees face the chainsaw to provide wood pulp for newspaper pages that nobody reads ?
But - it opens up a Pandora's box. Why should horse racing be any different from other areas of interest ? How many people buy a newspaper to get the latest news - but have absolutely no interest in sport - in any of it's many forms ?
And then there is " the Weekender " - a supplement as big if not bigger than many entire newspapers which is entirely given to advertising houses and property for sale. This may be dumped in the recycling bin by many and only of interest to those considering entering the buying or selling aspect of the home market.
Then there is the little matter of selling price. If you voluntarily forego the racing pages - and therefore save printing costs to the newspaper's owner - why are you not offered a cheaper price for making this sacrifice ?
And if " optional " becomes the norm - and your basic newspaper is simply the local and overseas news pages - with your choice of what other areas of interest you wish to subscribe - then price becomes a whole new ball game.
This experiment in making the racing pages optional will be welcomed by conservationists but it certainly opens up an interesting can of worms. This is where it starts - but where does it end ?
Thursday 19 April 2007
Greedy government.
Less than a month from an election victory the New South Wales government is on a revenue raising spree. They are careful not to hike direct taxes which would be noticed but have undertaken a back door approach - which will still hit citizens in their hip pockets.
Wollongong Council runs an efficient waste disposal facility - commonly known as " the tip " at Whyte's Gully." Waste is quickly covered by Breckitt's slag to prevent unpleasant odours and to keep flies and seagulls away. In the past, this material has been exempt from the Department of Environment and Conservation ( DEC ) levy.
The government has now decreed that from March 1 this slag will attract the levy.
The council uses 7800 tonnes of slag monthly and the levy - at $ 32.65 a tonne - will increase tip costs by $ 3.066 million a year.
Obviously tip fees - presently at $ 20 a trailer load - will rise, but the weekly pickup by a council contractor will also be affected. This contract is included in council rates and residents can therefore expect council to try and hike rates to cover the extra cost.
This is the sort of back door tax increase that fuels inflation and leads to rises in interest rates. When tip fees rise they increase the cost to butchers, supermarkets and other traders who rely on council facilities to get rid of their waste.
There is absolutely no excuse for slapping a levy on material to keep a tip in a sanitary condition - except the excesses of a greedy government !
Wollongong Council runs an efficient waste disposal facility - commonly known as " the tip " at Whyte's Gully." Waste is quickly covered by Breckitt's slag to prevent unpleasant odours and to keep flies and seagulls away. In the past, this material has been exempt from the Department of Environment and Conservation ( DEC ) levy.
The government has now decreed that from March 1 this slag will attract the levy.
The council uses 7800 tonnes of slag monthly and the levy - at $ 32.65 a tonne - will increase tip costs by $ 3.066 million a year.
Obviously tip fees - presently at $ 20 a trailer load - will rise, but the weekly pickup by a council contractor will also be affected. This contract is included in council rates and residents can therefore expect council to try and hike rates to cover the extra cost.
This is the sort of back door tax increase that fuels inflation and leads to rises in interest rates. When tip fees rise they increase the cost to butchers, supermarkets and other traders who rely on council facilities to get rid of their waste.
There is absolutely no excuse for slapping a levy on material to keep a tip in a sanitary condition - except the excesses of a greedy government !
Wednesday 18 April 2007
Mass murder.
The news that thirty-three students died when a mass murderer walked through a Virginia college shooting people will be labelled " only in America " by some.
That conveniently forgets that a similar event happened here when Martin Bryant strolled through the grounds of Port Arthur in Tasmania and executed thirty five people - all strangers - for no known reason.
Bryant was armed with two self loading assault rifles. The killer in America used two self loading pistols.
Australia has tightened gun laws and it is now more difficult to legally have permission to own rifles and shot guns - but we have a dangerously expanding trade in the illegal import of hand guns.
In past decades the big money was in importing drugs. Heroin was the drug of choice and those at the top of the importing pyramids became fabulously rich - but things changed. The penalties for drug importation tightened and at the same time heroin went out of favour, replaced by synthetic drugs can can be brewed locally.
The opportunity for large profits switched to the importation of hand guns. There was a ready market from ethnic gangs and the penalties for getting caught were far less than for importing drugs.
Australia is fast acquiring a gun culture. For gang members the acquisition of a hand gun is synonymous with respect and attaining a place in the pecking order.
Only the deranged indulge in mass murder - but if we allow a hand gun culture to multiply it is inevitable that sooner or later one of those deranged will go on a shooting spree similar to the one Martin Bryant conducted in Tasmania. If hand guns are available - sooner or later one will fall into the wrong hands.
That conveniently forgets that a similar event happened here when Martin Bryant strolled through the grounds of Port Arthur in Tasmania and executed thirty five people - all strangers - for no known reason.
Bryant was armed with two self loading assault rifles. The killer in America used two self loading pistols.
Australia has tightened gun laws and it is now more difficult to legally have permission to own rifles and shot guns - but we have a dangerously expanding trade in the illegal import of hand guns.
In past decades the big money was in importing drugs. Heroin was the drug of choice and those at the top of the importing pyramids became fabulously rich - but things changed. The penalties for drug importation tightened and at the same time heroin went out of favour, replaced by synthetic drugs can can be brewed locally.
The opportunity for large profits switched to the importation of hand guns. There was a ready market from ethnic gangs and the penalties for getting caught were far less than for importing drugs.
Australia is fast acquiring a gun culture. For gang members the acquisition of a hand gun is synonymous with respect and attaining a place in the pecking order.
Only the deranged indulge in mass murder - but if we allow a hand gun culture to multiply it is inevitable that sooner or later one of those deranged will go on a shooting spree similar to the one Martin Bryant conducted in Tasmania. If hand guns are available - sooner or later one will fall into the wrong hands.
Tuesday 17 April 2007
Water woes !
An unfortunate attitude of mind is emerging in Australia in which citizens feel that they " own " any source of water supplying their area. This is not new on the world scene and in fact there have been many wars in other countries over water.
It has recently manifested itself in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. A proposal to pipe water from northern NSW rivers to Queensland towns over the border has been vigorously opposed by the NSW government.
Within NSW there is an ongoing argument over Sydney being supplied by water from the Shoalhaven river. The NSW government contends that such water is only drawn when the river is in flood, but residents of Nowra and surrounding districts know that the state government's first priority is Sydney - and water will be taken whenever necessary - despite solemn promises - whenever the Sydney supply drops to danger levels.
This same " ownership " attitude is the prime cause of a proposal by the Federal government to take control of the Murray/Darling basin facing resistance from some states. Those same states agree that the outflow for town water and irrigation exceeds inflow and that allocations need review and rationing - but when push comes to shove they wrap themselves in state rights and resist any attempt to impose a management plan that may disadvantage some of their citizens for the common good.
Global warming and our rising population ensure that water will be a scarce commodity in the near future and regulations will be needed to allocate a fair share to all. This may not sit well with many people, but allocation of water by way of a national frame work is the only way to ensure that every Australian gets his or her fair share !
It has recently manifested itself in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. A proposal to pipe water from northern NSW rivers to Queensland towns over the border has been vigorously opposed by the NSW government.
Within NSW there is an ongoing argument over Sydney being supplied by water from the Shoalhaven river. The NSW government contends that such water is only drawn when the river is in flood, but residents of Nowra and surrounding districts know that the state government's first priority is Sydney - and water will be taken whenever necessary - despite solemn promises - whenever the Sydney supply drops to danger levels.
This same " ownership " attitude is the prime cause of a proposal by the Federal government to take control of the Murray/Darling basin facing resistance from some states. Those same states agree that the outflow for town water and irrigation exceeds inflow and that allocations need review and rationing - but when push comes to shove they wrap themselves in state rights and resist any attempt to impose a management plan that may disadvantage some of their citizens for the common good.
Global warming and our rising population ensure that water will be a scarce commodity in the near future and regulations will be needed to allocate a fair share to all. This may not sit well with many people, but allocation of water by way of a national frame work is the only way to ensure that every Australian gets his or her fair share !
Monday 16 April 2007
Buyer beware !
Changes in the finance sector are reflected in a hundred percent jump in mortgage foreclosures compared with last year. Decades ago the majority of home purchases were financed by the banks, credit unions or building societies.
Rigorous conditions applied. Applicants were required to have at least a twenty percent deposit, provide pay slips or other evidence to establish the ability to service the loan - and the maximum term was twenty five years.
Coupled with the dramatic increase in home prices in recent times has been the emergence of what are termed " non-conforming lenders ". These institutions tend to serve those rejected by the traditional lenders and in most cases offer loans for one hundred percent of the house price. In such cases the applicant has no deposit and because of the increased risk to the lender - probably pays a higher rate of interest than loans offered by the banks.
Non-Conforming lenders are a risk operation for those seeking higher interest rates for deposited money. Because they lend to the low end of the market they are the quickest to foreclose when a loan goes into default - reaching a deficit gap of thirty days on payments due.
Unfortunately many people are desperate to get on the home ownership ladder and for some the only way to do this is to take a one hundred percent loan - and hope for the best! They tend to forget that there are more issues than just the purchase price - and these costs include solicitor's fees, stamp duty, conveyancing of the title - and of course council rates.
People on this perilous point of balance only need illness, a job loss or an unexpected expense - such as a major car repair - to tip them into disaster. There is every chance that at next week's meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia may increase interest rates to tamp down inflation - and that foreclosure rate will jump even higher.
Owing one's own home has long been an Australian dream - and we have one of the highest rates of home ownership in the world - but both the financial and emotional loss of a foreclosure can be devastating. Prospective buyers are urged to beware the advertisements offering easy money and do their homework before signing on the dotted line !
Rigorous conditions applied. Applicants were required to have at least a twenty percent deposit, provide pay slips or other evidence to establish the ability to service the loan - and the maximum term was twenty five years.
Coupled with the dramatic increase in home prices in recent times has been the emergence of what are termed " non-conforming lenders ". These institutions tend to serve those rejected by the traditional lenders and in most cases offer loans for one hundred percent of the house price. In such cases the applicant has no deposit and because of the increased risk to the lender - probably pays a higher rate of interest than loans offered by the banks.
Non-Conforming lenders are a risk operation for those seeking higher interest rates for deposited money. Because they lend to the low end of the market they are the quickest to foreclose when a loan goes into default - reaching a deficit gap of thirty days on payments due.
Unfortunately many people are desperate to get on the home ownership ladder and for some the only way to do this is to take a one hundred percent loan - and hope for the best! They tend to forget that there are more issues than just the purchase price - and these costs include solicitor's fees, stamp duty, conveyancing of the title - and of course council rates.
People on this perilous point of balance only need illness, a job loss or an unexpected expense - such as a major car repair - to tip them into disaster. There is every chance that at next week's meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia may increase interest rates to tamp down inflation - and that foreclosure rate will jump even higher.
Owing one's own home has long been an Australian dream - and we have one of the highest rates of home ownership in the world - but both the financial and emotional loss of a foreclosure can be devastating. Prospective buyers are urged to beware the advertisements offering easy money and do their homework before signing on the dotted line !
Sunday 15 April 2007
Enigma.
What has the western world learned from the war in Iraq ?
The enigma of the Middle East is probably best expressed in an ancient story told by wise men.
One day a frog and a scorpion found themselves stranded on the far bank of the Tigris river. Traditional enemies - they grudgingly worked out a plan to solve their problem.
" I could carry you across on my back " the frog said. " But we are enemies and you might attack me with your sting ". " Why would I do that ? " the scorpion answered. " If I were to sting you we would both drown because you would die ! "
Satisfied, the scorpion jumped on the frogs back and they started the crossing. Halfway across, the scorpion suddenly plunged it's weapon into the frog's back - and they both drowned.
What is the moral of this story ? There isn't one ! That is the enigma of the Middle East.
Transpose that to the present situation. Iraq was ruled by a vicious dictator. The dictator favoured the minority Sunni Arabs who persecuted the majority Sh'ites. The United States believed the dictator was amassing weapons that would endanger world peace and decided to invade and give democracy - and freedom - to the Iraqi people.
The moment the dictator was gone the Iraqi people turned to fight their deliverer and one another. Like the frog and the scorpion - there is no reason for the fighting in a country rich with oil which could deliver a high standard of living to all it's citizens.
What does the future hold for Iraq ? Probably a return to tyranny. The Americans and their allies expected the Iraqi people to be grateful. In due course they will leave - disappointed - and from the fighting masses a new master will eventually emerge and rule the country with an iron hand.
Like the frog and the scorpion - the people of Iraq seem doomed by a common need to fight each other. Surrounded by wealth, history will record them as living by choice in perpetual poverty !
The enigma of the Middle East is probably best expressed in an ancient story told by wise men.
One day a frog and a scorpion found themselves stranded on the far bank of the Tigris river. Traditional enemies - they grudgingly worked out a plan to solve their problem.
" I could carry you across on my back " the frog said. " But we are enemies and you might attack me with your sting ". " Why would I do that ? " the scorpion answered. " If I were to sting you we would both drown because you would die ! "
Satisfied, the scorpion jumped on the frogs back and they started the crossing. Halfway across, the scorpion suddenly plunged it's weapon into the frog's back - and they both drowned.
What is the moral of this story ? There isn't one ! That is the enigma of the Middle East.
Transpose that to the present situation. Iraq was ruled by a vicious dictator. The dictator favoured the minority Sunni Arabs who persecuted the majority Sh'ites. The United States believed the dictator was amassing weapons that would endanger world peace and decided to invade and give democracy - and freedom - to the Iraqi people.
The moment the dictator was gone the Iraqi people turned to fight their deliverer and one another. Like the frog and the scorpion - there is no reason for the fighting in a country rich with oil which could deliver a high standard of living to all it's citizens.
What does the future hold for Iraq ? Probably a return to tyranny. The Americans and their allies expected the Iraqi people to be grateful. In due course they will leave - disappointed - and from the fighting masses a new master will eventually emerge and rule the country with an iron hand.
Like the frog and the scorpion - the people of Iraq seem doomed by a common need to fight each other. Surrounded by wealth, history will record them as living by choice in perpetual poverty !
Saturday 14 April 2007
The coming insurance crunch !
The debate on global warming has not been lost on the insurance industry. Weather severity will impact on claims and the industry is now having a long, hard look at what it proposes to offer in the future - and at what price !
The pundits predict that we can expect everything from Tsunamis to storm surges to impact on coastal communities. The only thing uncertain is how far inland they will penetrate - and how long before it is likely to happen.
It is almost certain that the insurance industry will opt for safety and withdraw cover for certain events. Future policies may not provide protection from flooding caused by Tsunamis or storm surges, nor roof damage from hail or cyclonic winds. In effect, insurance may retreat to protection from fire and burglary loss in areas expected to be affected by global warming.
At the same time councils will be under pressure from residents of coastal suburbs to provide protection from coming events. There will be demand for beach erosion to be stabilized by rock barriers, particularly where high rise is involved and huge amounts of money is invested in towering home units. As a result, rates are sure to rise substantially in seaside suburbs.
The other uncertainty is how buyers will react. We all love to live near a beach and enjoy the temperate climate offered by proximity to the sea. For that reason, the nearer to the water the higher price of property, but global warming is introducing a new factor. Somewhere later during this century many of those seaside areas may be untenable - and some may be under water. The question is - Will people now turn their back on seaside living ? Or will they pin their hopes on barrier control of rising waters and the chance that the worst of global warming may not happen ?
Few would expect to see the bottom drop out of home prices in affected areas, but it is a certainty that there will be changes in insurance policies and that prices for both insurance and council protection will rise.
Just as rising fuel prices did not drive cars off the road, rising costs will not stop people wanting to live in desirable suburbs. It seems to be a fact of life that we refuse to change our habits - even when events hit us in the hip pocket !
The pundits predict that we can expect everything from Tsunamis to storm surges to impact on coastal communities. The only thing uncertain is how far inland they will penetrate - and how long before it is likely to happen.
It is almost certain that the insurance industry will opt for safety and withdraw cover for certain events. Future policies may not provide protection from flooding caused by Tsunamis or storm surges, nor roof damage from hail or cyclonic winds. In effect, insurance may retreat to protection from fire and burglary loss in areas expected to be affected by global warming.
At the same time councils will be under pressure from residents of coastal suburbs to provide protection from coming events. There will be demand for beach erosion to be stabilized by rock barriers, particularly where high rise is involved and huge amounts of money is invested in towering home units. As a result, rates are sure to rise substantially in seaside suburbs.
The other uncertainty is how buyers will react. We all love to live near a beach and enjoy the temperate climate offered by proximity to the sea. For that reason, the nearer to the water the higher price of property, but global warming is introducing a new factor. Somewhere later during this century many of those seaside areas may be untenable - and some may be under water. The question is - Will people now turn their back on seaside living ? Or will they pin their hopes on barrier control of rising waters and the chance that the worst of global warming may not happen ?
Few would expect to see the bottom drop out of home prices in affected areas, but it is a certainty that there will be changes in insurance policies and that prices for both insurance and council protection will rise.
Just as rising fuel prices did not drive cars off the road, rising costs will not stop people wanting to live in desirable suburbs. It seems to be a fact of life that we refuse to change our habits - even when events hit us in the hip pocket !
Friday 13 April 2007
Air-Sea rescue battle.
A battle has raged between the Australian Aerial Patrol ( AAP ) based at Wollongong airport and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority ( AMSA ) over control of the only Forward Looking Infra-red Camera ( FLIR )in this state.
The FLIR is invaluable in locating mariners and craft in distress in the dark and is currently fitted to the AAP's twin engine Piper Chieftain. The AMSA wants it removed and fitted to a Sydney based rescue helicopter.
This is where the two points of view diverge. The AMSA claims that fitted to a helicopter it serves two purposes - locating those in distress in the water - and rescuing them. AAP agrees with that view but points out that the range of a helicopter is much less than a fixed wing aircraft. The AMSA counters that other fixed wing aircraft with FLIR can be called in for offshore work where the range of a helicopter is insufficient.
AAP trumps that argument by arguing that the only other aircraft with FLIR equipment are both two hours flying time from the Sydney coastline. As such, a rescue delay would be crucial.
The dispute has degenerated into a political battle with the only hope of the AAP retaining a FLIR is if the state government injects funds to keep it in it's present role.
Common sense would indicate that both options are needed if the NSW coastline is to have an adequate search and rescue service. A two hour delay to commence deep offshore searches is beyond comprehension. A FLIR is a valuable tool that can not only be used in sea searches, but also to recover those lost in the snow or on mountains. It would not be too much to ask that funds - both state and Federal - be made available to provide units on both a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter.
The FLIR is invaluable in locating mariners and craft in distress in the dark and is currently fitted to the AAP's twin engine Piper Chieftain. The AMSA wants it removed and fitted to a Sydney based rescue helicopter.
This is where the two points of view diverge. The AMSA claims that fitted to a helicopter it serves two purposes - locating those in distress in the water - and rescuing them. AAP agrees with that view but points out that the range of a helicopter is much less than a fixed wing aircraft. The AMSA counters that other fixed wing aircraft with FLIR can be called in for offshore work where the range of a helicopter is insufficient.
AAP trumps that argument by arguing that the only other aircraft with FLIR equipment are both two hours flying time from the Sydney coastline. As such, a rescue delay would be crucial.
The dispute has degenerated into a political battle with the only hope of the AAP retaining a FLIR is if the state government injects funds to keep it in it's present role.
Common sense would indicate that both options are needed if the NSW coastline is to have an adequate search and rescue service. A two hour delay to commence deep offshore searches is beyond comprehension. A FLIR is a valuable tool that can not only be used in sea searches, but also to recover those lost in the snow or on mountains. It would not be too much to ask that funds - both state and Federal - be made available to provide units on both a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter.
Thursday 12 April 2007
Against the grain !
Fresh from a victory in last month's state election the Iemma government has felt safe to go against the grain and dump the usual protocols when appointing a new Director General of Education.
The appointee - Michael Coutts-Trotter - has no education experience. More to the point, he served two years and nine months as a convicted criminal when aged nineteen - and admits that he was guilty of being both a drug user and drug seller. What this man has to offer education is anyone's guess.
The appointment tends to rub a raw nerve for many people who have had a run in with the law and gained a conviction early in their life. A criminal record precludes them from any job in the public service - and that includes being a member of the armed services, a police officer - or even a postman ! Once on the record books that conviction is there for life.
Strangely, had the new Director General wanted to become a teacher that conviction would have slammed the door opportunity in his face.
So why did the Iemma government pick him for this well paid job ? There is no clear answer - except the strange fact that he is the husband of prominent Federal Labor front bencher Tanya Plibersek. Obviously there will be claims of " jobs for the boys " and some will conclude that the salary of a Federal member of parliament is not enough to fund the lifestyle of this family - but for others who have a minor criminal record and are refused a job of their choice because of it - it will be a case of " do as we say - not as we do ! "
The appointee - Michael Coutts-Trotter - has no education experience. More to the point, he served two years and nine months as a convicted criminal when aged nineteen - and admits that he was guilty of being both a drug user and drug seller. What this man has to offer education is anyone's guess.
The appointment tends to rub a raw nerve for many people who have had a run in with the law and gained a conviction early in their life. A criminal record precludes them from any job in the public service - and that includes being a member of the armed services, a police officer - or even a postman ! Once on the record books that conviction is there for life.
Strangely, had the new Director General wanted to become a teacher that conviction would have slammed the door opportunity in his face.
So why did the Iemma government pick him for this well paid job ? There is no clear answer - except the strange fact that he is the husband of prominent Federal Labor front bencher Tanya Plibersek. Obviously there will be claims of " jobs for the boys " and some will conclude that the salary of a Federal member of parliament is not enough to fund the lifestyle of this family - but for others who have a minor criminal record and are refused a job of their choice because of it - it will be a case of " do as we say - not as we do ! "
Wednesday 11 April 2007
Unsightly rubbish.
What strange people we humans are. This morning our local paper had a lead story deploring the amount of rubbish left kerbside in Carter's Lane, Towradgi for the council's annual pickup of unwanted items.
The story contained complaints from residents and owners of businesses who reported that this rubbish had been kerbside for weeks and was being scattered and picked through by scavengers. The inference was that council or it's contractor was not doing the job.
There is another side to this story. Wollongong council distributes a brochure to every home in this city with maps setting out the pickup areas - and pickup dates clearly shown.
Towradgi - north of Dixon street - which contains Carter's Lane is scheduled for pickup between April 10 and 27.
Hence the problem can be sheeted home to residents who don't bother to read the brochure. Once someone puts rubbish kerbside the rest follow like sheep, with the result that each suburb resembles the city rubbish tip for weeks before the cleanup is due.
We continue to do this at our peril. Once the kerbside pickup of unwanted items was a monthly affair - which diminished to twice yearly - and is now annual. It is obviously a cost to council hence if residents continue to abuse the privilege and complain about the city appearance because of their sloth - it does not take Nostradamus to predict what follows next !
The story contained complaints from residents and owners of businesses who reported that this rubbish had been kerbside for weeks and was being scattered and picked through by scavengers. The inference was that council or it's contractor was not doing the job.
There is another side to this story. Wollongong council distributes a brochure to every home in this city with maps setting out the pickup areas - and pickup dates clearly shown.
Towradgi - north of Dixon street - which contains Carter's Lane is scheduled for pickup between April 10 and 27.
Hence the problem can be sheeted home to residents who don't bother to read the brochure. Once someone puts rubbish kerbside the rest follow like sheep, with the result that each suburb resembles the city rubbish tip for weeks before the cleanup is due.
We continue to do this at our peril. Once the kerbside pickup of unwanted items was a monthly affair - which diminished to twice yearly - and is now annual. It is obviously a cost to council hence if residents continue to abuse the privilege and complain about the city appearance because of their sloth - it does not take Nostradamus to predict what follows next !
Tuesday 10 April 2007
The sex industry.
Once again battle is joined between reality and religion when it comes to the sex industry. Every city has a red light district - whether it wants it or not - and for Wollongong that is Port Kembla.
This suburb used to be a thriving, industrial area but the retreat of manufacturing and the establishment of a huge shopping complex nearby doomed Port Kembla to become a suburb of boarded up shops and hard scrabble residents.
Nor surprisingly, it became the centre of this regions sex industry.
Now a proposal is before Wollongong council to legalise a " safe house " for sex industry workers. This has operated illegally for years, but prostitution is legal in this state and brothels are allowed subject to certain restrictions on proximity to churches, schools and dwellings.
What is unusual is that this " safe house " is not a conventional brothel with in-house workers under the direction of a " madam ". It is a clean facility where sex workers can take their clients and pay $ 11 an hour for a room in which to conduct their trade.
The proposal to formalise what has been going on for years has enraged shopkeepers and residents - the very same people who have been bitterly complaining about picking up used condoms outside their premises and the sight of sexual activity offending them in parks and on beaches. The outrage seems to have a religious base - so many people quote the bible in their demand that somehow sex be outlawed and banished.
The only attitude that has a hope of reality is " get real " ! Sex is here to stay - and has been since the days when the pyramids were being built. It is better to have a safe, controlled industry from both the communities point of view - and for the wellbeing of those in the industry.
This suburb used to be a thriving, industrial area but the retreat of manufacturing and the establishment of a huge shopping complex nearby doomed Port Kembla to become a suburb of boarded up shops and hard scrabble residents.
Nor surprisingly, it became the centre of this regions sex industry.
Now a proposal is before Wollongong council to legalise a " safe house " for sex industry workers. This has operated illegally for years, but prostitution is legal in this state and brothels are allowed subject to certain restrictions on proximity to churches, schools and dwellings.
What is unusual is that this " safe house " is not a conventional brothel with in-house workers under the direction of a " madam ". It is a clean facility where sex workers can take their clients and pay $ 11 an hour for a room in which to conduct their trade.
The proposal to formalise what has been going on for years has enraged shopkeepers and residents - the very same people who have been bitterly complaining about picking up used condoms outside their premises and the sight of sexual activity offending them in parks and on beaches. The outrage seems to have a religious base - so many people quote the bible in their demand that somehow sex be outlawed and banished.
The only attitude that has a hope of reality is " get real " ! Sex is here to stay - and has been since the days when the pyramids were being built. It is better to have a safe, controlled industry from both the communities point of view - and for the wellbeing of those in the industry.
Monday 9 April 2007
Clean coal - fact or myth ?
The urgency of global warming has put pressure on our energy supply but whatever decisions finally emerge will take decades to implement. If the nation decides to go with renewable energy - wind farms, wave power and solar - huge investment over many years will be required to bring them to fruition - and then only as part of the power grid. At this stage, none of these alternatives will be capable of delivering sustainable peak load.
Nuclear is another option. The public is spooked by the fear of accidents and the nuclear waste problem, but so far the anti-nuke lobby has chosen to ignore the fact that some countries - France and Japan included - source most of their power from nuclear reactors - and have done so safely for decades.
So that leaves the present source of energy - coal - as the way we will generate electricity for at least the next decade or so. The coal industry is desperate to gain public support and this is understandable, considering the huge number of jobs involved in coal mining and the incredible amount of money invested in coal mines and their distribution systems.
The promise of clean coal has been raised by supporters, but in fact this is a myth that defies science. When coal is burned to produce energy it requires oxygen and produces carbon dioxide. It is this carbon dioxide that is causing the imbalance that results in global warming.
It is possible to burn coal and remove the resulting carbon dioxide by a process called sequestration. This is a technology not so far perfected, but the main idea is to take the carbon dioxide and house it in suitable rock formations such as worked out oil or gas fields where it can be stored for thousands of years.
Even if this process is perfected quickly the costs will be enormous. Plant will need to be designed and built to scrub Co2 at the point of burning and that will have to be stored in some kind of transport system to be taken to locations where it can be stored. It is a fact that worked out oil and gas fields are usually a long way from power producing stations.
The one inevitable outcome of what is referred to as " clean coal " is a huge increase in cost - and that means a super hike in electricity prices - possibly existing rates jumping by several hundred percent over a short period of time.
If we save the planet we will have to alter our lifestyles. The era of cheap electricity is over and we will now need to give thought to all those labour saving devices - from electric ovens and hot water systems, to television sets and computers that we take for granted. They will cost a lot more to run - and for some they will no longer be affordable.
We would do well to pay attention to the debate on how to save the planet - because whatever decisions are finally made one inescapable fact is that they will hit all of us in the back pocket !
Nuclear is another option. The public is spooked by the fear of accidents and the nuclear waste problem, but so far the anti-nuke lobby has chosen to ignore the fact that some countries - France and Japan included - source most of their power from nuclear reactors - and have done so safely for decades.
So that leaves the present source of energy - coal - as the way we will generate electricity for at least the next decade or so. The coal industry is desperate to gain public support and this is understandable, considering the huge number of jobs involved in coal mining and the incredible amount of money invested in coal mines and their distribution systems.
The promise of clean coal has been raised by supporters, but in fact this is a myth that defies science. When coal is burned to produce energy it requires oxygen and produces carbon dioxide. It is this carbon dioxide that is causing the imbalance that results in global warming.
It is possible to burn coal and remove the resulting carbon dioxide by a process called sequestration. This is a technology not so far perfected, but the main idea is to take the carbon dioxide and house it in suitable rock formations such as worked out oil or gas fields where it can be stored for thousands of years.
Even if this process is perfected quickly the costs will be enormous. Plant will need to be designed and built to scrub Co2 at the point of burning and that will have to be stored in some kind of transport system to be taken to locations where it can be stored. It is a fact that worked out oil and gas fields are usually a long way from power producing stations.
The one inevitable outcome of what is referred to as " clean coal " is a huge increase in cost - and that means a super hike in electricity prices - possibly existing rates jumping by several hundred percent over a short period of time.
If we save the planet we will have to alter our lifestyles. The era of cheap electricity is over and we will now need to give thought to all those labour saving devices - from electric ovens and hot water systems, to television sets and computers that we take for granted. They will cost a lot more to run - and for some they will no longer be affordable.
We would do well to pay attention to the debate on how to save the planet - because whatever decisions are finally made one inescapable fact is that they will hit all of us in the back pocket !
Sunday 8 April 2007
The fall of a Mufti !
The vast majority of Australians have no idea how the hierarchy of Islam works. They assume that when " the Mufti " speaks he is the official spokesman of that religion, much as the Pope represents Catholicism and the Archbishop of Canterbury heads the Church of England.
There is no formal line of command in the Islamic world. Anyone can preach - and if they command sufficient audiences - they are leaders and can assume various titles - Imams or event Mufti.
Unfortunately the man bearing the Mufti title here - Sheik Al Hilaly - happens to be a person with strong anti-Australian feelings who seems to favour the dogma put forward by extremist Osama bin Laden. He has gone out of his way to deliver spiteful sermons, demonising Australian women for not adopting Islamic attire and claiming that Muslims have more right to Australia than Australian citizens.
Hearing this, many Australians have come to the conclusion that this is the feeling of most Muslims living in this country.
Now moderate Muslims have struck back. Mufti Al Hilaly has been stripped of his title and the Muslim community has ceased to pay his stipend. He has been banned from preaching sermons in the Lakemba mosque.
In a surprise move, Al Hilaly has tried to register the term " Mufti " as his personal property, a move rejected by the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils ( AFIC ) who compare it to Fred Nile trying to register the title of " Cardinal ".
The downfall of Al Hilaly will do much to clear the air and make it clear to most Australians that the great majority of Muslims living here do not share his views and wish to live in peace - happily under Australian law.
Few would want to live under Sharia law, which imposes amputation for theft and condones a verdict of stoning to death for women convicted of adultery. In it's extreme form it bans music, television, make-up and anything but the most enveloping of attire.
Al Hilaly may continue to make his views known and they will be reported by the media, but Australians will now know that they represent only the band of extremists who form part of his cult - and they have been rejected by the wider Muslim community.
Sanity is now prevailing - and the mischief that this deceitful man has been practising in the name of his religion has been exposed. The Muslim community will be applauded for finding it's voice and casting out a leader who sought to build a wall between moderate Muslims and the rest of Australia !
There is no formal line of command in the Islamic world. Anyone can preach - and if they command sufficient audiences - they are leaders and can assume various titles - Imams or event Mufti.
Unfortunately the man bearing the Mufti title here - Sheik Al Hilaly - happens to be a person with strong anti-Australian feelings who seems to favour the dogma put forward by extremist Osama bin Laden. He has gone out of his way to deliver spiteful sermons, demonising Australian women for not adopting Islamic attire and claiming that Muslims have more right to Australia than Australian citizens.
Hearing this, many Australians have come to the conclusion that this is the feeling of most Muslims living in this country.
Now moderate Muslims have struck back. Mufti Al Hilaly has been stripped of his title and the Muslim community has ceased to pay his stipend. He has been banned from preaching sermons in the Lakemba mosque.
In a surprise move, Al Hilaly has tried to register the term " Mufti " as his personal property, a move rejected by the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils ( AFIC ) who compare it to Fred Nile trying to register the title of " Cardinal ".
The downfall of Al Hilaly will do much to clear the air and make it clear to most Australians that the great majority of Muslims living here do not share his views and wish to live in peace - happily under Australian law.
Few would want to live under Sharia law, which imposes amputation for theft and condones a verdict of stoning to death for women convicted of adultery. In it's extreme form it bans music, television, make-up and anything but the most enveloping of attire.
Al Hilaly may continue to make his views known and they will be reported by the media, but Australians will now know that they represent only the band of extremists who form part of his cult - and they have been rejected by the wider Muslim community.
Sanity is now prevailing - and the mischief that this deceitful man has been practising in the name of his religion has been exposed. The Muslim community will be applauded for finding it's voice and casting out a leader who sought to build a wall between moderate Muslims and the rest of Australia !
Saturday 7 April 2007
Towards an acceptable commuter system.
Now that the state election is over both sides of politics have four years to plan an acceptable way to convey commuters who live in the Illawarra and work in Sydney. The present government pins it's hopes on OSCARS - outer suburban rail carriages - which contain toilets !
Unfortunately, whilst these will be a welcome improvement on the present deplorable rolling stock their provision ignores two basic factors that make it impossible for an acceptable commuter service to be achieved.
The first factor is the nature of the rail line. This was built with horse and cart, pick and shovel labour way back in the steam age. It's twists and turns forever preclude any hope of a high speed service.
The other factor is that this relic of bygone years has to share commuter traffic with a growing freight service. The two are simply not compatible.
Present thinking is that the only way to improve speed is to construct a tunnel from Thirroul to Waterfall. This has been set aside as too costly - so we are back to square one.
Lets forget that tunnel and have a fresh look at the situation. From Bulli tops the land is relatively flat all the way from Maddens Plains to Waterfall. Perhaps the answer is to think of a light rail service from various parts of Wollongong and Shellharbour to Bulli Tops - which would then connect with a new rail line to Waterfall.
This light rail innovation would need to accommodate a climb from sea level at Bulli to a height of fifteen hundred feet at Bulli Tops. That sounds difficult, but the technology exists - and has existed for decades - to allow rail to surmount difficult grades. Such a " cog system " is used on the west coast of Tasmania to cart ore over grades that were once considered impossible.
Basically, the answer to the Illawarra problem is a split system. Light rail to assemble commuters from the various Illawarra suburbs - and get them to the top of the escarpment to join the existing rail service by a new spur line from Waterfall to Bulli Tops - which would be much cheaper than the tunnel idea.
A by-product of such a system would be freeing up the existing rail line to allow cars from the new facility at Port Kembla and other freight to be moved by rail rather than clog our road system.
What we badly need are politicians with both imagination and the will to make things happen. Hopefully this session of parliament may blow the winds of change through both houses of parliament !
Unfortunately, whilst these will be a welcome improvement on the present deplorable rolling stock their provision ignores two basic factors that make it impossible for an acceptable commuter service to be achieved.
The first factor is the nature of the rail line. This was built with horse and cart, pick and shovel labour way back in the steam age. It's twists and turns forever preclude any hope of a high speed service.
The other factor is that this relic of bygone years has to share commuter traffic with a growing freight service. The two are simply not compatible.
Present thinking is that the only way to improve speed is to construct a tunnel from Thirroul to Waterfall. This has been set aside as too costly - so we are back to square one.
Lets forget that tunnel and have a fresh look at the situation. From Bulli tops the land is relatively flat all the way from Maddens Plains to Waterfall. Perhaps the answer is to think of a light rail service from various parts of Wollongong and Shellharbour to Bulli Tops - which would then connect with a new rail line to Waterfall.
This light rail innovation would need to accommodate a climb from sea level at Bulli to a height of fifteen hundred feet at Bulli Tops. That sounds difficult, but the technology exists - and has existed for decades - to allow rail to surmount difficult grades. Such a " cog system " is used on the west coast of Tasmania to cart ore over grades that were once considered impossible.
Basically, the answer to the Illawarra problem is a split system. Light rail to assemble commuters from the various Illawarra suburbs - and get them to the top of the escarpment to join the existing rail service by a new spur line from Waterfall to Bulli Tops - which would be much cheaper than the tunnel idea.
A by-product of such a system would be freeing up the existing rail line to allow cars from the new facility at Port Kembla and other freight to be moved by rail rather than clog our road system.
What we badly need are politicians with both imagination and the will to make things happen. Hopefully this session of parliament may blow the winds of change through both houses of parliament !
Friday 6 April 2007
The ultimate betrayal !
Two men - one a serving officer and the other an ex-officer of the Australian Defence Forces are being held without bail, charged with stealing ten M 72 rocket launchers from the Australian defence arsenal. These charges allege that the weapons were sold to a criminal of Lebanese background who later onsold them to a terrorist cell operating in this country.
One rocket launcher has been recovered with the remainder still in the hands of terrorists. It is suspected that the weapons have been sealed in plastic piping and buried against the time they will be used in a terror strike.
Understandably, the security forces are concerned that this strike may be against a gathering of world leaders to be held in Sydney this September. The rocket launchers are formidable weapons, quite capable of downing an aircraft on final approaches to Sydney airport or destroying an armoured vehicle used to protect foreign dignitaries.
The fact that these weapons were stolen and sold to this country's enemies by members of the defence force is the ultimate betrayal - and these men sold out their country cheaply. It is reported that they handed the weapons to criminals for as little as $ 5,000 a launcher.
The theft - and the danger it imposes - raises the question of what punishment should be awarded. This country is at war, whether that war is declared or undeclared. The forces of Osama bin Laden have made it quite clear that they intend where possible to launch attacks on Australian citizens and Australian targets with the intention of overthrowing the government and declaring Australia an Islamic state subject to Sharia law.
In war a traitor faces execution. These men are traitors and the damage they have done to Australian security deserves the ultimate punishment.
Australia has seen fit to repeal the death penalty as it applies to civil crime such as murder, but what these men have done makes murder pale into insignificance. If it takes a referendum, then so be it - but few would dispute that the crime of endangering the nation should attract the ultimate punishment !
One rocket launcher has been recovered with the remainder still in the hands of terrorists. It is suspected that the weapons have been sealed in plastic piping and buried against the time they will be used in a terror strike.
Understandably, the security forces are concerned that this strike may be against a gathering of world leaders to be held in Sydney this September. The rocket launchers are formidable weapons, quite capable of downing an aircraft on final approaches to Sydney airport or destroying an armoured vehicle used to protect foreign dignitaries.
The fact that these weapons were stolen and sold to this country's enemies by members of the defence force is the ultimate betrayal - and these men sold out their country cheaply. It is reported that they handed the weapons to criminals for as little as $ 5,000 a launcher.
The theft - and the danger it imposes - raises the question of what punishment should be awarded. This country is at war, whether that war is declared or undeclared. The forces of Osama bin Laden have made it quite clear that they intend where possible to launch attacks on Australian citizens and Australian targets with the intention of overthrowing the government and declaring Australia an Islamic state subject to Sharia law.
In war a traitor faces execution. These men are traitors and the damage they have done to Australian security deserves the ultimate punishment.
Australia has seen fit to repeal the death penalty as it applies to civil crime such as murder, but what these men have done makes murder pale into insignificance. If it takes a referendum, then so be it - but few would dispute that the crime of endangering the nation should attract the ultimate punishment !
Thursday 5 April 2007
Hike in electricity pricing.
Less than a month after a state election the New South Wales government has announced that there will be a sharp rise in electricity prices. Consumers have long been aware that power generation has been falling short of demand but one of the things this announcement highlights is the attitude that socialist governments apply to small business.
Mum and Dad consumers will be hit with an increase of about $ 100 a year - but small business will have to cope with an increase of $ 1000 a year.
Why is this so ? Because in the eyes of government anyone running their own business is filthy rich - and socialist policy is " to soak the rich ".
It doesn't stop at power. Householders pay a very different charge for water. A small business with just a toilet and a sink at which to wash hands is forced to pay an astronomical sum as opposed to ordinary home rates.
The sad thing is that these sort of charges are a reason so many start-up small businesses fail. Greedy government hits any sort of business activity with a barrage of charges that are way over the top of reason - and they range from power and water to the numerous " laws " in place to extract money - such as the necessity of registering a business name - for a price !
No wonder we have a rampant " black economy " bubbling away under the surface. When a government resorts to banditry the Robin Hoods of this world take up arms against the Sheriff of Nottingham - and given our convict heritage we have become very good at evading unjust laws !
Mum and Dad consumers will be hit with an increase of about $ 100 a year - but small business will have to cope with an increase of $ 1000 a year.
Why is this so ? Because in the eyes of government anyone running their own business is filthy rich - and socialist policy is " to soak the rich ".
It doesn't stop at power. Householders pay a very different charge for water. A small business with just a toilet and a sink at which to wash hands is forced to pay an astronomical sum as opposed to ordinary home rates.
The sad thing is that these sort of charges are a reason so many start-up small businesses fail. Greedy government hits any sort of business activity with a barrage of charges that are way over the top of reason - and they range from power and water to the numerous " laws " in place to extract money - such as the necessity of registering a business name - for a price !
No wonder we have a rampant " black economy " bubbling away under the surface. When a government resorts to banditry the Robin Hoods of this world take up arms against the Sheriff of Nottingham - and given our convict heritage we have become very good at evading unjust laws !
Wednesday 4 April 2007
A crucial transport decision.
Wollongong - the seventh largest city in Australia - has a problem. The heart of the city was decaying and new shopping centres in the southern suburbs were expanding. In an attempt to rejuvenate the city centre it was turned into a pedestrian friendly mall decades ago. Unfortunately this was less than successful. One of the problems was access. Shoppers complain that parking is scarce - and after hours the mall degenerated into a no-go area of hoodlums and drug pushers.
Now there are proposals to open the mall at night to slow, one way vehicular traffic.Public opinion polls are decidedly against this idea, but council is desperately looking for a solution to the mall problems and seems to favour the idea. The cost of implementing such a traffic flow is estimated at twenty million dollars.
Now there is a new proposal. This idea is to run a tram from the hospital at the top of Crown street down through the mall to the beach precinct and then to north Wollongong's Northbeach hotel - where there is land available for a large commuter carpark.
This seems to solve several problems. Another of Wollongong's problems is lack of parking near the hospital. A tram that could deliver visitors and patients from a remote car parking area should be popular and the idea of a tram has obvious tourist potential.
Wollongong council should proceed with caution. It states that the city's disintegrating road system needs an injection of thirteen million dollars to be brought up to date. Instead of spending twenty million allowing car traffic through the mall it might be a good idea to test the tram idea by providing a feeder bus service from north Wollongong to the hospital. This could be done by leaving the mall as it is and routing the bus around it - dropping and picking up passengers at either end of the closed mall section. Motorists would appreciate part of that twenty million dollars so saved being spent to bring our streets to an acceptable standard.
The tram sounds like a good idea - but before huge sums are spent it would be possible to test the concept for very little money - and no costly alterations to the mall. So far this proposal has not been put to the city residents. It should be fully investigated before any firm decision is made !
Now there are proposals to open the mall at night to slow, one way vehicular traffic.Public opinion polls are decidedly against this idea, but council is desperately looking for a solution to the mall problems and seems to favour the idea. The cost of implementing such a traffic flow is estimated at twenty million dollars.
Now there is a new proposal. This idea is to run a tram from the hospital at the top of Crown street down through the mall to the beach precinct and then to north Wollongong's Northbeach hotel - where there is land available for a large commuter carpark.
This seems to solve several problems. Another of Wollongong's problems is lack of parking near the hospital. A tram that could deliver visitors and patients from a remote car parking area should be popular and the idea of a tram has obvious tourist potential.
Wollongong council should proceed with caution. It states that the city's disintegrating road system needs an injection of thirteen million dollars to be brought up to date. Instead of spending twenty million allowing car traffic through the mall it might be a good idea to test the tram idea by providing a feeder bus service from north Wollongong to the hospital. This could be done by leaving the mall as it is and routing the bus around it - dropping and picking up passengers at either end of the closed mall section. Motorists would appreciate part of that twenty million dollars so saved being spent to bring our streets to an acceptable standard.
The tram sounds like a good idea - but before huge sums are spent it would be possible to test the concept for very little money - and no costly alterations to the mall. So far this proposal has not been put to the city residents. It should be fully investigated before any firm decision is made !
Tuesday 3 April 2007
Retirement uncertainty.
Retirement should be a joyous time for most Australians. Gone are the days of having to frugally exist on the pension. A form of superannuation for all has been in place now for many years and on each pay day the employer is responsible for paying a wage percentage into a retirement account for each employee. As a result, everyone can expect to retire with a nest egg to supplement the pension.
That is the scenario that is supposed to happen. Reality is somewhat different.
We repeatedly hear of firms that close their doors and go into liquidation owing employees thousands in unpaid entitlements - including holiday pay, overtime,long service leave - and money that should have been paid into superannuation. Not meeting superannuation requirements is a criminal offence, but even if the employer faces gaol time it is little consolation to those who face their retirement years in penury.
From time to time politicians promise to tighten up the system, but then so many superannuation schemes revolve around the financing of the employer and to require that money be quarantined from working capital could send the company to the wall. As a result, promises of reform have been all talk and no action.
Now a new group of people have reason to face uncertainty. Public servants usually have the least to fear when it comes to their pension money. The government is rolling in money and as an employer their entitlements seem secure.
Unfortunately that is not so. The crunch will come about 2020 when the balance between years of underfunding and a surge of retirements will see no money in the national retirement account.
This hole has been plugged by what has been called " the Futures fund ". This is a fund where government assets - such as Telstra shares - have been parked against the day they may be liquidated to fund public service retirements.
Kevin Rudd has announced that he is prepared to raid that fund to bring high speed broadband access to the net to 98% of all Australians. He expects this broadband scheme to be profitable and hence the money used will be returned to the fund - but the IT world is one of uncertainty - and should this scheme fail because it is overtaken by newer developments then existing public servants could face the prospect of either a reduced pension or the need to remain in work well past their retirement age.
Many will shudder in horror at the prospect of politicians gambling with their retirement money in a field where angels fear to tread !
That is the scenario that is supposed to happen. Reality is somewhat different.
We repeatedly hear of firms that close their doors and go into liquidation owing employees thousands in unpaid entitlements - including holiday pay, overtime,long service leave - and money that should have been paid into superannuation. Not meeting superannuation requirements is a criminal offence, but even if the employer faces gaol time it is little consolation to those who face their retirement years in penury.
From time to time politicians promise to tighten up the system, but then so many superannuation schemes revolve around the financing of the employer and to require that money be quarantined from working capital could send the company to the wall. As a result, promises of reform have been all talk and no action.
Now a new group of people have reason to face uncertainty. Public servants usually have the least to fear when it comes to their pension money. The government is rolling in money and as an employer their entitlements seem secure.
Unfortunately that is not so. The crunch will come about 2020 when the balance between years of underfunding and a surge of retirements will see no money in the national retirement account.
This hole has been plugged by what has been called " the Futures fund ". This is a fund where government assets - such as Telstra shares - have been parked against the day they may be liquidated to fund public service retirements.
Kevin Rudd has announced that he is prepared to raid that fund to bring high speed broadband access to the net to 98% of all Australians. He expects this broadband scheme to be profitable and hence the money used will be returned to the fund - but the IT world is one of uncertainty - and should this scheme fail because it is overtaken by newer developments then existing public servants could face the prospect of either a reduced pension or the need to remain in work well past their retirement age.
Many will shudder in horror at the prospect of politicians gambling with their retirement money in a field where angels fear to tread !
Monday 2 April 2007
The Tsunami .... that didnt happen !
What a strange day. It was perfect autumn weather - warm with a cloudless blue sky - and yet the beaches of eastern Australia were deserted !
This morning an earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale rocked the sea near the Solomon Islands. An earthquake of that magnitude is huge - and many people remembered the graphic scenes when a Tsunami devastated Indonesia and surrounding countries on Boxing day, 2004 - killing hundreds of thousands of people.
Australia went on Tsunami alert. Beaches were closed. People near the water were advised to move to higher ground. The ferries on Sydney harbour stopped and were replaced by buses - but nothing happened. Not all earthquakes trigger a Tsunami and while this one killed people in the Solomon Islands it produced no killer waves.
Perhaps this was a timely warning - and a dry run for a future event. Our known history for this country is a little over two hundred years and scientists have detected foreshore damage that indicates Australia has been hit by huge Tsunamis in the past. It seems to be a matter of " when " - not " if " until the next one arrives.
Australia is situated some distance from " the ring of fire " which runs through New Zealand, up through New Guinea and then on across Asia. We have no active volcanoes but such monsters are common in the Pacific - and volcanoes have a habit of producing the sort of explosions that trigger Tsunamis.
As a result of the Boxing day, 2004 disaster warning equipment is being installed in the Indian ocean to supplement similar devices in the Pacific. Hopefully, when that inevitable Tsunami of the future strikes we should have sufficient warning to clear the beaches and low lying ground that will be inundated. The important thing is having our citizens treat a Tsunami warning seriously. If nothing else, those TV news pictures from 2004 should ensure that happens !
This morning an earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale rocked the sea near the Solomon Islands. An earthquake of that magnitude is huge - and many people remembered the graphic scenes when a Tsunami devastated Indonesia and surrounding countries on Boxing day, 2004 - killing hundreds of thousands of people.
Australia went on Tsunami alert. Beaches were closed. People near the water were advised to move to higher ground. The ferries on Sydney harbour stopped and were replaced by buses - but nothing happened. Not all earthquakes trigger a Tsunami and while this one killed people in the Solomon Islands it produced no killer waves.
Perhaps this was a timely warning - and a dry run for a future event. Our known history for this country is a little over two hundred years and scientists have detected foreshore damage that indicates Australia has been hit by huge Tsunamis in the past. It seems to be a matter of " when " - not " if " until the next one arrives.
Australia is situated some distance from " the ring of fire " which runs through New Zealand, up through New Guinea and then on across Asia. We have no active volcanoes but such monsters are common in the Pacific - and volcanoes have a habit of producing the sort of explosions that trigger Tsunamis.
As a result of the Boxing day, 2004 disaster warning equipment is being installed in the Indian ocean to supplement similar devices in the Pacific. Hopefully, when that inevitable Tsunami of the future strikes we should have sufficient warning to clear the beaches and low lying ground that will be inundated. The important thing is having our citizens treat a Tsunami warning seriously. If nothing else, those TV news pictures from 2004 should ensure that happens !
Sunday 1 April 2007
The David Hicks enigma !
Many people both here and in America will be astonished at the sentence finally handed down on David Hicks, the Australian captured fighting for the Taliban in Afghanistan over five years ago.
Hicks has been incarcerated in Gitmo for the past five years without charges being laid or being presented to a court. This conflicts with both the American and the Australian notions of justice, but detainees in the war against the cohorts of Osama bin Laden are deemed outside normal procedures and exempt from legal rules.
Finally, Hicks was hauled before a military court - whose legality is the subject of question - and in a plea bargain agreed to a guilty plea to a charge of " material support of terrorism ".
He was sentenced to a gaol period of nine months - which will be served in an Australian gaol - and will walk free on new year's eve.
This contrasts with the experience of American John Walker Lindh who was captured in precisely the same circumstances. Lindh also accepted plea bargaining - and received a gaol term of twenty years.
Many will question the disparity between the two sentences as a favour from the American top brass to their good friend John Howard who was under increasing pressure from the Australian public over the Hicks affair. Howard was accused of abandoning Hicks to an unfair legal system and refusing to demand his repatriation to Australia to face whatever charges were possible in an Australian court.
That perception will only intensify by the other conditions that accompanied the plea bargaining sentence.
Hicks is forbidden to talk to the media for a period of one year. After that, should he talk to the media he will legally forfeit any money coming to him from any source associated with the charges. In addition, he must agree that he was not mistreated during his incarceration in Gitmo - and agree to not pursue any court action or sue the American government for any reason.
It seems strangely coincidental that the gagging of Hicks runs in parallel with a Federal election in this country later this year. The fact that Hicks will quickly be repatriated will reduce public concern and there is a good chance that the matter will have gone off the boil when electioneering gets under way in a few months time.
The only problem remaining is that justice - as we know it - was not done. A man accused of a crime was denied habeas corpus and spent five years behind bars without a charge being levelled or a day in court. The light sentence handed down does nothing to dispel the notion that justice delayed is justice denied - and that in effect Hicks served a five year sentence before the final outcome !
Hicks has been incarcerated in Gitmo for the past five years without charges being laid or being presented to a court. This conflicts with both the American and the Australian notions of justice, but detainees in the war against the cohorts of Osama bin Laden are deemed outside normal procedures and exempt from legal rules.
Finally, Hicks was hauled before a military court - whose legality is the subject of question - and in a plea bargain agreed to a guilty plea to a charge of " material support of terrorism ".
He was sentenced to a gaol period of nine months - which will be served in an Australian gaol - and will walk free on new year's eve.
This contrasts with the experience of American John Walker Lindh who was captured in precisely the same circumstances. Lindh also accepted plea bargaining - and received a gaol term of twenty years.
Many will question the disparity between the two sentences as a favour from the American top brass to their good friend John Howard who was under increasing pressure from the Australian public over the Hicks affair. Howard was accused of abandoning Hicks to an unfair legal system and refusing to demand his repatriation to Australia to face whatever charges were possible in an Australian court.
That perception will only intensify by the other conditions that accompanied the plea bargaining sentence.
Hicks is forbidden to talk to the media for a period of one year. After that, should he talk to the media he will legally forfeit any money coming to him from any source associated with the charges. In addition, he must agree that he was not mistreated during his incarceration in Gitmo - and agree to not pursue any court action or sue the American government for any reason.
It seems strangely coincidental that the gagging of Hicks runs in parallel with a Federal election in this country later this year. The fact that Hicks will quickly be repatriated will reduce public concern and there is a good chance that the matter will have gone off the boil when electioneering gets under way in a few months time.
The only problem remaining is that justice - as we know it - was not done. A man accused of a crime was denied habeas corpus and spent five years behind bars without a charge being levelled or a day in court. The light sentence handed down does nothing to dispel the notion that justice delayed is justice denied - and that in effect Hicks served a five year sentence before the final outcome !
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