The state government has announced that it is implementing a reduction in water pressure in several Wollongong suburbs, including Fairy Meadow.
What is surprising is that this has drawn absolutely no comment from the department most likely to be affected - the fire brigade.
According to the government PR office, reducing water pressure will result in fewer burst water mains and a reduction in other maintenance costs. We are assured that most people will notice little difference. Just a little longer filling the bath perhaps !
There are questions that need answers. What will be the position with those buildings fitted with automatic fire sprinklers. Such buildings have a tank on the roof to provide immediate response, but need pressure from the mains to maintain the flow once this is exhausted. Will the lower pressure regime meet the fire safety standards under which these systems are constructed ?
In a bushfire many residents are hosing down nearby shrubbery and dealing with burning embers. Will lowered mains pressure be able to accommodate this increased demand, and will it leave the fire brigade units short of essential water ?
The fire brigades are a government instrumentality. Have they been gagged and ordered to maintain silence on any hazards involved in reducing mains pressure ?
If there is no cause for alarm, it would help if the fire people were able to make a supporting comment !
Monday 30 November 2009
Sunday 29 November 2009
Rise of the " Nurse Practitioner ".
Our health care needs are changing. The days of our old stalwart - the General Practitioner - are fading as they age and morph into the era of " Superclinics ".
Now a new source of medical knowledge is emerging. The " Nurse Practitioner " is already taking some of the load in these " Superclinics " and in rural areas - where GP's are scarcer than hen's teeth - they have been given the authority to order scans and blood tests - and to write prescriptions.
Now Nurse Practitioners are being added to the staff of pharmacies in areas where there is a shortage of GP's. It is hoped that this source of medical help will take pressure off hospital emergency departments and result in the better treatment of minor ailments such as colds and flu.
As usual, the medical fraternity is screaming blue murder. The AMA describes the move as " a threat to public health " and insists that all medical advice should be in the hands of a qualified doctor.
It is called " turf protection ". Doctors hold a position of privilege and they will fight tooth and nail to protect their realm - and their high incomes.
Really, all that has changed is an upgrading of what is already happening in pharmacies.
Chemists - and their staff - are a cluey lot. They may not hold a medical degree, but they know the symptoms of common ailments - and they know the medications that alleviate them. What we are now getting is a trained medical person in the form of a Nurse Practitioner who can carry that diagnosis one step further - and who has the know how to send a person to a doctor or a hospital when necessary.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is availability. Many people hesitate to see a doctor because of cost or the time involved. They are much more likely to have a chat to a nurse practitioner in a pharmacy - hence the number on untreated ailments should drop.
This seems to be a logical step in the provision of medical services to our ever expanding urban population.
Now a new source of medical knowledge is emerging. The " Nurse Practitioner " is already taking some of the load in these " Superclinics " and in rural areas - where GP's are scarcer than hen's teeth - they have been given the authority to order scans and blood tests - and to write prescriptions.
Now Nurse Practitioners are being added to the staff of pharmacies in areas where there is a shortage of GP's. It is hoped that this source of medical help will take pressure off hospital emergency departments and result in the better treatment of minor ailments such as colds and flu.
As usual, the medical fraternity is screaming blue murder. The AMA describes the move as " a threat to public health " and insists that all medical advice should be in the hands of a qualified doctor.
It is called " turf protection ". Doctors hold a position of privilege and they will fight tooth and nail to protect their realm - and their high incomes.
Really, all that has changed is an upgrading of what is already happening in pharmacies.
Chemists - and their staff - are a cluey lot. They may not hold a medical degree, but they know the symptoms of common ailments - and they know the medications that alleviate them. What we are now getting is a trained medical person in the form of a Nurse Practitioner who can carry that diagnosis one step further - and who has the know how to send a person to a doctor or a hospital when necessary.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is availability. Many people hesitate to see a doctor because of cost or the time involved. They are much more likely to have a chat to a nurse practitioner in a pharmacy - hence the number on untreated ailments should drop.
This seems to be a logical step in the provision of medical services to our ever expanding urban population.
Saturday 28 November 2009
World finance !
It is said that the difference between success and failure in finance is the ability to read impending world signs - and act upon them !
There are some very ominous signals in both the international and local business spheres. Gold is attracting a world record price - and gold has always been the ultimate hedge to which worried money flees when risk appears on the horizon.
It is also said that money talks all languages. Behind the great trading names of world commerce exists a comfortable club of movers and shakers. This club advises governments of what is possible in the real world and is the main reason there is balance between jobs, trade and orderly markets on an international basis.
Occasionally, events slip out of hand and confound this powerful club. Apparently the " toxic securities " debacle was one such instance which plunged the financial world into recession - and near depression. The " club " has regained control - and the world is headed towards recovery.
There is a major fly in the ointment - the phenomenon of world warming.
The evidence seems irrefutable that during the course of this century we will see rising sea levels, more powerful Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons - and a big rise in the world temperature.
It is possible to contain this threat, but at a cost. We will need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and adopt a new lifestyle. There will be job losses and a redirection of industry - and at the same time a growing world population will probably outstrip the food supply.
The " wise men of money " have examined this scenario - and believe that it can not be achieved without totally wrecking the world order and bringing disaster to the developed world - and for that reason it is getting the thumb's down.
Big business has opted for the lesser of two evils. We can tinker around the edges and make small improvements, but to implement a world ETS would be the ultimate disaster - and thus we have no option other than to learn to live with world warming.
Why else would well educated and academically gifted men like Nick Minchin, Wilson Tuckey, Andrew Robb, Kevin Andrews - and a wide swathe of backbenchers suddenly claim that " world warming " was unscientific twaddle - and set out to wreck any chance of an ETS becoming law in Australia - even though in so doing they were wrecking their own political party ?
The people most attuned to the big business of this world seem to have made a choice between the financial disaster that will accompany an ETS and the certain disaster of rising sea levels. The only difference is that the rich developed countries will have the means to prepare defences and shield their populations - something that will be denied other nations.
The stage seems set for Copenhagen. There will be agreements on targets, but these will not be set in concrete. There will be no penalties for those who make a promise - and then do nothing. In effect, Copenhagen will be a meaningless gab fest !
For those who read financial signs, perhaps the real world is sending a message on global warming that reads - " GET USED TO IT ! "
There are some very ominous signals in both the international and local business spheres. Gold is attracting a world record price - and gold has always been the ultimate hedge to which worried money flees when risk appears on the horizon.
It is also said that money talks all languages. Behind the great trading names of world commerce exists a comfortable club of movers and shakers. This club advises governments of what is possible in the real world and is the main reason there is balance between jobs, trade and orderly markets on an international basis.
Occasionally, events slip out of hand and confound this powerful club. Apparently the " toxic securities " debacle was one such instance which plunged the financial world into recession - and near depression. The " club " has regained control - and the world is headed towards recovery.
There is a major fly in the ointment - the phenomenon of world warming.
The evidence seems irrefutable that during the course of this century we will see rising sea levels, more powerful Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons - and a big rise in the world temperature.
It is possible to contain this threat, but at a cost. We will need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and adopt a new lifestyle. There will be job losses and a redirection of industry - and at the same time a growing world population will probably outstrip the food supply.
The " wise men of money " have examined this scenario - and believe that it can not be achieved without totally wrecking the world order and bringing disaster to the developed world - and for that reason it is getting the thumb's down.
Big business has opted for the lesser of two evils. We can tinker around the edges and make small improvements, but to implement a world ETS would be the ultimate disaster - and thus we have no option other than to learn to live with world warming.
Why else would well educated and academically gifted men like Nick Minchin, Wilson Tuckey, Andrew Robb, Kevin Andrews - and a wide swathe of backbenchers suddenly claim that " world warming " was unscientific twaddle - and set out to wreck any chance of an ETS becoming law in Australia - even though in so doing they were wrecking their own political party ?
The people most attuned to the big business of this world seem to have made a choice between the financial disaster that will accompany an ETS and the certain disaster of rising sea levels. The only difference is that the rich developed countries will have the means to prepare defences and shield their populations - something that will be denied other nations.
The stage seems set for Copenhagen. There will be agreements on targets, but these will not be set in concrete. There will be no penalties for those who make a promise - and then do nothing. In effect, Copenhagen will be a meaningless gab fest !
For those who read financial signs, perhaps the real world is sending a message on global warming that reads - " GET USED TO IT ! "
Friday 27 November 2009
A jihad on trees.
It is obvious that someone living near Towradgi park is determined that trees will not spoil the view !
Many attempts to establish shade trees in this reserve have met with guerilla tactics and this week three Norfolk pines - planted just twenty-four hours earlier - were ring barked, despite being protected by stainless steel guard enclosures.
Ironically, Norfolk pines are trees least likely to spoil the view of nearby residents. Their foliage does not extend near the ground, allowing a " see through " situation, but they do provide excellent shade which is much sought after during hot summer days.
Wollongong council is faced with some sort of " Mexican standoff ". These trees cost $ 300 each and there seems every prospect that replacements will suffer a similar fate.
A view of the sea has a dramatic effect on the value of property and some home owner is determined that the view will not be obstructed by trees, despite the threat that if caught the fine could be greater than the value of his or her property.
It looks like becoming a battle of wills. The council is determined to establish shade trees and a resident is equally determined to sabotage all efforts.
Various ploys have been tried by other councils, including erecting semi permanent signs to mimic the view blocking effect the trees would have presented, but of course this also punishes innocent residents.
We live in an electronic age and the answer is probably the installation of hidden mini surveillance equipment to trap - and identify - the culprit.
A park without trees - is not a park at all !
Many attempts to establish shade trees in this reserve have met with guerilla tactics and this week three Norfolk pines - planted just twenty-four hours earlier - were ring barked, despite being protected by stainless steel guard enclosures.
Ironically, Norfolk pines are trees least likely to spoil the view of nearby residents. Their foliage does not extend near the ground, allowing a " see through " situation, but they do provide excellent shade which is much sought after during hot summer days.
Wollongong council is faced with some sort of " Mexican standoff ". These trees cost $ 300 each and there seems every prospect that replacements will suffer a similar fate.
A view of the sea has a dramatic effect on the value of property and some home owner is determined that the view will not be obstructed by trees, despite the threat that if caught the fine could be greater than the value of his or her property.
It looks like becoming a battle of wills. The council is determined to establish shade trees and a resident is equally determined to sabotage all efforts.
Various ploys have been tried by other councils, including erecting semi permanent signs to mimic the view blocking effect the trees would have presented, but of course this also punishes innocent residents.
We live in an electronic age and the answer is probably the installation of hidden mini surveillance equipment to trap - and identify - the culprit.
A park without trees - is not a park at all !
Thursday 26 November 2009
Time for a reality check !
Amazing scenes in Federal parliament yesterday. Calls for a spill - and the opposition leader survived to fight another day.
There seems to be a huge lack of perception between some members of the Liberal and National parties - and some scientists - on this global warming question, and even that argument is split on several lines.
There are those who think that increased Co2 has absolutely nothing to do with global warming, and in fact results in a healthier planet.
Others contend that planet earth has had natural ice ages and warmer periods and this melting of the ice caps is simply a cycle that will run it's course.
A third line of thinking agrees that human activity is causing climate change, but objects to an ETS on the grounds that nothing will halt what is occurring naturally - and the consequences of taxing carbon will shatter the world economy and result in ruin. This group promotes the only answer as - " Get used to it ! "
Public opinion polls reveal that the vast majority of people are convinced that the Co2 spewed out by the industrialized world is causing the ice caps to melt and the seas to rise, and are prepared to endure some pain to try and reverse this danger.
There is little point in Australia embarking on an ambitious harm reduction programme if the rest of the world gives it the flick pass - and it seems likely that is what will happen next month in Copenhagen.
All the indicators are that there will be no binding targets set and all that will eventuate is a lot of vague promises - that sound great but have no meaning on actual action.
If so, global warming and rising seas will find themselves consigned to " the too hard basket " - and the only remaining option will be " get used to it ! "
There seems to be a huge lack of perception between some members of the Liberal and National parties - and some scientists - on this global warming question, and even that argument is split on several lines.
There are those who think that increased Co2 has absolutely nothing to do with global warming, and in fact results in a healthier planet.
Others contend that planet earth has had natural ice ages and warmer periods and this melting of the ice caps is simply a cycle that will run it's course.
A third line of thinking agrees that human activity is causing climate change, but objects to an ETS on the grounds that nothing will halt what is occurring naturally - and the consequences of taxing carbon will shatter the world economy and result in ruin. This group promotes the only answer as - " Get used to it ! "
Public opinion polls reveal that the vast majority of people are convinced that the Co2 spewed out by the industrialized world is causing the ice caps to melt and the seas to rise, and are prepared to endure some pain to try and reverse this danger.
There is little point in Australia embarking on an ambitious harm reduction programme if the rest of the world gives it the flick pass - and it seems likely that is what will happen next month in Copenhagen.
All the indicators are that there will be no binding targets set and all that will eventuate is a lot of vague promises - that sound great but have no meaning on actual action.
If so, global warming and rising seas will find themselves consigned to " the too hard basket " - and the only remaining option will be " get used to it ! "
Wednesday 25 November 2009
Coma !
A medical report out of Europe must send a chill down the spine of all thinking people.
A man involved in a road accident spent twenty-three years in a supposedly vegetative state - in a coma - but able to hear every word his doctors spoke, but unable to achieve any form of communication.
Written off by the medical community he was only saved when another doctor detected evidence of brain activity - and now this false diagnosis has been set aside, remedial work has enabled him to communicate via a specially designed computer keyboard.
That so easily could have been one of us, caused by anything from a car accident to a stroke. We wonder how many people here have suffered such a state and may be lying in a bed in a nursing home - or who have had their life support turned off because that has seemed the most merciful option.
What happens when a person is in a coma is one of the great unknowns. The fact that a false diagnosis is possible in a busy hospital makes it imperative that this must not become the final medical declaration - without every possible test having been undertaken.
It also a very good reason for a further medical appraisal by a doctor skilled in detecting brain activity be required before any decision on turning off life support is taken.
This report from Europe must now create indescribable anguish for those family members who have had to make that decision !
A man involved in a road accident spent twenty-three years in a supposedly vegetative state - in a coma - but able to hear every word his doctors spoke, but unable to achieve any form of communication.
Written off by the medical community he was only saved when another doctor detected evidence of brain activity - and now this false diagnosis has been set aside, remedial work has enabled him to communicate via a specially designed computer keyboard.
That so easily could have been one of us, caused by anything from a car accident to a stroke. We wonder how many people here have suffered such a state and may be lying in a bed in a nursing home - or who have had their life support turned off because that has seemed the most merciful option.
What happens when a person is in a coma is one of the great unknowns. The fact that a false diagnosis is possible in a busy hospital makes it imperative that this must not become the final medical declaration - without every possible test having been undertaken.
It also a very good reason for a further medical appraisal by a doctor skilled in detecting brain activity be required before any decision on turning off life support is taken.
This report from Europe must now create indescribable anguish for those family members who have had to make that decision !
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Creating a slum !
Councils have building codes to ensure that new buildings comply with community standards. They apply to everyone - except the government's whose law enforces them.
The state government is proposing to build a block of fifty eight apartments in Market street, Wollongong, designated for the elderly and those with disabilities. This will be public housing.
This proposed building breaches just about every council regulation on the statute books !
It exceeds the height limit. It exceeds the floor space ratio. It ignores off-sets, and as a result it will be deficient in communal and private space for the area concerned - and most glaring of all - it provides just eleven car parking spaces.
Council requirements for a development of this magnitude require sixty-three residential parking spaces, plus an additional six for visitors. Should this go ahead by government diktat it is obvious that the surrounding streets of the CBD will have to absorb residents forced to seek street parking.
It is the principle involved that really stinks !
We are a country that is supposedly civilized. We live within a system of law and order and there is punishment for those who break the rules.
Along comes a government department that simply thumbs it's nose at those rules, totally ignores them - and gets away with it !
That's enough to bring the citizenry to the barricades - the start of some sort of community jihad.
Maybe it's about time we taught the government that they are a servant of the people - and they are expected to abide by the same rules that apply to us.
And we have the option of delivering them a pink slip - at the ballot box !
The state government is proposing to build a block of fifty eight apartments in Market street, Wollongong, designated for the elderly and those with disabilities. This will be public housing.
This proposed building breaches just about every council regulation on the statute books !
It exceeds the height limit. It exceeds the floor space ratio. It ignores off-sets, and as a result it will be deficient in communal and private space for the area concerned - and most glaring of all - it provides just eleven car parking spaces.
Council requirements for a development of this magnitude require sixty-three residential parking spaces, plus an additional six for visitors. Should this go ahead by government diktat it is obvious that the surrounding streets of the CBD will have to absorb residents forced to seek street parking.
It is the principle involved that really stinks !
We are a country that is supposedly civilized. We live within a system of law and order and there is punishment for those who break the rules.
Along comes a government department that simply thumbs it's nose at those rules, totally ignores them - and gets away with it !
That's enough to bring the citizenry to the barricades - the start of some sort of community jihad.
Maybe it's about time we taught the government that they are a servant of the people - and they are expected to abide by the same rules that apply to us.
And we have the option of delivering them a pink slip - at the ballot box !
Monday 23 November 2009
A place in the human jungle.
Drug users - drug pushers - prostitutes - people with mental illness - have as much right to public housing as any other member of the community.
This was the response from a spokesperson from Youth and Family Services, commenting on the " human jungle " of public housing in the Greene, Todd and Bent streets precinct at Warrawong.
That is perfectly correct, the only problem is that few would welcome such people as their next door neighbour. If that did happen, complaints would be certain and there would be a push to have them moved elsewhere.
It seems that the Youth and Family people simply designated this area as home for all of society's misfits - on the basis that they deserve each other. There is the added benefit that by corralling them in a central block the police can be used to reduce the worst of human failings.
Unfortunately some people fall through the cracks in the system - and some unfortunate families with children find themselves imprisoned in this " human jungle ".
Money is being spent to upgrade housing and the worst offenders are being moved elsewhere. Progress is being made and eventually this evil precinct may see better times.
But that will be at the expense of other public housing suburbs. Every time a misfit is moved from this ghetto - expect a new problem where it didn't occur before !
Compassion for some equates to pain for others !
This was the response from a spokesperson from Youth and Family Services, commenting on the " human jungle " of public housing in the Greene, Todd and Bent streets precinct at Warrawong.
That is perfectly correct, the only problem is that few would welcome such people as their next door neighbour. If that did happen, complaints would be certain and there would be a push to have them moved elsewhere.
It seems that the Youth and Family people simply designated this area as home for all of society's misfits - on the basis that they deserve each other. There is the added benefit that by corralling them in a central block the police can be used to reduce the worst of human failings.
Unfortunately some people fall through the cracks in the system - and some unfortunate families with children find themselves imprisoned in this " human jungle ".
Money is being spent to upgrade housing and the worst offenders are being moved elsewhere. Progress is being made and eventually this evil precinct may see better times.
But that will be at the expense of other public housing suburbs. Every time a misfit is moved from this ghetto - expect a new problem where it didn't occur before !
Compassion for some equates to pain for others !
Sunday 22 November 2009
Juvenile savings revival.
The Commonwealth bank has rediscovered an old way to generate a customer base - " get 'em while they are young ".
Half a century ago this bank was a regular guest at primary and high schools, handing out money boxes and exhorting students to " save for a rainy day ! "
Of course, those were the days when the Commonwealth bank was government owned, and once it became a bandit and joined " the gang of four " it dropped any interest in small change - and kids !
Along with the rest of the banks the days of money boxes are long gone. Coins are now regarded as a " nuisance " and the banks either make a hefty charge for counting coins - or refuse to provide such a service. In most cases they will only accept coins if they are packaged in standard wrappings.
How strange that the pubs and clubs have no problem accepting coins ! If you take the the coins that collect in a bedside tray and want to exchange them for poker machine money you are made welcome.
The coins are dropped into a bin on a scale and this instantly determines the value. No manual counting involved - and you have instant money to play the machines.
Presumably the gambling industry either converts these coins into paper wrapped rolls - or uses it's muscle to demand the banks relax their coin policy.
So - the Commonwealth bank is back to touting for business in the schools and hopes to enlist 300,000 new accounts who will stick with them when they become salary earners.
Whats the betting this approach will be more in keeping with modern times. Not a money box handed out - but a portion of pocket money saved by being transferred monthly from either Dad or Mum's account to that special account which the kid's can access online - and " watch their savings grow ! "
It certainly gives credence to that old adage - " The more things change - the more they stay the same ! "
Half a century ago this bank was a regular guest at primary and high schools, handing out money boxes and exhorting students to " save for a rainy day ! "
Of course, those were the days when the Commonwealth bank was government owned, and once it became a bandit and joined " the gang of four " it dropped any interest in small change - and kids !
Along with the rest of the banks the days of money boxes are long gone. Coins are now regarded as a " nuisance " and the banks either make a hefty charge for counting coins - or refuse to provide such a service. In most cases they will only accept coins if they are packaged in standard wrappings.
How strange that the pubs and clubs have no problem accepting coins ! If you take the the coins that collect in a bedside tray and want to exchange them for poker machine money you are made welcome.
The coins are dropped into a bin on a scale and this instantly determines the value. No manual counting involved - and you have instant money to play the machines.
Presumably the gambling industry either converts these coins into paper wrapped rolls - or uses it's muscle to demand the banks relax their coin policy.
So - the Commonwealth bank is back to touting for business in the schools and hopes to enlist 300,000 new accounts who will stick with them when they become salary earners.
Whats the betting this approach will be more in keeping with modern times. Not a money box handed out - but a portion of pocket money saved by being transferred monthly from either Dad or Mum's account to that special account which the kid's can access online - and " watch their savings grow ! "
It certainly gives credence to that old adage - " The more things change - the more they stay the same ! "
Saturday 21 November 2009
A " politically correct " finding !
Why are we not surprised that an upper house enquiry into bribery and corruption in land rezoning in western Sydney has resulted in " no wrongdoing " being found.
This enquiry arose from the murder of businessman Michael McGurk and the revelation that a tape recording existed that it was claimed had secretly recorded bribery arrangements between Labor parliamentarians and government officials in exchange for favourable land rezonings.
It seems strange that the enquiry did not even bother to hear this tape !
Some would conclude that this enquiry was so " politically correct " - that it would have had difficulty tracking an elephant through a snow drift !
There are none so blind as those who do not wish to see !
Fortunately this upper house enquiry was only one of the three enquiries under way, and we are still waiting for a response from both the police and the ICAC investigations.
The suggestion of corruption leaves a bad smell that lingers. The only way to clear the air is to have a full and honest enquiry that drags all the facts - kicking and screaming into the open.
That does not seem to be " the politically correct " way !
This enquiry arose from the murder of businessman Michael McGurk and the revelation that a tape recording existed that it was claimed had secretly recorded bribery arrangements between Labor parliamentarians and government officials in exchange for favourable land rezonings.
It seems strange that the enquiry did not even bother to hear this tape !
Some would conclude that this enquiry was so " politically correct " - that it would have had difficulty tracking an elephant through a snow drift !
There are none so blind as those who do not wish to see !
Fortunately this upper house enquiry was only one of the three enquiries under way, and we are still waiting for a response from both the police and the ICAC investigations.
The suggestion of corruption leaves a bad smell that lingers. The only way to clear the air is to have a full and honest enquiry that drags all the facts - kicking and screaming into the open.
That does not seem to be " the politically correct " way !
Friday 20 November 2009
A fire storm looms !
For the first time, some parts of New South Wales will endure a day when the fire danger will be termed " catastrophic ". This new extreme designation has been coined to describe a situation where " flee early " replaces " stay and fight " as the wise decision in danger areas.
Unfortunately past experience makes it certain that a day of extreme fire danger will bring out arsonists who will deliberately set the bush alight to satisfy some perverted demand in their psych.
The experience of decades past has been that death and destruction have in many cases resulted from a fire deliberately lit by such an arsonist. There is reason to believe that such action is a form of mental illness - and even if an offender is caught and punished - the urge to light fires will persist.
The police and the courts maintain awareness lists of people with a history of lighting fires and perhaps we need a law change to protect the innocent on the few days of the year when " catastrophic " fire events are predicted.
As part of the sentencing procedure it might be necessary for those convicted of past arson to be rounded up and held at police stations for the duration of the extreme danger period.
In this way, those most likely to reoffend and create death and destruction would be kept secure from the opportunity.
It would be a precaution in keeping with gravity of this new fire category.
Unfortunately past experience makes it certain that a day of extreme fire danger will bring out arsonists who will deliberately set the bush alight to satisfy some perverted demand in their psych.
The experience of decades past has been that death and destruction have in many cases resulted from a fire deliberately lit by such an arsonist. There is reason to believe that such action is a form of mental illness - and even if an offender is caught and punished - the urge to light fires will persist.
The police and the courts maintain awareness lists of people with a history of lighting fires and perhaps we need a law change to protect the innocent on the few days of the year when " catastrophic " fire events are predicted.
As part of the sentencing procedure it might be necessary for those convicted of past arson to be rounded up and held at police stations for the duration of the extreme danger period.
In this way, those most likely to reoffend and create death and destruction would be kept secure from the opportunity.
It would be a precaution in keeping with gravity of this new fire category.
Thursday 19 November 2009
Cooking smells !
Another Wollongong council fiasco !
It has been found that two up-market restaurant/coffee shops in Cliff Road have been operating without council approval - for six years. Construction was approved, but for some unknown reason Council never got around to signing the clearance for " day to day operations ".
Now nearby residents are demanding that they be shut , because - amongst other things - they object to " cooking smells ".
If that happens the proprietors of two viable Wollongong businesses will lose their source of living, a number of employees will get the sack - and those closed premises will no doubt attract the attention of graffiti gangs.
It seems strange that cooking smells should attract the ire of Wollongong council as a reason for closing cafes which are ideally placed to serve visitors to the famed " Blue Mile " that the council is building.
Several years ago a huge apartment building was constructed at north Wollongong, immediately behind a concentration of fast food outlets which included McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster - and at that time - Chillis.
That complex had no problems with cooking smells - but than again - it's residents were mainly University students.
Wollongong council is also in the process of approving an eight story Housing Commission apartment complex in Market street, close to a plethora of hotels, night clubs and restaurants. No cooking smell problems there either - but then would welfare people complain ? Much too grateful to finally get public housing !
It seems that if all comes back to who you are - and who you know !
And it helps to get a favourable decision if the apartment you live in costs well over a million dollars and has ocean views.
Pity the poor owners and staff - trying to make an honest living - and having their business virtually confiscated - because the council botched the approval process !
It has been found that two up-market restaurant/coffee shops in Cliff Road have been operating without council approval - for six years. Construction was approved, but for some unknown reason Council never got around to signing the clearance for " day to day operations ".
Now nearby residents are demanding that they be shut , because - amongst other things - they object to " cooking smells ".
If that happens the proprietors of two viable Wollongong businesses will lose their source of living, a number of employees will get the sack - and those closed premises will no doubt attract the attention of graffiti gangs.
It seems strange that cooking smells should attract the ire of Wollongong council as a reason for closing cafes which are ideally placed to serve visitors to the famed " Blue Mile " that the council is building.
Several years ago a huge apartment building was constructed at north Wollongong, immediately behind a concentration of fast food outlets which included McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster - and at that time - Chillis.
That complex had no problems with cooking smells - but than again - it's residents were mainly University students.
Wollongong council is also in the process of approving an eight story Housing Commission apartment complex in Market street, close to a plethora of hotels, night clubs and restaurants. No cooking smell problems there either - but then would welfare people complain ? Much too grateful to finally get public housing !
It seems that if all comes back to who you are - and who you know !
And it helps to get a favourable decision if the apartment you live in costs well over a million dollars and has ocean views.
Pity the poor owners and staff - trying to make an honest living - and having their business virtually confiscated - because the council botched the approval process !
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Disability parking woes !
Any driver turning seventy-five will receive a demand from the RTA that they visit their doctor for a mandatory health check. The doctor will need to certify that they are mentally and physically capable of continuing to hold a drivers license, or if that license should have restrictions.
This form also contains a declaration that will instill fear into the hearts of those who have a disability parking permit, which allows them to park in the special disability parking spaces - and allows extra parking time where kerb parking is time restricted.
The notice states that the RTA will compare this form with it's records to see if the driver has a disability parking permit, and if so that permit may be cancelled.
It seems that if the doctor thinks you are fit to drive your car, then you are too fit to also have a disability parking permit.
The state government thinks that too many people have these permits and has devised a second use for elderly driver medicals - to strip those who pass of this entitlement.
The only conclusion seems to be hostility from the government against the elderly driving cars and a wish to force them off the road and onto public transport - when that exists.
This is a new law - with a hidden agenda !
This form also contains a declaration that will instill fear into the hearts of those who have a disability parking permit, which allows them to park in the special disability parking spaces - and allows extra parking time where kerb parking is time restricted.
The notice states that the RTA will compare this form with it's records to see if the driver has a disability parking permit, and if so that permit may be cancelled.
It seems that if the doctor thinks you are fit to drive your car, then you are too fit to also have a disability parking permit.
The state government thinks that too many people have these permits and has devised a second use for elderly driver medicals - to strip those who pass of this entitlement.
The only conclusion seems to be hostility from the government against the elderly driving cars and a wish to force them off the road and onto public transport - when that exists.
This is a new law - with a hidden agenda !
Tuesday 17 November 2009
" Green slip " failure !
The " Green slip " insurance scheme was supposed to provide compensation for those injured in accidents where the car at fault was not covered by liability insurance.
To access this safeguard certain provisions apply. The car must be legally registered - and the driver must hold a legal driving license.
In this recession we are seeing more and more unregistered cars - often with a driver who has had his or her license cancelled - detected by the police. In such instances the police merely remove the license plates from the vehicle, but do nothing to remove it from further use.
Damage to people or property caused by an unlicensed car or an unlicensed driver is not covered by the Green slip scheme. Unfortunately, in many cases this leaves the victim with catastrophic injuries and no hope of any form of compensation.
It would be in the interests of justice to remove as many unregistered vehicles as possible from the road - and removal of license plates does not guarantee that will happen. Plates are often stolen from other vehicles, and a visit to any wrecking yard or metal recycler will provide an unlimited supply.
There is no perfect answer to the unregistered car problem, but if each car so detected was automatically sent to the crusher and turned into scrap metal the numbers would certainly be reduced.
It would also be a deterrent to owners not to take a chance - and put the financial health of other road users at risk.
Anything that makes the Green slip insurance cover serve it's intended purpose is worth consideration !
To access this safeguard certain provisions apply. The car must be legally registered - and the driver must hold a legal driving license.
In this recession we are seeing more and more unregistered cars - often with a driver who has had his or her license cancelled - detected by the police. In such instances the police merely remove the license plates from the vehicle, but do nothing to remove it from further use.
Damage to people or property caused by an unlicensed car or an unlicensed driver is not covered by the Green slip scheme. Unfortunately, in many cases this leaves the victim with catastrophic injuries and no hope of any form of compensation.
It would be in the interests of justice to remove as many unregistered vehicles as possible from the road - and removal of license plates does not guarantee that will happen. Plates are often stolen from other vehicles, and a visit to any wrecking yard or metal recycler will provide an unlimited supply.
There is no perfect answer to the unregistered car problem, but if each car so detected was automatically sent to the crusher and turned into scrap metal the numbers would certainly be reduced.
It would also be a deterrent to owners not to take a chance - and put the financial health of other road users at risk.
Anything that makes the Green slip insurance cover serve it's intended purpose is worth consideration !
Monday 16 November 2009
The end of an era !
For over a century Labor party prime ministers and premiers have been forced to cobble together governments from a selection of ministers chosen by the various political factions.
That started to end when Kevin Rudd won office. He demanded - and was given - the right to choose his own ministry. The same demand was later claimed by Anna Bligh in Queensland - and this past weekend the Labor conference bestowed this choice on New South Wales premier Nathan Rees.
It can only be a matter of time before exactly the same demand is made by the Labor premiers of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, and it is hard to see it being denied.
When an era comes to an end it is not without consequences. The bun fight between the factions to nominate their candidates to the ministry and the power that conferred was the basis of trade offs on policy that defused tensions.
The Labor party has never been a singular political party. At best it is loose consortium of several different ideologies who tolerate one another because of united opposition to the alternative Conservative parties.
Now that the horse trading over cabinet posts has been abolished the factions will have to find new ways to demonstrate their strengths. Back benchers maintained discipline in the hope of being rewarded with advancement to the ministry. We may see faction bosses planning revolts from the rank and file to demonstrate that they still hold power.
Hopefully, Labor ministries may in future contain the brightest and best of the party rather than a weird collection of party hacks chosen because of their factional alliances.
It would be a brave soul that thinks that this new order will see the end of factional power plays - or that leaders will be assured of discipline by their ministers.
Politics is all about power - and power is a numbers game !
That started to end when Kevin Rudd won office. He demanded - and was given - the right to choose his own ministry. The same demand was later claimed by Anna Bligh in Queensland - and this past weekend the Labor conference bestowed this choice on New South Wales premier Nathan Rees.
It can only be a matter of time before exactly the same demand is made by the Labor premiers of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, and it is hard to see it being denied.
When an era comes to an end it is not without consequences. The bun fight between the factions to nominate their candidates to the ministry and the power that conferred was the basis of trade offs on policy that defused tensions.
The Labor party has never been a singular political party. At best it is loose consortium of several different ideologies who tolerate one another because of united opposition to the alternative Conservative parties.
Now that the horse trading over cabinet posts has been abolished the factions will have to find new ways to demonstrate their strengths. Back benchers maintained discipline in the hope of being rewarded with advancement to the ministry. We may see faction bosses planning revolts from the rank and file to demonstrate that they still hold power.
Hopefully, Labor ministries may in future contain the brightest and best of the party rather than a weird collection of party hacks chosen because of their factional alliances.
It would be a brave soul that thinks that this new order will see the end of factional power plays - or that leaders will be assured of discipline by their ministers.
Politics is all about power - and power is a numbers game !
Saturday 14 November 2009
Wollongong " Danger Zone ".
The GPT group - developer of the Wollongong Mall and the company behind the delayed $ 311 million Keira street mall extension - has made a last ditch appeal for the Crown street mall to be opened to limited vehicle traffic.
There have been exhaustive public surveys and public opinion is clearly favouring keeping cars out of the mall, but another aspect has received little attention.
When the banks began closing branches and forcing customers to use ATM's Wollongong's northern and central areas saw the establishment of just two banking precincts - the Crown street Mall - and Corrimal.
All the banks concentrated their ATM's close to one another under some form of mutual agreement.
There is no doubt that the Crown street mall is a safe place to visit during the hours the shops are open, but when they close it becomes a very different safety proposition. Few would dispute that in the evening the mall becomes a haven for drunks, drug pushers and juvenile gangs of anti social people.
Not exactly an ideal place for women or the elderly to visit if they need to get money from an ATM !
Not a place that can be accessed without the difficulty of finding a car park and taking a long walk to the selected ATM - and then retracing that journey with withdrawn funds in your wallet or purse.
The concern of the GPT group is obvious. Many people living in the suburbs surrounding central Wollongong will not put themselves at risk by walking though this dangerous area at night to visit an ATM. They prefer using their car and driving to Corrimal, where parking is easy and the ATM streetscape has the safety of car traffic and pedestrians.
Plans are in progress for a massive retail development in Corrimal and the GPT group can clearly see danger to their Crown/Keira streets mall. If Corrimal adopts night trading it would deal a damaging blow to the deserted central Wollongong shopping centre - and all Wolongong council is proposing is a $ 17.8 million redevelopment which will remove the " birdcage " - but leave the mall a deserted " no mans land " at night.
One of the keys to success or failure is making access to ATM's safe - and so far that is not even on the drawing board.
There have been exhaustive public surveys and public opinion is clearly favouring keeping cars out of the mall, but another aspect has received little attention.
When the banks began closing branches and forcing customers to use ATM's Wollongong's northern and central areas saw the establishment of just two banking precincts - the Crown street Mall - and Corrimal.
All the banks concentrated their ATM's close to one another under some form of mutual agreement.
There is no doubt that the Crown street mall is a safe place to visit during the hours the shops are open, but when they close it becomes a very different safety proposition. Few would dispute that in the evening the mall becomes a haven for drunks, drug pushers and juvenile gangs of anti social people.
Not exactly an ideal place for women or the elderly to visit if they need to get money from an ATM !
Not a place that can be accessed without the difficulty of finding a car park and taking a long walk to the selected ATM - and then retracing that journey with withdrawn funds in your wallet or purse.
The concern of the GPT group is obvious. Many people living in the suburbs surrounding central Wollongong will not put themselves at risk by walking though this dangerous area at night to visit an ATM. They prefer using their car and driving to Corrimal, where parking is easy and the ATM streetscape has the safety of car traffic and pedestrians.
Plans are in progress for a massive retail development in Corrimal and the GPT group can clearly see danger to their Crown/Keira streets mall. If Corrimal adopts night trading it would deal a damaging blow to the deserted central Wollongong shopping centre - and all Wolongong council is proposing is a $ 17.8 million redevelopment which will remove the " birdcage " - but leave the mall a deserted " no mans land " at night.
One of the keys to success or failure is making access to ATM's safe - and so far that is not even on the drawing board.
Friday 13 November 2009
Taken with a grain of salt !
Today Premier Nathan Rees will be in Wollongong to launch the " Green jobs action plan ".
This ambitious project has at it's centre a " Cogeneration project " in conjunction with Bluescope steel to use the gases from the steelmaking process to fire up electricity production. It would create 2,000 construction jobs, eliminate one million tonnes of greenhouse gases - and cost a billion dollars to create !
There is also a plan to bring a wave energy power generation plant to fruition, although details of this are scarce. Most Wollongong people remember the hoop-la surrounding the tests of such a plant off Port Kembla - and the deafening silence when it ran into technical problems.
There is also a plan to create a street of about ten " display homes " that are marvels of sustainability ". Each will create 100% of it's own electricity needs and recycle water.
This state government is big on making announcements - but unfortunately few of them ever see the light of day by being converted into reality.
It is all a matter of money - and that is something that this state government does not have. The only hope of any of these ideas proceeding further is if the Federal government chips in with the funds.
That Bluescope steel Cogeneration project is just another recycled idea that attracted a lot of fanfare decades ago - and just as quickly slipped into obscurity. It would be great if it happened - and many people think it is a practical idea. It would also become a useful anchor for ensuring that the Wollongong steel industry survives whatever the world economy may deliver in the future.
Unfortunately few people here will get too excited about the hoop-la that will surround this announcement.
We have heard it all before - and we know that the best reaction is to take it with a grain of salt !
This ambitious project has at it's centre a " Cogeneration project " in conjunction with Bluescope steel to use the gases from the steelmaking process to fire up electricity production. It would create 2,000 construction jobs, eliminate one million tonnes of greenhouse gases - and cost a billion dollars to create !
There is also a plan to bring a wave energy power generation plant to fruition, although details of this are scarce. Most Wollongong people remember the hoop-la surrounding the tests of such a plant off Port Kembla - and the deafening silence when it ran into technical problems.
There is also a plan to create a street of about ten " display homes " that are marvels of sustainability ". Each will create 100% of it's own electricity needs and recycle water.
This state government is big on making announcements - but unfortunately few of them ever see the light of day by being converted into reality.
It is all a matter of money - and that is something that this state government does not have. The only hope of any of these ideas proceeding further is if the Federal government chips in with the funds.
That Bluescope steel Cogeneration project is just another recycled idea that attracted a lot of fanfare decades ago - and just as quickly slipped into obscurity. It would be great if it happened - and many people think it is a practical idea. It would also become a useful anchor for ensuring that the Wollongong steel industry survives whatever the world economy may deliver in the future.
Unfortunately few people here will get too excited about the hoop-la that will surround this announcement.
We have heard it all before - and we know that the best reaction is to take it with a grain of salt !
Thursday 12 November 2009
The question of personal responsibility !
Once again the matter of alcohol and personal responsibility has been the subject of a High Court decision.
The High Court of Australia has struck down a Tasmanian Supreme Court finding that a publican had a duty of care to a patron who was drinking alcohol.
This man handed the keys to his motor bike to the publican while sober as a precaution against driving while drunk. Later, after consuming a considerable amount of alcohol which would have affected his mental state - he demanded the keys be returned. They were - and he attempted to drive home, crashed - and was killed !
From time to time in jurisdictions throughout the world various decisions and laws have been enacted to try and establish the ground rules of responsibility.
It is illegal to serve further alcohol to a person already under the influence in most cases, but that's where the definition of responsibility becomes blurred - and changes dramatically from country to country.
In this case the patron's intent seems clear. While sober he intended to drink alcohol to the point where he could become inebriated, and he sought to eliminate the chance that he might break the law by driving while under the influence. He handed the keys to the publican in trust with the understanding that they would not be returned until such time as he was not affected by alcohol.
The court decision absolves the publican of responsibility to act as some sort of referee. Had he refused to return those keys it is possible such a decision could have led to violence.
It also redirects responsibility back to the publican's client. He chose to drive a motor bike to a place where alcohol was served - with the intention of drinking alcohol.
Perhaps that responsibility rested with him to arrive by some other means of transport and leave the vehicle safely at home, where he would not be tempted to drive while in an intoxicated state.
Unfortunately this decision does nothing to establish clear rules about the shared responsibility of drinker's and their hosts. It remains a grey area - and it seems that in the future it will return again and again to the courts.
The only certainty is that alcohol and responsibility are not compatible !
The High Court of Australia has struck down a Tasmanian Supreme Court finding that a publican had a duty of care to a patron who was drinking alcohol.
This man handed the keys to his motor bike to the publican while sober as a precaution against driving while drunk. Later, after consuming a considerable amount of alcohol which would have affected his mental state - he demanded the keys be returned. They were - and he attempted to drive home, crashed - and was killed !
From time to time in jurisdictions throughout the world various decisions and laws have been enacted to try and establish the ground rules of responsibility.
It is illegal to serve further alcohol to a person already under the influence in most cases, but that's where the definition of responsibility becomes blurred - and changes dramatically from country to country.
In this case the patron's intent seems clear. While sober he intended to drink alcohol to the point where he could become inebriated, and he sought to eliminate the chance that he might break the law by driving while under the influence. He handed the keys to the publican in trust with the understanding that they would not be returned until such time as he was not affected by alcohol.
The court decision absolves the publican of responsibility to act as some sort of referee. Had he refused to return those keys it is possible such a decision could have led to violence.
It also redirects responsibility back to the publican's client. He chose to drive a motor bike to a place where alcohol was served - with the intention of drinking alcohol.
Perhaps that responsibility rested with him to arrive by some other means of transport and leave the vehicle safely at home, where he would not be tempted to drive while in an intoxicated state.
Unfortunately this decision does nothing to establish clear rules about the shared responsibility of drinker's and their hosts. It remains a grey area - and it seems that in the future it will return again and again to the courts.
The only certainty is that alcohol and responsibility are not compatible !
Wednesday 11 November 2009
Nuclear power.
There seems a certain inevitability that the world is about to embrace nuclear power generation to phase out CO2 producing coal - and secure the continuous 24/7 baseload that underpins a modern society.
The United Kingdom is about to commit to building ten new nuclear power plants. Germany is in the process of reversing a decision to phase out existing nuclear power plants and will move in the opposite direction - and France, the world leader is drawing 80% of it's power needs from uranium - will lift that figure even higher.
Australia is still mired in a fear of things nuclear, but opinions are changing. Research shows that 40.1% of Newcastle people now think nuclear is an acceptable option. Here in the Illawarra acceptance stands at just 30%.
Wind/wave/solar will continue to increase and deliver a proportion of our electricity needs, but we would be courting disaster if we relied on these sources to deliver a reliable baseload. Our needs are ever expanding and the sheer volume of wind farms and solar arrays needed would be overwhelming.
We had a taste of what would happen without reliable electricity when a contractor disrupted a key cable and plunged central Sydney into darkness recently. Without electricity the city simply stopped. Stores closed because cash registers and EFTPOS failed. Computers shut down. ATM's stopped working. Offices and homes went dark - and most forms of commerce stopped.
There are major cities in the world where electricity is under supplied and subject to rolling blackouts. Their governments failed to adequately plan and spend to create the necessary structures - and we know them under the title " third world ".
That is something that must not be allowed to happen here !
We have a rapidly expanding country, nearly a third of the world's uranium - and a huge continent in which to bury nuclear waste.
It is hard to find a valid reason why we should not join the rest of the world and accept the logical method of ensuring electricity production can meet our baseload needs.
To do less would be to sell this country short !
The United Kingdom is about to commit to building ten new nuclear power plants. Germany is in the process of reversing a decision to phase out existing nuclear power plants and will move in the opposite direction - and France, the world leader is drawing 80% of it's power needs from uranium - will lift that figure even higher.
Australia is still mired in a fear of things nuclear, but opinions are changing. Research shows that 40.1% of Newcastle people now think nuclear is an acceptable option. Here in the Illawarra acceptance stands at just 30%.
Wind/wave/solar will continue to increase and deliver a proportion of our electricity needs, but we would be courting disaster if we relied on these sources to deliver a reliable baseload. Our needs are ever expanding and the sheer volume of wind farms and solar arrays needed would be overwhelming.
We had a taste of what would happen without reliable electricity when a contractor disrupted a key cable and plunged central Sydney into darkness recently. Without electricity the city simply stopped. Stores closed because cash registers and EFTPOS failed. Computers shut down. ATM's stopped working. Offices and homes went dark - and most forms of commerce stopped.
There are major cities in the world where electricity is under supplied and subject to rolling blackouts. Their governments failed to adequately plan and spend to create the necessary structures - and we know them under the title " third world ".
That is something that must not be allowed to happen here !
We have a rapidly expanding country, nearly a third of the world's uranium - and a huge continent in which to bury nuclear waste.
It is hard to find a valid reason why we should not join the rest of the world and accept the logical method of ensuring electricity production can meet our baseload needs.
To do less would be to sell this country short !
Tuesday 10 November 2009
A forgotten hero !
The world celebrates the fall of the Berlin wall twenty years ago on November 9, 1989. This historic event ended the enslavement of millions of European people - and brought about the end of the cold war.
Strangely, the one man who made this possible gets scant attention - and very little praise.
Mikhail Gorbachev was the man at the pinnacle of Russian power - and Russia was the country that ruled the Communist satellite block of nations named as " the Warsaw pact ".
There had been other rumblings of discontent with Communism in the past, and on every occasion the Russian tanks had rolled to crush that dissent. The leaders of East Germany had no intention of allowing their wall to be breached and they looked to Gorbachev for the same support received from other Russian leaders.
Mikhail Gorbachev was a very different man. He was a man of vision and he could see that Communism was a failed system condemning half of Europe to misery, lack of progress - and the possibility of a third world war.
Re rejected those calls for help. The Russian tanks and troops remained in their barracks - and the wall came down and the people were free.
The power of decision rested with one man, and he is no longer the leader of Russia, but a retired citizen living quietly in Moscow.
It is strange that during these celebrations his name receives scant praise, and yet in many respects his resolve to change the world was one of the greatest events of the past century.
Strangely, the one man who made this possible gets scant attention - and very little praise.
Mikhail Gorbachev was the man at the pinnacle of Russian power - and Russia was the country that ruled the Communist satellite block of nations named as " the Warsaw pact ".
There had been other rumblings of discontent with Communism in the past, and on every occasion the Russian tanks had rolled to crush that dissent. The leaders of East Germany had no intention of allowing their wall to be breached and they looked to Gorbachev for the same support received from other Russian leaders.
Mikhail Gorbachev was a very different man. He was a man of vision and he could see that Communism was a failed system condemning half of Europe to misery, lack of progress - and the possibility of a third world war.
Re rejected those calls for help. The Russian tanks and troops remained in their barracks - and the wall came down and the people were free.
The power of decision rested with one man, and he is no longer the leader of Russia, but a retired citizen living quietly in Moscow.
It is strange that during these celebrations his name receives scant praise, and yet in many respects his resolve to change the world was one of the greatest events of the past century.
Monday 9 November 2009
New law - old result !
The New South Wales government is waging a war against graffiti - which has become a blight on the community. New laws are being enacted to toughen penalties and increase police powers.
In future, it will be an offence to be in possession of a paint spray can without a lawful reason, and on conviction the offender could be sentenced to six months gaol.
It sounds impressive, but the final outcome will probably not see much change.
The imposition of all laws are at the discretion of the presiding magistrate or judge, and that discretion was established long ago to avoid " one size fits all " sentencing.
The most likely scenario is for some unfortunate individual to have the book thrown at him or her for a graffiti offence, just to show the government and the media that the new law is working, and most other offenders to get a gentle slap on the wrist.
What the public - and what the government - considers a heinous crime is often not seen that way by the judiciary - and they are a stubborn, opinionated lot. They cling to that power of discretion and in the past governments of differing political persuasion have had no luck in moving them.
And that is the corner stone of our judicial system. It exists at arms length from politics and the state - and is the reason we do not have arbitrary sentencing laws.
It looks like we will just have to put up with graffiti until we figure out how to instill civic pride in the offenders.
In future, it will be an offence to be in possession of a paint spray can without a lawful reason, and on conviction the offender could be sentenced to six months gaol.
It sounds impressive, but the final outcome will probably not see much change.
The imposition of all laws are at the discretion of the presiding magistrate or judge, and that discretion was established long ago to avoid " one size fits all " sentencing.
The most likely scenario is for some unfortunate individual to have the book thrown at him or her for a graffiti offence, just to show the government and the media that the new law is working, and most other offenders to get a gentle slap on the wrist.
What the public - and what the government - considers a heinous crime is often not seen that way by the judiciary - and they are a stubborn, opinionated lot. They cling to that power of discretion and in the past governments of differing political persuasion have had no luck in moving them.
And that is the corner stone of our judicial system. It exists at arms length from politics and the state - and is the reason we do not have arbitrary sentencing laws.
It looks like we will just have to put up with graffiti until we figure out how to instill civic pride in the offenders.
Sunday 8 November 2009
Sex education !
Here we go again ! A lot of wise men and women have been tasked with drawing up a " National sex education package " to guide our youngsters from primary through to their high school years.
What a thankless task !
The three things that most Australian's disagree over - are politics, football - and sex education !
Opinions range from the " teach them nothing " mob, who have the quaint notion that if kid's are kept ignorant they will not experiment with sex - to the " worldly wise " who favour " putting it all on the table " - and then letting the kid's figure out what to do with the knowledge.
And then there is the Catholic church !
Even the mere mention of contraception and abortion has them in a frenzy !
The Federal education minister, Julia Gillard calms the debate by promising that all interested parties will be " consulted ". That seems to be shorthand for an endless debate which will satisfy neither end of the moral spectrum.
Eventually some sort of compromise will be grudgingly reached - and then the second battle on sex education will begin. The parties who will have the task of implementing this package - the Teachers Federation and the Catholic Schools teachers will split into those " for " and those " against " whatever it contains.
Getting picked to serve on this task force is a bit like the opening scene from that venerable TV classic " Mission Impossible " - and the required task is similar !
What a thankless task !
The three things that most Australian's disagree over - are politics, football - and sex education !
Opinions range from the " teach them nothing " mob, who have the quaint notion that if kid's are kept ignorant they will not experiment with sex - to the " worldly wise " who favour " putting it all on the table " - and then letting the kid's figure out what to do with the knowledge.
And then there is the Catholic church !
Even the mere mention of contraception and abortion has them in a frenzy !
The Federal education minister, Julia Gillard calms the debate by promising that all interested parties will be " consulted ". That seems to be shorthand for an endless debate which will satisfy neither end of the moral spectrum.
Eventually some sort of compromise will be grudgingly reached - and then the second battle on sex education will begin. The parties who will have the task of implementing this package - the Teachers Federation and the Catholic Schools teachers will split into those " for " and those " against " whatever it contains.
Getting picked to serve on this task force is a bit like the opening scene from that venerable TV classic " Mission Impossible " - and the required task is similar !
Saturday 7 November 2009
Miming - is it fair ?
When you pay big money to see your favourite artist on stage - what do you expect ?
Most people expect to hear that artist entertain them in person - with renditions of favourite songs - and that's what they get.
There is one difference. The artist they see is that person in the flesh, visible in front of them on the night. The artist they hear is also that same person, but the song they are listening to was probably recorded at another time - in a studio in another country - and is being mimed for their entertainment.
Britney Spears is at present touring Australia and it has been suggested that all or part of her performance will be mimed. The question going the rounds - is this fair ?
New South Wales Fair Trading minister, Virginia Judge is looking into the matter and there is the suggestion that laws might be changed to force shows to indicate clearly in their advertising - and on their tickets - if miming will be part of the acts.
That seems to be a fair compromise, otherwise patrons might find themselves far from satisfied with some performances. In this technical age the wizards of electronics are able to enhance music in ways that are not possible in a packed concert hall.
Often miming is the only alternative if the artist is to be heard at his or her best, because the vocal that emerged from the recording studio bears no relation to what can be produced on stage without electronic backup.
It's just a matter of being honest - and letting the audience know exactly what they are getting for their money !
Most people expect to hear that artist entertain them in person - with renditions of favourite songs - and that's what they get.
There is one difference. The artist they see is that person in the flesh, visible in front of them on the night. The artist they hear is also that same person, but the song they are listening to was probably recorded at another time - in a studio in another country - and is being mimed for their entertainment.
Britney Spears is at present touring Australia and it has been suggested that all or part of her performance will be mimed. The question going the rounds - is this fair ?
New South Wales Fair Trading minister, Virginia Judge is looking into the matter and there is the suggestion that laws might be changed to force shows to indicate clearly in their advertising - and on their tickets - if miming will be part of the acts.
That seems to be a fair compromise, otherwise patrons might find themselves far from satisfied with some performances. In this technical age the wizards of electronics are able to enhance music in ways that are not possible in a packed concert hall.
Often miming is the only alternative if the artist is to be heard at his or her best, because the vocal that emerged from the recording studio bears no relation to what can be produced on stage without electronic backup.
It's just a matter of being honest - and letting the audience know exactly what they are getting for their money !
Friday 6 November 2009
A new building code.
Rising sea levels will now be a factor in determining council approval of building plans.
Many people think this will only affect beach front land, and will therefore only apply to the rich people who can afford to live with the beach at their door - and marvellous water views.
The implications will be much wider, and eventually this will determine the value of land and existing homes across a huge swathe of Australian cities, towns and villages.
If we have a rise in sea levels the outflow of rivers and creeks will change. During flood rains that coincide with high tide water will not be able to drain away, hence land that did not previously flood will be inundated.
Council flood maps will illustrate this danger - and it will occur a long way inland from river entrances and the coast.
It signals a change in land values that will affect many people. Not only will some vacant land decrease in value because councils will no longer allow development, but existing homes will be shunned by mortgage lenders because of the risk factor.
There is also the prospect of such existing homes being excluded from flood insurance by the insurance industry.
The full implications have not yet been fully appreciated by many people, but for those considering either a land purchase or buying an existing home it would be a good idea to think long and hard about it's height above sea level, something that is difficult to determine at a casual glance.
Such a determination is likely to become a new industry. Just as property appraisal now involves many searches, in future height elevation above sea level is likely to be the determining factor in loan approvals.
Many people think this will only affect beach front land, and will therefore only apply to the rich people who can afford to live with the beach at their door - and marvellous water views.
The implications will be much wider, and eventually this will determine the value of land and existing homes across a huge swathe of Australian cities, towns and villages.
If we have a rise in sea levels the outflow of rivers and creeks will change. During flood rains that coincide with high tide water will not be able to drain away, hence land that did not previously flood will be inundated.
Council flood maps will illustrate this danger - and it will occur a long way inland from river entrances and the coast.
It signals a change in land values that will affect many people. Not only will some vacant land decrease in value because councils will no longer allow development, but existing homes will be shunned by mortgage lenders because of the risk factor.
There is also the prospect of such existing homes being excluded from flood insurance by the insurance industry.
The full implications have not yet been fully appreciated by many people, but for those considering either a land purchase or buying an existing home it would be a good idea to think long and hard about it's height above sea level, something that is difficult to determine at a casual glance.
Such a determination is likely to become a new industry. Just as property appraisal now involves many searches, in future height elevation above sea level is likely to be the determining factor in loan approvals.
Thursday 5 November 2009
An act of bastardry !
Two Sydney harbourside councils have announced they will be charging people who use their parks to watch the new years eve fireworks.
It will not be a gold coin entry either. These councils intend to gouge adults a twenty five dollar entry fee, with a charge of fifteen dollars for every child.
An old Chinese proverb says " that the longest journey starts with the first step ".
The first step is about to be taken to turn public parks into revenue raising opportunities for some councils, and it is inevitable that this will be taken up by other councils - and extended to events such as the crowds who gather to watch the start of the Sydney/Hobart yacht race on Boxing day.
It is essential that the state government step in and nip this act of bastardry in the bud. One of the delights of Sydney and it's glorious harbour is the ability of the public to gather in public places to watch the events that make Sydney a world city.
The very idea that councils with a " Scrooge " mentality should be allowed to dictate a fee for a stroll in the park is simply an extension of the " revenue raising " myopia that sees " fees and fines " unjustly levied wherever we drive, park or simply go about our daily lives.
If public parks attract an entry fee every time there are fireworks - or the presence of a major ocean liner or similar attraction - what is to stop councils erecting turnstyles and charging to go for a swim on city beaches ?
There is a line that should not be crossed - and this proposal just crossed that line !
It will not be a gold coin entry either. These councils intend to gouge adults a twenty five dollar entry fee, with a charge of fifteen dollars for every child.
An old Chinese proverb says " that the longest journey starts with the first step ".
The first step is about to be taken to turn public parks into revenue raising opportunities for some councils, and it is inevitable that this will be taken up by other councils - and extended to events such as the crowds who gather to watch the start of the Sydney/Hobart yacht race on Boxing day.
It is essential that the state government step in and nip this act of bastardry in the bud. One of the delights of Sydney and it's glorious harbour is the ability of the public to gather in public places to watch the events that make Sydney a world city.
The very idea that councils with a " Scrooge " mentality should be allowed to dictate a fee for a stroll in the park is simply an extension of the " revenue raising " myopia that sees " fees and fines " unjustly levied wherever we drive, park or simply go about our daily lives.
If public parks attract an entry fee every time there are fireworks - or the presence of a major ocean liner or similar attraction - what is to stop councils erecting turnstyles and charging to go for a swim on city beaches ?
There is a line that should not be crossed - and this proposal just crossed that line !
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Banks - control of the mortgage spigot !
There is a glaring difference between banks in Australia - and what happened to banks in America and the United Kingdom during the world recession.
American and British banks needed huge injections of government funds to keep their doors open, and now the government is their biggest shareholder. Accordingly, the government rules the roost when it comes to implementing divestment plans, management of toxic assets and limits on executive pay.
In Australia the big four rode out the recession without such help. All that was needed was a government guarantee that depositors funds were safe. In fact, the recession here handed the banks power to eliminate a surging threat to their dominance.
A fast emerging plethora of finance outfits offering home mortgages was driving down interest rates - and offering that word " competition " - which was anathema to the way banks traditionally conduct business.
The interruption to the money flow caused by recession panic cut off these home mortgage houses at the knees - and the opportunistic banks jumped in and quickly absorbed them - and kept them trading under bank management.
Now the good times are again starting to roll - and the banks are on top with majority control of the home finance spigot.
Interest rates are on the rise and the future looks bleak for those needing a home purchase mortgage. We are likely to see less innovation in lending practice and the " Scrooge " attitude of big institutions will prevail when applicants are forced to go - " cap in hand " to their bank manager for a loan.
Just when home finance was starting to loosen up and take on a modern image, along came a recession and tossed it back into the dark ages.
And the banks are now laughing - all the way to - the bank !
American and British banks needed huge injections of government funds to keep their doors open, and now the government is their biggest shareholder. Accordingly, the government rules the roost when it comes to implementing divestment plans, management of toxic assets and limits on executive pay.
In Australia the big four rode out the recession without such help. All that was needed was a government guarantee that depositors funds were safe. In fact, the recession here handed the banks power to eliminate a surging threat to their dominance.
A fast emerging plethora of finance outfits offering home mortgages was driving down interest rates - and offering that word " competition " - which was anathema to the way banks traditionally conduct business.
The interruption to the money flow caused by recession panic cut off these home mortgage houses at the knees - and the opportunistic banks jumped in and quickly absorbed them - and kept them trading under bank management.
Now the good times are again starting to roll - and the banks are on top with majority control of the home finance spigot.
Interest rates are on the rise and the future looks bleak for those needing a home purchase mortgage. We are likely to see less innovation in lending practice and the " Scrooge " attitude of big institutions will prevail when applicants are forced to go - " cap in hand " to their bank manager for a loan.
Just when home finance was starting to loosen up and take on a modern image, along came a recession and tossed it back into the dark ages.
And the banks are now laughing - all the way to - the bank !
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Hand hygiene !
Anyone who has visited a hospital in recent months would notice the appearance of a little bottle of pink liquid near every patient's bed. This is an innovation that has won Wollongong hospital a health award.
Months ago Wollongong hospital was in the news for all the wrong reasons. To it's shame - it was named for the worst record in the state for hospital to patient transfer of infections, including methicillin resistant staphylococus - the dreaded " Golden Staph ".
Some genius introduced that little bottle of alcohol based hand rub and encouraged nursing staff to disinfect their hands regularly - and it worked !
The old method of washing hands is more time wasting and that is a big factor in a busy hospital that is chronically under staffed. These bottles of hand rub are more readily available than sinks and water taps - and the hands dry instantly without the need of a paper towel.
This award is well deserved. Now would be a good time for other branches of our health system to listen - and learn.
We have a problem with food processors. From time to time there are outbreaks of Salmonella and other diseases - and in many cases the cause is poor hand hygiene by food workers.
If an alcohol based hand rub works in hospitals, it would surely work in the food preparation industry, and because it would be more readily available than conventional sinks and towels - it would be much more likely to be used..
Time to extend the hygiene thinking - and definitely time this regions food health inspectors started to demand alcohol based hand rub be implemented in all places where food is prepared.
Months ago Wollongong hospital was in the news for all the wrong reasons. To it's shame - it was named for the worst record in the state for hospital to patient transfer of infections, including methicillin resistant staphylococus - the dreaded " Golden Staph ".
Some genius introduced that little bottle of alcohol based hand rub and encouraged nursing staff to disinfect their hands regularly - and it worked !
The old method of washing hands is more time wasting and that is a big factor in a busy hospital that is chronically under staffed. These bottles of hand rub are more readily available than sinks and water taps - and the hands dry instantly without the need of a paper towel.
This award is well deserved. Now would be a good time for other branches of our health system to listen - and learn.
We have a problem with food processors. From time to time there are outbreaks of Salmonella and other diseases - and in many cases the cause is poor hand hygiene by food workers.
If an alcohol based hand rub works in hospitals, it would surely work in the food preparation industry, and because it would be more readily available than conventional sinks and towels - it would be much more likely to be used..
Time to extend the hygiene thinking - and definitely time this regions food health inspectors started to demand alcohol based hand rub be implemented in all places where food is prepared.
Monday 2 November 2009
The plot thickens !
If a claim that the seventy eight Tamil refugees on the Australian Oceanic Viking have lived in Indonesia for years - and have been accepted as refugees by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees ( UNHCR ) is true, it puts a big hole in Kevin Rudd's contention that the increase in boat people is simply the result of civil wars in other parts of the world.
What it does reflect is that some refugees demand the right to pick and choose where they will settle, and that some have every intention of forcing their way into Australia simply because our lifestyle is attractive.
Even if these people are Tamils fleeing a civil war in Sri Lanka, now would be a good time to have a reality check.
Tamil people fought a long and bitter war to try and wrest a separate homeland from the majority Sinhalese. For decades the country was impoverished, thousands died and the tourist trade was destroyed.
Eventually the Tamils were defeated - and now the victors have every right to sift through those survivors prepared to start a new war and intern them until they can safely be reintegrated into the Sri Lankan community.
For some reason the world tends to treat the end of a civil war like a soccer game. The adversaries do not simply shake hands and head off for a few beers together when the final siren sounds.
The logical destination for Tamils who are not prepared to face reality and integrate into Sri Lankan life would be nearby India - with it's own Tamil majority states.
But India is a poor country - and so these refugees reject it, Malaysia and then Indonesia in their determination to dictate where they will settle.
Sooner or later Kevin Rudd will have to face the fact that the previous governments hard line policy worked - and the flow of such refugees faded to a mere trickle.
It all started again and the people smugglers were back in business from the moment he relaxed that policy.
All the spin in the world will not change reality !
What it does reflect is that some refugees demand the right to pick and choose where they will settle, and that some have every intention of forcing their way into Australia simply because our lifestyle is attractive.
Even if these people are Tamils fleeing a civil war in Sri Lanka, now would be a good time to have a reality check.
Tamil people fought a long and bitter war to try and wrest a separate homeland from the majority Sinhalese. For decades the country was impoverished, thousands died and the tourist trade was destroyed.
Eventually the Tamils were defeated - and now the victors have every right to sift through those survivors prepared to start a new war and intern them until they can safely be reintegrated into the Sri Lankan community.
For some reason the world tends to treat the end of a civil war like a soccer game. The adversaries do not simply shake hands and head off for a few beers together when the final siren sounds.
The logical destination for Tamils who are not prepared to face reality and integrate into Sri Lankan life would be nearby India - with it's own Tamil majority states.
But India is a poor country - and so these refugees reject it, Malaysia and then Indonesia in their determination to dictate where they will settle.
Sooner or later Kevin Rudd will have to face the fact that the previous governments hard line policy worked - and the flow of such refugees faded to a mere trickle.
It all started again and the people smugglers were back in business from the moment he relaxed that policy.
All the spin in the world will not change reality !
Sunday 1 November 2009
Income insurance !
The unions are proposing that Australia should implement a compulsory income insurance scheme. They argue that we insure our homes and our cars against loss - so why not our pay packets ?
There is nothing new about income insurance. All the big insurance companies have that product and it is widely used by self employed people and high income earners. The premiums are a legitimate tax deduction.
What the ACTU has in mind is a compulsory scheme attached to national superannuation. Just as the boss is forced to contribute to a worker's superannuation, this premium would be a similarly shared responsibility.
It all comes down to simple mathematics. If the contributions stay the same then the worker has income protection for a nominated period of time, but gets a smaller payout when he or she finally retires and looks to the superannuation nest egg.
The biggest winner would be the Federal government.
Last year I60,000 lost their jobs and many of them applied for " Newstart " with a payment of $ 228 per week, well below the poverty line.
What is not widely known is that " Newstart " is means tested, and applicants are rejected if their savings amount to more than $ 5,500. As a result, those that get some sort of redundancy settlement have to spend that money before the government starts to shell out, and those who are wise and save for their retirement become losers !
The winners - if existing below the poverty line on " Newstart " could be considered winners - are those who save nothing and live from one pay packet to the next !
There is merit in this ACTU suggestion provided the government doesn't use it as just another way to reduce welfare payments. When people become unemployed through no fault of their own everyone should receive equal help to restore their dignity, train for a new career - and find a paying job.
Savings of $ 5,500 is about the cost of a new plasma TV set. Surely the provident should not be reduced to that level before help is offered ?
Income insurance would be a good thing - provided it did not become an instrument of social engineering - designed to force all who lose their jobs because of economic circumstances to a common level - below the poverty line !
There is nothing new about income insurance. All the big insurance companies have that product and it is widely used by self employed people and high income earners. The premiums are a legitimate tax deduction.
What the ACTU has in mind is a compulsory scheme attached to national superannuation. Just as the boss is forced to contribute to a worker's superannuation, this premium would be a similarly shared responsibility.
It all comes down to simple mathematics. If the contributions stay the same then the worker has income protection for a nominated period of time, but gets a smaller payout when he or she finally retires and looks to the superannuation nest egg.
The biggest winner would be the Federal government.
Last year I60,000 lost their jobs and many of them applied for " Newstart " with a payment of $ 228 per week, well below the poverty line.
What is not widely known is that " Newstart " is means tested, and applicants are rejected if their savings amount to more than $ 5,500. As a result, those that get some sort of redundancy settlement have to spend that money before the government starts to shell out, and those who are wise and save for their retirement become losers !
The winners - if existing below the poverty line on " Newstart " could be considered winners - are those who save nothing and live from one pay packet to the next !
There is merit in this ACTU suggestion provided the government doesn't use it as just another way to reduce welfare payments. When people become unemployed through no fault of their own everyone should receive equal help to restore their dignity, train for a new career - and find a paying job.
Savings of $ 5,500 is about the cost of a new plasma TV set. Surely the provident should not be reduced to that level before help is offered ?
Income insurance would be a good thing - provided it did not become an instrument of social engineering - designed to force all who lose their jobs because of economic circumstances to a common level - below the poverty line !
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