The government claims that low income families will actually be better off financially from the introduction of it's Emissions Trading Scheme ( ETS ).
Anyone that actually believes that must still believe in the Tooth Fairy !
According to the government, 2.9 million low income households will be better off by $ 190 a year. Costs will increase by $ 420 a year, but they will be compensated by grants of $ 610.
That may be so if the only factors taken into account are increased gas and electricity prices, but the ETS will apply across the whole spectrum of manufacturing and services. It will have impact on grocery prices, council rates, car expenses - in fact on every aspect of everyday living.
The government is trying to pull a huge con on the public. It admits that middle income people will only be partly compensated - and that ETS will soak the rich - but claims that " the little people " have nothing to worry about.
For how long ?
The aim of ETS is to increase the cost of those activities that generate carbon to ensure that industry moves to more expensive methods that generate less carbon. Because of the tax - these more expensive methods will bring long term benefits.
So - we pay more because the people who provide the goods that we need have an increase in costs !
The obvious question to ask is " Where does this compensation money come from ? "
Because ETS is a new tax it will be a source of income for the government which allows compensation for the more obvious immediate cost increases - gas and electricity - but can do nothing for the general increase in costs that will occur across the board.
When it comes to tax - enter the wide world of smoke and mirrors.
And remember that adage - " Never give the suckers an even break ! "
Thursday 31 December 2009
Wednesday 30 December 2009
Spending money wisely !
It seems to be a fact of life that if you want something built - and you want the cost to be reasonable - make sure that the government has nothing to do with organising the work !
A Wollongong public school has been allocated a budget of $ 2.5 million to provide a school hall to cater for 320 students.
It may not happen, because the bureaucrats responsible for drawing up the plans and getting the work done have blown out costs to an amazing $ 12,500 a square metre.
The estimates contain a cost of $ 126,700 for " preliminaries " - whatever that may be. Then there is $ 127,334 for " design and documentation " , followed by another $ 126,700 for " electrical services ", presumably erecting a power box for site construction.
It all boils down to " making work " for the army of civil servants who must have some sort of input to justify their jobs - and which automatically pushes any government job way out of kilter with what would be reasonable in the commercial world.
Of course it has never been any different. Governments - both Federal and state - and city councils for that matter - are simply not good at getting anything done at a reasonable cost.
Sadly, if we could somehow manage to streamline government work to fit within commercial parameters every school would have decent buildings, air conditioning and plenty of computers - and there might even be enough money left over to provide a half decent road system.
But - don't hold you breath waiting !
A Wollongong public school has been allocated a budget of $ 2.5 million to provide a school hall to cater for 320 students.
It may not happen, because the bureaucrats responsible for drawing up the plans and getting the work done have blown out costs to an amazing $ 12,500 a square metre.
The estimates contain a cost of $ 126,700 for " preliminaries " - whatever that may be. Then there is $ 127,334 for " design and documentation " , followed by another $ 126,700 for " electrical services ", presumably erecting a power box for site construction.
It all boils down to " making work " for the army of civil servants who must have some sort of input to justify their jobs - and which automatically pushes any government job way out of kilter with what would be reasonable in the commercial world.
Of course it has never been any different. Governments - both Federal and state - and city councils for that matter - are simply not good at getting anything done at a reasonable cost.
Sadly, if we could somehow manage to streamline government work to fit within commercial parameters every school would have decent buildings, air conditioning and plenty of computers - and there might even be enough money left over to provide a half decent road system.
But - don't hold you breath waiting !
Tuesday 29 December 2009
Half price stamp duty !
We have a dire shortage of rental accommodation in this state. Rents are sky high - and predicted to jump another thirty percent in the short term.
That would seem to be a good reason for a rush of investors to put their money into rental housing, given that stamp duty has been cut in half - and will not end on December 31 as planned - but will be extended until June next year.
Reduced stamp duty is part of the Housing Construction Acceleration Plan ( HCAP ) under which 1934 new dwellings have been built, worth $ 850 million - with a stamp duty saving of $ 14,8 million.
There is deep suspicion that most of these homes would have been built anyway, and that few were investments destined for the rental market. This is confirmed by the ever widening rental shortage - and the upward pressure on rents driving a home out of reach for many people.
The question is - why are investors shunning the rental market at a time when it is offering such golden returns ?
It could be that investors have long memories - and they are aware that we have socialist governments in power in both Sydney and Canberra.
Socialist governments have long held that those who own property for rent are capitalist enemies of the working class - to be treated accordingly.
Two phrases come to mind from the era of the second world war - " Protected tenant " - and " rent control ". Both were " temporary " measures that lingered - and both were aimed at " social engineering " to disadvantage owners of rental property.
If private wealth shuns the rental market the only alternative is public housing, and we already see the dead hand of socialism in that field, ignoring widely held housing standards to create twenty-first century slums with few amenities.
What we need is the creation of a legal charter that will protect the rights of both landlords and those renting - and ensure that both get a fair deal.
An old adage comes to mind. " Once bitten - twice shy " !
That would seem to be a good reason for a rush of investors to put their money into rental housing, given that stamp duty has been cut in half - and will not end on December 31 as planned - but will be extended until June next year.
Reduced stamp duty is part of the Housing Construction Acceleration Plan ( HCAP ) under which 1934 new dwellings have been built, worth $ 850 million - with a stamp duty saving of $ 14,8 million.
There is deep suspicion that most of these homes would have been built anyway, and that few were investments destined for the rental market. This is confirmed by the ever widening rental shortage - and the upward pressure on rents driving a home out of reach for many people.
The question is - why are investors shunning the rental market at a time when it is offering such golden returns ?
It could be that investors have long memories - and they are aware that we have socialist governments in power in both Sydney and Canberra.
Socialist governments have long held that those who own property for rent are capitalist enemies of the working class - to be treated accordingly.
Two phrases come to mind from the era of the second world war - " Protected tenant " - and " rent control ". Both were " temporary " measures that lingered - and both were aimed at " social engineering " to disadvantage owners of rental property.
If private wealth shuns the rental market the only alternative is public housing, and we already see the dead hand of socialism in that field, ignoring widely held housing standards to create twenty-first century slums with few amenities.
What we need is the creation of a legal charter that will protect the rights of both landlords and those renting - and ensure that both get a fair deal.
An old adage comes to mind. " Once bitten - twice shy " !
Monday 28 December 2009
Invasion of privacy.
Anyone who watches TV crime shows knows that the cops can trace the signal from a mobile phone, and by triangulation can pin down it's location with great accuracy.
The relentless march of technology has extended that capability to those who have invested in the latest mobile phones. Those with the necessary know how have the ability to keep track of their friends - and can even fine tune that location to a particular shop, pub, park or housing address.
It has advantages. Users can share information by exchanging photographs of their locations and invite friends to join them, and those same maps can provide information on facilities available nearby, including their opening hours.
But - there is a downside.
There is an inevitable lack of privacy - which hackers will exploit, and at present this technology is unregulated in Australia.
Is there ever a time you would prefer your wife/husband/friends not to know where you were - and what you were doing ? That sort of privacy may be a thing of the past, because if you have your mobile phone with you the world will have that information immediately available.
Something to think about - and maybe a good reason to go and find an unsophisticated mobile phone that has none of this state of the art gadgetry.
Remember the days when mobile phones simply let you make - and receive - phone calls ?
Maybe they were " the good old days " !
The relentless march of technology has extended that capability to those who have invested in the latest mobile phones. Those with the necessary know how have the ability to keep track of their friends - and can even fine tune that location to a particular shop, pub, park or housing address.
It has advantages. Users can share information by exchanging photographs of their locations and invite friends to join them, and those same maps can provide information on facilities available nearby, including their opening hours.
But - there is a downside.
There is an inevitable lack of privacy - which hackers will exploit, and at present this technology is unregulated in Australia.
Is there ever a time you would prefer your wife/husband/friends not to know where you were - and what you were doing ? That sort of privacy may be a thing of the past, because if you have your mobile phone with you the world will have that information immediately available.
Something to think about - and maybe a good reason to go and find an unsophisticated mobile phone that has none of this state of the art gadgetry.
Remember the days when mobile phones simply let you make - and receive - phone calls ?
Maybe they were " the good old days " !
Sunday 27 December 2009
Win some - lose some !
Air travellers in Australia have regained the right to board an aircraft carrying a whole range of things that were previously banned. Little old ladies can happily continue their knitting now that knitting needles have been removed from the list, and innocuous items such as nail clippers and umbrellas will no longer have to be abandoned in the departure lounge.
That is the good new for air travellers. The bad news is that you may be travelling with a fellow passenger who intends to crash the plane. Maybe you would treat someone from the Middle East with suspicion, but a recent " mad bomber " hailed from Nigeria - in Africa - and was influenced by al Qaeda.
This character smuggled some sort of powder and some sort of liquid onto the aircraft, found a way to mix them together - and then tried to set them off to create an explosive.
The result was more akin to a mild fire cracker, but he did manage to injure himself - and he was jumped on by fellow passengers and will now probably spend the rest of his life in an American prison.
The sad thing is that just when the world is slowly recovering from the threat of an economic depression we have people so immersed in politics and religion that they think they are achieving something by sacrificing their own lives in a glorious suicide attempt to harm a whole bunch of otherwise innocent people.
When you want to kill people you absolutely do not know - because some religious zealot makes that request - it throws the whole concept of religion into question.
Perhaps religion has not advanced further from the days when human sacrifices were offered to the Gods to promote a good harvest !
That is the good new for air travellers. The bad news is that you may be travelling with a fellow passenger who intends to crash the plane. Maybe you would treat someone from the Middle East with suspicion, but a recent " mad bomber " hailed from Nigeria - in Africa - and was influenced by al Qaeda.
This character smuggled some sort of powder and some sort of liquid onto the aircraft, found a way to mix them together - and then tried to set them off to create an explosive.
The result was more akin to a mild fire cracker, but he did manage to injure himself - and he was jumped on by fellow passengers and will now probably spend the rest of his life in an American prison.
The sad thing is that just when the world is slowly recovering from the threat of an economic depression we have people so immersed in politics and religion that they think they are achieving something by sacrificing their own lives in a glorious suicide attempt to harm a whole bunch of otherwise innocent people.
When you want to kill people you absolutely do not know - because some religious zealot makes that request - it throws the whole concept of religion into question.
Perhaps religion has not advanced further from the days when human sacrifices were offered to the Gods to promote a good harvest !
Saturday 26 December 2009
Supply - and demand !
Australia has encountered a lot of criticism because it is the world's largest supplier of coal - and coal is a prime source of carbon pollution.
There are calls for coal exports to be curbed - and protests against new coal mines being established, but all this tends to run counter to the rules that apply to a basic tenet of commerce - the laws of supply and demand.
Without demand, there is no reason for supply to exist. It is a fact of life that the cheapest way to generate electricity in the quantities needed to light cities and drive industry is to burn coal.
If Australia reduced the supply of this commodity two things would happen. New mines would immediately appear in other countries to meet this demand - and the price of coal would increase because of the scarcity.
The only way coal use will be reduced for power generation is when science develops a better method that can reliably deliver the quantities needed at somewhere near the cost of burning coal - and so far that is a distant dream.
Work is in progress on everything from " hot rocks " deep in the earth to wave action, wind and solar - and steady progress is being made. In the interim, it is senseless to blame Australia for obeying a law of nature.
While demand exists - supply will follow !
There are calls for coal exports to be curbed - and protests against new coal mines being established, but all this tends to run counter to the rules that apply to a basic tenet of commerce - the laws of supply and demand.
Without demand, there is no reason for supply to exist. It is a fact of life that the cheapest way to generate electricity in the quantities needed to light cities and drive industry is to burn coal.
If Australia reduced the supply of this commodity two things would happen. New mines would immediately appear in other countries to meet this demand - and the price of coal would increase because of the scarcity.
The only way coal use will be reduced for power generation is when science develops a better method that can reliably deliver the quantities needed at somewhere near the cost of burning coal - and so far that is a distant dream.
Work is in progress on everything from " hot rocks " deep in the earth to wave action, wind and solar - and steady progress is being made. In the interim, it is senseless to blame Australia for obeying a law of nature.
While demand exists - supply will follow !
Friday 25 December 2009
The lucky country !
And so the sun rises on another Christmas day in Australia.
What a strange day it must be to new arrivals from other parts of the world. A day when the vast majority of people have a holiday. The roads are mostly free of cars - and there are no newspapers or news broadcasts on radio and TV - and the only shops open for business are petrol stations - and the odd corner store.
Nomatter what their religion, it will not take long for those new arrivals to adjust and accept that Christmas brings a work free day. Devout Christians flock to church services. The less devout head to the beach - or have a BBQ somewhere.
Then there is the Santa Claus custom. Hordes of children will wake early, wide eyed and anxious to see what the man in the red suit brought them. Many people of other religions have adopted this Christian fable as part of their Australian life.
It is even reported that Christmas gift giving has had an impact in Muslim Indonesia. The department stores in Jakarta and the other big cities have started to decorate for Christmas and promote the festival, and the gift giving is starting to take hold, specially as a reward for good children.
Unfortunately there will also be the sad side of Christmas. Some people will be homeless and many will go hungry. There will inevitably be some deaths on our roads and abuse of drugs and alcohol will deliver a miserable Christmas for some.
Christmas will be what each individual makes of it. Approach it in the right frame of mind and it will be a happy time. A day off. A good feed. Good company with loved ones - who could ask for more on the twenty-fifth of December each year ?
What a strange day it must be to new arrivals from other parts of the world. A day when the vast majority of people have a holiday. The roads are mostly free of cars - and there are no newspapers or news broadcasts on radio and TV - and the only shops open for business are petrol stations - and the odd corner store.
Nomatter what their religion, it will not take long for those new arrivals to adjust and accept that Christmas brings a work free day. Devout Christians flock to church services. The less devout head to the beach - or have a BBQ somewhere.
Then there is the Santa Claus custom. Hordes of children will wake early, wide eyed and anxious to see what the man in the red suit brought them. Many people of other religions have adopted this Christian fable as part of their Australian life.
It is even reported that Christmas gift giving has had an impact in Muslim Indonesia. The department stores in Jakarta and the other big cities have started to decorate for Christmas and promote the festival, and the gift giving is starting to take hold, specially as a reward for good children.
Unfortunately there will also be the sad side of Christmas. Some people will be homeless and many will go hungry. There will inevitably be some deaths on our roads and abuse of drugs and alcohol will deliver a miserable Christmas for some.
Christmas will be what each individual makes of it. Approach it in the right frame of mind and it will be a happy time. A day off. A good feed. Good company with loved ones - who could ask for more on the twenty-fifth of December each year ?
Thursday 24 December 2009
Moral banditry !
A priest in Britain has suggested that desperate people are justified in shoplifting - provided they play by the rules.
The rules are simple. Take only what you need - and avoid shoplifting from small, family owned corner stores. The big end of town will simply slap a few cents on to compensate and therefore spread the cost across the population base.
This seems to be an interesting mix of socialism and the "Robin Hood " syndrome. The only problem is that if people take it seriously it would introduce a new style of moral banditry.
Perhaps we would see a new ethos apply to armed holdups ! The criteria for selecting a victim would involve an appraisal of girth - to ensure the victim is well fed - and inspection of clothing worn - as an indication of wealth.
Having demanded that persons wallet, the " underprivileged poor " would be obliged to only take what is necessary for immediate survival - the cost of an overnight bed in a cheap motel - and the cost of a McDonald's meal. Other funds should remain in the wallet, which would be immediately returned to it's owner.
It would be ethical to use the victim's mobile phone to call home and have a chat with Mum and the family, but the call should be brief - and the phone returned immediately afterwards.
It seems that this priest's outlook on charity is not shared by his church - and it is doubtful if either the police or the courts would accept this excuse to overlook a crime.
But it is comforting to know that the next time we fall victim to a bandit we are only taking part in a social engineering experiment !
The rules are simple. Take only what you need - and avoid shoplifting from small, family owned corner stores. The big end of town will simply slap a few cents on to compensate and therefore spread the cost across the population base.
This seems to be an interesting mix of socialism and the "Robin Hood " syndrome. The only problem is that if people take it seriously it would introduce a new style of moral banditry.
Perhaps we would see a new ethos apply to armed holdups ! The criteria for selecting a victim would involve an appraisal of girth - to ensure the victim is well fed - and inspection of clothing worn - as an indication of wealth.
Having demanded that persons wallet, the " underprivileged poor " would be obliged to only take what is necessary for immediate survival - the cost of an overnight bed in a cheap motel - and the cost of a McDonald's meal. Other funds should remain in the wallet, which would be immediately returned to it's owner.
It would be ethical to use the victim's mobile phone to call home and have a chat with Mum and the family, but the call should be brief - and the phone returned immediately afterwards.
It seems that this priest's outlook on charity is not shared by his church - and it is doubtful if either the police or the courts would accept this excuse to overlook a crime.
But it is comforting to know that the next time we fall victim to a bandit we are only taking part in a social engineering experiment !
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Unrecorded convictions.
This week a twenty-one year old female student was before the court, trying to convince a magistrate to apply an " unrecorded conviction " to her act of stupidity - which cost a mining company $ 900,000 in lost production.
This student - and three others - trespassed on the work site of the Dendrobium coal mine and chained themselves to machinery forty metres above the ground. They refused to release their chains - the police were called - and after several hours the rescue people cut them loose and arrested them
During this " demonstration " the mine was shut down and the safety of miners underground put at risk. The reason for this act of vandalism ? The demonstrators are opposed to coal mining because the burning of coal contributes to global warming.
As a result of this sabotage the four were fined a mere $ 1,500 between them and were convicted. They now object to the recorded conviction on the grounds that others previously charged with similar offences - in some instances were given " unrecorded convictions ".
So - what is the difference between a " recorded " and an " unrecorded conviction " ?
A recorded conviction means that the person has a permanent criminal record - and that may be taken into account when applying for employment, and in some cases will automatically reject that person from further employment consideration.
For instance, a criminal would not be considered for entry into the Police academy or for some government employment avenues, or to become a member of the armed services.
This young woman and her friends knowingly committed a criminal act because they considered that their personal opinions were above the law. They caused disruption to other people's working lives - and monetary loss of near a million dollars.
The magistrate gave the right decision when he rejected their appeal - and commented that " They got what they deserved ! "
This student - and three others - trespassed on the work site of the Dendrobium coal mine and chained themselves to machinery forty metres above the ground. They refused to release their chains - the police were called - and after several hours the rescue people cut them loose and arrested them
During this " demonstration " the mine was shut down and the safety of miners underground put at risk. The reason for this act of vandalism ? The demonstrators are opposed to coal mining because the burning of coal contributes to global warming.
As a result of this sabotage the four were fined a mere $ 1,500 between them and were convicted. They now object to the recorded conviction on the grounds that others previously charged with similar offences - in some instances were given " unrecorded convictions ".
So - what is the difference between a " recorded " and an " unrecorded conviction " ?
A recorded conviction means that the person has a permanent criminal record - and that may be taken into account when applying for employment, and in some cases will automatically reject that person from further employment consideration.
For instance, a criminal would not be considered for entry into the Police academy or for some government employment avenues, or to become a member of the armed services.
This young woman and her friends knowingly committed a criminal act because they considered that their personal opinions were above the law. They caused disruption to other people's working lives - and monetary loss of near a million dollars.
The magistrate gave the right decision when he rejected their appeal - and commented that " They got what they deserved ! "
Tuesday 22 December 2009
The death penalty !
Those advocating the return of the death penalty for major crime have their case eroded by the success of DNA in proving that many innocent people have been convicted and gaoled for crimes they did not commit.
The relentless march of released prisoners - some after decades in prison - is proof that judges and juries do not always get it right.
At the same time that DNA is releasing the innocent from incarceration, it is also being mishandled and sending the innocent to prison.
The difference is that without the death penalty there is some hope that a mistake may eventually be recognised - the prisoner released - and compensated for the time spent behind bars.
The death penalty delivers a punishment that is total - and permanent !
Australia is one of many countries to abolish the death penalty. The relentless march of science is proving that decision to be a wise one !
The relentless march of released prisoners - some after decades in prison - is proof that judges and juries do not always get it right.
At the same time that DNA is releasing the innocent from incarceration, it is also being mishandled and sending the innocent to prison.
The difference is that without the death penalty there is some hope that a mistake may eventually be recognised - the prisoner released - and compensated for the time spent behind bars.
The death penalty delivers a punishment that is total - and permanent !
Australia is one of many countries to abolish the death penalty. The relentless march of science is proving that decision to be a wise one !
Monday 21 December 2009
Justice denied !
It is said that when " justice is delayed - then justice is denied ".
At this moment, anyone charged with an offence in Wollongong will not have a hope of going to trial before May or June next year, and that is if there is no further delay caused by unexpected circumstances.
It has been suggested that the situation could be relieved by opening a second court, but this has been rejected - because there are not enough public prosecutors to prepare cases for trial.
This area requires the services of three public prosecutors. It has just two as one is on extended sick leave - and the office of the director of Public Prosecutions has no plans for appointing a relief officer. Budget restraint is the quoted reason !
Perhaps now would be a good time to examine " cause and effect " from that decision.
When there is delay in bringing the accused to court many defendants will spend time behind bars on remand. Not only is this an infringement on the accused's right to " innocent until proved guilty " - but it costs the state a lot of money.
Running a prison is expensive. To incarcerate a person on remand is far more expensive than the salary of a single prosecutor - who could get the court system moving again and reduce trial delays.
Once again an example of the " bean counters " approach to decision making, which suffers from that well known adage - " penny wise - and pound foolish ".
At this moment, anyone charged with an offence in Wollongong will not have a hope of going to trial before May or June next year, and that is if there is no further delay caused by unexpected circumstances.
It has been suggested that the situation could be relieved by opening a second court, but this has been rejected - because there are not enough public prosecutors to prepare cases for trial.
This area requires the services of three public prosecutors. It has just two as one is on extended sick leave - and the office of the director of Public Prosecutions has no plans for appointing a relief officer. Budget restraint is the quoted reason !
Perhaps now would be a good time to examine " cause and effect " from that decision.
When there is delay in bringing the accused to court many defendants will spend time behind bars on remand. Not only is this an infringement on the accused's right to " innocent until proved guilty " - but it costs the state a lot of money.
Running a prison is expensive. To incarcerate a person on remand is far more expensive than the salary of a single prosecutor - who could get the court system moving again and reduce trial delays.
Once again an example of the " bean counters " approach to decision making, which suffers from that well known adage - " penny wise - and pound foolish ".
Sunday 20 December 2009
A predictable outcome.
The conclusion of the Copenhagen climate conference was pure politics. When something fails completely - announce that failure as a great victory and accept the plaudits of a bemused world.
It might be more correct to detail what it didn't achieve !
There is no agreement on a common denominator of how far C02 will be contained and global warming reduced. Each country will set it's own target level, and there will be no mechanism to chart compliance - or penalty for failure to comply with promises given.
No doubt most countries will make some effort to create newsworthy projects such as solar arrays and wind farms, but these will run in parallel with coal burning power plants and all this will amount to mere tinkering about the edges of the main problem.
What will interest Australians is the degree to which Kevin Rudd intents to apply the ETS to this country. If socialist principles hold sway over common sense we will cripple our own economy to a degree not matched by other parts of the world.
The message delivered by Copenhagen was stark. Efforts to reduce global warming will only be in balance with maintaining a healthy economy.
Get used to a warmer world !
It might be more correct to detail what it didn't achieve !
There is no agreement on a common denominator of how far C02 will be contained and global warming reduced. Each country will set it's own target level, and there will be no mechanism to chart compliance - or penalty for failure to comply with promises given.
No doubt most countries will make some effort to create newsworthy projects such as solar arrays and wind farms, but these will run in parallel with coal burning power plants and all this will amount to mere tinkering about the edges of the main problem.
What will interest Australians is the degree to which Kevin Rudd intents to apply the ETS to this country. If socialist principles hold sway over common sense we will cripple our own economy to a degree not matched by other parts of the world.
The message delivered by Copenhagen was stark. Efforts to reduce global warming will only be in balance with maintaining a healthy economy.
Get used to a warmer world !
Saturday 19 December 2009
Calendars.
We live in an ever changing world and at this time of year it was traditional for many firms to offer a new year calendar. In the past this resulted in a flood of calendars - from the butcher, the chemist, the greengrocer - and the people who delivered bread to every street in the city.
Each year the offering of calendars has been shrinking, both because of cost and the reduction of services as we use our cars to concentrate purchases at a supermarket.
We still get calendars but now they are mainly " freebies " - appearing in our letter boxes along with vast volumes of junk mail, and their advertising purpose has changed from those supplying us goods - to those who are looking for new customers.
The business being advertised on next year's calendars is very predictable. There will surely be several from real estate agents. Whoever is the local member of both state and Federal parliament will have one to remind us of their existence - and of course we will get one from Wollongong council to remind us which wheelie bin to put out each week.
The one thing these will all have in common is - a magnet on the back and a suitable size to stick on the fridge door.
Gone are the huge calendars of yesteryear - some with floral scenes of great beauty to adorn our walls - and some " girlie " calendars more suitable for the tool shed in the backyard.
Just one more change - in this ever changing world !
Each year the offering of calendars has been shrinking, both because of cost and the reduction of services as we use our cars to concentrate purchases at a supermarket.
We still get calendars but now they are mainly " freebies " - appearing in our letter boxes along with vast volumes of junk mail, and their advertising purpose has changed from those supplying us goods - to those who are looking for new customers.
The business being advertised on next year's calendars is very predictable. There will surely be several from real estate agents. Whoever is the local member of both state and Federal parliament will have one to remind us of their existence - and of course we will get one from Wollongong council to remind us which wheelie bin to put out each week.
The one thing these will all have in common is - a magnet on the back and a suitable size to stick on the fridge door.
Gone are the huge calendars of yesteryear - some with floral scenes of great beauty to adorn our walls - and some " girlie " calendars more suitable for the tool shed in the backyard.
Just one more change - in this ever changing world !
Friday 18 December 2009
School holiday speed trap !
The school holidays started yesterday. Every family with kids knows that - because they have the kids at home celebrating - but if they hop in the car and go Christmas shopping an evil fate awaits them !
For reasons that make absolutely no sense school zone speed limits have not been gazetted to end - until 4-30 pm this afternoon - and just to deliver a double whammy - because the Christmas safety blitz has started - double demerit points will apply.
The bureaucracy - or whatever pack of halfwits that make these decisions - have decided that the Friday following the start of school holidays is really" a pupil free day ". The teachers will be there finishing off the year - but no kids !
Now why would any reasonable mother of father expect to be required to obey a school safety regulation when they are aware that no children are still at school - and the holidays started the previous day.
And what benefit is derived by the kids, the school or the public generally by this act of stupidity ?
Just another example of the extent to which efforts are maintained to keep that " revenue raising " juggernaut rolling along !
For reasons that make absolutely no sense school zone speed limits have not been gazetted to end - until 4-30 pm this afternoon - and just to deliver a double whammy - because the Christmas safety blitz has started - double demerit points will apply.
The bureaucracy - or whatever pack of halfwits that make these decisions - have decided that the Friday following the start of school holidays is really" a pupil free day ". The teachers will be there finishing off the year - but no kids !
Now why would any reasonable mother of father expect to be required to obey a school safety regulation when they are aware that no children are still at school - and the holidays started the previous day.
And what benefit is derived by the kids, the school or the public generally by this act of stupidity ?
Just another example of the extent to which efforts are maintained to keep that " revenue raising " juggernaut rolling along !
Thursday 17 December 2009
A new Sydney airport !
Once again any decision on a new Sydney airport has been dumped back into the " too hard file ". The only certainty now - is that Badgery's Creek has been finally rejected.
This decision comes at the same time that Boeing conducted the first test flight of it's new aircraft - the 787 " Dreamliner ". New aircraft design and proposed airports have a lot in common when it comes to " problem solving ".
The Dreamliner is a whole new concept in aircraft type. It is composed a fifty percent fibre reinforced resin bonded material - carbon and titanium, replacing the traditional aluminium to reduce weight - and to use 20% less fuel and give an extended range than comparable planes.
The other great gain ? It is much quieter !
Whenever a new airport is proposed those living in the area are opposed because of the noise factor. Sydney's existing airport is ham strung because of curfew restrictions and now similar measures are being proposed for Brisbane airport.
It is unlikely that plans for a new airport will ever be welcomed by those living nearby, but measurable progress is being made in low noise engines - and like it or not - air travel is not going to go away any time soon !
The enigma awaiting this state's residents will come when the government is finally forced to make a decision on the next airport site !
This decision comes at the same time that Boeing conducted the first test flight of it's new aircraft - the 787 " Dreamliner ". New aircraft design and proposed airports have a lot in common when it comes to " problem solving ".
The Dreamliner is a whole new concept in aircraft type. It is composed a fifty percent fibre reinforced resin bonded material - carbon and titanium, replacing the traditional aluminium to reduce weight - and to use 20% less fuel and give an extended range than comparable planes.
The other great gain ? It is much quieter !
Whenever a new airport is proposed those living in the area are opposed because of the noise factor. Sydney's existing airport is ham strung because of curfew restrictions and now similar measures are being proposed for Brisbane airport.
It is unlikely that plans for a new airport will ever be welcomed by those living nearby, but measurable progress is being made in low noise engines - and like it or not - air travel is not going to go away any time soon !
The enigma awaiting this state's residents will come when the government is finally forced to make a decision on the next airport site !
Wednesday 16 December 2009
Censorship - and the Web !
The mighty world wide web has introduced the greatest source of knowledge the world has ever seen. Nomatter where you live - nomatter what language you speak - once your computer is connected to the web you have the ability to research every subject known to mankind.
Now we have the prospect of a ban to reject any material that " has been refused classification ".
Refused classification by whom ? Presumably the government !
It sounds very reasonable. The objective is to remove offensive materials - and that includes " child sexual abuse, bestiality, sexual violence and instruction in crime and drug use " - all of which most people would agree.
The only problem is the matter of " interpretation ". It is suggested that these bans would be implemented by an " independent body - at arms length from the government ".
How often have we heard that claim ? The people appointed to such organizations get a fat fee and it is natural for governments to reward those who provide political support with " jobs for the boys and girls ". In return, the appointees tend to follow the governments wishes.
We have an example of censorship affecting the web. In China, the censor dictates what you can see - and what you can research. As a result, any form of political dissent is promptly expunged. Do we want that here ?
Lack of censorship brings both rewards - and risks. It may be better to put up with a degree of offensive material rather than run the risk of an over zealous censor giving way to government control of what we see and hear.
And the government should realise that human ingenuity is very good at surpassing control measures. Remember when the Communist block tried to jam Radio Free Europe broadcasts to it's satellites ?
Now we have the prospect of a ban to reject any material that " has been refused classification ".
Refused classification by whom ? Presumably the government !
It sounds very reasonable. The objective is to remove offensive materials - and that includes " child sexual abuse, bestiality, sexual violence and instruction in crime and drug use " - all of which most people would agree.
The only problem is the matter of " interpretation ". It is suggested that these bans would be implemented by an " independent body - at arms length from the government ".
How often have we heard that claim ? The people appointed to such organizations get a fat fee and it is natural for governments to reward those who provide political support with " jobs for the boys and girls ". In return, the appointees tend to follow the governments wishes.
We have an example of censorship affecting the web. In China, the censor dictates what you can see - and what you can research. As a result, any form of political dissent is promptly expunged. Do we want that here ?
Lack of censorship brings both rewards - and risks. It may be better to put up with a degree of offensive material rather than run the risk of an over zealous censor giving way to government control of what we see and hear.
And the government should realise that human ingenuity is very good at surpassing control measures. Remember when the Communist block tried to jam Radio Free Europe broadcasts to it's satellites ?
Tuesday 15 December 2009
A bandit relents !
What an extraordinary act of kindness ! New state premier Kristina Keneally has agreed to waive water fees for six hundred drought stricken farmers in the Lachlan Valley of New South Wales.
Drought now covers 80.8% of this state and many of it's farmers have not had a profit from farming since the year 2000, and yet the government still puts it's hand out for water fees. In the case of the Lachlan Valley, they have been forced to pay water fees of about $ 6000 for each farm, despite receiving absolutely no water for the past three consecutive years.
Just imagine if the supermarket decided to not supply you with groceries, but insisted that you pay their bill anyway !
A demand for water fees when their is no water available to be supplied makes no sense at all. We live in a supposedly democratic country and that act of banditry would be impossible for anyone other than a government - which makes it's own laws !
It is noted that these fees are merely " waived ". Presumably the heavy hand of Treasury will again extend at the first sign of rain, whether or not that means the end of the drought.
Time for a rethink on laws that contravene the basics of fair trade !
Drought now covers 80.8% of this state and many of it's farmers have not had a profit from farming since the year 2000, and yet the government still puts it's hand out for water fees. In the case of the Lachlan Valley, they have been forced to pay water fees of about $ 6000 for each farm, despite receiving absolutely no water for the past three consecutive years.
Just imagine if the supermarket decided to not supply you with groceries, but insisted that you pay their bill anyway !
A demand for water fees when their is no water available to be supplied makes no sense at all. We live in a supposedly democratic country and that act of banditry would be impossible for anyone other than a government - which makes it's own laws !
It is noted that these fees are merely " waived ". Presumably the heavy hand of Treasury will again extend at the first sign of rain, whether or not that means the end of the drought.
Time for a rethink on laws that contravene the basics of fair trade !
Monday 14 December 2009
Speed limits - and human nature !
Road safety experts are calling for the Picton road speed limit to be lowered from 100 to 90 kph. If accepted, this will bring an arbitrary imposition into conflict with driver common sense.
We already have many arbitrary speed limits imposed on motorists - one of them is the 50 kph limit on all except arterial roads. It is probably the least obeyed law governing motoring behavior.
Apart from the percentage of idiots that speed nomatter what limit is imposed, the average driver forms his or her opinion of what is a safe speed - and drives to it. We see this daily in the traffic flow speed which varies above and below the posted speed, depending on the conditions on the day.
There is a suggestion that Picton road be fitted with speed cameras. Money has already been spent on installing five police correction bays. These will only catch drivers unfamiliar with the road. The regular drivers know where the " revenue raisers " are located - and drive accordingly until they are past the danger zones.
All lowering the speed limit will achieve will be a good excuse to avoid spending money to install jersey barriers - and other lower cost accident prevention barriers.
You can not make a bad road safe by diktat. The government created the problem by increasing road traffic using Picton road. It is up to that government to spend where necessary to solve the problem !
We already have many arbitrary speed limits imposed on motorists - one of them is the 50 kph limit on all except arterial roads. It is probably the least obeyed law governing motoring behavior.
Apart from the percentage of idiots that speed nomatter what limit is imposed, the average driver forms his or her opinion of what is a safe speed - and drives to it. We see this daily in the traffic flow speed which varies above and below the posted speed, depending on the conditions on the day.
There is a suggestion that Picton road be fitted with speed cameras. Money has already been spent on installing five police correction bays. These will only catch drivers unfamiliar with the road. The regular drivers know where the " revenue raisers " are located - and drive accordingly until they are past the danger zones.
All lowering the speed limit will achieve will be a good excuse to avoid spending money to install jersey barriers - and other lower cost accident prevention barriers.
You can not make a bad road safe by diktat. The government created the problem by increasing road traffic using Picton road. It is up to that government to spend where necessary to solve the problem !
Sunday 13 December 2009
Fixed terms - and elections !
Holding an election costs a lot of money - and hence it should be avoided if held too often.
Back in 1995 it was decided that the election of state governments in New South Wales would be held after each four year fixed term. The idea was to avoid cynical premiers rushing early to the polls when circumstances favoured their re-election.
Now there are moves to repeal this fixed term arrangement in favour of the right of the voters to call an early election and judge the competence of the government by putting it to the vote. A petition is under way for a referendum on this subject.
This is obviously a product of general dissatisfaction with the appalling performance of the present state government and the fact that we have to put up with them for over a year before they can be legally turfed out of office.
Unfortunately introducing a " voter recall " would introduce a new factor into the political equation. From time to time every form of government has to make an unpopular move in the general interest and once such a recall clause was in place it would be too easy for agitators to demand that the voters have a say on the measure.
Woe betide the state that can only make popular decisions !
Those thinking of signing a petition calling for such a referendum should think long and hard about what sort of governing regime would evolve from a system where an unpopular decision could lead to a snap election.
We might be better off gritting our teeth and putting up with the present incompetents in the sure knowledge that judgement day will arrive in due course - and the fact that they are in office is the result of a previous poor decision on our part !
Back in 1995 it was decided that the election of state governments in New South Wales would be held after each four year fixed term. The idea was to avoid cynical premiers rushing early to the polls when circumstances favoured their re-election.
Now there are moves to repeal this fixed term arrangement in favour of the right of the voters to call an early election and judge the competence of the government by putting it to the vote. A petition is under way for a referendum on this subject.
This is obviously a product of general dissatisfaction with the appalling performance of the present state government and the fact that we have to put up with them for over a year before they can be legally turfed out of office.
Unfortunately introducing a " voter recall " would introduce a new factor into the political equation. From time to time every form of government has to make an unpopular move in the general interest and once such a recall clause was in place it would be too easy for agitators to demand that the voters have a say on the measure.
Woe betide the state that can only make popular decisions !
Those thinking of signing a petition calling for such a referendum should think long and hard about what sort of governing regime would evolve from a system where an unpopular decision could lead to a snap election.
We might be better off gritting our teeth and putting up with the present incompetents in the sure knowledge that judgement day will arrive in due course - and the fact that they are in office is the result of a previous poor decision on our part !
Saturday 12 December 2009
Gift cards !
In the last minute shopping to buy a Christmas gift many people opt for a gift card. This takes away all the chances of a bad choice. The card allows the recipient to choose whatever suits them - to the value of the amount nominated on the card.
In the past decade a strange thing has been happening with gift cards. Most now come with a " use by " date - after which they become valueless !
There is absolutely no justification for that imposition. The trader has money in the till without the outlay of immediately supplying goods - and that money is obviously earning interest until it is presented - whenever that may be.
Cancellation after a period of time is simply - robbery !
It seems to be a form of banditry that has spread from the government to commercial shopping interests. Perhaps the idea drew credence when the state government imposed a twelve month limit on Lotto and lottery wins, quickly followed by the TAB which imposed a similar cut off date on betting wins.
In the past a win was valid whenever the winning ticket was produced, even many years after the event. Not any more ! After twelve months any unclaimed money disappears into that entity known as " consolidated revenue " - never again to see the light of day.
Nowadays it seems that even Santa is in the bandit business !
In the past decade a strange thing has been happening with gift cards. Most now come with a " use by " date - after which they become valueless !
There is absolutely no justification for that imposition. The trader has money in the till without the outlay of immediately supplying goods - and that money is obviously earning interest until it is presented - whenever that may be.
Cancellation after a period of time is simply - robbery !
It seems to be a form of banditry that has spread from the government to commercial shopping interests. Perhaps the idea drew credence when the state government imposed a twelve month limit on Lotto and lottery wins, quickly followed by the TAB which imposed a similar cut off date on betting wins.
In the past a win was valid whenever the winning ticket was produced, even many years after the event. Not any more ! After twelve months any unclaimed money disappears into that entity known as " consolidated revenue " - never again to see the light of day.
Nowadays it seems that even Santa is in the bandit business !
Friday 11 December 2009
The debt trap !
Good news for those trapped in debt to the state government - and therefore condemned to a life of not being able to drive a car or enter a pub or club, despite being of legal age.
The State Debt Recovery office has a stranglehold on any hope of a normal life by barring those owing money to the government from holding a drivers license, registering a motor vehicle - or even acquiring a legal proof of age certificate, the sole requirement for entry into venues with an age restriction.
Lack of a driving license - or proof of age certificate - can be the deciding factor in obtaining a job, hence we often have the contradiction of the denial of one being the reason that repayment of the other is not possible.
This applies to young people who have amassed a debt by youthful indiscretion - travelling on trains without a ticket - riding a bicycle without a helmet - and similar offences.
The state is ruthless in trying to recover money owed to it, and in the process it often thwarts the offenders chances of getting a job, turning his or her life around and becoming a worthwhile citizen.
Now such people are being offered relief. It is possible to settle that debt by an arrangement with the State Debt Recovery office by undertaking training, volunteer work or counselling.
But - as with all such government initiatives - there is a major snag.
This is only available to under twenty-fives who are either homeless, mentally ill - or in acute financial hardship.
What about the thousands of young people who are not mentally ill, not homeless but the sons or daughters of parents who can't afford to help pay off their debts - and are still victims of the government debt trap which will deny them entry to the work force ?
Another good idea that got fatal limitations in the hands of the Mandarins - and which is badly in need of further thought !
The State Debt Recovery office has a stranglehold on any hope of a normal life by barring those owing money to the government from holding a drivers license, registering a motor vehicle - or even acquiring a legal proof of age certificate, the sole requirement for entry into venues with an age restriction.
Lack of a driving license - or proof of age certificate - can be the deciding factor in obtaining a job, hence we often have the contradiction of the denial of one being the reason that repayment of the other is not possible.
This applies to young people who have amassed a debt by youthful indiscretion - travelling on trains without a ticket - riding a bicycle without a helmet - and similar offences.
The state is ruthless in trying to recover money owed to it, and in the process it often thwarts the offenders chances of getting a job, turning his or her life around and becoming a worthwhile citizen.
Now such people are being offered relief. It is possible to settle that debt by an arrangement with the State Debt Recovery office by undertaking training, volunteer work or counselling.
But - as with all such government initiatives - there is a major snag.
This is only available to under twenty-fives who are either homeless, mentally ill - or in acute financial hardship.
What about the thousands of young people who are not mentally ill, not homeless but the sons or daughters of parents who can't afford to help pay off their debts - and are still victims of the government debt trap which will deny them entry to the work force ?
Another good idea that got fatal limitations in the hands of the Mandarins - and which is badly in need of further thought !
Thursday 10 December 2009
A hidden delight.
This state government has been accused of using advertising for political purposes, but a recent concession seems to be a carefully hidden secret.
" Family Fun Sundays " allows families to go anywhere on trains, buses and ferries with an all day ticket costing just $ 2.50 per person.
The government spells out it's definition of a " family " - and that is at least one adult, accompanied by at least one child. The definition of a " child " is someone aged up to 15 years - or I6-I8 with a valid school travel pass.
This presents an opportunity for people to make use of this state's transport systems to have fun and travel at very little expense on a day when such systems are vastly under used. The problem is - few know about it.
What a pity that this is not screaming from billboards - radio and television advertising - in place of the meaningless drivel at present being served up.
For once this state government got something right - and choose to hide it from the public like a dark secret !
" Family Fun Sundays " allows families to go anywhere on trains, buses and ferries with an all day ticket costing just $ 2.50 per person.
The government spells out it's definition of a " family " - and that is at least one adult, accompanied by at least one child. The definition of a " child " is someone aged up to 15 years - or I6-I8 with a valid school travel pass.
This presents an opportunity for people to make use of this state's transport systems to have fun and travel at very little expense on a day when such systems are vastly under used. The problem is - few know about it.
What a pity that this is not screaming from billboards - radio and television advertising - in place of the meaningless drivel at present being served up.
For once this state government got something right - and choose to hide it from the public like a dark secret !
Wednesday 9 December 2009
The " Shark Patrol ".
Most Illawarra swimmers feel more secure when they see the Australian Aerial Patrol's fixed wing aircraft flying above the beaches, keeping a lookout for sharks and giving warning of their presence.
Not only is this information immediately available to the public and life savers, but the aircraft can sound a siren to warn swimmers to leave the water if a shark is heading in their direction.
The state government is clearly not interested in this service, but public pressure has forced them to provide a " Clayton's shark patrol " - the shark patrol you have when you are not having a shark patrol.
The government has reluctantly ordered a helicopter to do a beach sweep, but has restricted this to weekends and public holidays - and only for the period starting December 19 and ending on January 10.
Clearly this is a sop to head off criticism and give the impression of interest. To add insult to injury, the helicopter service has been gagged - and will only supply information to lifesavers. The public will not be warned, hence those using beaches unpatrolled by lifesavers will be - on their own !
Fortunately the Bendigo bank has stepped in with a donation of $ 210,000 over three years to keep that important fixed wing aircraft in the air, providing coverage - and direct reporting - right through the swimming season.
In the long run, the government could have had a better service for less money had they stuck with the Australian Aerial Patrol - but that was not the choice of the Mandarins who make decisions on our behalf !
Not only is this information immediately available to the public and life savers, but the aircraft can sound a siren to warn swimmers to leave the water if a shark is heading in their direction.
The state government is clearly not interested in this service, but public pressure has forced them to provide a " Clayton's shark patrol " - the shark patrol you have when you are not having a shark patrol.
The government has reluctantly ordered a helicopter to do a beach sweep, but has restricted this to weekends and public holidays - and only for the period starting December 19 and ending on January 10.
Clearly this is a sop to head off criticism and give the impression of interest. To add insult to injury, the helicopter service has been gagged - and will only supply information to lifesavers. The public will not be warned, hence those using beaches unpatrolled by lifesavers will be - on their own !
Fortunately the Bendigo bank has stepped in with a donation of $ 210,000 over three years to keep that important fixed wing aircraft in the air, providing coverage - and direct reporting - right through the swimming season.
In the long run, the government could have had a better service for less money had they stuck with the Australian Aerial Patrol - but that was not the choice of the Mandarins who make decisions on our behalf !
Tuesday 8 December 2009
Indecision on health.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd - speaking at the Council of Australian Governments ( COAG ) conference - stated that " Health is too important to get it wrong ".
It is also far too important to be left in limbo !
When Mr Rudd was seeking election he promised that if the state's didn't get their act together and improve the public health and hospital system - the Federal government would move to take them over nationally.
The states did not improve the health system - and the Federal government has not moved on a takeover - despite Mr Rudd now being in office for over two years !
Health can be described as a bottomless money pit. Costs are ever increasing as the scope for healing improves - and it is evident that this has moved far outside the capacity of the states to provide adequate funds.
The only organization with sufficiently deep pockets is the Federal government, and if we are to have a decent national health system it will have to come from the public purse - and be paid for by our Federal taxes.
We may not like the tax impost that will be necessary to fund health Federally, but the only alternative is to see health stumbling along on it's present course, woefully underfunded and subject to the wide disparity of control by individual states.
Health is literally a matter of life or death !
Time the Federal government ceased procrastination - and made the only decision possible !
It is also far too important to be left in limbo !
When Mr Rudd was seeking election he promised that if the state's didn't get their act together and improve the public health and hospital system - the Federal government would move to take them over nationally.
The states did not improve the health system - and the Federal government has not moved on a takeover - despite Mr Rudd now being in office for over two years !
Health can be described as a bottomless money pit. Costs are ever increasing as the scope for healing improves - and it is evident that this has moved far outside the capacity of the states to provide adequate funds.
The only organization with sufficiently deep pockets is the Federal government, and if we are to have a decent national health system it will have to come from the public purse - and be paid for by our Federal taxes.
We may not like the tax impost that will be necessary to fund health Federally, but the only alternative is to see health stumbling along on it's present course, woefully underfunded and subject to the wide disparity of control by individual states.
Health is literally a matter of life or death !
Time the Federal government ceased procrastination - and made the only decision possible !
Monday 7 December 2009
Picton Road carnage !
Five more people dead - and once again the venue was Picton road !
This vital linking of Wollongong and western Sydney has become a deadly mix of cars and heavy trucks - and twenty-one people have died in accidents there since 2000.
Two things need dong. Picton road needs an upgrade to become a divided highway - and the Maldon Dombarton rail link needs to be completed to take freight off the road and decrease the movement of heavy trucks.
Once again we have another enquiry into the economics of Maldon Dombarton, but even if this gives a positive return there is no sign of political will to get work started, and a little money has been granted for minor improvements to Picton road - but once again this is just tinkering around the edges.
The real problem is Wollongong politics !
Wollongong is a safe Labor seat haven, and while it remains that way and there is a Labor government in power the money will be spent elsewhere - where vital votes can be bought in marginal seats.
We look like being on the verge of a coming change of government, but unfortunately that will not solve our problems.
Why would an incoming Liberal government spend money in a safe Labor seat area ?
Damned if we do - and damned if we don't !
This vital linking of Wollongong and western Sydney has become a deadly mix of cars and heavy trucks - and twenty-one people have died in accidents there since 2000.
Two things need dong. Picton road needs an upgrade to become a divided highway - and the Maldon Dombarton rail link needs to be completed to take freight off the road and decrease the movement of heavy trucks.
Once again we have another enquiry into the economics of Maldon Dombarton, but even if this gives a positive return there is no sign of political will to get work started, and a little money has been granted for minor improvements to Picton road - but once again this is just tinkering around the edges.
The real problem is Wollongong politics !
Wollongong is a safe Labor seat haven, and while it remains that way and there is a Labor government in power the money will be spent elsewhere - where vital votes can be bought in marginal seats.
We look like being on the verge of a coming change of government, but unfortunately that will not solve our problems.
Why would an incoming Liberal government spend money in a safe Labor seat area ?
Damned if we do - and damned if we don't !
Sunday 6 December 2009
A voting enigma !
Yesterday's two by-elections did not follow the course predicted by the pundits. There was not a sharp swing against the Liberal party, despite the leadership change and the controversy over the ETS.
Both were relatively safe Liberal seats. Sydney's Bradfield had been held by former leader Brendan Nelson with a 13% margin, and Melbourne's Higgins by former treasurer Peter Costello by a more modest 7%.
Labor did not field candidates and so the opposing option was left to the Greens. These by-elections should have seen them in their element as climate change is their prime concern and reason to be in politics. They increased their vote, but only by a modest margin and nowhere near the swing predicted.
Then there was the reaction of women to Tony Abbot's Catholic beliefs. He has stated opposition to " no fault " divorce and there are indications that he is less than supportive of extending women's rights. Once again, the predicted backlash simply did not happen.
The conclusion seems to be that voters are keeping their powder dry and adopting a " wait and see " attitude. They are not rushing to make a judgement and will let events unfold.
The biggest surprise is on the question of the ETS. Many people have doubts now and are prepared to consider both sides of the argument. Science and emotion are in conflict and the voters need to sort that out before we implement change that could be disastrous to the Australian economy.
One thing is fast becoming certain. The decision on global warming - and it's cause and possible solution - will require more than just hysterical claims before people finally make up their minds.
Both were relatively safe Liberal seats. Sydney's Bradfield had been held by former leader Brendan Nelson with a 13% margin, and Melbourne's Higgins by former treasurer Peter Costello by a more modest 7%.
Labor did not field candidates and so the opposing option was left to the Greens. These by-elections should have seen them in their element as climate change is their prime concern and reason to be in politics. They increased their vote, but only by a modest margin and nowhere near the swing predicted.
Then there was the reaction of women to Tony Abbot's Catholic beliefs. He has stated opposition to " no fault " divorce and there are indications that he is less than supportive of extending women's rights. Once again, the predicted backlash simply did not happen.
The conclusion seems to be that voters are keeping their powder dry and adopting a " wait and see " attitude. They are not rushing to make a judgement and will let events unfold.
The biggest surprise is on the question of the ETS. Many people have doubts now and are prepared to consider both sides of the argument. Science and emotion are in conflict and the voters need to sort that out before we implement change that could be disastrous to the Australian economy.
One thing is fast becoming certain. The decision on global warming - and it's cause and possible solution - will require more than just hysterical claims before people finally make up their minds.
Saturday 5 December 2009
Mega financial institutions.
Some will lament- and some will cheer at the news that the merger between the IMB and the Illawarra Credit Union is - off ! Incompatibility between their chosen IT systems has been cited as the cause.
Some subscribe to the " bigger is safer " credo and in that respect it is certainly true that smaller institutions are vulnerable to takeover by the sharks, but then these monolithic mega institutions are cold, formal and so lacking in empathy that dealing with them is a misery.
Take the banks for an example. Decades ago there were about a dozen banks competing for our business and this striving for customers was the golden age of " personal service ".
Mergers reduced the numbers - and then the governments - both Federal and state - got out of the banking business - and now we are reduced to just four behemoths.
A new golden age started to appear when a plethora of non-bank mortgage houses appeared and began to compete with " the big four " in both rates offered and individual terms. The disaster of the recession of over a year ago saw them starved of funds - and swallowed by the rapacious banking giants.
It is a comfort that here in the Illawarra we still have two medium sized mortgage lenders who are prepared to sit down and talk to those needing a loan without the coldness of a rigid lending structure.
It lends credence to those who still think " small is beautiful " !
Some subscribe to the " bigger is safer " credo and in that respect it is certainly true that smaller institutions are vulnerable to takeover by the sharks, but then these monolithic mega institutions are cold, formal and so lacking in empathy that dealing with them is a misery.
Take the banks for an example. Decades ago there were about a dozen banks competing for our business and this striving for customers was the golden age of " personal service ".
Mergers reduced the numbers - and then the governments - both Federal and state - got out of the banking business - and now we are reduced to just four behemoths.
A new golden age started to appear when a plethora of non-bank mortgage houses appeared and began to compete with " the big four " in both rates offered and individual terms. The disaster of the recession of over a year ago saw them starved of funds - and swallowed by the rapacious banking giants.
It is a comfort that here in the Illawarra we still have two medium sized mortgage lenders who are prepared to sit down and talk to those needing a loan without the coldness of a rigid lending structure.
It lends credence to those who still think " small is beautiful " !
Friday 4 December 2009
The power behind the throne !
Yesterday saw a change of leadership in New South Wales - or did it ?
Nathan Rees was voted out of the premiership and replaced by Kristina Keneally, but the real power in this state rests in the hands of two powerful faction chiefs who control every aspect of government policy.
Eddie Obeid and Joe Tripodi head the two factions that make up the Labor party. Who sits in the premier's chair - in fact who gets a seat in the state parliament - is at the discretion of these two men.
Nathan Rees bucked the dictates of Joe Tripodi - and paid the price. He sacked Tripodi from the ministry and within days faced a spill motion - which he lost 43-25.
The rank and file followed the royal edict - and Kristina Keneally got the job with a 47-21 margin.
The power of these two faction lords is immense. They control the money spigot that can be used to " stack branches " with voting members to bring about the results the factions desire, and because they control the preselection of sitting members they can influence the results they desire.
It all boils down to money. A political party lives or dies by the donations it receives to fund elections - and getting re-elected. The faction bosses can deliver results because they control votes - and that's a good reason for those seeking a result to be generous when making political donations.
Kristina Keneally will have the glory of wearing the premier's mantle, but she will be very aware that her hold on power in tenuous - and in the hands of the two Labor power brokers.
She should also be aware of names such as Joan Kirner and Carmen Lawrence. The ALP has a past history of appointing women to the top position of regimes in their last, desperate days - only to see them fail at the ballot box.
At least there seems an exception to that rule - in the form of Anna Bligh in Queensland.
It will depend if the faction bosses give her room to move !
Nathan Rees was voted out of the premiership and replaced by Kristina Keneally, but the real power in this state rests in the hands of two powerful faction chiefs who control every aspect of government policy.
Eddie Obeid and Joe Tripodi head the two factions that make up the Labor party. Who sits in the premier's chair - in fact who gets a seat in the state parliament - is at the discretion of these two men.
Nathan Rees bucked the dictates of Joe Tripodi - and paid the price. He sacked Tripodi from the ministry and within days faced a spill motion - which he lost 43-25.
The rank and file followed the royal edict - and Kristina Keneally got the job with a 47-21 margin.
The power of these two faction lords is immense. They control the money spigot that can be used to " stack branches " with voting members to bring about the results the factions desire, and because they control the preselection of sitting members they can influence the results they desire.
It all boils down to money. A political party lives or dies by the donations it receives to fund elections - and getting re-elected. The faction bosses can deliver results because they control votes - and that's a good reason for those seeking a result to be generous when making political donations.
Kristina Keneally will have the glory of wearing the premier's mantle, but she will be very aware that her hold on power in tenuous - and in the hands of the two Labor power brokers.
She should also be aware of names such as Joan Kirner and Carmen Lawrence. The ALP has a past history of appointing women to the top position of regimes in their last, desperate days - only to see them fail at the ballot box.
At least there seems an exception to that rule - in the form of Anna Bligh in Queensland.
It will depend if the faction bosses give her room to move !
Thursday 3 December 2009
No lose legislation.
What a weird world we live in !
An enquiry is under way into gambling with the objective of creating new laws making it easier for those who lose to get " better legal redress " in seeking compensation from gaming venues.
It seems nobody is complaining when they win - but the losers demand their money back !
This goes against the whole concept of gambling.
Every form of gambling - from playing a poker machine to buying on the share market - is a calculated risk. There is a chance that lady luck will look the other way and we will lose money - but there is also the chance that lady luck may smile - and we will make a motza.
If we over indulge in risk taking we have only ourselves to blame !
There is merit in reducing the legal amount that can be gambled in a single instance to reduce the temptation on problem gamblers, but we interfere with the principle of gambling at our peril.
All forms of gambling are weighed with the odds favouring the house. If we gamble consistently - we lose. The law of averages takes care of that.
The only reason we gamble is because chance exists that for a small outlay we will get extremely lucky and receive a rich reward.
Once that principle is overturned legal forms of gambling will wilt and die - and be replaced by illegality conducted out of sight - and then the odds will be really stacked against the gambler !
An enquiry is under way into gambling with the objective of creating new laws making it easier for those who lose to get " better legal redress " in seeking compensation from gaming venues.
It seems nobody is complaining when they win - but the losers demand their money back !
This goes against the whole concept of gambling.
Every form of gambling - from playing a poker machine to buying on the share market - is a calculated risk. There is a chance that lady luck will look the other way and we will lose money - but there is also the chance that lady luck may smile - and we will make a motza.
If we over indulge in risk taking we have only ourselves to blame !
There is merit in reducing the legal amount that can be gambled in a single instance to reduce the temptation on problem gamblers, but we interfere with the principle of gambling at our peril.
All forms of gambling are weighed with the odds favouring the house. If we gamble consistently - we lose. The law of averages takes care of that.
The only reason we gamble is because chance exists that for a small outlay we will get extremely lucky and receive a rich reward.
Once that principle is overturned legal forms of gambling will wilt and die - and be replaced by illegality conducted out of sight - and then the odds will be really stacked against the gambler !
Wednesday 2 December 2009
" Funny " money !
Yesterday the Reserve bank hiked interest rates by 25 basic points to $ 3.75%. Within minutes Westpac announced it would hike mortgage interest rates by 45 basic points, nearly double this official rate. Similar action by the other banks seems inevitable.
The average person has a problem understanding interest rates. All they know is that when rates rise they have to increase their monthly payments on their house mortgage. Because of the recession, rates have been at an all time low during the past twelve months.
To put it simply, interest rates are the thing that controls the money supply.
Our present home mortgage was possible because we tapped into yesterdays money supply. New money is needed to service the demand for mortgages and other loans that will be required today - and on the world stage this country's interest rate regime determines if we get our share from the world money pool.
But - this is a two way street ! The people who have money to invest need to get a decent return. A lot of investment money comes from superannuation and savings and the owners need that income for day to day living. Low interest rates have forced many self funded retirees onto the old age pension.
The money the banks are offering on loans is money they have borrowed - and they claim the cost of borrowing is rising and they need more than that .25 basic points to keep the money flow viable. Of course, what is not stated is that they intend to maintain their profit margin - and increase it if possible.
In some countries interest rates are pegged by government decree. In Australia, market forces prevail - within the basic underlying structure set by the Reserve bank.
What you pay for the money you borrow will be determined by the deal you negotiate with the lender - and those that take the trouble to do their homework will find that it pays a dividend.
The average person has a problem understanding interest rates. All they know is that when rates rise they have to increase their monthly payments on their house mortgage. Because of the recession, rates have been at an all time low during the past twelve months.
To put it simply, interest rates are the thing that controls the money supply.
Our present home mortgage was possible because we tapped into yesterdays money supply. New money is needed to service the demand for mortgages and other loans that will be required today - and on the world stage this country's interest rate regime determines if we get our share from the world money pool.
But - this is a two way street ! The people who have money to invest need to get a decent return. A lot of investment money comes from superannuation and savings and the owners need that income for day to day living. Low interest rates have forced many self funded retirees onto the old age pension.
The money the banks are offering on loans is money they have borrowed - and they claim the cost of borrowing is rising and they need more than that .25 basic points to keep the money flow viable. Of course, what is not stated is that they intend to maintain their profit margin - and increase it if possible.
In some countries interest rates are pegged by government decree. In Australia, market forces prevail - within the basic underlying structure set by the Reserve bank.
What you pay for the money you borrow will be determined by the deal you negotiate with the lender - and those that take the trouble to do their homework will find that it pays a dividend.
Tuesday 1 December 2009
The curse of leadership.
Before the sun sets on this Tuesday in December the leadership of the Liberal party will have experienced change. The scene is set for a spill - and the likely contest will be between present leader, Malcolm Turnbull and leadership pretender Tony Abbott - and heir apparent Joe Hockey.
At the same time New South Wales premier Nathan Rees will be looking over his shoulder as his party plots to replace him with either Frank Sartor or treasurer Eric Roozendaal. Lurking in the background are the " danger people ", John Della Bosca and Planning minister Kristina Keneally.
The Liberal party gives as it's reason for leadership change a sharp difference of opinion on the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme ( ETS ), but in reality both Liberal and state Labor unrest over leadership boils down to a single factor - the inability of the present leaders to attract the voters.
Both have low approval ratings and neither give their party confidence that they are heading for a win at the next election.
The game of " musical chairs " will continue in both houses of parliament until a person emerges with that magical charisma to which the voters flock.
Leadership challenges only become a thing of the past when the person leading the party is seen as a clear " election winner " !
At the same time New South Wales premier Nathan Rees will be looking over his shoulder as his party plots to replace him with either Frank Sartor or treasurer Eric Roozendaal. Lurking in the background are the " danger people ", John Della Bosca and Planning minister Kristina Keneally.
The Liberal party gives as it's reason for leadership change a sharp difference of opinion on the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme ( ETS ), but in reality both Liberal and state Labor unrest over leadership boils down to a single factor - the inability of the present leaders to attract the voters.
Both have low approval ratings and neither give their party confidence that they are heading for a win at the next election.
The game of " musical chairs " will continue in both houses of parliament until a person emerges with that magical charisma to which the voters flock.
Leadership challenges only become a thing of the past when the person leading the party is seen as a clear " election winner " !
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