It is a fact of life that politicians tell lies - and for that reason we take what they say with a grain of salt !
As part of the job, politicians disparage each other, but there are limits on what is acceptable behaviour - and in the OzCar saga a line has been crossed.
It seems that an email has been created and planted to create the impression that both the Prime Minister and the Federal Treasurer misled parliament and used their offices to reward a donor to their political party. Such a suggestion - if proven - would question their integrity and right to serve in the nation's parliament.
Suspicion that this originated as a ploy by the leader of the Opposition, Malcolm Turnbull has resulted in his disapproval rating soaring to near sixty percent - and his ability to retain office is now in question.
He may survive or he may be replaced, but whatever happens it is unlikely that it will have any effect on what is clearly " the political cycle ".
Politics in Australia follows a predictable pattern. The hold of government alternates between the socialists and the conservatives. When a change of government takes place the voters usually give the incoming regime several renewals before the cycle returns and the party in opposition starts to make progress towards a win.
The Rudd government is at the start of such a cycle in office and it would be unusual for there to be opposition gains, nomatter who is in the lead role.
The important thing now for the opposition is for them to sort themselves out and start getting ready for that next cycle. It is inevitable that eventually the Rudd government will run out of support - and lose at the ballot box.
How soon that happens depends on it's performance and skill in making sound decisions - and how quickly the party in opposition develops appealing policies - and produces a leader with charisma that gains the confidence of the voting public.
It is these conflicting skills that determine the timing of the next electoral cycle !
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Monday 29 June 2009
The doctor shortage !
There is a shortage of general practitioners in many parts of Australia, and this is chronic in country towns.
Unfortunately any type of medical reform is strenuously opposed by doctors who have a history of protecting their turf. The idea of delegating simple tasks is rejected out of hand on the grounds that doctors alone should be the person to make all medical decisions.
A consultation with a general practitioner depends on the individual doctor but usually lasts for a time bracket ranging from ten to fifteen minutes. This severely limits the number of patients that can be seen in any one day - and as a result many people wait weeks to be fitted into the schedule.
The big, glaring waste of time expanding the patient queue is the need for all people with ongoing medication to see their doctor twice a year - to get repeat scripts signed.
The maximum prescription from a doctor calls for the original script, plus five repeats. It is therefore valid for a six month supply.
There seems no reason why issuing prescription repeats could not be delegated to a fully trained nurse.
Doctors object on the grounds that seeing the patient enables them to observe any medical change or adjust the medication needed, but in the great majority of cases getting a repeat script is just a routine that clogs up the doctor's time.
A well trained nurse is capable of noticing any change in a patients condition, and making sure that the minority that need the attention of the doctor are so directed.
Delegating prescription renewals would go a long way into freeing up the workload of general practitioners - and making the medical profession more accessible to those struggling to see a doctor.
Unfortunately any type of medical reform is strenuously opposed by doctors who have a history of protecting their turf. The idea of delegating simple tasks is rejected out of hand on the grounds that doctors alone should be the person to make all medical decisions.
A consultation with a general practitioner depends on the individual doctor but usually lasts for a time bracket ranging from ten to fifteen minutes. This severely limits the number of patients that can be seen in any one day - and as a result many people wait weeks to be fitted into the schedule.
The big, glaring waste of time expanding the patient queue is the need for all people with ongoing medication to see their doctor twice a year - to get repeat scripts signed.
The maximum prescription from a doctor calls for the original script, plus five repeats. It is therefore valid for a six month supply.
There seems no reason why issuing prescription repeats could not be delegated to a fully trained nurse.
Doctors object on the grounds that seeing the patient enables them to observe any medical change or adjust the medication needed, but in the great majority of cases getting a repeat script is just a routine that clogs up the doctor's time.
A well trained nurse is capable of noticing any change in a patients condition, and making sure that the minority that need the attention of the doctor are so directed.
Delegating prescription renewals would go a long way into freeing up the workload of general practitioners - and making the medical profession more accessible to those struggling to see a doctor.
Sunday 28 June 2009
Grocery price retreat !
It was one of the big election promises - but it looks like the Federal government has run up the white flag !
The " name and shame " plan to compare the grocery asking price between stores has been abandoned and put back into " the too hard basket ", despite several million dollars already having been spent - and the Choice people being just days away from launching a revamped scheme.
The problem seems to be defiance from Coles and Woolworths, who control about eighty percent of all grocery sales in the country. They are unwilling to submit their prices to a watchdog organization - and deem the plan " unworkable ! "
Come into the real world ! Each Coles and Woolworths supermarket charges prices determined by many factors. How rich is the suburb where it is located ? Is there an Aldi store anywhere in the vicinity ? What other mix of competitors - butchers - greengrocers - variety stores - will give customers price comparisons.
As a result, it will be impossible to present a national price comparison that will have meaning. The mix between each individual store will be ever changing.
The most likely outcome of a workable plan would involve a random survey of stores in individual city suburbs or country towns - and that is exactly what the big two fear most.
Such a plan would simply highlight the price difference between Coles and Woolworths on the one hand - and arch enemy Aldi on the other.
It is almost certain that such a plan would serve to cement in shopper's minds the fact that Aldi is miles cheaper than the big two - and it would certainly encourage Aldi to go into expansion mode.
So - Australian shoppers have been thrown to the wolves. There will be no pressure to try and induce Coles and Woolworths to moderate grocery prices - and no regular comparison with Aldi to persuade shoppers to change their buying habits.
Just think what you might have been paying for groceries - if a German based company had not entered the market and introduced that magic word - " Competition " ?
The " name and shame " plan to compare the grocery asking price between stores has been abandoned and put back into " the too hard basket ", despite several million dollars already having been spent - and the Choice people being just days away from launching a revamped scheme.
The problem seems to be defiance from Coles and Woolworths, who control about eighty percent of all grocery sales in the country. They are unwilling to submit their prices to a watchdog organization - and deem the plan " unworkable ! "
Come into the real world ! Each Coles and Woolworths supermarket charges prices determined by many factors. How rich is the suburb where it is located ? Is there an Aldi store anywhere in the vicinity ? What other mix of competitors - butchers - greengrocers - variety stores - will give customers price comparisons.
As a result, it will be impossible to present a national price comparison that will have meaning. The mix between each individual store will be ever changing.
The most likely outcome of a workable plan would involve a random survey of stores in individual city suburbs or country towns - and that is exactly what the big two fear most.
Such a plan would simply highlight the price difference between Coles and Woolworths on the one hand - and arch enemy Aldi on the other.
It is almost certain that such a plan would serve to cement in shopper's minds the fact that Aldi is miles cheaper than the big two - and it would certainly encourage Aldi to go into expansion mode.
So - Australian shoppers have been thrown to the wolves. There will be no pressure to try and induce Coles and Woolworths to moderate grocery prices - and no regular comparison with Aldi to persuade shoppers to change their buying habits.
Just think what you might have been paying for groceries - if a German based company had not entered the market and introduced that magic word - " Competition " ?
Saturday 27 June 2009
This violent Australia.
Yesterday two events took place that served to illustrate the culture of violence that is now part of Australian life.
In Melbourne three hundred people gathered for the funeral of Desmond " Tuppence " Moran, a member of a crime family who was shot dead in a coffee lounge at Ascot Vale over a week ago.
In Sydney Bob Knight (66) died at the wheel of his TNT semi-trailer, hit in the head by a stray bullet fired by a group of men fighting in a KFC car park on busy Milperra road.
Melbourne has been the scene of an ongoing gang war that has seen twenty-five brutal murders in recent years. All of the deaths have been gun related and the events have been used as the basis for a successful television series.
Sydney has seen turf wars between rival bikie groups, Asian crime gangs - and between Middle Eastern gangsters trying to control the drug trade. There seems to be no shortage of firearms - and shoot outs take no care to avoid injuries to innocent bystanders.
Gun crime was probably inevitable. It is on the increase in every other country in the world and the cause can be sheeted home to the huge profits to be gained from producing and distributing drugs.
There would be no profits if ordinary Australians had not developed a taste for illicit drugs. Marijuana is widely smoked at parties - and what are termed " recreational drugs " seem to be a must for rave nights and in the music scene.
Despite the ongoing efforts of the police - and huge successes from time to time - the money is so huge and the profits so overwhelming that we will never eradicate the drug culture and the criminals that profit from it.
Learn to live with gun deaths. That is not going to change anytime soon !
And hope that " Lady Luck " smiles upon you - and you don't have the misfortune to be " in the wrong place at the wrong time ".
Like Bob Knight !
In Melbourne three hundred people gathered for the funeral of Desmond " Tuppence " Moran, a member of a crime family who was shot dead in a coffee lounge at Ascot Vale over a week ago.
In Sydney Bob Knight (66) died at the wheel of his TNT semi-trailer, hit in the head by a stray bullet fired by a group of men fighting in a KFC car park on busy Milperra road.
Melbourne has been the scene of an ongoing gang war that has seen twenty-five brutal murders in recent years. All of the deaths have been gun related and the events have been used as the basis for a successful television series.
Sydney has seen turf wars between rival bikie groups, Asian crime gangs - and between Middle Eastern gangsters trying to control the drug trade. There seems to be no shortage of firearms - and shoot outs take no care to avoid injuries to innocent bystanders.
Gun crime was probably inevitable. It is on the increase in every other country in the world and the cause can be sheeted home to the huge profits to be gained from producing and distributing drugs.
There would be no profits if ordinary Australians had not developed a taste for illicit drugs. Marijuana is widely smoked at parties - and what are termed " recreational drugs " seem to be a must for rave nights and in the music scene.
Despite the ongoing efforts of the police - and huge successes from time to time - the money is so huge and the profits so overwhelming that we will never eradicate the drug culture and the criminals that profit from it.
Learn to live with gun deaths. That is not going to change anytime soon !
And hope that " Lady Luck " smiles upon you - and you don't have the misfortune to be " in the wrong place at the wrong time ".
Like Bob Knight !
Friday 26 June 2009
Political farce !
The " Clayton's parliament " - the one you have when you are not having a parliament !"
That seems like the upper house of the New South Wales parliament which was closed and silent, behind locked doors yesterday.
The government feared defeat on a bill to sell the state lotteries - so house leader Tony Kelly walked out, got in his car - and went home. As a result, with no minister present, the house president, Peter Primrose closed down the house and abandoned business with one scheduled sitting day to go.
Certainly an innovative political tactic, but just what was that all about ?
To get the lotteries sale approved the government needed the support of the Shooters Party, and that party demanded that the government agree to allow shooters to shoot in the National park system.
That's where things got vague ! Exactly what was proposed was not made clear. It could have meant culling animals such as Deer and Kangaroos, which are often in plague proportions, or it could have been open slather on all manner of animals.
Shooting in the National park system would be unlikely to get approval from the general public. Apart from danger to those using the parks from stray bullets, most people have affection for our furry friends - and would not like to see them slaughtered.
It is said that politics makes some strange bed fellows ! Maybe a good time to think again. Selling the lotteries and shooting in National parks seem likely to get the thumb's down in the public opinion stakes - and after all - the parliament is supposed to support the will of the people !
That seems like the upper house of the New South Wales parliament which was closed and silent, behind locked doors yesterday.
The government feared defeat on a bill to sell the state lotteries - so house leader Tony Kelly walked out, got in his car - and went home. As a result, with no minister present, the house president, Peter Primrose closed down the house and abandoned business with one scheduled sitting day to go.
Certainly an innovative political tactic, but just what was that all about ?
To get the lotteries sale approved the government needed the support of the Shooters Party, and that party demanded that the government agree to allow shooters to shoot in the National park system.
That's where things got vague ! Exactly what was proposed was not made clear. It could have meant culling animals such as Deer and Kangaroos, which are often in plague proportions, or it could have been open slather on all manner of animals.
Shooting in the National park system would be unlikely to get approval from the general public. Apart from danger to those using the parks from stray bullets, most people have affection for our furry friends - and would not like to see them slaughtered.
It is said that politics makes some strange bed fellows ! Maybe a good time to think again. Selling the lotteries and shooting in National parks seem likely to get the thumb's down in the public opinion stakes - and after all - the parliament is supposed to support the will of the people !
Thursday 25 June 2009
Jackpot !
On Tuesday night the Lotto draw will be for an incredible ninety million dollars !
This jackpot is the result of there being no winner of the past several draws and already there have been mutterings that the prize amount is obscene - and perhaps some of it should be confiscated for worthy projects that would benefit the public.
Australia is one of the few countries where gambling winnings are tax free - and it should remain that way.
In many places prizes are not paid in the form of a lump sum because they would be regarded as income - and taxed as such. As a result, the prize is paid as an annual amount to lower the tax take - and provide a steady income over a great many years.
Once the tax man starts to take a bite from prize money it will be the thin end of a very wide wedge. Desperate governments are never slow to exploit a new source of income - and we would surely see the tax percentage widen as inevitably as day follows night.
It should be remembered that this jackpot is our own money. It didn't just appear from nowhere. It built up from the money punters paid for tickets that did not win.
The magic will be gone once restrictions on winnings start to bite. The whole reason for buying a ticket in something like Lotto is the remote chance of winning unimaginable riches and having a " Magic Kingdom " lifestyle.
Once that is gone - life can be just another day in a dreary existence !
This jackpot is the result of there being no winner of the past several draws and already there have been mutterings that the prize amount is obscene - and perhaps some of it should be confiscated for worthy projects that would benefit the public.
Australia is one of the few countries where gambling winnings are tax free - and it should remain that way.
In many places prizes are not paid in the form of a lump sum because they would be regarded as income - and taxed as such. As a result, the prize is paid as an annual amount to lower the tax take - and provide a steady income over a great many years.
Once the tax man starts to take a bite from prize money it will be the thin end of a very wide wedge. Desperate governments are never slow to exploit a new source of income - and we would surely see the tax percentage widen as inevitably as day follows night.
It should be remembered that this jackpot is our own money. It didn't just appear from nowhere. It built up from the money punters paid for tickets that did not win.
The magic will be gone once restrictions on winnings start to bite. The whole reason for buying a ticket in something like Lotto is the remote chance of winning unimaginable riches and having a " Magic Kingdom " lifestyle.
Once that is gone - life can be just another day in a dreary existence !
Wednesday 24 June 2009
A wise decision !
The night ban on coal truck movement through Wollongong has been lifted.
This ban was imposed way back in 1982 and restricted coal movement by road to the period 7 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. The reason was noise mitigation for residents living on Mt Ousley and Springhill roads.
A lot has changed since then. Concrete noise barriers have been installed to shield residential sections of haulage corridors, modern trucks have more efficient exhaust systems - and few would argue against any measure that increases the number of jobs in this region.
Coal trucks are a very expensive item. Operating them 24/7 means getting a better return for the expenditure, and working a truck over three shifts a day opens up a whole new world of employment for more drivers.
At present the coal loading terminal is moving about 5.2 million tonnes of coal a year. Demand is increasing and it will now be able to reach it's design capacity of between 7.2 and 10 million tonnes throughput !
Spreading truck movements over twenty-four hours, seven days a week means diluting truck and car sharing of our roads during morning and afternoon peaks. In particular, night movement will add to safety by moving coal at a time when the roads are at their lowest traffic volume.
Some people will be unhappy about this decision, but most will not notice much change. A very limited number of roads are involved and for many it will simply means seeing fewer coal trucks because at present they are at peak in the times we are usually travelling.
There will also be the usual squawk about global warming and the burning of coal increasing carbon emissions.
The reduction of coal as a fuel will only happen when we either move to another energy medium - or learn how to use it without generating the release of carbon. If Australia ceased to export coal, the slack would be quickly - and happily - taken up by other coal mining countries.
This decision has nothing to do with increasing global warming. It merely makes coal movement by road more efficient and allows Australia to claim it's share of an existing coal market worldwide.
And most importantly - opens up a whole lot more jobs for truck drivers in this job deficient region !
This ban was imposed way back in 1982 and restricted coal movement by road to the period 7 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. The reason was noise mitigation for residents living on Mt Ousley and Springhill roads.
A lot has changed since then. Concrete noise barriers have been installed to shield residential sections of haulage corridors, modern trucks have more efficient exhaust systems - and few would argue against any measure that increases the number of jobs in this region.
Coal trucks are a very expensive item. Operating them 24/7 means getting a better return for the expenditure, and working a truck over three shifts a day opens up a whole new world of employment for more drivers.
At present the coal loading terminal is moving about 5.2 million tonnes of coal a year. Demand is increasing and it will now be able to reach it's design capacity of between 7.2 and 10 million tonnes throughput !
Spreading truck movements over twenty-four hours, seven days a week means diluting truck and car sharing of our roads during morning and afternoon peaks. In particular, night movement will add to safety by moving coal at a time when the roads are at their lowest traffic volume.
Some people will be unhappy about this decision, but most will not notice much change. A very limited number of roads are involved and for many it will simply means seeing fewer coal trucks because at present they are at peak in the times we are usually travelling.
There will also be the usual squawk about global warming and the burning of coal increasing carbon emissions.
The reduction of coal as a fuel will only happen when we either move to another energy medium - or learn how to use it without generating the release of carbon. If Australia ceased to export coal, the slack would be quickly - and happily - taken up by other coal mining countries.
This decision has nothing to do with increasing global warming. It merely makes coal movement by road more efficient and allows Australia to claim it's share of an existing coal market worldwide.
And most importantly - opens up a whole lot more jobs for truck drivers in this job deficient region !
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Making a will !
Every year a huge number of people cause confusion, grief - and big legal costs because they die without having made a Will.
The sad thing is that making a Will is so simple, and does not cost much money.
The cheapest way to ensure that your worldly goods are distributed according to your wishes is to go into any newsagents and buy a pre-printed Will form for a couple of dollars. Just write your name to identify yourself, follow the prompts and add the name of the person who you wish to be your beneficiary - and then go and find two people - neither of whom are mentioned in your will - and both of whom will be present to witness you making your signature to the document.
This will satisfy the inheritance requirements of most people because in the great majority of cases a Will simply exchanges ownership between partners of a relationship.
If the terms of a Will are more complex, involving children or a number of variations it can still be handled on a standard Will form, but there are good reasons to spend a little more and have a qualified person draw up the contents.
A solicitor can handle this, but it is a good idea to ask the cost before proceeding further. A Will can be made at no cost by engaging the Public Trustee, although as part of that deal this Trustee is named the administrator of the Will when the signatory becomes deceased - and may charge fees for carrying out this duty.
It only takes a short time to make a legal Will - but the reduction in delays, cost of red tape and statutory requirements will more than compensate for that time when your loved ones have the task of settling your affairs.
And that is something that will eventually occur to everyone on this planet !
The sad thing is that making a Will is so simple, and does not cost much money.
The cheapest way to ensure that your worldly goods are distributed according to your wishes is to go into any newsagents and buy a pre-printed Will form for a couple of dollars. Just write your name to identify yourself, follow the prompts and add the name of the person who you wish to be your beneficiary - and then go and find two people - neither of whom are mentioned in your will - and both of whom will be present to witness you making your signature to the document.
This will satisfy the inheritance requirements of most people because in the great majority of cases a Will simply exchanges ownership between partners of a relationship.
If the terms of a Will are more complex, involving children or a number of variations it can still be handled on a standard Will form, but there are good reasons to spend a little more and have a qualified person draw up the contents.
A solicitor can handle this, but it is a good idea to ask the cost before proceeding further. A Will can be made at no cost by engaging the Public Trustee, although as part of that deal this Trustee is named the administrator of the Will when the signatory becomes deceased - and may charge fees for carrying out this duty.
It only takes a short time to make a legal Will - but the reduction in delays, cost of red tape and statutory requirements will more than compensate for that time when your loved ones have the task of settling your affairs.
And that is something that will eventually occur to everyone on this planet !
Monday 22 June 2009
Creating problems !
" If it 'aint broke - don't fix it !
That would be good advice for Wollongong City Council.
Personal trainers and the good citizens of this city seeking fitness have been training in the city parks, reserves and beaches for many years without any problems.
Suddenly the council is proposing to implement a licensing system and allocate areas of land under it's control for that purpose. The only reason this is being considered - is the relentless search for new ways of raising money.
Some Sydney councils have tapped into charging for training on council land and our council is eyeing off a new cash cow !
This is not solving a problem. All it is doing is creating a problem that otherwise does not exist.
The moment someone pays money for a right it becomes a whole new ball game. The licensee of that right would claim the power to deny this space to others and we face the prospect of picnickers and tourists being sent packing from the city's parks and beaches.
This licensing system also creates monopolies. Those with the deepest pockets gain the best spots - and when all the available spaces are taken anyone wanting to enter the training fitness industry is locked out.
It also raises some interesting questions of jurisdiction. What happens when a kid's football team trainer wants to take his lads for a training run to prepare them for a match ?
Will be be pounced on by a ranger - demanding to see a license ? Will the kid's football club be fined for breaking a council ordinance ?
It seems that this new regime is just one more step along the road of selling the rights of the citizens in the unholy quest for civic income.
And we have the cheek to call it " the city of innovation ! "
That would be good advice for Wollongong City Council.
Personal trainers and the good citizens of this city seeking fitness have been training in the city parks, reserves and beaches for many years without any problems.
Suddenly the council is proposing to implement a licensing system and allocate areas of land under it's control for that purpose. The only reason this is being considered - is the relentless search for new ways of raising money.
Some Sydney councils have tapped into charging for training on council land and our council is eyeing off a new cash cow !
This is not solving a problem. All it is doing is creating a problem that otherwise does not exist.
The moment someone pays money for a right it becomes a whole new ball game. The licensee of that right would claim the power to deny this space to others and we face the prospect of picnickers and tourists being sent packing from the city's parks and beaches.
This licensing system also creates monopolies. Those with the deepest pockets gain the best spots - and when all the available spaces are taken anyone wanting to enter the training fitness industry is locked out.
It also raises some interesting questions of jurisdiction. What happens when a kid's football team trainer wants to take his lads for a training run to prepare them for a match ?
Will be be pounced on by a ranger - demanding to see a license ? Will the kid's football club be fined for breaking a council ordinance ?
It seems that this new regime is just one more step along the road of selling the rights of the citizens in the unholy quest for civic income.
And we have the cheek to call it " the city of innovation ! "
Sunday 21 June 2009
The OzCar email mystery !
A suggestion of an illicit political " favour for a mate " has Australia enthralled !
It has all the ingredients of an Jeffrey Archer novel. A car dealer gives a rusty old utility vehicle to the Prime Minister for use as a campaign office - and is rewarded with special treatment when he seeks access to car finance.
Proof it said to be in an email sent from the Prime Minister's department - but so far nobody has been able to produce this email !
Now the police are involved and the search is on for this elusive message hidden somewhere in cyberspace. The scene seems to be set for a bunch of clueless coppers trawling through a medium they neither know nor understand - in search of something recorded on an individual machine's hard drive !
The likely outcome would be a nil all draw !
The government would suffer some discomfort from the admission that the Prime Minister did receive a free ute from a car dealer, and Treasurer Wayne Swan did buy a vehicle for this dealer, but insists he paid normal retail price.
The Opposition's claim is supported by the remarks of a senior official in charge of the OzCar scheme, Godwin Grech, who thinks he remembers an email from the PM's office requesting that the car dealer's search for finance be assisted.
Many will question the involvement of a highly paid public servant in such a controversy. Normally the public service studiously avoids comment on matter involving politics - and once so quoted their career is finished !
It should also be remembered that this whole affair has a striking resemblance to the " Watergate " scandal that ultimately unseated President Richard Nixon.
This stemmed from a minor crime of little consequence. That developed into an earth shattering investigation that led to the cover-up that ensnared a vast number of people scattered across both sides of the political spectrum.
Those involved should consider an appropriate adage: " from little acorns - mighty oak trees grow ! "
It has all the ingredients of an Jeffrey Archer novel. A car dealer gives a rusty old utility vehicle to the Prime Minister for use as a campaign office - and is rewarded with special treatment when he seeks access to car finance.
Proof it said to be in an email sent from the Prime Minister's department - but so far nobody has been able to produce this email !
Now the police are involved and the search is on for this elusive message hidden somewhere in cyberspace. The scene seems to be set for a bunch of clueless coppers trawling through a medium they neither know nor understand - in search of something recorded on an individual machine's hard drive !
The likely outcome would be a nil all draw !
The government would suffer some discomfort from the admission that the Prime Minister did receive a free ute from a car dealer, and Treasurer Wayne Swan did buy a vehicle for this dealer, but insists he paid normal retail price.
The Opposition's claim is supported by the remarks of a senior official in charge of the OzCar scheme, Godwin Grech, who thinks he remembers an email from the PM's office requesting that the car dealer's search for finance be assisted.
Many will question the involvement of a highly paid public servant in such a controversy. Normally the public service studiously avoids comment on matter involving politics - and once so quoted their career is finished !
It should also be remembered that this whole affair has a striking resemblance to the " Watergate " scandal that ultimately unseated President Richard Nixon.
This stemmed from a minor crime of little consequence. That developed into an earth shattering investigation that led to the cover-up that ensnared a vast number of people scattered across both sides of the political spectrum.
Those involved should consider an appropriate adage: " from little acorns - mighty oak trees grow ! "
Saturday 20 June 2009
Games that children play !
Shakespeare said that " All the worlds a stage " - and we witnessed just such an example of drama in the Senate this week.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young rushed to a division and brought her two year old daughter Kora with her.
Senate President John Hogg reminded her that the presence of children in the chamber was forbidden - unless the mother was breast feeding - and insisted that Kora be removed by one of Ms Hanson-Young's staff.
Greens leader Bob Brown was immediately on his feet protesting - and urging that the Senate dump this rule " and make life a little more parent friendly ".
It could be called " political drama ", or a stunt by the Greens to appeal for more of the women's vote. These days the women's movement seems to bristle at all and every rule that imposes a sense of duty on their gender.
The parliament of the nation is a serious place. We elect representatives to go there and seriously consider the legislation that governs our lives. We expect that this will receive their full attention - and that they will not be distracted by the need to attend to their offspring.
Senators are not poorly paid members of the workforce. They not only receive a hefty salary and a range of allowances, but the government also pays for them to be attended by staffers. In the Hanson-Young incident, Kora was taken from the chamber by such a staffer - and disrupted proceedings by her loud protests.
The exclusion of children, other than breast fed babies - is a sensible rule. What other employer would allow a mother to come to work and allow children to play alongside her desk - or alongside the machine she is operating - and would the nation's safety laws not rebel at such a proposal ?
We are also committed to gender equality. Just suppose this rule is relaxed. Most Senators are a bit too long in the tooth to have small children, but suppose they decided to bring their grandchildren - or great-grandchildren into the chamber, for no other reason than they now are able to do so !
Just what sort of workplace would it be with Senators trying to debate an issue - and the floor a pandemonium of crying, fighting, unruly children competing for their carer's attention.
The sad thing is that in this twenty-first century such a ridiculous notion quickly becomes a " rights " issue. In politics - nothing is certain. Turning the Senate chamber into a kindergarten could actually happen.
Whatever became of the practice of using common sense to decide these issues ?
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young rushed to a division and brought her two year old daughter Kora with her.
Senate President John Hogg reminded her that the presence of children in the chamber was forbidden - unless the mother was breast feeding - and insisted that Kora be removed by one of Ms Hanson-Young's staff.
Greens leader Bob Brown was immediately on his feet protesting - and urging that the Senate dump this rule " and make life a little more parent friendly ".
It could be called " political drama ", or a stunt by the Greens to appeal for more of the women's vote. These days the women's movement seems to bristle at all and every rule that imposes a sense of duty on their gender.
The parliament of the nation is a serious place. We elect representatives to go there and seriously consider the legislation that governs our lives. We expect that this will receive their full attention - and that they will not be distracted by the need to attend to their offspring.
Senators are not poorly paid members of the workforce. They not only receive a hefty salary and a range of allowances, but the government also pays for them to be attended by staffers. In the Hanson-Young incident, Kora was taken from the chamber by such a staffer - and disrupted proceedings by her loud protests.
The exclusion of children, other than breast fed babies - is a sensible rule. What other employer would allow a mother to come to work and allow children to play alongside her desk - or alongside the machine she is operating - and would the nation's safety laws not rebel at such a proposal ?
We are also committed to gender equality. Just suppose this rule is relaxed. Most Senators are a bit too long in the tooth to have small children, but suppose they decided to bring their grandchildren - or great-grandchildren into the chamber, for no other reason than they now are able to do so !
Just what sort of workplace would it be with Senators trying to debate an issue - and the floor a pandemonium of crying, fighting, unruly children competing for their carer's attention.
The sad thing is that in this twenty-first century such a ridiculous notion quickly becomes a " rights " issue. In politics - nothing is certain. Turning the Senate chamber into a kindergarten could actually happen.
Whatever became of the practice of using common sense to decide these issues ?
Friday 19 June 2009
The fickle finger of fate !
Bad things happen to some people - but you have a higher chance of being one of those people if your skin is black instead of white !
A black man died in Western Australia when he was transported from the town of Laverton to Kalgoorlie.
This Aboriginal man started life living in an outback tribal family. He learned to speak excellent English, gained an education and travelled overseas on several cultural missions.
He lived in a " dry " village, and like many others stopped to enjoy a few beers when he made a business visit to Laverton. The police picked him up driving home well over the limit, using rough stock tracks rather than the road system.
He was locked up for the night in the Laverton police station and the next day refused bail and scheduled to be transferred to gaol in Kalgoorlie.
And that's where things fell apart !
The transport was a clapped out Mazda prison van manned by two prison contractors. It had a " prisoner cell " which had little natural ventilation and was supposedly cooled by an air conditioning unit. Air conditioning worked fine for the drivers compartment, but had a history of failure in the prisoner cell.
Laverton to Kalgoorlie is a four hundred kilometre stretch and the day in question was over forty degrees. The temperature in the prisoner cell would have neared fifty degrees - and this prisoner was given a frozen meat pie and a litre of water for the journey.
No attempt was made to check his welfare and no break stops were made. When the van reached Kalgoorlie this prisoner was unconscious - and later died of heat stroke.
It is unlikely that a white prisoner would have been transported in this manner - and so far nobody has been charged with any offence. It seems that the reason is that no rules were broken despite it being an unreasonable ordeal that led to a death.
We are never going to achieve peace with our indigenous people while this disparity in treatment is allowed to happen - and change is ignored.
The difference between life and death can rest on the colour of your skin !
A black man died in Western Australia when he was transported from the town of Laverton to Kalgoorlie.
This Aboriginal man started life living in an outback tribal family. He learned to speak excellent English, gained an education and travelled overseas on several cultural missions.
He lived in a " dry " village, and like many others stopped to enjoy a few beers when he made a business visit to Laverton. The police picked him up driving home well over the limit, using rough stock tracks rather than the road system.
He was locked up for the night in the Laverton police station and the next day refused bail and scheduled to be transferred to gaol in Kalgoorlie.
And that's where things fell apart !
The transport was a clapped out Mazda prison van manned by two prison contractors. It had a " prisoner cell " which had little natural ventilation and was supposedly cooled by an air conditioning unit. Air conditioning worked fine for the drivers compartment, but had a history of failure in the prisoner cell.
Laverton to Kalgoorlie is a four hundred kilometre stretch and the day in question was over forty degrees. The temperature in the prisoner cell would have neared fifty degrees - and this prisoner was given a frozen meat pie and a litre of water for the journey.
No attempt was made to check his welfare and no break stops were made. When the van reached Kalgoorlie this prisoner was unconscious - and later died of heat stroke.
It is unlikely that a white prisoner would have been transported in this manner - and so far nobody has been charged with any offence. It seems that the reason is that no rules were broken despite it being an unreasonable ordeal that led to a death.
We are never going to achieve peace with our indigenous people while this disparity in treatment is allowed to happen - and change is ignored.
The difference between life and death can rest on the colour of your skin !
Thursday 18 June 2009
Tyranny under any name !
Iran is in turmoil because it's younger people are seeking freedom from religious tyranny. When the Islamic revolution took place in 1979 a corrupt secular regime was swept away, only to be replaced by a fanatical Ayatullah who imposed a form of religious fundamentalism that saw women whipped and beaten in the street by " the religious police " for the slightest infringement of an oppressive dress code.
Iranians are not rejecting Islam. What they are rejecting is an interpretation that drags life and liberty back into the dark ages. It seems that an election that held the promise of reform has been stolen by the religious rulers - who are determined to preserve the status quo !
It would be tempting to blame Islam for this subjugation of a whole country, but similar situations have occurred under Christianity.
Ireland and Spain suffered for centuries under the rule of the Roman Catholic church - where church dogma became indistinguishable from the edicts of those exercising political power.
They were priest ridden countries condemned to poverty, injustice and a way of life that saw their young people migrate abroad to escape religious persecution.
What happens in Tehran is yet to become clear. A very powerful swell of discontent is crashing against religious power and several outcomes are possible. The police and the Revolutionary Guard are also people - and they may join the protest movement and bring about change - or there may be a repeat of China's Tianamen square massacre and a new reign of religious terror imposed on the people.
Iran is desperate to cloak this protest in secrecy - but whatever the final outcome - we are witnessing history in the making !
Iranians are not rejecting Islam. What they are rejecting is an interpretation that drags life and liberty back into the dark ages. It seems that an election that held the promise of reform has been stolen by the religious rulers - who are determined to preserve the status quo !
It would be tempting to blame Islam for this subjugation of a whole country, but similar situations have occurred under Christianity.
Ireland and Spain suffered for centuries under the rule of the Roman Catholic church - where church dogma became indistinguishable from the edicts of those exercising political power.
They were priest ridden countries condemned to poverty, injustice and a way of life that saw their young people migrate abroad to escape religious persecution.
What happens in Tehran is yet to become clear. A very powerful swell of discontent is crashing against religious power and several outcomes are possible. The police and the Revolutionary Guard are also people - and they may join the protest movement and bring about change - or there may be a repeat of China's Tianamen square massacre and a new reign of religious terror imposed on the people.
Iran is desperate to cloak this protest in secrecy - but whatever the final outcome - we are witnessing history in the making !
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Stamp duty holiday !
The New South Wales budget revealed last night was a very predictable affair. We will be going into deficit in an attempt to ease the recession and most of the initiatives had been leaked well before " budget night ".
Rumours that stamp duty would be abolished on new homes to try and jump start building activity proved to be partly right. Stamp duty will be halved on new homes worth up to $ 600,000 - for a period of six months !
This will reduce the cost of a new home worth $ 600,000 by $ 11,245 and - hopefully - induce investors to spend and thus reduce the dire shortage of rental accommodation.
There have been warnings of expected increases in housing prices - and rapid increases in rents from industry sources, but any temporary relief to create extra building activity can be a two edged sword !
If we bring forward housing starts to the balance of this year we are robbing next years commencements and creating a lack of work in the building trade when that period arrives.
There would seem no alternative than a new announcement later this year, extending the stamp duty holiday to try and cover that shortfall.
It's a bit like that new home buyer grant. The Federal government has a tiger by the tail. Even the hint of the grants being discontinued brings a surge in take ups - with the prospect of a big, deep black hole if it happens.
It seems that we can expect the tandem benefit of first home buyer grants and a drop in new home stamp duty to continue indefinitely because the consequences of their withdrawal would be too horrible to contemplate.
It's a predictable outcome of efforts to insulate the home economy from the ravages of a world recession - and as that old saying goes - " It goes with the territory ! "
Rumours that stamp duty would be abolished on new homes to try and jump start building activity proved to be partly right. Stamp duty will be halved on new homes worth up to $ 600,000 - for a period of six months !
This will reduce the cost of a new home worth $ 600,000 by $ 11,245 and - hopefully - induce investors to spend and thus reduce the dire shortage of rental accommodation.
There have been warnings of expected increases in housing prices - and rapid increases in rents from industry sources, but any temporary relief to create extra building activity can be a two edged sword !
If we bring forward housing starts to the balance of this year we are robbing next years commencements and creating a lack of work in the building trade when that period arrives.
There would seem no alternative than a new announcement later this year, extending the stamp duty holiday to try and cover that shortfall.
It's a bit like that new home buyer grant. The Federal government has a tiger by the tail. Even the hint of the grants being discontinued brings a surge in take ups - with the prospect of a big, deep black hole if it happens.
It seems that we can expect the tandem benefit of first home buyer grants and a drop in new home stamp duty to continue indefinitely because the consequences of their withdrawal would be too horrible to contemplate.
It's a predictable outcome of efforts to insulate the home economy from the ravages of a world recession - and as that old saying goes - " It goes with the territory ! "
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Holiday dilemma !
After the second world war Australia entered the age of the caravan. The era of the " Cheap " family holiday had arrived. Hitch the van to the car - pile in Mum and the kids - and go find a caravan park at a place with nice scenery and comfortable amenities.
Many people discovered a place to which they wanted to return - and so started the era of the " permanent van site ". They left the van there all year round, visited and had a holiday every long weekend - and paid a reasonable fee for reserving their " little bit of paradise ! "
Things are changing. Councils have discovered that there is more money in building and renting out holiday cabins and they are reducing the number of van sites - and now those permanent van sites are in their sights.
South coast van sites are steadily increasing in price. They jumped 23% in the 2007/08 year - and this year a site will increase in annual rent from $ 3700 to $ 4300.
Permanent van sites appear to be an endangered species. Not only do councils want to reduce the numbers in favour of cabins, but there is a school of thought that wants more spaces to be available for the visiting van public.
It is becoming more difficult to take a holiday towing a caravan because of a scarcity of overnight accommodation - and this is not good for the tourist industry.
The obvious answer would be the establishment of more caravan parks, but that simply creates a new problem of cost. Cheap land is a thing of the past and to recoup the cost a park owner has no option other than to raise rental prices.
Those with a permanent van site have to face reality. Like every other aspect of life a holiday is now a decision in the cost/benefit category. When the money asked exceeds the pleasure obtained - then that is the time to make the big decision.
Many people discovered a place to which they wanted to return - and so started the era of the " permanent van site ". They left the van there all year round, visited and had a holiday every long weekend - and paid a reasonable fee for reserving their " little bit of paradise ! "
Things are changing. Councils have discovered that there is more money in building and renting out holiday cabins and they are reducing the number of van sites - and now those permanent van sites are in their sights.
South coast van sites are steadily increasing in price. They jumped 23% in the 2007/08 year - and this year a site will increase in annual rent from $ 3700 to $ 4300.
Permanent van sites appear to be an endangered species. Not only do councils want to reduce the numbers in favour of cabins, but there is a school of thought that wants more spaces to be available for the visiting van public.
It is becoming more difficult to take a holiday towing a caravan because of a scarcity of overnight accommodation - and this is not good for the tourist industry.
The obvious answer would be the establishment of more caravan parks, but that simply creates a new problem of cost. Cheap land is a thing of the past and to recoup the cost a park owner has no option other than to raise rental prices.
Those with a permanent van site have to face reality. Like every other aspect of life a holiday is now a decision in the cost/benefit category. When the money asked exceeds the pleasure obtained - then that is the time to make the big decision.
Monday 15 June 2009
Dictatorial regimes !
Just where do the rights of parents to make decisions on their children's upbringing start and end ?
In recent decades we have seen " the authorities " intrude more and more into the everyday matters of home and school life. This can range from the edicts of Federal and state governments, to the rantings of unelected bodies that seek to impose their ideas.
School lunch boxes have been at the forefront of recent interference. It is probably permissible for dietary authorities to recommend foods that would be medically desirable in a kid's lunch, but it's another matter when lunch boxes are inspected - and items not meeting the expected criteria forcibly removed !
Now we have a new wave of " puritanism ". Some schools have banned " energy drinks " from school canteens - while others have imposed a complete ban and will not permit them on school property.
The reason given is that they are simply " rubbish " - and an excuse for a quick caffeine fix !
Who makes these decisions - and what right do they have to order parents to follow their rules in what may - or may not - be packed into a kid's lunch box ?
In most cases this is sheer bluff ! There may be legitimate medical reasons why a parent includes some otherwise " forbidden " food, but so far the matter has not gone before a court for a ruling.
A good, healthy lunch is certainly a desirable outcome - but many will bristle at the idea of a " food dictator " imposing his or her ideas of what that should be.
It is only a matter of time before some rebel takes the matter to court. In the interim - the legality of such edicts remains in no-mans-land !
In recent decades we have seen " the authorities " intrude more and more into the everyday matters of home and school life. This can range from the edicts of Federal and state governments, to the rantings of unelected bodies that seek to impose their ideas.
School lunch boxes have been at the forefront of recent interference. It is probably permissible for dietary authorities to recommend foods that would be medically desirable in a kid's lunch, but it's another matter when lunch boxes are inspected - and items not meeting the expected criteria forcibly removed !
Now we have a new wave of " puritanism ". Some schools have banned " energy drinks " from school canteens - while others have imposed a complete ban and will not permit them on school property.
The reason given is that they are simply " rubbish " - and an excuse for a quick caffeine fix !
Who makes these decisions - and what right do they have to order parents to follow their rules in what may - or may not - be packed into a kid's lunch box ?
In most cases this is sheer bluff ! There may be legitimate medical reasons why a parent includes some otherwise " forbidden " food, but so far the matter has not gone before a court for a ruling.
A good, healthy lunch is certainly a desirable outcome - but many will bristle at the idea of a " food dictator " imposing his or her ideas of what that should be.
It is only a matter of time before some rebel takes the matter to court. In the interim - the legality of such edicts remains in no-mans-land !
Sunday 14 June 2009
The " Taser " decision !
It seems that New South Wales have made a decision to arm this state police force with Taser weapons. $ 10 million will be spent buying 1962 guns for use by officers on the beat.
It was probably inevitable, but it is clear that the fifty weapons presently in police hands during a two year trial run have not been used in accord with the strict guidelines ordered.
An intoxicated man in Oxford street was shot twice with a Taser for no apparent reason. He was ordered to stop walking on the road and started to comply - and now this will become a damages case in the courts. The event was recorded on CCTV.
When Tasers were proposed it was argued that their use would in all cases involve the same in depth enquiry that would result from a discharge of a police firearm.
There is no question that police would not have considered using a firearm in the Oxford street incident.
Civil Liberties people worried that police would use Tasers to avoid a physical confrontation with members of the public - and they would be regarded in a similar manner to use of police batons. This seems to be exactly what has now become normal procedure !
There is merit on both sides of the Taser argument. Tasers are safer than a police bullet in subduing a violent person, but Tasers are also a deadly weapon and in some cases their use will result in death.
It seems that the worst fears of the Civil Liberties people are being realised. The decision has been made to go ahead with a general release of Tasers, and no regimen is in place for a full investigation of each and every incident of their use.
Expect to get hit with a 50,000 volt of electricity in any scenario where you are drunk and argumentative - and the copper doesn't feel inclined to go to the trouble of physically manhandling you into a paddy wagon.
This will now be a prominent feature of arrest in the twenty-first century !
It was probably inevitable, but it is clear that the fifty weapons presently in police hands during a two year trial run have not been used in accord with the strict guidelines ordered.
An intoxicated man in Oxford street was shot twice with a Taser for no apparent reason. He was ordered to stop walking on the road and started to comply - and now this will become a damages case in the courts. The event was recorded on CCTV.
When Tasers were proposed it was argued that their use would in all cases involve the same in depth enquiry that would result from a discharge of a police firearm.
There is no question that police would not have considered using a firearm in the Oxford street incident.
Civil Liberties people worried that police would use Tasers to avoid a physical confrontation with members of the public - and they would be regarded in a similar manner to use of police batons. This seems to be exactly what has now become normal procedure !
There is merit on both sides of the Taser argument. Tasers are safer than a police bullet in subduing a violent person, but Tasers are also a deadly weapon and in some cases their use will result in death.
It seems that the worst fears of the Civil Liberties people are being realised. The decision has been made to go ahead with a general release of Tasers, and no regimen is in place for a full investigation of each and every incident of their use.
Expect to get hit with a 50,000 volt of electricity in any scenario where you are drunk and argumentative - and the copper doesn't feel inclined to go to the trouble of physically manhandling you into a paddy wagon.
This will now be a prominent feature of arrest in the twenty-first century !
Saturday 13 June 2009
Justice prevails - for some !
The New South Wales government has modified the driver's demerit point system to give relief to those marginally over the limit. From July 1, full license drivers speeding up to ten kph over the limit will only lose one demerit point - and attract an $ 84 fine.
The move was in response to drivers complaining that an excess of just one or two kph over the limit was threatening licenses - and that many car speedometers were not capable of accurately measuring such speeds. it was also claimed that fitting items such as low profile tyres resulted in a difference between speedometer and actual car speeds.
This relief does not apply to those on provisional licenses - and in fact the heavy hand of the law has increased the penalty count for P2 drivers by an additional one demerit point.
P2 drivers will now automatically lose their license on a second offence - and P1 drivers the first time they are detected over the limit.
This seems to fly in the face of sheer logic.
If a fixed speed camera policing a school area detects two drivers a single kph over the 40 kph limit - the penalty differs widely. The full license holder loses a single point. A P2 driver is half way to losing his or her license - and a P1 driver can no longer drive a car.
That is incredibly harsh treatment of the provisional driver. It means that those on a provisional license must at all times drive several kph under the posted speed limit to be certain that they will not inadvertently break the law - and put their license in jeopardy !
Speeding fines and loss of points increase as the degree of speeding over the limit increases - and this is fair. What is not fair is to impose an impossible degree of accuracy on provisional license holders.
The government is acting because it agrees that the points system was excessive for minor infringements. It is hard to justify justice for some - when that is not justice for all !
The move was in response to drivers complaining that an excess of just one or two kph over the limit was threatening licenses - and that many car speedometers were not capable of accurately measuring such speeds. it was also claimed that fitting items such as low profile tyres resulted in a difference between speedometer and actual car speeds.
This relief does not apply to those on provisional licenses - and in fact the heavy hand of the law has increased the penalty count for P2 drivers by an additional one demerit point.
P2 drivers will now automatically lose their license on a second offence - and P1 drivers the first time they are detected over the limit.
This seems to fly in the face of sheer logic.
If a fixed speed camera policing a school area detects two drivers a single kph over the 40 kph limit - the penalty differs widely. The full license holder loses a single point. A P2 driver is half way to losing his or her license - and a P1 driver can no longer drive a car.
That is incredibly harsh treatment of the provisional driver. It means that those on a provisional license must at all times drive several kph under the posted speed limit to be certain that they will not inadvertently break the law - and put their license in jeopardy !
Speeding fines and loss of points increase as the degree of speeding over the limit increases - and this is fair. What is not fair is to impose an impossible degree of accuracy on provisional license holders.
The government is acting because it agrees that the points system was excessive for minor infringements. It is hard to justify justice for some - when that is not justice for all !
Friday 12 June 2009
Bushfire safety lessons.
The enquiry into the catastrophic fires in Victoria is starting to reveal an all too familiar story. Several authorities with overlapping responsibilities, each with a turf protection culture and a rigid command structure unable to quickly respond to a fast changing fire situation.
What we should be doing is examining if a similar situation exists in New South Wales !
The Wollongong escarpment is a tragedy waiting to happen. It is not a case of " if " a fire storm develops - more a matter of " when " - and how we would respond to get people to safety.
Several questions beg to be answered ! How would be warn residents between Stanwell Park and Thirroul that a dangerous fire was on the way ? What evacuation plans are ready to be implemented ? Considering that the only evacuation route is Lawrence Hargreave Drive - what traffic management plans are in place ?
And most important of all - who has overall authority to make the decisions - give the orders - and take control ?
If the state government is unable to answer these questions - and is doing nothing to take heed of the lessons forthcoming from the Victorian enquiry - then the minister responsible should face a criminal trial if lives are lost because of such negligence.
Not only the Premier should be responding to this danger. Wollongong Council has a role to play - at least bringing the matter to the attention of the public - and the head of this area's police command would be involved in an emergency evacuation.
The writing is on all the wall after the Victorian experience. The people who face fire danger from the escarpment have a right to expect an answer on our state of readiness !
What we should be doing is examining if a similar situation exists in New South Wales !
The Wollongong escarpment is a tragedy waiting to happen. It is not a case of " if " a fire storm develops - more a matter of " when " - and how we would respond to get people to safety.
Several questions beg to be answered ! How would be warn residents between Stanwell Park and Thirroul that a dangerous fire was on the way ? What evacuation plans are ready to be implemented ? Considering that the only evacuation route is Lawrence Hargreave Drive - what traffic management plans are in place ?
And most important of all - who has overall authority to make the decisions - give the orders - and take control ?
If the state government is unable to answer these questions - and is doing nothing to take heed of the lessons forthcoming from the Victorian enquiry - then the minister responsible should face a criminal trial if lives are lost because of such negligence.
Not only the Premier should be responding to this danger. Wollongong Council has a role to play - at least bringing the matter to the attention of the public - and the head of this area's police command would be involved in an emergency evacuation.
The writing is on all the wall after the Victorian experience. The people who face fire danger from the escarpment have a right to expect an answer on our state of readiness !
Thursday 11 June 2009
A University Education !
Half a century ago the image of the average university student was very different from today. Students from poor families struggled to " put themselves through university " by working part time jobs - and getting by on little money.
Since then there has been a huge influx of fee paying overseas students and Australian students have the opportunity to defer fees under the HECS scheme until after they graduate and get a well paying job.
The problem is that students at university still need living expenses. In some cases they need to live away from home and with this recession jobs are hard to find. As a result, the opportunity to attend university has narrowed - and in many cases is out of reach for children from lower socio-economic families.
Now there are moves to open university life and attract students from disadvantaged backgrounds - and $ 5.6 million has been allocated for this purpose.
As usual, the devil will be in the detail. The problem will be how to spend the money by targetting the intended people ? The first tool that government's usually choose is means testing. Invariably there are screams of pain from those who just miss out on qualification - and pressure to widen the net.
It would be nice if all who qualify could attend university. Even if universities were free there would be a segment unable to find living expenses, and it is these that this plan is intended to help.
Just how the money can be applied - and how it can be directed to those with the greatest need will test the innovation of the people tasked with planning the scheme's implementation.
Unfortunately - on past experience - politics has a determining effect on the results and pressure forces the criteria to expand with the result that too little money reaches the intended target.
Let us hope that this time wise heads prevail - and we get this one right !
Since then there has been a huge influx of fee paying overseas students and Australian students have the opportunity to defer fees under the HECS scheme until after they graduate and get a well paying job.
The problem is that students at university still need living expenses. In some cases they need to live away from home and with this recession jobs are hard to find. As a result, the opportunity to attend university has narrowed - and in many cases is out of reach for children from lower socio-economic families.
Now there are moves to open university life and attract students from disadvantaged backgrounds - and $ 5.6 million has been allocated for this purpose.
As usual, the devil will be in the detail. The problem will be how to spend the money by targetting the intended people ? The first tool that government's usually choose is means testing. Invariably there are screams of pain from those who just miss out on qualification - and pressure to widen the net.
It would be nice if all who qualify could attend university. Even if universities were free there would be a segment unable to find living expenses, and it is these that this plan is intended to help.
Just how the money can be applied - and how it can be directed to those with the greatest need will test the innovation of the people tasked with planning the scheme's implementation.
Unfortunately - on past experience - politics has a determining effect on the results and pressure forces the criteria to expand with the result that too little money reaches the intended target.
Let us hope that this time wise heads prevail - and we get this one right !
Wednesday 10 June 2009
Coal and water - an incompatible mix !
Once again the question of safety has arisen in response to mining coal from underneath sources of drinking water. There is a proposal from Gujarat NRC to longwall mine the vast quantities of high grade coking coal from under the Cataract reservoir.
Coal and water are simply incompatible ! It stands to reason that if coal is removed it leaves an empty cavern - and as nature abhors a vacuum - subsidence eventually takes place and the land surface drops - cracking the bottom of any lake or river above and causing water loss.
This is not the first such proposal - and it certainly will not be the last ! We need to make a decision once and for all - and determine a policy approach so that our water supply is safe and mining interests clearly know what will - and what will not be permitted !
Mining affects more than just water. Subsidence after longwall mining can be as severe as five metres, and this can devastate roads and railway tracks, electricity transmission towers, Telstra cables - and water and gas pipelines.
Some of these could be re-routed to avoid damage, but it should be clear from the outset that the cost of such work would be required from the miner before such a project would be even considered.
We are told that global warming will reduce rain and natural water to most parts of Australia. In these circumstances, guarding what water we have must have a higher priority - and now would be a good time to establish a conservation policy to establish the rules that apply !
Coal and water are simply incompatible ! It stands to reason that if coal is removed it leaves an empty cavern - and as nature abhors a vacuum - subsidence eventually takes place and the land surface drops - cracking the bottom of any lake or river above and causing water loss.
This is not the first such proposal - and it certainly will not be the last ! We need to make a decision once and for all - and determine a policy approach so that our water supply is safe and mining interests clearly know what will - and what will not be permitted !
Mining affects more than just water. Subsidence after longwall mining can be as severe as five metres, and this can devastate roads and railway tracks, electricity transmission towers, Telstra cables - and water and gas pipelines.
Some of these could be re-routed to avoid damage, but it should be clear from the outset that the cost of such work would be required from the miner before such a project would be even considered.
We are told that global warming will reduce rain and natural water to most parts of Australia. In these circumstances, guarding what water we have must have a higher priority - and now would be a good time to establish a conservation policy to establish the rules that apply !
Tuesday 9 June 2009
Time for a re-think !
When a plan was announced to close the operating theatres at Bulli hospital the surgeons concerned protested - and the South Coast Labour Council slapped a ban on the movement of any theatre equipment from that hospital.
Basically, the closure went ahead anyway - and now only eye surgery remains. The other two medical disciplines have moved to Shellharbour hospital, and most people reluctantly concede that there is no prospect of a reversal.
The ban of removing equipment from Bulli to Shellharbour remains. It has served it's purpose of making a statement - and now all it is doing is inconveniencing patients, staff and surgeons.
An $ 80,000 surgical microscope remains unused, locked in Bulli hospital while surgeons make do with borrowed and inferior equipment at Shellharbour. In a recent case, a borrowed microscope failed - and this resulted in six patients having surgery postponed.
It seems to be an ego standoff between the Labour Council and the Area Health Service. Neither seems inclined to budge and the longer the ban remains the more money will be wasted and health standards compromised.
Now would be a good time for a rational compromise. The Labour Council has made it's point. The transfer of services has happened. The ban should be lifted and that equipment put to use to provide the citizens of this region with a higher standard of care than they are presently getting.
Continuing the ban is achieving - nothing !
Basically, the closure went ahead anyway - and now only eye surgery remains. The other two medical disciplines have moved to Shellharbour hospital, and most people reluctantly concede that there is no prospect of a reversal.
The ban of removing equipment from Bulli to Shellharbour remains. It has served it's purpose of making a statement - and now all it is doing is inconveniencing patients, staff and surgeons.
An $ 80,000 surgical microscope remains unused, locked in Bulli hospital while surgeons make do with borrowed and inferior equipment at Shellharbour. In a recent case, a borrowed microscope failed - and this resulted in six patients having surgery postponed.
It seems to be an ego standoff between the Labour Council and the Area Health Service. Neither seems inclined to budge and the longer the ban remains the more money will be wasted and health standards compromised.
Now would be a good time for a rational compromise. The Labour Council has made it's point. The transfer of services has happened. The ban should be lifted and that equipment put to use to provide the citizens of this region with a higher standard of care than they are presently getting.
Continuing the ban is achieving - nothing !
Monday 8 June 2009
Soccer - and Australia.
The Socceroos will be heading to South Africa and the World cup in 2010 - and this will have a stimulating effect on support for the game in Australia.
There was a peak in interest after the last World cup in Germany four years ago, but then that interest dwindled and it must be said that Soccer is decidedly the " third code " here - a long way behind Rugby and Australian Rules in popular support.
It's interesting to try and speculate why this is so. The original settlers were mainly from England and so it would be expected that Soccer would have been the code to establish here. It didn't - and Rugby became the game of New South Wales and Queensland, while a completely new game - Australian Rules - originated and took fanatical hold in the southern states.
Perhaps it has something to do with the Australian psyche. Soccer is hardly a contact sport - and the rules of play and system of team progression leave many people scratching their heads.
For instance. To qualify for the World cup the Socceroos played Qaatar - and the result was a nil all draw - but Australia won - and if it had not it would still have two other chances to qualify !
Rugby and Australian Rules games are decisive. There never has been a nil all draw. The result is plain to see - and it seems Aussies like a bit of " biffo " to liven things up.
At least the sports pages of newspapers now devote attention to Soccer - and that was not always the case in years past. Soccer is a good game - played on the world stage - and now that Australia is making a presence it is here to stay !
Maybe one day we will manage to sort out the weird rules that apply to the game !
There was a peak in interest after the last World cup in Germany four years ago, but then that interest dwindled and it must be said that Soccer is decidedly the " third code " here - a long way behind Rugby and Australian Rules in popular support.
It's interesting to try and speculate why this is so. The original settlers were mainly from England and so it would be expected that Soccer would have been the code to establish here. It didn't - and Rugby became the game of New South Wales and Queensland, while a completely new game - Australian Rules - originated and took fanatical hold in the southern states.
Perhaps it has something to do with the Australian psyche. Soccer is hardly a contact sport - and the rules of play and system of team progression leave many people scratching their heads.
For instance. To qualify for the World cup the Socceroos played Qaatar - and the result was a nil all draw - but Australia won - and if it had not it would still have two other chances to qualify !
Rugby and Australian Rules games are decisive. There never has been a nil all draw. The result is plain to see - and it seems Aussies like a bit of " biffo " to liven things up.
At least the sports pages of newspapers now devote attention to Soccer - and that was not always the case in years past. Soccer is a good game - played on the world stage - and now that Australia is making a presence it is here to stay !
Maybe one day we will manage to sort out the weird rules that apply to the game !
Sunday 7 June 2009
Water woes !
Water was something that in the past we took for granted. Just turn on a tap - and it was there !
It is still there, but the difference is that now it is costing more and is fast becoming a major item of household expenditure. One of the reasons is the desalination plant nearing completion at Kurnell. That was planned when drought looked like bringing Sydney to it's knees - but a bountiful act of nature has restored dam levels and it may be moth balled as insurance against the next drought - whenever that may be !
Sydney Water has been trialling a sneaky plan to cut down on pipe maintenance and avoid water loss from leaks. The idea is simple ! Simply decrease the supply pressure and the aged pipe system is less likely to break. So far Stanwell Tops and Lane Cove have been the venues of this experiment - and soon it may extend to all areas.
There are some problems that Sydney Water does not want to talk about. Buildings with fire sprinkler systems are unable to safely cope with reduced water pressure and owners are forced to install costly holding tanks and extra pumping equipment.
One of the problems the fire brigade encounters when fighting fires is inadequate water pressure. So far there has been no comment from fire authorities as to how this will affect their operations.
There has also been a suspicious silence from politicians all all persuasions. Reducing the water pressure may make sense from a cost of maintenance point of view, but it should be evaluated from all aspects of public safety before it is introduced city wide.
We are resigned to the inevitability of paying much more for water - but that does not make it acceptable to charge more and deliver less !
Reduced pressure should not proceed further until a full safety audit has been carried out and the wider implications revealed !
It is still there, but the difference is that now it is costing more and is fast becoming a major item of household expenditure. One of the reasons is the desalination plant nearing completion at Kurnell. That was planned when drought looked like bringing Sydney to it's knees - but a bountiful act of nature has restored dam levels and it may be moth balled as insurance against the next drought - whenever that may be !
Sydney Water has been trialling a sneaky plan to cut down on pipe maintenance and avoid water loss from leaks. The idea is simple ! Simply decrease the supply pressure and the aged pipe system is less likely to break. So far Stanwell Tops and Lane Cove have been the venues of this experiment - and soon it may extend to all areas.
There are some problems that Sydney Water does not want to talk about. Buildings with fire sprinkler systems are unable to safely cope with reduced water pressure and owners are forced to install costly holding tanks and extra pumping equipment.
One of the problems the fire brigade encounters when fighting fires is inadequate water pressure. So far there has been no comment from fire authorities as to how this will affect their operations.
There has also been a suspicious silence from politicians all all persuasions. Reducing the water pressure may make sense from a cost of maintenance point of view, but it should be evaluated from all aspects of public safety before it is introduced city wide.
We are resigned to the inevitability of paying much more for water - but that does not make it acceptable to charge more and deliver less !
Reduced pressure should not proceed further until a full safety audit has been carried out and the wider implications revealed !
Saturday 6 June 2009
Financial tug-of-war averted !
Australia has just had a lucky escape. The decision by Rio Tinto to reject a part purchase offer from giant Chinalco has averted a clash of interests that would not have served this nation well.
The first rule of business is clear. The party buying and the party selling should be separate interests !
The objectives are not compatible. The party selling is seeking the best possible price - and the party buying wants to get the goods at the lowest possible price !
Had this deal gone ahead it is certain that Chinalco would have sough seats on the Rio Tinto board, and there would be a mix of people from both companies making negotiating security impossible - and then there is the fact of life that China would be the elephant in the room when it came to pressure from the biggest buyer on the planet.
The arrangement between rivals BHP and Rio Tinto to form a $ 125 billion joint venture makes sense. The two companies will combine mines and share haulage and port facilities. This will lower costs - but the even bigger advantage is one of size. Combined - they are punching at near the same weight as their Chinese opponent !
Hopefully, this merger may send an important message to a lot of other Australian companies.
A new world order will emerge from this global recession - and size will matter. There is a lot to be gained by either merger or cooperation arrangements between companies in all forms of commerce to lower costs and streamline operations.
BHP and Rio Tinto have designed an admirable philosophy. They will embrace the huge benefits of joint production - but will maintain separate marketing arrangements.
The best of both worlds - and a format for others to follow !
The first rule of business is clear. The party buying and the party selling should be separate interests !
The objectives are not compatible. The party selling is seeking the best possible price - and the party buying wants to get the goods at the lowest possible price !
Had this deal gone ahead it is certain that Chinalco would have sough seats on the Rio Tinto board, and there would be a mix of people from both companies making negotiating security impossible - and then there is the fact of life that China would be the elephant in the room when it came to pressure from the biggest buyer on the planet.
The arrangement between rivals BHP and Rio Tinto to form a $ 125 billion joint venture makes sense. The two companies will combine mines and share haulage and port facilities. This will lower costs - but the even bigger advantage is one of size. Combined - they are punching at near the same weight as their Chinese opponent !
Hopefully, this merger may send an important message to a lot of other Australian companies.
A new world order will emerge from this global recession - and size will matter. There is a lot to be gained by either merger or cooperation arrangements between companies in all forms of commerce to lower costs and streamline operations.
BHP and Rio Tinto have designed an admirable philosophy. They will embrace the huge benefits of joint production - but will maintain separate marketing arrangements.
The best of both worlds - and a format for others to follow !
Friday 5 June 2009
Crime spree invitation !
Yesterday the Wollongong Children's court virtually ensured that a Blackbutt teenager ( I6 ) would commit further crimes in coming days.
This young man appeared charged with breaking and entering - and he was already on bail for three other offences. These included " destroying property ", " Drug possession " , and more seriously - " Affray in which a stabbing occurred ".
The conditions of previously granted bail had done nothing to stop his crime spree - and yet Magistrate Paul Johnson again granted bail with the condition that he remain at home during the hours of 8 pm to 6 am.
The police opposed bail because their experience of similar offenders indicated that he would treat such conditions with complete contempt - and be certain that when he again appeared before the Children's court - bail would again be forthcoming.
The purpose of a court is two-fold. It is there to punish those who break the law - and to protect the public from further crime by that offender. In this instance - and many more like it - it did neither !
It is probably not the magistrate's fault. The state government recently closed Keerong Juvenile Justice centre and there simply is nowhere to hold repeat criminals until sentencing and the start of rehabilitation.
Sadly, " out of control " teenagers who can thumb their noses at the law go on to become career criminals. Not all will respond to correction, but early action such as remand in a juvenile centre will at least bring some to their senses - and be cost effective.
At present, all we are doing is providing a license to commit further crime !
This young man appeared charged with breaking and entering - and he was already on bail for three other offences. These included " destroying property ", " Drug possession " , and more seriously - " Affray in which a stabbing occurred ".
The conditions of previously granted bail had done nothing to stop his crime spree - and yet Magistrate Paul Johnson again granted bail with the condition that he remain at home during the hours of 8 pm to 6 am.
The police opposed bail because their experience of similar offenders indicated that he would treat such conditions with complete contempt - and be certain that when he again appeared before the Children's court - bail would again be forthcoming.
The purpose of a court is two-fold. It is there to punish those who break the law - and to protect the public from further crime by that offender. In this instance - and many more like it - it did neither !
It is probably not the magistrate's fault. The state government recently closed Keerong Juvenile Justice centre and there simply is nowhere to hold repeat criminals until sentencing and the start of rehabilitation.
Sadly, " out of control " teenagers who can thumb their noses at the law go on to become career criminals. Not all will respond to correction, but early action such as remand in a juvenile centre will at least bring some to their senses - and be cost effective.
At present, all we are doing is providing a license to commit further crime !
Thursday 4 June 2009
Police pay !
The state government has made an outrageous offer to the police in the present round of pay negotiations.
The government insists that pay increases to government employees be limited to 2.5%, but is offering the police a 4% increase - provided they accept a pay reduction for those injured on duty who are off work for more than six months.
Policing is a dangerous job. Police need to subdue violent offenders and in many cases knives or firearms are involved. This is illustrated by the experience of Sergeant Stephen de Lorenzo, who was shot in the shoulder during a recent pub siege. The wound will heal, but this officer put his life on the line and it was sheer luck that he was not more seriously injured.
Sergeant de Lorenzo is already out of pocket because he was wounded in the course of duty. He is receiving full pay, but because he is on sick leave he misses out on $ 200 a day shift allowance.
Now the government is expecting officers with more serious injuries to take a further pay cut in exchange for a few more dollars a week now. That is not a reasonable proposition - and it is being fiercely rejected by the police association.
Police - like everyone else - have mortgages, a family to house and feed, kids to bring up and educate. Like firemen - they are in a dangerous occupation and the public expects a response in circumstances which involve personal risk.
This pay cut suggestion is typical of the thinking of politicians - but just imagine the uproar if someone suggested that politicians pay be cut during any period when they were unable to carry out their duties due to illness !
The police have every right to reject this stupid idea !
The government insists that pay increases to government employees be limited to 2.5%, but is offering the police a 4% increase - provided they accept a pay reduction for those injured on duty who are off work for more than six months.
Policing is a dangerous job. Police need to subdue violent offenders and in many cases knives or firearms are involved. This is illustrated by the experience of Sergeant Stephen de Lorenzo, who was shot in the shoulder during a recent pub siege. The wound will heal, but this officer put his life on the line and it was sheer luck that he was not more seriously injured.
Sergeant de Lorenzo is already out of pocket because he was wounded in the course of duty. He is receiving full pay, but because he is on sick leave he misses out on $ 200 a day shift allowance.
Now the government is expecting officers with more serious injuries to take a further pay cut in exchange for a few more dollars a week now. That is not a reasonable proposition - and it is being fiercely rejected by the police association.
Police - like everyone else - have mortgages, a family to house and feed, kids to bring up and educate. Like firemen - they are in a dangerous occupation and the public expects a response in circumstances which involve personal risk.
This pay cut suggestion is typical of the thinking of politicians - but just imagine the uproar if someone suggested that politicians pay be cut during any period when they were unable to carry out their duties due to illness !
The police have every right to reject this stupid idea !
Wednesday 3 June 2009
Pontiac !
The fact that General Motors will discontinue it's Pontiac brand as part of it's bankruptcy plan opens up some interesting options.
Pontiac harks back to the early days of the car industry and has been a popular brand for almost a hundred years. It is certain to have a loyal band of enthusiasts - and for some time one of it's models has been the Australian built Holden Commodore, rebadged as a Pontiac.
It must occur to General Motors Holden executives that the brand withdrawal might offer a chance to continue Pontiac as a limited edition model, available in the United States, Canada and the export markets, through a select small number of specialist dealers.
This would need the approval of the General Motors parent, but it would be a blessing for the Australian subsidiary - and it is said that blood is thicker than water - and a profit in Australia is still a profit for GM !
Eclusiveness is a big selling point with upmarket goods, and there seems no reason why the limited availability of a respected marque would not tap both the snob market - and at the same time satisfy those fanatical Pontiac adherents.
Such a plan might be a hopeless dream, but it could also be an opportunity to turn adversity into a gain, preserve jobs in an Australian car plant - and harness the advantage of a brand that has world recognition.
It could be a lot easier - and less costly - than trying to establish " Holden " and " Commodore " onto the world car markets !
Pontiac harks back to the early days of the car industry and has been a popular brand for almost a hundred years. It is certain to have a loyal band of enthusiasts - and for some time one of it's models has been the Australian built Holden Commodore, rebadged as a Pontiac.
It must occur to General Motors Holden executives that the brand withdrawal might offer a chance to continue Pontiac as a limited edition model, available in the United States, Canada and the export markets, through a select small number of specialist dealers.
This would need the approval of the General Motors parent, but it would be a blessing for the Australian subsidiary - and it is said that blood is thicker than water - and a profit in Australia is still a profit for GM !
Eclusiveness is a big selling point with upmarket goods, and there seems no reason why the limited availability of a respected marque would not tap both the snob market - and at the same time satisfy those fanatical Pontiac adherents.
Such a plan might be a hopeless dream, but it could also be an opportunity to turn adversity into a gain, preserve jobs in an Australian car plant - and harness the advantage of a brand that has world recognition.
It could be a lot easier - and less costly - than trying to establish " Holden " and " Commodore " onto the world car markets !
Tuesday 2 June 2009
An icon passes.
General Motors files for bankruptcy ! The world's biggest car maker crashes to earth amid this global economic meltdown - and it's demise shows that size is no defence against stupidity !
For decades the big three American car companies have been making the wrong kind of cars.
The product they churned out were big, gas guzzling monsters of doubtful reliability and short lifespan. Management refused to listen to it's customers - and competitors sucked the life blood out of it's revenue stream.
Perhaps we are about to see worse times ahead. As a result of this restructuring the United States government will pour billions into the company - and take up a seventy percent ownership share !
We are about to see a socialist political party as the controlling shareholder of the world's biggest motor manufacturer.
The pendulum is about to swing the other way ! It will be simply irresistible for the wonks with a socialist outlook to try and turn General Motors into a social engineering experiment. It ran into trouble because it was autocratic and took too long to realise that what the buyers wanted was more compact, cleaner, fuel efficient cars. As a result, it fell victim to Europe, Japan and Korea - who made cars Americans wanted to drive !
It seems possible that General Motors will be pushed too far in the other direction. It is equally destructive to sales to try and push concepts that are way ahead of their time. If the socialist wonks demand cars that fail to hit the right chord with the public we will see car design by diktat - and whoever heard of a government department that ran as a model of efficiency ?
A classic icon has passed ! What the future holds remains a mystery !
For decades the big three American car companies have been making the wrong kind of cars.
The product they churned out were big, gas guzzling monsters of doubtful reliability and short lifespan. Management refused to listen to it's customers - and competitors sucked the life blood out of it's revenue stream.
Perhaps we are about to see worse times ahead. As a result of this restructuring the United States government will pour billions into the company - and take up a seventy percent ownership share !
We are about to see a socialist political party as the controlling shareholder of the world's biggest motor manufacturer.
The pendulum is about to swing the other way ! It will be simply irresistible for the wonks with a socialist outlook to try and turn General Motors into a social engineering experiment. It ran into trouble because it was autocratic and took too long to realise that what the buyers wanted was more compact, cleaner, fuel efficient cars. As a result, it fell victim to Europe, Japan and Korea - who made cars Americans wanted to drive !
It seems possible that General Motors will be pushed too far in the other direction. It is equally destructive to sales to try and push concepts that are way ahead of their time. If the socialist wonks demand cars that fail to hit the right chord with the public we will see car design by diktat - and whoever heard of a government department that ran as a model of efficiency ?
A classic icon has passed ! What the future holds remains a mystery !
Monday 1 June 2009
A changing world !
For decades Israel has done whatever it pleased with unswerving - and uncritical - American backing. This presidency has moved to a new tack !
There can be only one final outcome to the principal Middle East conundrum - and that is the establishment of parallel Palestinian and Israeli states with secure borders.
That can not happen while Israel simply thumbs it's nose at United Nations resolutions and encourages the establishment of new settlements on land claimed by the Palestinians - and recognised as such by the world body.
America has stabilized Israel with weapons and the umbrella of overall security. There is a huge and powerful Jewish lobby in the US and as a result the United States has turned a blind eye to Israeli excesses and blocked United Nations criticism by using it's veto.
The Muslim world will see America as an enemy as long as this continues, and President Obama has signalled that the time has come for Israel to make drastic changes to accommodate a fairer deal for the Palestinian people.
Unfortunately this comes at a time when Israeli election have veered hard to the right and produced a government less likely to respond to Islamic demands - and so the course is set for confrontation.
The people of Israel can no longer expect to shelter under the American umbrella while they totally ignore legitimate Palestinian expectations. In exchange for security - Israel must now make the concessions necessary to establish a Palestinian state - and the Palestinians must finally recognise Israel's right to exist and live in peace.
Obama has signalled that his administration will accept nothing less !
There can be only one final outcome to the principal Middle East conundrum - and that is the establishment of parallel Palestinian and Israeli states with secure borders.
That can not happen while Israel simply thumbs it's nose at United Nations resolutions and encourages the establishment of new settlements on land claimed by the Palestinians - and recognised as such by the world body.
America has stabilized Israel with weapons and the umbrella of overall security. There is a huge and powerful Jewish lobby in the US and as a result the United States has turned a blind eye to Israeli excesses and blocked United Nations criticism by using it's veto.
The Muslim world will see America as an enemy as long as this continues, and President Obama has signalled that the time has come for Israel to make drastic changes to accommodate a fairer deal for the Palestinian people.
Unfortunately this comes at a time when Israeli election have veered hard to the right and produced a government less likely to respond to Islamic demands - and so the course is set for confrontation.
The people of Israel can no longer expect to shelter under the American umbrella while they totally ignore legitimate Palestinian expectations. In exchange for security - Israel must now make the concessions necessary to establish a Palestinian state - and the Palestinians must finally recognise Israel's right to exist and live in peace.
Obama has signalled that his administration will accept nothing less !
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