It is easy to understand why New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has proposed legislation to force cigarette sales underground. His government is so on the nose with voters that anything to draw attention away from the mess is welcome.
There is one positive outcome. Few would disagree with legislation to ban adults smoking in cars in which children under sixteen are also passengers.
The proposal to make tobacco invisible in shops is argumentative. Tobacco is a legal product and a lot of people - farmers who grow the plant in Australia - and shopkeepers who derive profit from it's sale - will be inconvenienced.
The plan may marginally decrease smoking but it is unlikely that the absence of the product from display will stop young people taking up the habit. On the contrary - if something is partially banned it will have more attraction to rebellious youth - as is evidenced by their fascination with marijuana.
At least this will be an incremental plan. Tobacco products will fade from sight over four years - if the legislation survives it's passage through parliament in the months ahead. It will gradually disappear under the counter - with a similarity to condoms back in the 1950's - when they were illegal to advertise or display - were a chemist's only product - and had to be specifically asked for under their quaint description as " French Letters ".
This legislation will certainly cause merchants cost and inconvenience - but at least it will allow embattled Premier Iemma to crow that at long last he has managed to to do something that he considers " positive ".
Whether the public will agree is another matter !
Thursday 31 July 2008
Wednesday 30 July 2008
Decision time !
Once again dire warnings are being given on the future funding of local government. Ratepayers are being conditioned to expect massive increases in rates and charges to prevent councils collapsing and civic amenities ceasing.
The third tier of government has been subtly changing over the past five decades. Councils were once described as responsible for " pot holes and rubbish collection " - and not much more.
That is not the case today. Councils have had all sorts of amenities offloaded by both the state and Federal governments. In most cases this added responsibility has not been matched with supporting funds, whilst in other cases bridging funds have been offered for the first few years - and then discontinued.
The time has come for the councils to do more than just draw a line in the sand. The damage has been done - and councils are in debt and with an unsustainable backlog of urgently needed work. The money is simply not there to bring civic amenities up to scratch.
A more aggressive approach is needed. It is time councils simply refused to fund functions that are not their responsibility - and if the two superior levels of government refuse to come to the party with funds - close them down !
Of course the ratepayers will suffer but if councils make it clear that they are simply turning back the responsibilities that have been foisted on them without financial support - then the other levels of government will be saddled with the blame.
Council ratepayers have two choices. Suffer a huge blowout in council rates and charges - or get involved in a fight to make state and Federal governments provide the funds for what have become off loaded social services.
One council can not do this alone. It will require a united front across the spectrum - but for too long councils have been saddled with proving services that are not in their domain.
The time has come for them to deliver a resounding " NO " !
The third tier of government has been subtly changing over the past five decades. Councils were once described as responsible for " pot holes and rubbish collection " - and not much more.
That is not the case today. Councils have had all sorts of amenities offloaded by both the state and Federal governments. In most cases this added responsibility has not been matched with supporting funds, whilst in other cases bridging funds have been offered for the first few years - and then discontinued.
The time has come for the councils to do more than just draw a line in the sand. The damage has been done - and councils are in debt and with an unsustainable backlog of urgently needed work. The money is simply not there to bring civic amenities up to scratch.
A more aggressive approach is needed. It is time councils simply refused to fund functions that are not their responsibility - and if the two superior levels of government refuse to come to the party with funds - close them down !
Of course the ratepayers will suffer but if councils make it clear that they are simply turning back the responsibilities that have been foisted on them without financial support - then the other levels of government will be saddled with the blame.
Council ratepayers have two choices. Suffer a huge blowout in council rates and charges - or get involved in a fight to make state and Federal governments provide the funds for what have become off loaded social services.
One council can not do this alone. It will require a united front across the spectrum - but for too long councils have been saddled with proving services that are not in their domain.
The time has come for them to deliver a resounding " NO " !
Tuesday 29 July 2008
The Sonny Bill Saga !
Without contracts all sports would be a mess. Clubs would not be certain how many players they could muster on any given day - and players could not be certain that there would be a pay cheque at the end of any given week.
The whole concept of contracts is one of mutual obligations. Contracts stipulate how long a person will play for a club or a sport - and in return there are rules the player is obliged to meet - and what amount of remuneration will be received.
Sonny Bill Williams walked away from such a contract, left the country - and it is rumoured that he has changed codes and will play for a foreign club at several times the salary he was receiving here.
There are suggestions of legal action. A contract is a legal document that can be enforced through the courts and the whole sporting spectrum will be watching the outcome with interest.
They need to do so. If Williams gets away with walking out of a binding contract because he can get more money elsewhere then the whole concept of teams of franchised players goes out the window.
This is the time that all sports should stand united. There is no difference between players changing clubs, changing sports or changing codes if it means ignoring a legal contract - and thumbing their nose at the law.
If sport is to survive without the chaos of broken contracts and player's lured by the offer of more money then they must present a united front. No player under contract should be engaged by any other sport unless the club concerned releases the player from the contractual obligation.
The one certain penalty that will ensure compliance is a world life ban, removing the rebel from any hope of further fame or fortune !
The whole concept of contracts is one of mutual obligations. Contracts stipulate how long a person will play for a club or a sport - and in return there are rules the player is obliged to meet - and what amount of remuneration will be received.
Sonny Bill Williams walked away from such a contract, left the country - and it is rumoured that he has changed codes and will play for a foreign club at several times the salary he was receiving here.
There are suggestions of legal action. A contract is a legal document that can be enforced through the courts and the whole sporting spectrum will be watching the outcome with interest.
They need to do so. If Williams gets away with walking out of a binding contract because he can get more money elsewhere then the whole concept of teams of franchised players goes out the window.
This is the time that all sports should stand united. There is no difference between players changing clubs, changing sports or changing codes if it means ignoring a legal contract - and thumbing their nose at the law.
If sport is to survive without the chaos of broken contracts and player's lured by the offer of more money then they must present a united front. No player under contract should be engaged by any other sport unless the club concerned releases the player from the contractual obligation.
The one certain penalty that will ensure compliance is a world life ban, removing the rebel from any hope of further fame or fortune !
Monday 28 July 2008
The new road menace !
Half a century ago car manufacturers started offering radios in their new vehicles. Many people considered this a distraction which would increase road accidents.
Decades later the mobile phone improved communications for the masses, but laws were soon in place to restrict their use while driving. It quickly became apparent that those texting or holding a conversation were more like to crash while their attention was diverted.
Now we have another electronic marvel - the navigation device which uses satellite technology to match the position of the vehicle with a map - and instruct the driver to reach the intended destination.
If talking on a mobile phone is an illegal distraction while driving, how can peeking at a screen or listening to an instructing voice be any different ?
The authorities have been slow to grasp the importance of this new menace. More and more vehicles have satellite navigation fitted as standard equipment - and mass production has reduced the cost to less than four hundred dollars - making them economically available to most people.
It seems that they could become indispensable in our crowded and fast expanding cities but what rules should apply to their use presents a thorny question.
Ideally, they should be used by a navigator accompanying the driver, but if laws are put in place to make this requirement they are likely to be widely ignored.
Despite heavy fines and loss of demerit points drivers persist in texting and talking on mobile phones while driving. Short of a draconian solution - such as having offenders face a firing squad - there seems no alternative to curb the practice - and now a navigational aid will increase the danger !
Decades later the mobile phone improved communications for the masses, but laws were soon in place to restrict their use while driving. It quickly became apparent that those texting or holding a conversation were more like to crash while their attention was diverted.
Now we have another electronic marvel - the navigation device which uses satellite technology to match the position of the vehicle with a map - and instruct the driver to reach the intended destination.
If talking on a mobile phone is an illegal distraction while driving, how can peeking at a screen or listening to an instructing voice be any different ?
The authorities have been slow to grasp the importance of this new menace. More and more vehicles have satellite navigation fitted as standard equipment - and mass production has reduced the cost to less than four hundred dollars - making them economically available to most people.
It seems that they could become indispensable in our crowded and fast expanding cities but what rules should apply to their use presents a thorny question.
Ideally, they should be used by a navigator accompanying the driver, but if laws are put in place to make this requirement they are likely to be widely ignored.
Despite heavy fines and loss of demerit points drivers persist in texting and talking on mobile phones while driving. Short of a draconian solution - such as having offenders face a firing squad - there seems no alternative to curb the practice - and now a navigational aid will increase the danger !
Sunday 27 July 2008
Terror in the sky.
The near catastrophe on a Qantas flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne creates a new problem for air travellers.
One thing only is certain. There was an explosion of some sort in the baggage hold and this blew away part of the outer skin of the aircraft. This allowed the cabin to lose pressure and only the skill of the crew prevented a crash. The fact that the aircraft managed to limp into Manila is a tribute to the training of Qantas pilots.
Investigators will eventually discover the cause of that explosion - and at this stage it is suggested that the emergency oxygen bottles may have malfunctioned.
It has also been suggested that some sort of pressurised container in passenger luggage - deodorant - hair spray - or other cosmetic may have been the cause.
This accident is sure to focus attention on luggage content. Already passengers are severely limited as to what they can have as cabin luggage and it is likely that further restrictions will apply to the bags that are checked to be carried in the aircraft's hold.
We have come a long way from the placid days of air travel - when some passengers were even invited to visit the flight deck. Ever increasing restrictions apply to our movement through the terminal - with some people asked to remove their shoes and all having to pass through metal detectors.
It seems destined to get worse - and some will question whether air travel is worth the hassle.
All this at a time when skyrocketing fuel prices are being matched by similar increases in air fares. Coach holidays to see Australia - and cruising on the deep blue ocean have never been more appealing !
One thing only is certain. There was an explosion of some sort in the baggage hold and this blew away part of the outer skin of the aircraft. This allowed the cabin to lose pressure and only the skill of the crew prevented a crash. The fact that the aircraft managed to limp into Manila is a tribute to the training of Qantas pilots.
Investigators will eventually discover the cause of that explosion - and at this stage it is suggested that the emergency oxygen bottles may have malfunctioned.
It has also been suggested that some sort of pressurised container in passenger luggage - deodorant - hair spray - or other cosmetic may have been the cause.
This accident is sure to focus attention on luggage content. Already passengers are severely limited as to what they can have as cabin luggage and it is likely that further restrictions will apply to the bags that are checked to be carried in the aircraft's hold.
We have come a long way from the placid days of air travel - when some passengers were even invited to visit the flight deck. Ever increasing restrictions apply to our movement through the terminal - with some people asked to remove their shoes and all having to pass through metal detectors.
It seems destined to get worse - and some will question whether air travel is worth the hassle.
All this at a time when skyrocketing fuel prices are being matched by similar increases in air fares. Coach holidays to see Australia - and cruising on the deep blue ocean have never been more appealing !
Saturday 26 July 2008
The ghosts that haunt Serbia !
War criminal Radovan Karadzic has been handed over to the police for extradition to the International Court of Justice in the Hague to be tried for genocide.
It would have been nice if this had been done earlier in the spirit of contrition. It wasn't - and for over a decade the unrepentant citizens of Serbia hid Karadzic - and his fellow murderer General Ratko Mladic - on the pretense that they couldn't find them.
The change of heart had a simple cause - self interest. The world made it clear that Serbia could forget any hope of becoming a member of the European Community ( EU ) until it handed over these criminals for justice.
In all probability Ratko Mladic will be mysteriously " found " in coming months.
This raises the question of whether the Serb people of the former Yugoslavia deserve to rub shoulders with the rest of Europe. During the war of the last decade they exhibited acts of brutality that horrified the rest of the world.
Srebrenica was designated a safe haven by the United Nations, yet the Serbs brushed aside United Nations peacekeepers and starved, tortured - and then murdered thousands of men and boys seeking shelter there - simply because they were Muslims.
This atrocity was not carried out solely by the two sought leaders. Hundreds - perhaps thousands - of Serb citizens acting within the Serb army willingly took part in this genocide - and have no regrets for their actions.
Now - with EU entry refused - they have had a change of heart and are prepared to surrender the people they have shielded as " heroes " . Should people who have willingly taken part in genocide be greeted with open arms by the world community ?
History replies in the affirmative. During the second world war a " civilized " country carried out a similar act of genocide on a greater scale.
The German concentration camps and gas ovens were not manned by the country's leaders. Thousands of members of the armed forces were sent to man those camps and there is evidence that they carried out their duties with relish.
Now - over half a century later - most of them are either dead or very old men, and yet Germany has returned to being a law abiding member of the world body.
The world will embrace Serbia with a degree of reluctance. Hopefully, the passage of time may change attitudes and the Serb's may learn to live peacefully with their neighbours !
It would have been nice if this had been done earlier in the spirit of contrition. It wasn't - and for over a decade the unrepentant citizens of Serbia hid Karadzic - and his fellow murderer General Ratko Mladic - on the pretense that they couldn't find them.
The change of heart had a simple cause - self interest. The world made it clear that Serbia could forget any hope of becoming a member of the European Community ( EU ) until it handed over these criminals for justice.
In all probability Ratko Mladic will be mysteriously " found " in coming months.
This raises the question of whether the Serb people of the former Yugoslavia deserve to rub shoulders with the rest of Europe. During the war of the last decade they exhibited acts of brutality that horrified the rest of the world.
Srebrenica was designated a safe haven by the United Nations, yet the Serbs brushed aside United Nations peacekeepers and starved, tortured - and then murdered thousands of men and boys seeking shelter there - simply because they were Muslims.
This atrocity was not carried out solely by the two sought leaders. Hundreds - perhaps thousands - of Serb citizens acting within the Serb army willingly took part in this genocide - and have no regrets for their actions.
Now - with EU entry refused - they have had a change of heart and are prepared to surrender the people they have shielded as " heroes " . Should people who have willingly taken part in genocide be greeted with open arms by the world community ?
History replies in the affirmative. During the second world war a " civilized " country carried out a similar act of genocide on a greater scale.
The German concentration camps and gas ovens were not manned by the country's leaders. Thousands of members of the armed forces were sent to man those camps and there is evidence that they carried out their duties with relish.
Now - over half a century later - most of them are either dead or very old men, and yet Germany has returned to being a law abiding member of the world body.
The world will embrace Serbia with a degree of reluctance. Hopefully, the passage of time may change attitudes and the Serb's may learn to live peacefully with their neighbours !
Friday 25 July 2008
New shopping era.
Change to the way we shop is on the way. A giant American corporation will soon open a shopping warehouse in Melbourne - with the promise of an outlet in Sydney and other capitals to follow.
We are about to be introduced to the concept of bulk buying. The bigger the purchase of any item dictates a lower price and this can result in unbelievable prices when the reseller operates on a fraction of the usual margin.
We will need to adjust to travelling to these super warehouses. They are so big that only one or two would be justified in a city the size of Sydney, but they will be worth the time and effort because of the savings they will offer.
The existing grocery stores of Coles and Woolworths have started conditioning customers to start thinking of bigger volume purchases. Have you noticed the latest trend in their liquor outlets to offer two bottle of spirits - or two cases of beer - at a special price ?
Grocery specials now are offered in multiples - six of a single item at a very low price. Obviously the numbers necessary to achieve a big saving will increase steadily as the invasion from across the Pacific draws closer.
This move will tend to tie in with other events. Petrol is reaching ridiculous levels and many will willingly forgo a weekly shopping in favour of buying in bulk to satisfy a whole months requirements.
It also means that the future of Coles and Woolworths is less than clear. Not everyone will be able to buy in bulk, hence the conventional stores are likely to adopt a split approach to prices.
The person of limited means will still be able to make single item purchases - but the price will be much higher than that offered for a greater quantity of the same goods.
Unfortunately this will further widen the divide between the urban poor and the more affluent in our society.
It underscores that old adage that " progress comes at a price " !
We are about to be introduced to the concept of bulk buying. The bigger the purchase of any item dictates a lower price and this can result in unbelievable prices when the reseller operates on a fraction of the usual margin.
We will need to adjust to travelling to these super warehouses. They are so big that only one or two would be justified in a city the size of Sydney, but they will be worth the time and effort because of the savings they will offer.
The existing grocery stores of Coles and Woolworths have started conditioning customers to start thinking of bigger volume purchases. Have you noticed the latest trend in their liquor outlets to offer two bottle of spirits - or two cases of beer - at a special price ?
Grocery specials now are offered in multiples - six of a single item at a very low price. Obviously the numbers necessary to achieve a big saving will increase steadily as the invasion from across the Pacific draws closer.
This move will tend to tie in with other events. Petrol is reaching ridiculous levels and many will willingly forgo a weekly shopping in favour of buying in bulk to satisfy a whole months requirements.
It also means that the future of Coles and Woolworths is less than clear. Not everyone will be able to buy in bulk, hence the conventional stores are likely to adopt a split approach to prices.
The person of limited means will still be able to make single item purchases - but the price will be much higher than that offered for a greater quantity of the same goods.
Unfortunately this will further widen the divide between the urban poor and the more affluent in our society.
It underscores that old adage that " progress comes at a price " !
Thursday 24 July 2008
The chicken ? .... or the egg ?
Yesterday's announcement that the state government will spend six hundred million dollars reclaiming fifty two hectares of foreshore to provide additional shipping berths in an upgraded Port Kembla outer harbour should bring elation - and trepidation - to the residents of Wollongong.
The good news is that an expanded port will bring with it industry - and jobs.
The bad news is that there are no plans to upgrade the road system that will take freight out of this city - and bring commuters and commerce to the expanded facilities.
The minister for the Illawarra has stated that the existing road system is quite adequate to handle expansion " for years to come ". The minister is wrong !
Wollongong has a massive natural disadvantage when it comes to transport corridors. The rail line to Sydney passes through geophysically unstable terrain that denies any hope of a straight alignment. As a result - train speeds are low and there is no hope of improvement.
The escarpment reduces the only freight road artery to a long, uphill grind. When this road meets the F6 freeway it provides a divided road only as far as Engadine - and there are no plans to extend the F6 into Sydney for decades into the future.
The F6 is nearing capacity at it's morning and evening peak - and the prospect of thousands of additional truck movements is simply frightening.
Governments have a long history of forcing change without providing infrastructure. Usually they lie about the need and procrastinate for decades before finally spending money that should have preceded the initial expansion.
Wollongong people are entitled to be cynical that nothing has changed. The expansion of Port Kembla harbour will surely go ahead - but the likelihood that work will start on completing the Maldon-Dombarton rail link to south western Sydney - or the extension of the F6 to Pyrmont is simply a pipe dream.
The good news is that an expanded port will bring with it industry - and jobs.
The bad news is that there are no plans to upgrade the road system that will take freight out of this city - and bring commuters and commerce to the expanded facilities.
The minister for the Illawarra has stated that the existing road system is quite adequate to handle expansion " for years to come ". The minister is wrong !
Wollongong has a massive natural disadvantage when it comes to transport corridors. The rail line to Sydney passes through geophysically unstable terrain that denies any hope of a straight alignment. As a result - train speeds are low and there is no hope of improvement.
The escarpment reduces the only freight road artery to a long, uphill grind. When this road meets the F6 freeway it provides a divided road only as far as Engadine - and there are no plans to extend the F6 into Sydney for decades into the future.
The F6 is nearing capacity at it's morning and evening peak - and the prospect of thousands of additional truck movements is simply frightening.
Governments have a long history of forcing change without providing infrastructure. Usually they lie about the need and procrastinate for decades before finally spending money that should have preceded the initial expansion.
Wollongong people are entitled to be cynical that nothing has changed. The expansion of Port Kembla harbour will surely go ahead - but the likelihood that work will start on completing the Maldon-Dombarton rail link to south western Sydney - or the extension of the F6 to Pyrmont is simply a pipe dream.
Wednesday 23 July 2008
Justice for all !
Wollongong council notes reveal that legal costs have doubled in the past year - and now amount for a whopping three million dollars of ratepayers funds.
The ICAC enquiry must shoulder some of the blame, but legal expenses also applied to land acquisitions, debt recovery, human resources matters - and the prosecution of heritage and environmental breaches.
Pity the poor private individual who becomes embroiled in a legal dispute ! A simple matter such as a neighbourhood dispute can easily run to thousands of dollars - and should a citizen have the misfortune to be accused of a major crime the costs of a defence could wipe out any superannuation, family savings - and equity in the family home.
This is not the way the founding fathers intended. The tenet of democracy is - justice for all. It is not justice if the price is beyond the citizen's ability to pay - and that is where we are at now !
When the state launches a prosecution the citizen finds himself or herself the adversary facing a barrage of highly skilled lawyers - paid from the public purse.
To have any hope of a successful defence there is no option than to field a team of equally skilled lawyers - paid for by the defendant.
An even worse scenario faces those without means. They either represent themselves or the court appoints a " public defender " - a lawyer with little bar experience - usually fresh from legal training school.
The legal arena is one of sharply escalating costs. Apart from lawyers, court fees are rising sharply and we are fast approaching a time when the courts will become a no-go zone for the general public seeking legal redress.
It is time that common sense prevailed. So many legal decisions hinge on the interpretation of some arcane ancient law. Maybe it is time to clear the lawyers from the court system and install a system of one on one. An example:
The accused be called upon to provide a defence with the prosecution presented by a member of the public drawn on the same principle that decides members of a jury.
In that way equality is achieved. Neither are lawyers - and their presentations would be decided by a judge. It would no longer be a defenceless citizen ravaged by a panel of high priced QC's with a superior knowledge of the law.
Of course this will never happen. To do so would require an act of parliament - and the vast majority of parliamentary members were formerly from - the legal profession !
The ICAC enquiry must shoulder some of the blame, but legal expenses also applied to land acquisitions, debt recovery, human resources matters - and the prosecution of heritage and environmental breaches.
Pity the poor private individual who becomes embroiled in a legal dispute ! A simple matter such as a neighbourhood dispute can easily run to thousands of dollars - and should a citizen have the misfortune to be accused of a major crime the costs of a defence could wipe out any superannuation, family savings - and equity in the family home.
This is not the way the founding fathers intended. The tenet of democracy is - justice for all. It is not justice if the price is beyond the citizen's ability to pay - and that is where we are at now !
When the state launches a prosecution the citizen finds himself or herself the adversary facing a barrage of highly skilled lawyers - paid from the public purse.
To have any hope of a successful defence there is no option than to field a team of equally skilled lawyers - paid for by the defendant.
An even worse scenario faces those without means. They either represent themselves or the court appoints a " public defender " - a lawyer with little bar experience - usually fresh from legal training school.
The legal arena is one of sharply escalating costs. Apart from lawyers, court fees are rising sharply and we are fast approaching a time when the courts will become a no-go zone for the general public seeking legal redress.
It is time that common sense prevailed. So many legal decisions hinge on the interpretation of some arcane ancient law. Maybe it is time to clear the lawyers from the court system and install a system of one on one. An example:
The accused be called upon to provide a defence with the prosecution presented by a member of the public drawn on the same principle that decides members of a jury.
In that way equality is achieved. Neither are lawyers - and their presentations would be decided by a judge. It would no longer be a defenceless citizen ravaged by a panel of high priced QC's with a superior knowledge of the law.
Of course this will never happen. To do so would require an act of parliament - and the vast majority of parliamentary members were formerly from - the legal profession !
Tuesday 22 July 2008
Papal apology !
One of the last things that Pope Benedict XV1 did before leaving Australia was to apologise to victims of sexual abuse by priests. This apology occurred in the presence of four carefully selected victims - in a room full of priests. Many will conclude that the representatives were selected for their docility - and that this reduced the chance of awkward questions being asked.
The apology is welcome, but unfortunately very little has really changed. The Catholic church insists that it's followers owe their allegiance to the church before any fealty to kings, presidents or other heads of state. This is the sticking point between Catholicism and the Communist government in China.
As a result of this dogma the church insists that sexual transgressions by priests will be disciplined by the church itself - and erring priests will not be referred to the police nor handed over for the courts to try and punish.
This has all the elements of future confrontation. The laws of this country demand that transgressors be subject to the statutes put in place by the parliaments and require any person with knowledge of a crime to make that knowledge known to law enforcement.
That requirement has not been enforced because the various political parties recoil from the prospect of a church figure being charged - and possibly sentenced to a term of imprisonment - for upholding church law above the law of the country in which he is a citizen.
As a result, erring priests have been shielded and in many cases simply moved to a different diocese - where they have continued to re-offend.
Sooner or later the church is going to have to come to terms with the fact that their clergy are citizens of the country in which they were born - and legally subject to that country's laws.
Inevitably elected representatives of the people will eventually decide that this " above the law " attitude of the Catholic church can no longer be tolerated.
This attitude has no legal standing - nor would it be supported by the general Catholic faith !
The apology is welcome, but unfortunately very little has really changed. The Catholic church insists that it's followers owe their allegiance to the church before any fealty to kings, presidents or other heads of state. This is the sticking point between Catholicism and the Communist government in China.
As a result of this dogma the church insists that sexual transgressions by priests will be disciplined by the church itself - and erring priests will not be referred to the police nor handed over for the courts to try and punish.
This has all the elements of future confrontation. The laws of this country demand that transgressors be subject to the statutes put in place by the parliaments and require any person with knowledge of a crime to make that knowledge known to law enforcement.
That requirement has not been enforced because the various political parties recoil from the prospect of a church figure being charged - and possibly sentenced to a term of imprisonment - for upholding church law above the law of the country in which he is a citizen.
As a result, erring priests have been shielded and in many cases simply moved to a different diocese - where they have continued to re-offend.
Sooner or later the church is going to have to come to terms with the fact that their clergy are citizens of the country in which they were born - and legally subject to that country's laws.
Inevitably elected representatives of the people will eventually decide that this " above the law " attitude of the Catholic church can no longer be tolerated.
This attitude has no legal standing - nor would it be supported by the general Catholic faith !
Monday 21 July 2008
A two wheel future !
There is a certain inevitability about the increase in numbers of motorbikes and scooters in our near future. These two-wheelers use a mere fraction of the fuel required by cars and for many people the rising cost of petrol leaves them no alternative.
This transport change brings with it gains and losses. A reduction in the demand for petrol will have the rub off of decreased carbon emissions. At the same time, pressure will ease on wages as a source of transport remains within reach of the average person.
On the negative side there will be an increase in road deaths and injuries. Two wheeled transport offers little protection in an accident and a mix of cars and scooters on our roads is a certain recipe for trouble.
The ideal would be for public transport to take up the slack with the two wheelers providing commuters with the ability to access the rail/bus hubs. For this to work there would need to be a huge improvement in public transport - in both the provision of more seats and more services, and for parking facilities to be available at access centres.
Parking stations are where two wheelers have vulnerability. They are easier to steal than cars and parking stations would need to be specially designed to provide security. It would be necessary for their design to include chaining points - and the government would be wise to include security provision by way of a permanent parking attendant.
If the authorities do not grasp the nettle while numbers are still small the future advantage will be lost. The two wheeler invasion will simply erupt onto busy roads and highways and compete with cars. The accident toll will rise and we will see a continuation of clogged roads and inner city parking problems.
A little wise planning now could pay big future dividends.
This transport change brings with it gains and losses. A reduction in the demand for petrol will have the rub off of decreased carbon emissions. At the same time, pressure will ease on wages as a source of transport remains within reach of the average person.
On the negative side there will be an increase in road deaths and injuries. Two wheeled transport offers little protection in an accident and a mix of cars and scooters on our roads is a certain recipe for trouble.
The ideal would be for public transport to take up the slack with the two wheelers providing commuters with the ability to access the rail/bus hubs. For this to work there would need to be a huge improvement in public transport - in both the provision of more seats and more services, and for parking facilities to be available at access centres.
Parking stations are where two wheelers have vulnerability. They are easier to steal than cars and parking stations would need to be specially designed to provide security. It would be necessary for their design to include chaining points - and the government would be wise to include security provision by way of a permanent parking attendant.
If the authorities do not grasp the nettle while numbers are still small the future advantage will be lost. The two wheeler invasion will simply erupt onto busy roads and highways and compete with cars. The accident toll will rise and we will see a continuation of clogged roads and inner city parking problems.
A little wise planning now could pay big future dividends.
Sunday 20 July 2008
Crime and punishment.
A century ago those who committed murder were most likely to have their life end swinging on a length of rope. Today, nobody in this country is executed for any sort of crime.
Murder has now been refined to a points system. Each case is judged on it's merits and the more points allocated - the longer the sentence.
For instance, a drunken argument that leads to violence - ending in the death of a person - in not premeditated and fits in the lower end of the scale. On the other hand - a murder planned over a period and with the objective of gain ratchets up more points and is sentenced accordingly.
The sentence handed down does not necessarily have any bearing on the term to be served. These days a judge can have the best of both worlds. Public sentiment can be satisfied by handing down a twenty year sentence, immediately mitigated by the imposition of the number of years to be served before parole.
Even that is not the end of it. Any time on remand before the trial will be deducted from the sentence, and if the prisoner behaves in prison there is every chance that the parole board will move to amend the non parole period by way of a reduction.
To a large degree this largess is related to the almighty dollar. It costs a mint of money to keep a person in gaol - and judges are under pressure to tone down their instinct and keep the prison system manageable.
It seems that the last thing taken into account by the twenty-first century justice system is the expectation of the victim of crime. Sentiment has a negative balance when weighed on the scales of justice !
Murder has now been refined to a points system. Each case is judged on it's merits and the more points allocated - the longer the sentence.
For instance, a drunken argument that leads to violence - ending in the death of a person - in not premeditated and fits in the lower end of the scale. On the other hand - a murder planned over a period and with the objective of gain ratchets up more points and is sentenced accordingly.
The sentence handed down does not necessarily have any bearing on the term to be served. These days a judge can have the best of both worlds. Public sentiment can be satisfied by handing down a twenty year sentence, immediately mitigated by the imposition of the number of years to be served before parole.
Even that is not the end of it. Any time on remand before the trial will be deducted from the sentence, and if the prisoner behaves in prison there is every chance that the parole board will move to amend the non parole period by way of a reduction.
To a large degree this largess is related to the almighty dollar. It costs a mint of money to keep a person in gaol - and judges are under pressure to tone down their instinct and keep the prison system manageable.
It seems that the last thing taken into account by the twenty-first century justice system is the expectation of the victim of crime. Sentiment has a negative balance when weighed on the scales of justice !
Saturday 19 July 2008
A " business " decision.
Our Qantas is one of the worlds few profitable airlines. We have seen so many big name carriers bite the dust and go into liquidation and the airline business is notoriously difficult to manage.
Qantas intends to remain at the top and has announced a plan to retire older aircraft, re-equip it's fleet with the biggest and best new planes - and reduce it's workforce by retrenching fifteen hundred jobs.
The unions are dismayed ! They see this as a kick in the teeth for the loyal employees who have made Qantas the worlds safest airline. Their argument is that if the airline is profitable - why shed jobs ?
Qantas management is reacting to change that is fast approaching. Fuel prices are set to soar even higher and seat prices will increase to the point where passenger numbers will be significantly lower,
Bigger, more fuel efficient jets will keep Qantas competitive with other airlines, but there is every chance that we are about to enter a shrinking passenger market - and with fewer passengers and fewer planes less people are needed to keep the airline running.
This is the age old battle between unions and management. The only way any employer can maintain a viable business is by trimming or adding to the workforce as market conditions change.
Employees only have a job when trading conditions enable their employer to make profits and be able to pay them. At the same time, that employer must be able to give a return to shareholders who have bankrolled the business. Success is putting aside sufficient to keep the shareholders happy - and at the same time maintaining employee numbers sufficient to keeping the business viable.
Qantas has done both. It is unfortunate that trading conditions make staff reductions necessary - but comparing fifteen hundred jobs with the size of the overall Qantas workforce means that it is a case of sacrificing the few to safeguard the many.
Commercial reality requires management to have the right to hire and fire as conditions change !
Qantas intends to remain at the top and has announced a plan to retire older aircraft, re-equip it's fleet with the biggest and best new planes - and reduce it's workforce by retrenching fifteen hundred jobs.
The unions are dismayed ! They see this as a kick in the teeth for the loyal employees who have made Qantas the worlds safest airline. Their argument is that if the airline is profitable - why shed jobs ?
Qantas management is reacting to change that is fast approaching. Fuel prices are set to soar even higher and seat prices will increase to the point where passenger numbers will be significantly lower,
Bigger, more fuel efficient jets will keep Qantas competitive with other airlines, but there is every chance that we are about to enter a shrinking passenger market - and with fewer passengers and fewer planes less people are needed to keep the airline running.
This is the age old battle between unions and management. The only way any employer can maintain a viable business is by trimming or adding to the workforce as market conditions change.
Employees only have a job when trading conditions enable their employer to make profits and be able to pay them. At the same time, that employer must be able to give a return to shareholders who have bankrolled the business. Success is putting aside sufficient to keep the shareholders happy - and at the same time maintaining employee numbers sufficient to keeping the business viable.
Qantas has done both. It is unfortunate that trading conditions make staff reductions necessary - but comparing fifteen hundred jobs with the size of the overall Qantas workforce means that it is a case of sacrificing the few to safeguard the many.
Commercial reality requires management to have the right to hire and fire as conditions change !
Friday 18 July 2008
Regional airport.
Today sees the end of air services connecting Wollongong and Melbourne. Qantas blames rising fuel prices and declining passenger numbers for the cessation, but the major reason is the inadequacy of Wollongong airport.
This airport is incapable of handling the big, wide bodied passenger jets - and as a consequence the Qantas service used Dash-8 planes - which were too small - and too old.
The regional airport at Albion Park is at best a small plane airport suitable for privately owned aircraft and flying clubs. It was doomed as a major centre when Shellharbour council years ago permitted a suburb to develop around it - and lately for industrial factories to encroach further.
Local residents should be thankful. These limitations spare them from the misery of suburbs surrounding Sydney airport. They will never suffer excruciating aircraft noise from big jets immediately overhead, not the congestion from traffic servicing a major airport.
Sydney will exceed it's capacity as an airport in just a few years and yet the Federal government is procrastinating in making a decision on a second airport.
Badgery's creek has been ruled out of contention, and the area around Goulburn is starting to look attractive.
Should Goulburn get the nod it will be necessary for the government to consider a high speed rail service to connect the airport with Sydney - and that could be Wollongong's transport salvation.
We have longed for a speedy rail service to bring our commuters to and from work but costs have pushed such a development into the " too hard " basket. If a very fast rail link is to become a reality to connect a new airport to Sydney there is a very good chance of it linking Wollongong in the process.
This seems our best bet because we can forget an air service out of this city. We don't have an airport capable of delivering the goods. Those living in our southern suburbs should rejoice - and heave a sigh of relief !
This airport is incapable of handling the big, wide bodied passenger jets - and as a consequence the Qantas service used Dash-8 planes - which were too small - and too old.
The regional airport at Albion Park is at best a small plane airport suitable for privately owned aircraft and flying clubs. It was doomed as a major centre when Shellharbour council years ago permitted a suburb to develop around it - and lately for industrial factories to encroach further.
Local residents should be thankful. These limitations spare them from the misery of suburbs surrounding Sydney airport. They will never suffer excruciating aircraft noise from big jets immediately overhead, not the congestion from traffic servicing a major airport.
Sydney will exceed it's capacity as an airport in just a few years and yet the Federal government is procrastinating in making a decision on a second airport.
Badgery's creek has been ruled out of contention, and the area around Goulburn is starting to look attractive.
Should Goulburn get the nod it will be necessary for the government to consider a high speed rail service to connect the airport with Sydney - and that could be Wollongong's transport salvation.
We have longed for a speedy rail service to bring our commuters to and from work but costs have pushed such a development into the " too hard " basket. If a very fast rail link is to become a reality to connect a new airport to Sydney there is a very good chance of it linking Wollongong in the process.
This seems our best bet because we can forget an air service out of this city. We don't have an airport capable of delivering the goods. Those living in our southern suburbs should rejoice - and heave a sigh of relief !
Thursday 17 July 2008
Green paper.
The government has released a " Green Paper " purporting to indicate it's intentions on the proposed emission trading regime.
A green paper is more of a "kite flying " exercise to gauge public reaction. What actually becomes law can take a very different form, depending on that reaction.
This is a clever submission. For the " Greenie " element it will be too little, too late. For industry it will be a well measured balance of action and exemptions designed to achieve some Co2 reductions - but not to wreck the economy. For the average person it will mean a jump in utility prices - with the promise of some form of yet unstated compensation.
Petrol will remain price neutral - until 2013. Emission costs will be offset by the government reducing excise on petrol for the initial three year period.
Electricity will jump by sixteen percent, gas by nine percent - and yet the cost of living is only expected to rise by slightly less than one percent. Perhaps the economists making that prediction were whistling in the wind.
The burden will fall heavily on coal fired electricity generation - the industry the state government is desperate to quit at any cost - but it was also given a straw of hope. The government is offering heavy compensation where sequestration locks Co2 safely away underground.
Export industries get protection. Aluminium smelters which export their product will get free permits to cover ninety percent of their pollution.
The timber industry is virtually exempt, protecting the flow of wood chips to Japan - but as a sweetener those that actually plant trees will be given tradeable credits.
Farmers will be exempt - until 2015.
There is no such thing as a perfect emission control plan, but at least this goes a long way towards achieving some sort of balance.
The kite is now flying - and in the days and weeks ahead we will see some very predictable flak trying to bring it down. Australia's continuing prosperity - and the living standards of the twenty-one million Australians will depend on positive thinking and resolve being maintained !
A green paper is more of a "kite flying " exercise to gauge public reaction. What actually becomes law can take a very different form, depending on that reaction.
This is a clever submission. For the " Greenie " element it will be too little, too late. For industry it will be a well measured balance of action and exemptions designed to achieve some Co2 reductions - but not to wreck the economy. For the average person it will mean a jump in utility prices - with the promise of some form of yet unstated compensation.
Petrol will remain price neutral - until 2013. Emission costs will be offset by the government reducing excise on petrol for the initial three year period.
Electricity will jump by sixteen percent, gas by nine percent - and yet the cost of living is only expected to rise by slightly less than one percent. Perhaps the economists making that prediction were whistling in the wind.
The burden will fall heavily on coal fired electricity generation - the industry the state government is desperate to quit at any cost - but it was also given a straw of hope. The government is offering heavy compensation where sequestration locks Co2 safely away underground.
Export industries get protection. Aluminium smelters which export their product will get free permits to cover ninety percent of their pollution.
The timber industry is virtually exempt, protecting the flow of wood chips to Japan - but as a sweetener those that actually plant trees will be given tradeable credits.
Farmers will be exempt - until 2015.
There is no such thing as a perfect emission control plan, but at least this goes a long way towards achieving some sort of balance.
The kite is now flying - and in the days and weeks ahead we will see some very predictable flak trying to bring it down. Australia's continuing prosperity - and the living standards of the twenty-one million Australians will depend on positive thinking and resolve being maintained !
Wednesday 16 July 2008
World Youth Day - the aftermath !
World Youth Day is not even half over - and yet is being hailed as an outstanding success. Despite this, Australian authorities will be bracing for the aftermath - the number of " Pilgrims " who fail to return to their own countries.
WYD has been the perfect cover for those who wish to become illegal immigrants. Normally the Immigration people look carefully at visitors, scrutinising their intended length of stay - how much money they have to support themselves during that period - and whether they carry documents that indicate they may be seeking work.
It would be churlish to apply those standards to Pilgrims who will be here for little more than a week - and here for a world event religious meeting - with most costs being met by their hosts who have arraigned billets and meals. Lack of money would not be a reason for refusing entry.
Inevitably there will be some who fade into the background when their plane departs. It is also very likely that organised traffickers will have recognised the opportunities offered by WYD and will have scheduled potential illegal immigrants under this cover.
It will cost Australian authorities time and money to track down those who overstay their tourist visas - but we should be thankful that this country and it's standard of living, pleasant climate and lack of oppression is at the forefront of destinations for those who seek a better life.
It is doubtful that the immigration people in Zimbabwe, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and a whole host of similar trouble spots have such an immigration problem !
WYD has been the perfect cover for those who wish to become illegal immigrants. Normally the Immigration people look carefully at visitors, scrutinising their intended length of stay - how much money they have to support themselves during that period - and whether they carry documents that indicate they may be seeking work.
It would be churlish to apply those standards to Pilgrims who will be here for little more than a week - and here for a world event religious meeting - with most costs being met by their hosts who have arraigned billets and meals. Lack of money would not be a reason for refusing entry.
Inevitably there will be some who fade into the background when their plane departs. It is also very likely that organised traffickers will have recognised the opportunities offered by WYD and will have scheduled potential illegal immigrants under this cover.
It will cost Australian authorities time and money to track down those who overstay their tourist visas - but we should be thankful that this country and it's standard of living, pleasant climate and lack of oppression is at the forefront of destinations for those who seek a better life.
It is doubtful that the immigration people in Zimbabwe, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and a whole host of similar trouble spots have such an immigration problem !
Tuesday 15 July 2008
Pets - or no pets !
One of the functions of a parliament is to anticipate problems and pass laws to make litigation to solve them unnecessary. All most people want is clear and fair rules to govern the way they live.
A recent case on the Gold Coast revealed an all too frequent source of friction.
A couple bought a pent house in an expensive ocean front complex after checking that it had a " Pet friendly " policy which would accommodate their small dog. Shortly after, a meeting of the body corporate decided to change this policy to one where no pets were allowed.
The dog owners were distraught. Moving out was not a financial option and having the dog euthanized was out of the question. They resorted to a court appeal - which cost $ 70,000 - won - and the body corporate were forced to reinstate the " Pet friendly " policy.
Apparently change of pet status is an ongoing problem in many areas and many people see it as " moving the goal posts " after the game has been concluded. Those moving in to a " Pet friendly " home have a right to expect that policy to continue - and those who dislike pets have the right to seek change if the majority agree.
The obvious compromise that the parliament should consider gazetting to avoid further costly litigation would allow communal living complexes to move from a " Pet friendly " to a " No Pets " regime - with the proviso that any pets in place before that decision was made had the right to continue residence for the remainder of their lives.
That should suit all parties. No existing pet could be displaced, but no new pets or replacement pets would be allowed.
It would be the best of both worlds. Now all it requires is for our parliamentarians to agree - and act to change the law !
A recent case on the Gold Coast revealed an all too frequent source of friction.
A couple bought a pent house in an expensive ocean front complex after checking that it had a " Pet friendly " policy which would accommodate their small dog. Shortly after, a meeting of the body corporate decided to change this policy to one where no pets were allowed.
The dog owners were distraught. Moving out was not a financial option and having the dog euthanized was out of the question. They resorted to a court appeal - which cost $ 70,000 - won - and the body corporate were forced to reinstate the " Pet friendly " policy.
Apparently change of pet status is an ongoing problem in many areas and many people see it as " moving the goal posts " after the game has been concluded. Those moving in to a " Pet friendly " home have a right to expect that policy to continue - and those who dislike pets have the right to seek change if the majority agree.
The obvious compromise that the parliament should consider gazetting to avoid further costly litigation would allow communal living complexes to move from a " Pet friendly " to a " No Pets " regime - with the proviso that any pets in place before that decision was made had the right to continue residence for the remainder of their lives.
That should suit all parties. No existing pet could be displaced, but no new pets or replacement pets would be allowed.
It would be the best of both worlds. Now all it requires is for our parliamentarians to agree - and act to change the law !
Monday 14 July 2008
Stranded !
" Efficient and good service " are usually not accolades conferred on anything run by the government - nor are these attributed to the New South Wales rail network.
Track maintenance is to be carried out on the south coast Illawarra line and for the next eight weeks loyal rail users can expect their travelling lives to be made a misery.
Trains will not run on weekends - and there will be five blocks of weekday interruptions involving peak times. October will be the worst month with work scheduled for fourteen of it's thirty one days.
During the cancellation of rail services travellers will be provided with buses - and that is where a monumental problem starts. Almost without exception the rail bosses schedule about half the buses needed to service the number of passengers involved.
As a result, passengers are left stranded until another bus eventually arrives, in many cases over an hour later - and sometimes that is also overfilled to capacity. A two hour rail journey can often degenerate to a five hour bus trip !
The mind boggles at the thinking that creates this chaos. Passenger numbers are known to the rail people because they have two clear indicators to consult. The first is previous history of numbers carried on each train service - and the second is the number of tickets sold via automatic ticket machines prior to the start of each trip.
Ticket sales clearly indicate the point at which passengers join the train - and their intended destination !
It does not take Einstein to figure out how many buses are needed to move that number of people.
Except that is not what happens !
The only conclusion from the past dismal performances is that either the rail people are totally incompetent - or that they don't care !
What odds that the same lack of planning causes travellers to be late for work - and late home - during this coming maintenance period ?
Track maintenance is to be carried out on the south coast Illawarra line and for the next eight weeks loyal rail users can expect their travelling lives to be made a misery.
Trains will not run on weekends - and there will be five blocks of weekday interruptions involving peak times. October will be the worst month with work scheduled for fourteen of it's thirty one days.
During the cancellation of rail services travellers will be provided with buses - and that is where a monumental problem starts. Almost without exception the rail bosses schedule about half the buses needed to service the number of passengers involved.
As a result, passengers are left stranded until another bus eventually arrives, in many cases over an hour later - and sometimes that is also overfilled to capacity. A two hour rail journey can often degenerate to a five hour bus trip !
The mind boggles at the thinking that creates this chaos. Passenger numbers are known to the rail people because they have two clear indicators to consult. The first is previous history of numbers carried on each train service - and the second is the number of tickets sold via automatic ticket machines prior to the start of each trip.
Ticket sales clearly indicate the point at which passengers join the train - and their intended destination !
It does not take Einstein to figure out how many buses are needed to move that number of people.
Except that is not what happens !
The only conclusion from the past dismal performances is that either the rail people are totally incompetent - or that they don't care !
What odds that the same lack of planning causes travellers to be late for work - and late home - during this coming maintenance period ?
Sunday 13 July 2008
Profit before principle !
The world has turned it's back on the poor and suffering of Zimbabwe. This former food exporting country has descended into Hell ! Inflation of over a thousand percent has risen off the scale - and famine stalks the land.
President Robert Mugabe is now a dictator. The former president was beaten in an election - and refused to accept the verdict of his people. He immediately sent his thugs into the streets to beat and kill opposition supporters, with the result that the opposing party was forced to withdraw from the run off poll.
Mugabe stood alone as a candidate for president while his thugs manned the voting booths and dared anyone to cast a vote for the opposition. He then declared his result " a great victory "!
The world looked on in horror and there were calls for his presidency to be refused legitimacy.
To their shame, China and Russia used their veto powers to defeat this measure. Both countries gain valuable mineral resources from Zimbabwe and trade took preference over principle.
Their shame is shared by South Africa, Libya and Vietnam, all of which also opposed sanctions - and the timid response from the family of nations that share the African continent - all of whom have skeletons in their own cupboards which must be rattling like kettledrums.
So the poor, unrepresented black citizens of Zimbabwe who looked to the world body for the help they are entitled to expect will be condemned to live under Mugabe's evil rule, subjected to abuse and ill treatment by his thugs while the world looks the other way.
This example of self interest over principle must tell us something about the debate on global warming. Do we seriously expect world countries to impose restrictions that will hurt their trade and exports in an effort to curb Co2 emissions ?
The principle of " me first " will result in pious rhetoric and little action. Trade and profit will triumph over principle - and even though the looming crisis will mean disaster for all. Even small progress will be nullified behind a wall of cheating and deceit.
It is something Australia should seriously ponder before committing our trade base to a cap and trade carbon scheme !
President Robert Mugabe is now a dictator. The former president was beaten in an election - and refused to accept the verdict of his people. He immediately sent his thugs into the streets to beat and kill opposition supporters, with the result that the opposing party was forced to withdraw from the run off poll.
Mugabe stood alone as a candidate for president while his thugs manned the voting booths and dared anyone to cast a vote for the opposition. He then declared his result " a great victory "!
The world looked on in horror and there were calls for his presidency to be refused legitimacy.
To their shame, China and Russia used their veto powers to defeat this measure. Both countries gain valuable mineral resources from Zimbabwe and trade took preference over principle.
Their shame is shared by South Africa, Libya and Vietnam, all of which also opposed sanctions - and the timid response from the family of nations that share the African continent - all of whom have skeletons in their own cupboards which must be rattling like kettledrums.
So the poor, unrepresented black citizens of Zimbabwe who looked to the world body for the help they are entitled to expect will be condemned to live under Mugabe's evil rule, subjected to abuse and ill treatment by his thugs while the world looks the other way.
This example of self interest over principle must tell us something about the debate on global warming. Do we seriously expect world countries to impose restrictions that will hurt their trade and exports in an effort to curb Co2 emissions ?
The principle of " me first " will result in pious rhetoric and little action. Trade and profit will triumph over principle - and even though the looming crisis will mean disaster for all. Even small progress will be nullified behind a wall of cheating and deceit.
It is something Australia should seriously ponder before committing our trade base to a cap and trade carbon scheme !
Saturday 12 July 2008
A house divided !
The spectacle of the slow death of a state government is a sad sight to behold. It gives substance to that old adage that " a house divided will certainly fall ".
The Labor party has never been a single political party. At best it is an amalgamation of various factions - most of which can't stand the sight of one another - who form a temporary but uneasy truce from time to time to share in the spoils of electoral victory.
This amalgamation has run it's course and is now in self destruct mode. It is past it's " use by " date and would normally have been put to paddock at the last election, but for the stupidity of it's opposition.
The cracks are too wide to be papered over. There is an open rift between Premier Morris Iemma and his acolytes who seek to privatise electricity and the head office clique who wish to install a new front man to do their bidding.
In the interim there is a mad scramble of decision making that leads nowhere. No coordinated plan exists and the factions are pushing via those of their persuasion who hold ministerial office for factional interests rather than state priorities.
No doubt the state government will limp along until the next election, but the mess they will leave behind will cripple this state for decades. Sympathy will need to be bestowed on those who gain the unenviable job of unscrambling the omlette !
The Labor party has never been a single political party. At best it is an amalgamation of various factions - most of which can't stand the sight of one another - who form a temporary but uneasy truce from time to time to share in the spoils of electoral victory.
This amalgamation has run it's course and is now in self destruct mode. It is past it's " use by " date and would normally have been put to paddock at the last election, but for the stupidity of it's opposition.
The cracks are too wide to be papered over. There is an open rift between Premier Morris Iemma and his acolytes who seek to privatise electricity and the head office clique who wish to install a new front man to do their bidding.
In the interim there is a mad scramble of decision making that leads nowhere. No coordinated plan exists and the factions are pushing via those of their persuasion who hold ministerial office for factional interests rather than state priorities.
No doubt the state government will limp along until the next election, but the mess they will leave behind will cripple this state for decades. Sympathy will need to be bestowed on those who gain the unenviable job of unscrambling the omlette !
Friday 11 July 2008
Heritage orders.
One of the most diabolical things that can happen to an innocent home owner is to have the local council slap a heritage order on that person's home.
Most people think that heritage orders only apply to buildings that are either a relic from our convict past or are uniquely designed and situated in an area that reflects our past history.
Not so ! Some councils have slapped such orders on very ordinary old fibro homes on the basis that they wish to preserve examples of 1950's architecture.
Unfortunately, once such an order is in place the home owner is prevented from any form of change. That owner is obliged to apply to council - and pay all relevant processing fees - to change the colour, replace the fence, add new windows, or carry out any sort of renovation to make the home more comfortable.
There is no compensation provided by the council. Full council rates still apply despite the resale price dropping because of the heritage order. In fact, the resale price of homes nearby not covered by the heritage order are also affected out of fear that a similar fate may befall them.
A home is usually the biggest asset any person may acquire in a lifetime and the placing of a heritage order not only curtails the value, but prevents the owner from making any improvements. It may in fact directly cost money because most such orders require the home to be maintained to a standard approved by council.
This is an unreasonable impost to put on home owners. If a property is worth preserving from a heritage point of view it should be mandatory for the council to purchase it at the current commercial valuation.
At least this would make councillors stop and think, rather than off-loading the costs and the inconvenience onto an ordinary citizen without providing any form of compensation.
It seems that the old adage that a persons " home is their castle " no longer applies !
Most people think that heritage orders only apply to buildings that are either a relic from our convict past or are uniquely designed and situated in an area that reflects our past history.
Not so ! Some councils have slapped such orders on very ordinary old fibro homes on the basis that they wish to preserve examples of 1950's architecture.
Unfortunately, once such an order is in place the home owner is prevented from any form of change. That owner is obliged to apply to council - and pay all relevant processing fees - to change the colour, replace the fence, add new windows, or carry out any sort of renovation to make the home more comfortable.
There is no compensation provided by the council. Full council rates still apply despite the resale price dropping because of the heritage order. In fact, the resale price of homes nearby not covered by the heritage order are also affected out of fear that a similar fate may befall them.
A home is usually the biggest asset any person may acquire in a lifetime and the placing of a heritage order not only curtails the value, but prevents the owner from making any improvements. It may in fact directly cost money because most such orders require the home to be maintained to a standard approved by council.
This is an unreasonable impost to put on home owners. If a property is worth preserving from a heritage point of view it should be mandatory for the council to purchase it at the current commercial valuation.
At least this would make councillors stop and think, rather than off-loading the costs and the inconvenience onto an ordinary citizen without providing any form of compensation.
It seems that the old adage that a persons " home is their castle " no longer applies !
Thursday 10 July 2008
Council capers !
Ratepayers in the Illawarra have good reason to be worried. The New South Wales government has now added Shellharbour to it's list of sacked councils.
Residents have long suspected that the state government had a secret plan to create one huge council to administer this area. The sacking of both Wollongong and Shellharbour councils provides an opportunity for the government to act - and in the process Kiama council will probably be swallowed by the merger.
The sticking point for many people is that in both cases the reason for the council sackings was the conduct of councillors affiliated with the Australian Labor party.
Within Wollongong council bribery and corruption were involved in passing development applications that did not meet the rules governing new buildings, while in Shellharbour Labor councillors caucused in decision making, excluding independents from any form of representation. This developed into open warfare between councillors and the council staff.
The sad fact is that the state government has disenfranchised the citizens of both councils by sacking all representatives for the sins of councillors representing one political party - which just happens to be the same political party as the state government.
The appointment of administrators for four years is an obvious hope that with the passage of time the voters will forget that the problem was Labor corruption - and again vote in a Labor majority.
If the government has some devious plan to force an amalgamation on the citizens of the Illawarra we will get no help from our elected state government representatives.
They have a proven record of toeing the party line - as evidenced by their lack of interest in seeking Federal money for projects such as the Princes Highway or a new rail link to western Sydney.
The best bet for forcing the state government to listen to the people will be a grass roots demand for a referendum on any proposed amalgamation !
Residents have long suspected that the state government had a secret plan to create one huge council to administer this area. The sacking of both Wollongong and Shellharbour councils provides an opportunity for the government to act - and in the process Kiama council will probably be swallowed by the merger.
The sticking point for many people is that in both cases the reason for the council sackings was the conduct of councillors affiliated with the Australian Labor party.
Within Wollongong council bribery and corruption were involved in passing development applications that did not meet the rules governing new buildings, while in Shellharbour Labor councillors caucused in decision making, excluding independents from any form of representation. This developed into open warfare between councillors and the council staff.
The sad fact is that the state government has disenfranchised the citizens of both councils by sacking all representatives for the sins of councillors representing one political party - which just happens to be the same political party as the state government.
The appointment of administrators for four years is an obvious hope that with the passage of time the voters will forget that the problem was Labor corruption - and again vote in a Labor majority.
If the government has some devious plan to force an amalgamation on the citizens of the Illawarra we will get no help from our elected state government representatives.
They have a proven record of toeing the party line - as evidenced by their lack of interest in seeking Federal money for projects such as the Princes Highway or a new rail link to western Sydney.
The best bet for forcing the state government to listen to the people will be a grass roots demand for a referendum on any proposed amalgamation !
Wednesday 9 July 2008
The agony and the ecstacy !
The organizers of World Youth Day are relieved. The threatened rail strike due next Thursday has been cancelled. The state government caved in - and this will fuel pressure from other unions to demand pay increases that will at least match inflation.
Unfortunately it is not all good news for Cardinal George Pell. Church sexual abuse has again raised it's ugly head, just as thousands of Pilgrims are arriving for WYD - and with his boss due in town next week.
It seems Pell wrote to a person who was abused by a priest and suggested " no one else has contacted the church about this sexual abuse case ".
Yet on the same day he wrote to another complainant who alleged he was sexually assaulted by the same priest.
Pell claims that this was simply " a mistake " and no cover-up was involved.
Unfortunately all the churches seem to have a similar litany of such " mistakes " that involve clergy involved in sexual assault. It is likely that the Pope will address this problem by way of an apology while he is here in Australia, but despite the efforts of many sexual matters are not being handled in an open fashion and are still being swept under the carpet.
It is just unfortunate that the dark side of the church chose to engage the media at the same time as Australia hosts what is probably the biggest church festival in this country's history !
Unfortunately it is not all good news for Cardinal George Pell. Church sexual abuse has again raised it's ugly head, just as thousands of Pilgrims are arriving for WYD - and with his boss due in town next week.
It seems Pell wrote to a person who was abused by a priest and suggested " no one else has contacted the church about this sexual abuse case ".
Yet on the same day he wrote to another complainant who alleged he was sexually assaulted by the same priest.
Pell claims that this was simply " a mistake " and no cover-up was involved.
Unfortunately all the churches seem to have a similar litany of such " mistakes " that involve clergy involved in sexual assault. It is likely that the Pope will address this problem by way of an apology while he is here in Australia, but despite the efforts of many sexual matters are not being handled in an open fashion and are still being swept under the carpet.
It is just unfortunate that the dark side of the church chose to engage the media at the same time as Australia hosts what is probably the biggest church festival in this country's history !
Tuesday 8 July 2008
Pay back !
On July 17 - " Super Thursday " Pope Benedict XV1 will lead a " boatacade " down Sydney harbour, tour the city is his Popemobile - and be welcomed by an expected seven hundred thousand people.
That is also the day that the unions are threatening to hold a twenty-four hour strike and shut down the city rail system.
It sounds like a disaster in the making, but this is just politics ! Recently the New South Wales government rejected the vote of unions and party branches and decided to go against their wishes and sell off the state electricity system.
The unions have grabbed a chance to show Premier Morris Iemma who is boss.
World Youth Day will feature as a headline item on news channels across the entire world - and this state and it's premier will be humiliated if the cameras pan across a city in gridlock, huge numbers unable to get to see the Pope - and a government frustrated and unable to prevent such a crisis.
It's called - pay back !
The official reason for the strike threat is a pay claim - but even that borders on farce. The state government has been limiting pay rises to 2.5% for most workers - with inflation at an official 4.2% - but the rail union has been offered 4%. Hardly a reason to be taking strike action.
Of course this strike will not happen. The unions will take great delight in frightening the government and dangling the prospect of chaos until the last moment - but they know the damage that actually disrupting World Youth Day would cause to public support for the union movement. It would be a return to the bad old days of union thuggery of half a century ago.
This is simply what some pundits refer to as " argy-bargy " when a union and a political party go head to head over a policy difference.
Wait for the " silver lining " to miraculously appear at the last moment - and the loud claims from both sides that they are the " winners " !
That is also the day that the unions are threatening to hold a twenty-four hour strike and shut down the city rail system.
It sounds like a disaster in the making, but this is just politics ! Recently the New South Wales government rejected the vote of unions and party branches and decided to go against their wishes and sell off the state electricity system.
The unions have grabbed a chance to show Premier Morris Iemma who is boss.
World Youth Day will feature as a headline item on news channels across the entire world - and this state and it's premier will be humiliated if the cameras pan across a city in gridlock, huge numbers unable to get to see the Pope - and a government frustrated and unable to prevent such a crisis.
It's called - pay back !
The official reason for the strike threat is a pay claim - but even that borders on farce. The state government has been limiting pay rises to 2.5% for most workers - with inflation at an official 4.2% - but the rail union has been offered 4%. Hardly a reason to be taking strike action.
Of course this strike will not happen. The unions will take great delight in frightening the government and dangling the prospect of chaos until the last moment - but they know the damage that actually disrupting World Youth Day would cause to public support for the union movement. It would be a return to the bad old days of union thuggery of half a century ago.
This is simply what some pundits refer to as " argy-bargy " when a union and a political party go head to head over a policy difference.
Wait for the " silver lining " to miraculously appear at the last moment - and the loud claims from both sides that they are the " winners " !
Monday 7 July 2008
Quicksand !
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's glowing endorsement of New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma places him on shaky ground. The Iemma government is defying Labor policy and pressing ahead with the sale of the state electricity system despite strident opposition from branches, the unions and Labor rank and file.
It could be inferred that Rudd also has no inclination to follow the policy of his party, and it is certainly dangerous to support a premier whose government is on the nose with the voters. This state government has a sad history of bungled projects, corruption - and arrogance.
Kevin Rudd brought Labor to power nationally by virtue of his aura of invincibility. Kevin 07 was - in the minds of many voters - the man of fresh ideas who offered an answer to the many problems facing this country.
Two of his promises struck a rich cord. He promised to reduce the price of petrol and to bring the sharp rise in grocery prices under control.
Now safely in office, he has reneged on those promises. They were impossible anyway - as any thinking person would know - but Rudd's cloak of invincibility has slipped - as was illustrated by a near seven percent swing against the government in a recent by-election.
Rudd is vulnerable. He lacks a strong supporting faction in a party of many factions and he only holds the prime position because of his hold on public opinion.
If the Rudd approval rating starts to fall the sharks will circle and other faction bosses with big ego's will be waiting in the wings to assume his mantle.
Rudd is safe for the moment, but he will need all his skills to stay at the fore front of public opinion - and supporting a loser like Iemma is not going to enhance that expectation of sound judgement !
It could be inferred that Rudd also has no inclination to follow the policy of his party, and it is certainly dangerous to support a premier whose government is on the nose with the voters. This state government has a sad history of bungled projects, corruption - and arrogance.
Kevin Rudd brought Labor to power nationally by virtue of his aura of invincibility. Kevin 07 was - in the minds of many voters - the man of fresh ideas who offered an answer to the many problems facing this country.
Two of his promises struck a rich cord. He promised to reduce the price of petrol and to bring the sharp rise in grocery prices under control.
Now safely in office, he has reneged on those promises. They were impossible anyway - as any thinking person would know - but Rudd's cloak of invincibility has slipped - as was illustrated by a near seven percent swing against the government in a recent by-election.
Rudd is vulnerable. He lacks a strong supporting faction in a party of many factions and he only holds the prime position because of his hold on public opinion.
If the Rudd approval rating starts to fall the sharks will circle and other faction bosses with big ego's will be waiting in the wings to assume his mantle.
Rudd is safe for the moment, but he will need all his skills to stay at the fore front of public opinion - and supporting a loser like Iemma is not going to enhance that expectation of sound judgement !
Sunday 6 July 2008
Global warming.
The long awaited Ross Garnaut report warns that unless we immediately adopt a carbon reduction strategy we face catastrophe. We will lose the Great Barrier Reef, our prime food source from the Murray/Darling river system - and rising temperatures will increase the death rate from heat strokes.
What this report doesn't say is probably as important as what it does say. We are being asked to accept poverty because the cap and trade regimen that will reduce carbon output will increase petrol, electricity, gas and food prices to such a degree that our standard of living for the average person will drop to near third world level.
We can forget " the lucky country " epithet - but at least we should all have a good feeling that our sacrifice is saving the world.
Unfortunately, that is not so. Europe is considering similar methods and America is thinking about it - but there are no plans in rapidly developing China and India to curtail their economies or reduce carbon output. Whatever reduction Australia achieves will be negated by further industrialization in the developing world.
Australia would be wise to think long and hard before it jumps from the frying pan into the fire - and there are ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint without adopting all the draconian measures called for in the Garnaut report.
One of the biggest sources of carbon emissions is power generated by burning coal. We can reduce this to near zero by biting the bullet and embracing nuclear power stations.
We have opposed nuclear power in the past, but now the balance between cap and trade and it's resultant impact on our standard of living and embracing technology that has long been adopted by other countries is a different equation. France derives over seventy percent of it's electricity from nuclear power stations and has done so for many decades. It is time to debate this option without the hysteria from the anti-nuclear brigade of morons.
Another major source of carbon is automobiles burning petrol. We have almost unlimited quantities of natural gas from our own wells. If the government made a conscious decision to declare transport gas powered the change could occur quickly.
Car manufacturers would be required to provide gas powered vehicles as the only new vehicles permitted in this country, and the government should provide a healthy subsidy to convert all cars under five years old. Natural attrition would take care of older vehicles - and gas powered cars emit less carbon that petrol powered vehicles.
Cap and trade will impoverish us without making much of a dent in world carbon emissions. We can and should do better by taking the hard decisions and changing what is there to be changed by simply dropping old shibboleths and taking a fresh approach.
If we make the logical decisions on power generation and cars the adoption of cap and trade to industry generally will not have a shattering impact because the two biggest sources of carbon have been neutered.
And if the developing world ignores the carbon threat we will have done our bit - without cutting our own throats in a Quixotic gesture !
What this report doesn't say is probably as important as what it does say. We are being asked to accept poverty because the cap and trade regimen that will reduce carbon output will increase petrol, electricity, gas and food prices to such a degree that our standard of living for the average person will drop to near third world level.
We can forget " the lucky country " epithet - but at least we should all have a good feeling that our sacrifice is saving the world.
Unfortunately, that is not so. Europe is considering similar methods and America is thinking about it - but there are no plans in rapidly developing China and India to curtail their economies or reduce carbon output. Whatever reduction Australia achieves will be negated by further industrialization in the developing world.
Australia would be wise to think long and hard before it jumps from the frying pan into the fire - and there are ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint without adopting all the draconian measures called for in the Garnaut report.
One of the biggest sources of carbon emissions is power generated by burning coal. We can reduce this to near zero by biting the bullet and embracing nuclear power stations.
We have opposed nuclear power in the past, but now the balance between cap and trade and it's resultant impact on our standard of living and embracing technology that has long been adopted by other countries is a different equation. France derives over seventy percent of it's electricity from nuclear power stations and has done so for many decades. It is time to debate this option without the hysteria from the anti-nuclear brigade of morons.
Another major source of carbon is automobiles burning petrol. We have almost unlimited quantities of natural gas from our own wells. If the government made a conscious decision to declare transport gas powered the change could occur quickly.
Car manufacturers would be required to provide gas powered vehicles as the only new vehicles permitted in this country, and the government should provide a healthy subsidy to convert all cars under five years old. Natural attrition would take care of older vehicles - and gas powered cars emit less carbon that petrol powered vehicles.
Cap and trade will impoverish us without making much of a dent in world carbon emissions. We can and should do better by taking the hard decisions and changing what is there to be changed by simply dropping old shibboleths and taking a fresh approach.
If we make the logical decisions on power generation and cars the adoption of cap and trade to industry generally will not have a shattering impact because the two biggest sources of carbon have been neutered.
And if the developing world ignores the carbon threat we will have done our bit - without cutting our own throats in a Quixotic gesture !
Saturday 5 July 2008
Church and State !
The founding fathers were wise to legislate to keep church and state separate. It is therefore puzzling why premier Morris Iemma's government passed a law to protect the Catholic Church from criticism during World Youth Day.
During World Youth Day - which is really World Youth Week because if occurs from July 15 to 20 -it will be illegal to say anything, display anything or wear anything that might " annoy " the church or it's followers.
This " anti annoyance law " is not specific as to what constitutes " an annoyance " , but presumably it means anything that is the subject of complaint from the church or attendees. Those that fail to comply face a fine of up to $ 5,500.
The Catholic church should not be above criticism. It has a dismal history of shielding paedophile priests and it's ban on contraception is condemned by those fighting HIV/Aids in third world countries.
Critics who plan to hand out free condoms to WYD attendees and anybody who demonstrates against church policy will find that for the period of this convention their right of freedom of speech has been cancelled.
Urgent action is under way to legally challenge this legislation. The main problem is that - unlike America - Australia does not have a Bill of Rights. As a consequence, we do not have the automatic right to freedom of speech. What we have is - what the government allows us - and this debacle to protect a church from valid criticism illustrates how tenuous our hold is on the civil liberties we take for granted.
In the months and years ahead we will be examining the prospect of abandoning the monarchy and moving to being a republic. As part of that deliberation it is essential that the separation of church and state remain - and that due consideration be given to framing a bill of rights to protect our freedom.
At least this sudden and infamous use of the law will be a call to arms !
During World Youth Day - which is really World Youth Week because if occurs from July 15 to 20 -it will be illegal to say anything, display anything or wear anything that might " annoy " the church or it's followers.
This " anti annoyance law " is not specific as to what constitutes " an annoyance " , but presumably it means anything that is the subject of complaint from the church or attendees. Those that fail to comply face a fine of up to $ 5,500.
The Catholic church should not be above criticism. It has a dismal history of shielding paedophile priests and it's ban on contraception is condemned by those fighting HIV/Aids in third world countries.
Critics who plan to hand out free condoms to WYD attendees and anybody who demonstrates against church policy will find that for the period of this convention their right of freedom of speech has been cancelled.
Urgent action is under way to legally challenge this legislation. The main problem is that - unlike America - Australia does not have a Bill of Rights. As a consequence, we do not have the automatic right to freedom of speech. What we have is - what the government allows us - and this debacle to protect a church from valid criticism illustrates how tenuous our hold is on the civil liberties we take for granted.
In the months and years ahead we will be examining the prospect of abandoning the monarchy and moving to being a republic. As part of that deliberation it is essential that the separation of church and state remain - and that due consideration be given to framing a bill of rights to protect our freedom.
At least this sudden and infamous use of the law will be a call to arms !
Friday 4 July 2008
Political mirage !
Wollongong has been singled out as the target for an advertising campaign to discourage gambling. The city has seventeen poker machines for every thousand citizens, and statistics show that the average gambler loses $ 750 to the one-armed bandits.
The only problem is that this sort of approach doesn't work ! In recent years our television screens are filled with advertising from both the state and Federal governments either urging us to cease doing something - or extolling the benefits the government is providing.
For the most part, government advertising is a mask for the " do nothing " approach to our problems.
When a particular problem starts to attract public attention and the media picks up on it the government spends money creating a mirage. Rather than fixing the problem it is cheaper to run advertising that convinced the majority of citizens that the government is " doing something about it ".
That is the pure essence of politics. A political party gets re-elected only if it can create the conviction in voter's minds that it is on the ball, has solutions to problems - and that a substantial improvement is just days away.
These days a large industry of highly skilled technicians make a good living creating the advertisements that shape public opinion.
We enjoy movies that provide escape entertainment. Government advertising is little different. The only real problem is that it is funded from the public purse - and in most cases it provides no tangible benefit to the public !
The only problem is that this sort of approach doesn't work ! In recent years our television screens are filled with advertising from both the state and Federal governments either urging us to cease doing something - or extolling the benefits the government is providing.
For the most part, government advertising is a mask for the " do nothing " approach to our problems.
When a particular problem starts to attract public attention and the media picks up on it the government spends money creating a mirage. Rather than fixing the problem it is cheaper to run advertising that convinced the majority of citizens that the government is " doing something about it ".
That is the pure essence of politics. A political party gets re-elected only if it can create the conviction in voter's minds that it is on the ball, has solutions to problems - and that a substantial improvement is just days away.
These days a large industry of highly skilled technicians make a good living creating the advertisements that shape public opinion.
We enjoy movies that provide escape entertainment. Government advertising is little different. The only real problem is that it is funded from the public purse - and in most cases it provides no tangible benefit to the public !
Thursday 3 July 2008
Justice denied.
From time to time the process of law requires fine tuning. Circumstances change and those changes need to be accommodated so that justice is served.
Such is a situation in Queensland. A notorious paedophile has served his sentence in gaol and has been released. During his incarceration he refused rehabilitation and his release was against the emphatic advise of both psychiatrists and his jailers - who were certain that he would promptly re-offend.
They were correct - and he was arrested for a sexual offence against a young girl. This attracted wide publicity - and as a result he was hounded from several places of residence by those living nearby with young children.
When he finally appeared before a court, the magistrate dismissed the charge on the grounds that " because of the publicity, he could not get a fair trial ".
It is not acceptable that a paedophile escape retribution simply because his crimes have become known to the public. It may be true that the potential juror pool has been exposed to news broadcasts detailing his case - but the option remains for the trial to be conducted without a jury in the presence of an experienced judge.
This matter raises an additional point of law that needs attention.
When a paedophile refuses rehabilitation while in custody there is a strong assumption that he has no intention of discontinuing his activities upon release.
It is time that sentencing be amended to make rehabilitation an integral part of the sentencing procedure.
The term of the sentence imposed should be conditional on the prisoner voluntarily undergoing rehabilitation. In the event of refusal - no time frame applies and the prisoner remains in gaol indefinitely.
Those framing our laws could well consider applying options - one of which would certainly include castration in return for a reduced sentence.
It is simply not acceptable that unrepentant paedophiles be released to prey on our children because they refuse treatment to amend their evil ways !
Such is a situation in Queensland. A notorious paedophile has served his sentence in gaol and has been released. During his incarceration he refused rehabilitation and his release was against the emphatic advise of both psychiatrists and his jailers - who were certain that he would promptly re-offend.
They were correct - and he was arrested for a sexual offence against a young girl. This attracted wide publicity - and as a result he was hounded from several places of residence by those living nearby with young children.
When he finally appeared before a court, the magistrate dismissed the charge on the grounds that " because of the publicity, he could not get a fair trial ".
It is not acceptable that a paedophile escape retribution simply because his crimes have become known to the public. It may be true that the potential juror pool has been exposed to news broadcasts detailing his case - but the option remains for the trial to be conducted without a jury in the presence of an experienced judge.
This matter raises an additional point of law that needs attention.
When a paedophile refuses rehabilitation while in custody there is a strong assumption that he has no intention of discontinuing his activities upon release.
It is time that sentencing be amended to make rehabilitation an integral part of the sentencing procedure.
The term of the sentence imposed should be conditional on the prisoner voluntarily undergoing rehabilitation. In the event of refusal - no time frame applies and the prisoner remains in gaol indefinitely.
Those framing our laws could well consider applying options - one of which would certainly include castration in return for a reduced sentence.
It is simply not acceptable that unrepentant paedophiles be released to prey on our children because they refuse treatment to amend their evil ways !
Wednesday 2 July 2008
Alcohol reform.
At long last this state has joined the rest of the world and passed sensible laws to regulate the serving of alcohol.
No longer will any form of alcohol license involve draconian fees of thousands of dollars, pages of incomprehensible data demands - and then a list of licensing requirements that make the whole thing inoperable anyway.
It will be possible to have a beer or a glass of wine at a small cafe or kiosk, in a motel where you are a guest - or in a beachside surf club without having to order a meal to accompany it.
It is called " Mediterranean style " - and it will suit the sub-tropical climate and laid back lifestyle of Australia admirably.
We have always had a problem with the regulation of alcohol. In the early days of the colony the governor slavishly followed the custom of host country England - and the English were not known for passing liberating alcohol laws.
As this country developed a strong " wowser " element pushed for prohibition - and when this was rejected - agitated for the six o'clock closing of hotels - leading to the " Six O'Clock swill ".
Sanity finally prevailed and the pubs were allowed to open until ten in the evening, despite the hysterical opposition from the churches and " Wowser " groups.
Since then, public demand has chipped away at alcohol restrictions and we now have an almost open slather regarding trading hours. It is possible in cities and large towns to get a drink 24/7 - but only in establishments that have that elusive - and expensive - permit to sell alcohol.
Hopefully there will be a bonus from the widening of liquor laws. When poker machines were allowed in pubs it became virtually impossible to legally have a drink without being subjected to the seductive music from these machines.
From today, it will finally be possible to have a quiet beer or a sip of wine in congenial surroundings without the gaming pressure present in clubs and pubs.
Australia will be a better place for this reform.
No longer will any form of alcohol license involve draconian fees of thousands of dollars, pages of incomprehensible data demands - and then a list of licensing requirements that make the whole thing inoperable anyway.
It will be possible to have a beer or a glass of wine at a small cafe or kiosk, in a motel where you are a guest - or in a beachside surf club without having to order a meal to accompany it.
It is called " Mediterranean style " - and it will suit the sub-tropical climate and laid back lifestyle of Australia admirably.
We have always had a problem with the regulation of alcohol. In the early days of the colony the governor slavishly followed the custom of host country England - and the English were not known for passing liberating alcohol laws.
As this country developed a strong " wowser " element pushed for prohibition - and when this was rejected - agitated for the six o'clock closing of hotels - leading to the " Six O'Clock swill ".
Sanity finally prevailed and the pubs were allowed to open until ten in the evening, despite the hysterical opposition from the churches and " Wowser " groups.
Since then, public demand has chipped away at alcohol restrictions and we now have an almost open slather regarding trading hours. It is possible in cities and large towns to get a drink 24/7 - but only in establishments that have that elusive - and expensive - permit to sell alcohol.
Hopefully there will be a bonus from the widening of liquor laws. When poker machines were allowed in pubs it became virtually impossible to legally have a drink without being subjected to the seductive music from these machines.
From today, it will finally be possible to have a quiet beer or a sip of wine in congenial surroundings without the gaming pressure present in clubs and pubs.
Australia will be a better place for this reform.
Tuesday 1 July 2008
The " Child support " dilemma !
Today is the dawn of a new financial year - and with it comes a whole new way of thinking when it comes to the implementation of child support.
Child support has long deem a dilemma for both separating couples with children - and the agencies tasked to settle the mess they leave behind. It has been a scene of confusion that has pleased nobody.
Originally child support was devised as a way of making " Deadbeat Dads " contribute to the upkeep of their children. The scheme was heavily slanted in favour of women and draconian payment orders took no account of men who made a new start with resulting new dependent children.
The implementation of rigid formulas to determine payment levels led to a plethora of cases which were grossly unfair, but which were relentlessly pursued by the Child Support Agency ( CSA ).
All that has been overturned and a more relaxed approach will now apply. The income of both parties will be taken into account and for the first time the reality of how much time the child spends with each parent will have a bearing on the amount of money involved.
There will be winners - and losers. Some women on high salaries will be dismayed to find that they will be required to pay child support to a lower earning male who has the custody of the children.
Some men - who have completely avoided any contact with their offspring - may suddenly acquire a need to fraternise - because that reduces their payments .
There will be no perfect solution to the problem of marriage breakup - and it's effect on the children involved - but at least this is an improvement on the ham fisted previous arrangement - and hopefully wiser heads further down the track will implement further fine tuning.
Child support has long deem a dilemma for both separating couples with children - and the agencies tasked to settle the mess they leave behind. It has been a scene of confusion that has pleased nobody.
Originally child support was devised as a way of making " Deadbeat Dads " contribute to the upkeep of their children. The scheme was heavily slanted in favour of women and draconian payment orders took no account of men who made a new start with resulting new dependent children.
The implementation of rigid formulas to determine payment levels led to a plethora of cases which were grossly unfair, but which were relentlessly pursued by the Child Support Agency ( CSA ).
All that has been overturned and a more relaxed approach will now apply. The income of both parties will be taken into account and for the first time the reality of how much time the child spends with each parent will have a bearing on the amount of money involved.
There will be winners - and losers. Some women on high salaries will be dismayed to find that they will be required to pay child support to a lower earning male who has the custody of the children.
Some men - who have completely avoided any contact with their offspring - may suddenly acquire a need to fraternise - because that reduces their payments .
There will be no perfect solution to the problem of marriage breakup - and it's effect on the children involved - but at least this is an improvement on the ham fisted previous arrangement - and hopefully wiser heads further down the track will implement further fine tuning.
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