It seems that Green's leader Bob Brown has lost touch with the constitution of Australia and the system of parliamentary democracy. He says that the Greens will not accept that Tony Abbott has a " mandate " to repeal a carbon tax - even if he wins a Federal election and in doing so presents that choice to the voters.
We had a Federal election last year and the issue of a carbon tax was supposedly settled as an issue. Tony Abbott campaigned on the promise of opposing a move to tax carbon, and Julia Gillard made a solemn promise that " there would be no carbon tax from her government ".
What the Greens seem to be saying is that they - and they alone - will decide on the carbon tax issue, and even if the people of Australia reject the plan by voting in Tony Abbott as prime minister - the Greens will not accept the verdict of the Australian people.
This is the absolute height of arrogance. Another prime minister - back in 1975 - decided to ignore the constitution and refused to take an impasse to the people - and was sacked from office. It is the understanding of parliamentary democracy that the winning side in an election has a " mandate " if what they propose to do is a plank in the platform that they take to the people before that election.
The Greens are skating on very thin ice. The idea that their plans for this country will be implemented by force despite the vote of the people is reminiscent of events back in 1975. The Greens have gained support in recent years - but they should remember a similar event when the Australian Democrats held the balance of power in the Senate.
Arrogance - and moving against the tide of opinion - saw them disappear without trace. A similar fate await the Greens if they decide to butt heads with the constitution !
Thursday 30 June 2011
Wednesday 29 June 2011
Those hidden taxes !
The proposal to slap a ten dollar entry fee on Killalea State Park sounds like " double dipping " to many people. We already pay taxes to provide recreational areas for all - and yet what has been a free entry for years is now going to cost us money.
It can be argued that this is simply " user pay " being applied, and that other state parks attract an entry fee of between $ 7 and $ 10, but the plan to include Killalea raises the whole question of entry fees for public land.
This has inched forward to include city parks when several councils in areas surrounding Sydney harbour decided to demand a fee from people who wished to enter those parks to watch the New Year fireworks.
Obviously, this would quickly extend to other events - such as the start of the Sydney/Hobart yacht race.
It raises the principle of just what facilities should governments and councils freely provide for all the citizens.
In the case of Killalea - this is a charge to visit a beach ! It is called a " State Park " but in reality it is a very nice beach with spectacular surfing waves. Why don't we drop that " State Park " name and call it what it is - simply a beach - and drop that entry charge ?
It is coming a long way from the practice of some charities to hold fund raising events in parks and ask the public for a " gold coin " entry - which is a request and not a demand.
There is no " please " when entry consists of a boom gate manned by a uniformed guard - and that is what seems to be planned for Killalea.
It can be argued that this is simply " user pay " being applied, and that other state parks attract an entry fee of between $ 7 and $ 10, but the plan to include Killalea raises the whole question of entry fees for public land.
This has inched forward to include city parks when several councils in areas surrounding Sydney harbour decided to demand a fee from people who wished to enter those parks to watch the New Year fireworks.
Obviously, this would quickly extend to other events - such as the start of the Sydney/Hobart yacht race.
It raises the principle of just what facilities should governments and councils freely provide for all the citizens.
In the case of Killalea - this is a charge to visit a beach ! It is called a " State Park " but in reality it is a very nice beach with spectacular surfing waves. Why don't we drop that " State Park " name and call it what it is - simply a beach - and drop that entry charge ?
It is coming a long way from the practice of some charities to hold fund raising events in parks and ask the public for a " gold coin " entry - which is a request and not a demand.
There is no " please " when entry consists of a boom gate manned by a uniformed guard - and that is what seems to be planned for Killalea.
Tuesday 28 June 2011
A " Tooth Fairy " promise !
Julia Gillards promise that nine out of ten households will be fully compensated for the carbon tax can be taken as a " political " promise. Anything to get the average person to go along with the government's wishes - and no legal obligation to keep any promise that is made.
If this carbon tax is implemented it will have a huge impact on the Australian economy - and there will be many unintended consequences that economists do not plan when looking into their crystal ball. The one thing that is absolutely certain is that there will be price rises as a consequence - and therefore the amount of compensation can not be accurately predicted at this time - when the price of carbon has not yet even been established.
It is the oldest trick in the world for governments to promise - and deliver - a benefit which seems adequate at the time it is delivered, but which quickly falls behind rising costs when it is not revised to keep relevant with inflation.
This carbon tax looks like being implemented against the wishes of the majority of the citizens and there is no way it's impact on jobs, industry and household budgets can be accurately forecast. There will probably be some new " green "jobs created, but will they compensate for jobs lost when some other industries are forced to cut back ? That is as good a question as to whether this promised compensation will still be adequate twelve months down the track after the carbon tax is installed.
The citizens have a right to be cynical. Promises made by politicians - and whatever government is in power consists of politicians - are about as relevant as expectations of wealth from the Tooth Fairy !
If this carbon tax is implemented it will have a huge impact on the Australian economy - and there will be many unintended consequences that economists do not plan when looking into their crystal ball. The one thing that is absolutely certain is that there will be price rises as a consequence - and therefore the amount of compensation can not be accurately predicted at this time - when the price of carbon has not yet even been established.
It is the oldest trick in the world for governments to promise - and deliver - a benefit which seems adequate at the time it is delivered, but which quickly falls behind rising costs when it is not revised to keep relevant with inflation.
This carbon tax looks like being implemented against the wishes of the majority of the citizens and there is no way it's impact on jobs, industry and household budgets can be accurately forecast. There will probably be some new " green "jobs created, but will they compensate for jobs lost when some other industries are forced to cut back ? That is as good a question as to whether this promised compensation will still be adequate twelve months down the track after the carbon tax is installed.
The citizens have a right to be cynical. Promises made by politicians - and whatever government is in power consists of politicians - are about as relevant as expectations of wealth from the Tooth Fairy !
Monday 27 June 2011
Good idea - lousy implementation !
The idea had great merit. Sydney is becoming an overcrowded city and the government is prepared to pay residents to relocate to regional cities - but both Newcastle and Wollongong have been included in this $ 7000 offer.
So - we have the farcical situation that if a resident of Wollongong decides to move to Shellharbour or Kiama - the public purse will cough up a $ 7000 bounty. Neither Newcastle or Wollongong are part of Sydney and neither are overcrowded - so why has this scheme included them ?
It might have made more sense to exclude Newcastle and Wollongong from a destination for those fleeing Sydney so that these big regional cities would not hog the distribution of new households to the smaller cities which are in need of stimulating new growth - but that is not the way this scheme has been orchestrated.
Basically, you can get a $ 7000 handout by simply relocating from one part of what is really " greater Wollongong " to another part of the city, which simply goes under the name of the suburbs of Shellharbour or Kiama. Or as the people of Shellharbour might argue - to the city of Shellharbour from it's suburb of Wollongong !
The rules are quite clear. This plan has a four year life span and is expected to cost $ 280 million. It will be capped at a capacity of 40,000 households - and to be eligible a resident must sell a house in the target location - and buy a house in an approved regional area.
By all means try to reduce the spiralling population of Sydney and advantage the regional cities in desperate need of growth - but to include the next two biggest cities in this state who have no size problems - is simply ludicrous !
So - we have the farcical situation that if a resident of Wollongong decides to move to Shellharbour or Kiama - the public purse will cough up a $ 7000 bounty. Neither Newcastle or Wollongong are part of Sydney and neither are overcrowded - so why has this scheme included them ?
It might have made more sense to exclude Newcastle and Wollongong from a destination for those fleeing Sydney so that these big regional cities would not hog the distribution of new households to the smaller cities which are in need of stimulating new growth - but that is not the way this scheme has been orchestrated.
Basically, you can get a $ 7000 handout by simply relocating from one part of what is really " greater Wollongong " to another part of the city, which simply goes under the name of the suburbs of Shellharbour or Kiama. Or as the people of Shellharbour might argue - to the city of Shellharbour from it's suburb of Wollongong !
The rules are quite clear. This plan has a four year life span and is expected to cost $ 280 million. It will be capped at a capacity of 40,000 households - and to be eligible a resident must sell a house in the target location - and buy a house in an approved regional area.
By all means try to reduce the spiralling population of Sydney and advantage the regional cities in desperate need of growth - but to include the next two biggest cities in this state who have no size problems - is simply ludicrous !
Sunday 26 June 2011
Kid's sports - age or size ?
The traditional way of grading kid's in sporting contests has been age. This incorrectly assumes that kids of an equal age - are also equal in size and weight, and today that is a very wrong assumption. It may have been roughly a measure when the Australian population background was from England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales - but that is no longer the case today.
We are now seeing a huge disparity in weight and height between kid's of a similar age, and this is having a negative effect on sport. Many parent's are reluctant to allow their kids to compete in contact sport because of the chance of injury and this is also a disincentive for smaller kids to put themselves at risk.
We are now a mixed, multicultural population and ethnicity has a bearing on body size. How do you compare kid's from a Polynesian background who tend to be giants - with kid's from an Asian culture such as Vietnam - who are so much smaller - and expect them to compete on equal terms on a sporting field ?
There are calls to dump age as the criteria and develop a new measure which takes into consideration the weight and size of those expected to compete together, but this would obviously introduce new challenges.
Body size and mental maturity have little in common. Just as kid's school classes grade mental learning on an increasing scale, so tactics on the sporting field are geared to mental development.
An older kid - several years more advanced than a younger kid of the same size - would have an added advantage in a skill contest, and yet they would be considered equal by a comparison of body size. There would also be another factor to be taken into consideration - and that would be the type of sport involved.
Kids playing Rugby football have a distinctive size advantage if they are big because of the tackling involved in that game, while those playing Soccer may have an advantage over a bigger opponent because of a speed advantage and absence of brute force tackling.
Pity the sports administrators who have to work out some better form of grading. The probable answer is to retain the age system, but with the provision that the twenty-percent of players who form the extremities of too big or too small be encouraged to choose a different sport where size does not matter. Perhaps swimming or tennis rather than a contact sport !
Whatever system evolves, it is certain to raise new contentions !
We are now seeing a huge disparity in weight and height between kid's of a similar age, and this is having a negative effect on sport. Many parent's are reluctant to allow their kids to compete in contact sport because of the chance of injury and this is also a disincentive for smaller kids to put themselves at risk.
We are now a mixed, multicultural population and ethnicity has a bearing on body size. How do you compare kid's from a Polynesian background who tend to be giants - with kid's from an Asian culture such as Vietnam - who are so much smaller - and expect them to compete on equal terms on a sporting field ?
There are calls to dump age as the criteria and develop a new measure which takes into consideration the weight and size of those expected to compete together, but this would obviously introduce new challenges.
Body size and mental maturity have little in common. Just as kid's school classes grade mental learning on an increasing scale, so tactics on the sporting field are geared to mental development.
An older kid - several years more advanced than a younger kid of the same size - would have an added advantage in a skill contest, and yet they would be considered equal by a comparison of body size. There would also be another factor to be taken into consideration - and that would be the type of sport involved.
Kids playing Rugby football have a distinctive size advantage if they are big because of the tackling involved in that game, while those playing Soccer may have an advantage over a bigger opponent because of a speed advantage and absence of brute force tackling.
Pity the sports administrators who have to work out some better form of grading. The probable answer is to retain the age system, but with the provision that the twenty-percent of players who form the extremities of too big or too small be encouraged to choose a different sport where size does not matter. Perhaps swimming or tennis rather than a contact sport !
Whatever system evolves, it is certain to raise new contentions !
Saturday 25 June 2011
The wheels of justice !
A news story in today's paper recalls memories of a massacre on a Melbourne street way back in 1987. On that day a gunman killed seven people and wounded a futher nineteen - and this became known as " the Hoddle street massacre ".
The gunman was nineteen year old Julian Knight and he was sentenced to life imprisonment - with a minimum of twenty-seven years before becoming eligible for parole - which milestone will be reached in 2014.
Knight is launching a court appeal, claiming that he is the only " lifer " still housed in a maximum security prison, and that because of this he can not be placed in classes to teach " resocialisation " - a prelude to a successful parole bid.
He has been granted the right to make this appeal - but hopefully those tasked with making a decision will proceed with caution !
They would be wise to fully investigate why Knight is still in maximum security ? Parole is not an automatic release when a minimum sentence has been served. The parole board must be satisfied that the prisoner is not likely to reoffend and has a changed attitude of remorse for the crime committed.
Perhaps Knight's attitude is the reason he is still in maximum security - and if this is so then any hope of release should be out of the question - despite the time served.
" Hoddle street " was a horrific crime. We would want to be sure that it could not be repeated by the same offender !
The gunman was nineteen year old Julian Knight and he was sentenced to life imprisonment - with a minimum of twenty-seven years before becoming eligible for parole - which milestone will be reached in 2014.
Knight is launching a court appeal, claiming that he is the only " lifer " still housed in a maximum security prison, and that because of this he can not be placed in classes to teach " resocialisation " - a prelude to a successful parole bid.
He has been granted the right to make this appeal - but hopefully those tasked with making a decision will proceed with caution !
They would be wise to fully investigate why Knight is still in maximum security ? Parole is not an automatic release when a minimum sentence has been served. The parole board must be satisfied that the prisoner is not likely to reoffend and has a changed attitude of remorse for the crime committed.
Perhaps Knight's attitude is the reason he is still in maximum security - and if this is so then any hope of release should be out of the question - despite the time served.
" Hoddle street " was a horrific crime. We would want to be sure that it could not be repeated by the same offender !
Friday 24 June 2011
A bad miscalculation !
Last month an acting Supreme court judge was involved in a car accident between his vehicle, a truck and another car. The police attended - and breath tested all the drivers. The judge blew 0.168 roadside - and 0.121 later at the police station. He was arrested and charged with DUI.
This week the case came to court - and the magistrate was astonished when the judge failed to appear. Instead, his solicitor entered a " guilty " plea - and told the court that the judge was on holiday - in Japan.
This is peculiar conduct from a man so well versed in the law as a judge of the Supreme court. Driving under the influence of liquor is not a misdemenor. It is classed as a criminal offence - and even a first time so charged carries a penalty of a heavy fine or a period of incarceration - or both.
It is possible that the judge hoped the matter would proceed to punishment and because of his position in the legal fraternity he would be treated lightly - and that any publicity would have abated before his return from Japan.
If so, he was mistaken.
The magistrate took unbrage at the non-appearance. He accepted the guilty plea and cancelled the judge's license - but held the matter over to a later date for sentencing - when the judge will be required to appear in person to hear his judgement.
The decision to go on holiday may have repercussions. It was an act of unforgiveable rudeness - and it could result in a few days in the slammer - just to introduce a note of humility !
This week the case came to court - and the magistrate was astonished when the judge failed to appear. Instead, his solicitor entered a " guilty " plea - and told the court that the judge was on holiday - in Japan.
This is peculiar conduct from a man so well versed in the law as a judge of the Supreme court. Driving under the influence of liquor is not a misdemenor. It is classed as a criminal offence - and even a first time so charged carries a penalty of a heavy fine or a period of incarceration - or both.
It is possible that the judge hoped the matter would proceed to punishment and because of his position in the legal fraternity he would be treated lightly - and that any publicity would have abated before his return from Japan.
If so, he was mistaken.
The magistrate took unbrage at the non-appearance. He accepted the guilty plea and cancelled the judge's license - but held the matter over to a later date for sentencing - when the judge will be required to appear in person to hear his judgement.
The decision to go on holiday may have repercussions. It was an act of unforgiveable rudeness - and it could result in a few days in the slammer - just to introduce a note of humility !
Thursday 23 June 2011
Anti-dumping measures !
Forty-five additional staff are to be recruited by Australian Customs to police anti-dumping investigations and implement more customs duty to level the playing field.
Customs needs these added resources to investigate what can be a very complex financial trail - and to have the facilities to take matters to court.
We live in difficult times. The financial world is in turmoil and many industries battle to keep their head above water - and to survive they are prepared to damage competitors and break international trading rules.
It is a well know - and well used - tactic to dump their product into another country's market with the intention of under cutting a competitor - and sending that manufacturer bankrupt. Then - with the way cleared - they increase their prices and gain an advantage.
In almost every case, this involves selling their product below the price charged in their home country, or to actually sell below cost and at a loss to inflict damage and drive a competitor out of business.
We are able to counter this by punitive customs charges - but first we need to do our homework and present a credible case to court. A beefed up Customs is the first step in providing protection to local manufacturing industry - and keeping the pirates at bay !
Customs needs these added resources to investigate what can be a very complex financial trail - and to have the facilities to take matters to court.
We live in difficult times. The financial world is in turmoil and many industries battle to keep their head above water - and to survive they are prepared to damage competitors and break international trading rules.
It is a well know - and well used - tactic to dump their product into another country's market with the intention of under cutting a competitor - and sending that manufacturer bankrupt. Then - with the way cleared - they increase their prices and gain an advantage.
In almost every case, this involves selling their product below the price charged in their home country, or to actually sell below cost and at a loss to inflict damage and drive a competitor out of business.
We are able to counter this by punitive customs charges - but first we need to do our homework and present a credible case to court. A beefed up Customs is the first step in providing protection to local manufacturing industry - and keeping the pirates at bay !
Wednesday 22 June 2011
After school jobs for kids !
Fair Work Australia has decided to reduce the minimum shift that applies to after school jobs for High school kids from the present three hours to ninety minutes.
There are stricr conditions that apply. Those seeking jobs must be still attending high school, and the jobs can only be undertaken on school days - and between the hours of 3 pm and 6-30 pm.
Employers welcome the revision and claim that it will induce more employers to offer more jobs, because it introduces flexibility to target tasks more precisely when needed. Unions are not so sure and think this may be the thin end of the wedge and that it may extend to older employees - and reduce pay packets sharply.
Jobs for school kids have been an institution in Australia which bring many benefits. Not only do they deliver welcome pocket monmey, but they are an introduction to the work force which will shortly arrive for all school leavers.
These casual jobs help train young people to adopt the discipline of arriving for work on time and doing tasks under supervision. It also helps to create a work history that can be very helpful when school days are over and that person is seeking a full time position - in many cases with that same employer.
No doubt Fair Work Australia will review the implementation of this change to make sure that it achieves the desired result. If more employers give more jobs to more High school kids it will be deemed a success !
There are stricr conditions that apply. Those seeking jobs must be still attending high school, and the jobs can only be undertaken on school days - and between the hours of 3 pm and 6-30 pm.
Employers welcome the revision and claim that it will induce more employers to offer more jobs, because it introduces flexibility to target tasks more precisely when needed. Unions are not so sure and think this may be the thin end of the wedge and that it may extend to older employees - and reduce pay packets sharply.
Jobs for school kids have been an institution in Australia which bring many benefits. Not only do they deliver welcome pocket monmey, but they are an introduction to the work force which will shortly arrive for all school leavers.
These casual jobs help train young people to adopt the discipline of arriving for work on time and doing tasks under supervision. It also helps to create a work history that can be very helpful when school days are over and that person is seeking a full time position - in many cases with that same employer.
No doubt Fair Work Australia will review the implementation of this change to make sure that it achieves the desired result. If more employers give more jobs to more High school kids it will be deemed a success !
Tuesday 21 June 2011
The missing link !
For decades all levels of government have ducked and dodged to avoid making a decision on the Maldon-Dombarton rail link between Port Kembla and western Sydney. Money has been wasted on countless " enquiries " - all of which never seem to reach a final conclusion.
Now the world's biggest coal mining company - Shenhua - owned by the Chinese government is about to force a decision, and as a result Maldon-Dombarton could become critically important to the success or failure of a billion dollar investment.
Shenhua is developing new coal mines near Gunnedah, but it is wary of shipping it's coal back to China through the Newcastle port loader because of a plethora of other new mines in that area overloading it's capacity.
Instead it would prefer to rail coal south, by-pass the blockage of Sydney and cause an expansion of the Port Kembla coal loader to ensure that it's coal avoids shipping delays.
If that plan proceeds - completion of Maldon-Dombarton is essential because the existing Sydney/Illawarra line is beyond capacity and can not possibly handle the huge tonnage that will be involved.
There is also an additional possible spin-off. Shenhua is looking to expand it's new coal mines into southern NSW if suitable sites can be found to justify using Port Kembla in preference to Newcastle. We may be about to experience a new mining boom here.
For the first time in ages there is a real chance that Maldon-Dombarton may go to the top of the priority list, and if that happens the way will be unlocked for expanded general industries in this area.
Rail capacity has long been the stumbling block - and the half built Maldon-Dombarton was the " missing link ".
Perhaps it's day is about to arrive !
Now the world's biggest coal mining company - Shenhua - owned by the Chinese government is about to force a decision, and as a result Maldon-Dombarton could become critically important to the success or failure of a billion dollar investment.
Shenhua is developing new coal mines near Gunnedah, but it is wary of shipping it's coal back to China through the Newcastle port loader because of a plethora of other new mines in that area overloading it's capacity.
Instead it would prefer to rail coal south, by-pass the blockage of Sydney and cause an expansion of the Port Kembla coal loader to ensure that it's coal avoids shipping delays.
If that plan proceeds - completion of Maldon-Dombarton is essential because the existing Sydney/Illawarra line is beyond capacity and can not possibly handle the huge tonnage that will be involved.
There is also an additional possible spin-off. Shenhua is looking to expand it's new coal mines into southern NSW if suitable sites can be found to justify using Port Kembla in preference to Newcastle. We may be about to experience a new mining boom here.
For the first time in ages there is a real chance that Maldon-Dombarton may go to the top of the priority list, and if that happens the way will be unlocked for expanded general industries in this area.
Rail capacity has long been the stumbling block - and the half built Maldon-Dombarton was the " missing link ".
Perhaps it's day is about to arrive !
Monday 20 June 2011
Win some - lose some !
Cross infection in hospitals has been a big problem and some years ago it was manifest in Wollongong. The medical profession knew that the only way to prevent it was to drum the need for frequent hand washing into staff, patients - and their visitors.
The answer to the problem was ridiculously simple. Finding a hand basin, water and a towel was side stepped when little pink bottles of hand sanitizer appeared. They were everywhere - in containers on ward walls - at the entrance and exit to lifts and stairs - and in many cases bracketted to the end of patients beds.
Infection rates dropped sharply - and the nation's hospitals became much safer places - but now a new danger has been added.
Staff at the Alfred hospital in Melbourne were dismayed to find that one of their patients had consumed several bottles of this hand sanitizer - which has an alcohol content. He recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.271, the equivalent of drinking twenty stubbies of beer.
He was also lucky to survive. The alcohol in hand sanitizer is ethanol - and at a rate of 66% - it is definitely poisonous to humans.
So - now we have a new problem in hospitals.
To keep infection rates down we need to keep sanitizer readily available, but at the same time we need to safeguard it from any alcoholic who may be in desperate need of a drink.
The obvious answer is to contain the bottle in some sort of cage so that it can not be removed. In that way, it can still deliver enough of a puff to enable hands to be sanitized.
One more problem for hospital managementto worry about - and an inevitable extra cost to be added to the already heavily burdened health system !
The answer to the problem was ridiculously simple. Finding a hand basin, water and a towel was side stepped when little pink bottles of hand sanitizer appeared. They were everywhere - in containers on ward walls - at the entrance and exit to lifts and stairs - and in many cases bracketted to the end of patients beds.
Infection rates dropped sharply - and the nation's hospitals became much safer places - but now a new danger has been added.
Staff at the Alfred hospital in Melbourne were dismayed to find that one of their patients had consumed several bottles of this hand sanitizer - which has an alcohol content. He recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.271, the equivalent of drinking twenty stubbies of beer.
He was also lucky to survive. The alcohol in hand sanitizer is ethanol - and at a rate of 66% - it is definitely poisonous to humans.
So - now we have a new problem in hospitals.
To keep infection rates down we need to keep sanitizer readily available, but at the same time we need to safeguard it from any alcoholic who may be in desperate need of a drink.
The obvious answer is to contain the bottle in some sort of cage so that it can not be removed. In that way, it can still deliver enough of a puff to enable hands to be sanitized.
One more problem for hospital managementto worry about - and an inevitable extra cost to be added to the already heavily burdened health system !
Sunday 19 June 2011
Schadenfreude !
For the past year the battle lines within the Australian Federal government have produced back-flips, damaging innuendoe and what amounts to " trench warfare " as the matter of the leadership dissolves into bitterness.
Kevin Rudd is pious in his declaration of total support for prime minister Julia Gillard, and yet there is an overwhelming sense of " Schadenfreude " as Gillards approval rating slips to thirty-one percent in comparison to Rudd's sixty percent as preferred prime minister.
The casualty of this undeclared leadership contest is the fate of the political party to which they both belong. Labor has slipped to a support level of just twenty-seven percent, and should one of the independents decide to jump ship - it faces a disastrous defeat which would see the Coalition sweep into office.
This is not a situation that can be allowed to continue indefinitely. Issues such as the proposed tax on carbon have the capacity to either bring in a new era for Australian industry, or to destroy what little manufacturing we still retain and send unemployment to levels not seen since the great depression of the 1930's.
The entire world teeters on the edge of isolvency and the fate of Europe - and it's Euro currency - depends on the outcome affecting several bankrupt countries and their ability to hunker down and accept fiscal discipline to manage their debt.
The Australian economy in contrast looks rosy. We have a mineral boom that looks to continue and with a steady hand on the tiller Australia should be able to dodge the worst of the economic problems troubling the United States and Europe.
This is not a time for squabbles over who should sit in the prime minister's chair - and it is certainly not the time to have policy disputes between two opposing ideological parties who share leadership in government.
If Labor can not extricate itself by decisive action then it passes the mantle of statesmanship to those independents to withdraw support - and send the government to the people for a decision on who rules Australia.
Too much is at stake for this indecision to continue indefinitely !
Kevin Rudd is pious in his declaration of total support for prime minister Julia Gillard, and yet there is an overwhelming sense of " Schadenfreude " as Gillards approval rating slips to thirty-one percent in comparison to Rudd's sixty percent as preferred prime minister.
The casualty of this undeclared leadership contest is the fate of the political party to which they both belong. Labor has slipped to a support level of just twenty-seven percent, and should one of the independents decide to jump ship - it faces a disastrous defeat which would see the Coalition sweep into office.
This is not a situation that can be allowed to continue indefinitely. Issues such as the proposed tax on carbon have the capacity to either bring in a new era for Australian industry, or to destroy what little manufacturing we still retain and send unemployment to levels not seen since the great depression of the 1930's.
The entire world teeters on the edge of isolvency and the fate of Europe - and it's Euro currency - depends on the outcome affecting several bankrupt countries and their ability to hunker down and accept fiscal discipline to manage their debt.
The Australian economy in contrast looks rosy. We have a mineral boom that looks to continue and with a steady hand on the tiller Australia should be able to dodge the worst of the economic problems troubling the United States and Europe.
This is not a time for squabbles over who should sit in the prime minister's chair - and it is certainly not the time to have policy disputes between two opposing ideological parties who share leadership in government.
If Labor can not extricate itself by decisive action then it passes the mantle of statesmanship to those independents to withdraw support - and send the government to the people for a decision on who rules Australia.
Too much is at stake for this indecision to continue indefinitely !
Saturday 18 June 2011
Progress stifled by Councils.
Back in 2008 the New South Wales government passed licensing law reforms to allow Melbourne style small bars to introduce more sensible drinking rules to this state. Three years later, just once such liquor license has been granted in the city of Wollongong.
The aim of the reform was to reduce the astronomical cost of applying for a liquor license to allow drinks without ordering a meal. Melbourne has managed to dilute the " big pub and big club " scene with many " hole in the wall " bars serving small groups of people.
The fee for such a liquor license has been reduced to just $ 500, but as the owner of Wollongong's single such bar comments - just getting a DA through council to get such a bar started runs to more than $ 30,000 in " Council fees ".
The state government streamlined the process - and the Councils have retained all the old stumbling blocks.
Before a DA can be lodged the council demands a $ 6000 " contribution fee " and there are problems complying with it's " town planning " requirements. The applicant must have a valid, signed lease for the proposed premises - and as passage through council of that DA will take at least six months - the applicant is seriously out of pocket paying rent.
It should not need an outlay of $ 30,000 to get a trimmed down liquor license through council. If the state government is prepared to issue such a license for just $ 500, then the intent to create a more relaxed drinking mode is being sabotaged by the " approval stampers " who not only demand fees and charges but also hold up approval to the detriment of business success.
It seems that if this state government is serious about liquor reform it needs to use it's powers to take the knife to council's approval process - and question whether the fees charged are in line with modern business practice.
Many will attest that the sclerotic processes used by councils are a hangover from a past age !
The aim of the reform was to reduce the astronomical cost of applying for a liquor license to allow drinks without ordering a meal. Melbourne has managed to dilute the " big pub and big club " scene with many " hole in the wall " bars serving small groups of people.
The fee for such a liquor license has been reduced to just $ 500, but as the owner of Wollongong's single such bar comments - just getting a DA through council to get such a bar started runs to more than $ 30,000 in " Council fees ".
The state government streamlined the process - and the Councils have retained all the old stumbling blocks.
Before a DA can be lodged the council demands a $ 6000 " contribution fee " and there are problems complying with it's " town planning " requirements. The applicant must have a valid, signed lease for the proposed premises - and as passage through council of that DA will take at least six months - the applicant is seriously out of pocket paying rent.
It should not need an outlay of $ 30,000 to get a trimmed down liquor license through council. If the state government is prepared to issue such a license for just $ 500, then the intent to create a more relaxed drinking mode is being sabotaged by the " approval stampers " who not only demand fees and charges but also hold up approval to the detriment of business success.
It seems that if this state government is serious about liquor reform it needs to use it's powers to take the knife to council's approval process - and question whether the fees charged are in line with modern business practice.
Many will attest that the sclerotic processes used by councils are a hangover from a past age !
Friday 17 June 2011
Photo I D ?
There is a call for all air travellers to prove their identity by producing a photo I D card prior to gaining a boarding pass. Strangely, the need seems aimed at the movement of criminals more than as a means of identifying terrorists.
The installation of electronic baggage and passenger check-in facilities at present allow air passengers to move through domestic terminals without any sort of clearance by airport officials - and this has speeded up the clearance process. The need for a photo I D check will undoubtedly create a new bottleneck - and most people will question it's effectiveness.
It will also raise the suspicion that this is a back door attempt to come full circle and opt for the creation of an " Australia card " !
It has long been a dream of the tax office, the police forces - state and Federal - and all the government departments that deal with the public that each citizen has a card which clearly identifies them - and without the production of which no transaction can proceed.
We are fairly close to that dream with the demand for photo I D driving licenses as identity checks, but the universal application fails because of those who do not drive - and of course the huge number of children below the driving age.
An " Australia card " would be an ideal method of " people control " and it would go a long way towards making life hard for " illegals " living in our community, but it would also be a restriction on the privacy and civil liberties we hold so dear.
This airport control measure needs a much closer examination - and more detail as to exactly what it hopes to achieve - before it goes any further !
The installation of electronic baggage and passenger check-in facilities at present allow air passengers to move through domestic terminals without any sort of clearance by airport officials - and this has speeded up the clearance process. The need for a photo I D check will undoubtedly create a new bottleneck - and most people will question it's effectiveness.
It will also raise the suspicion that this is a back door attempt to come full circle and opt for the creation of an " Australia card " !
It has long been a dream of the tax office, the police forces - state and Federal - and all the government departments that deal with the public that each citizen has a card which clearly identifies them - and without the production of which no transaction can proceed.
We are fairly close to that dream with the demand for photo I D driving licenses as identity checks, but the universal application fails because of those who do not drive - and of course the huge number of children below the driving age.
An " Australia card " would be an ideal method of " people control " and it would go a long way towards making life hard for " illegals " living in our community, but it would also be a restriction on the privacy and civil liberties we hold so dear.
This airport control measure needs a much closer examination - and more detail as to exactly what it hopes to achieve - before it goes any further !
Thursday 16 June 2011
A doomed city ?
An ominous decision hangs over the New Zealand city of Christchurch. There is a real fear that the city may have to be abandoned because the future indicates a continuation of unending destruction.
Christchurch is New Zealand's second biggest city, with a population of about 350,000. New Zealand is located on the socalled " Ring of Fire " and every part of the country is prone to earthquakes. That is something it's citizens have learned to live with, but recent events beneath Christchurch show no signs of ending.
It is impossible to predict earthquakes, but the people who study that science are becoming alarmed at the severity and continuation of aftershocks - and past experience suggests that instead of steadily diminishing - there may be an even bigger quake on the way. It seems that there are even more fault lines under the city - and therefore the future is totally uncertain.
What is known is that reconstruction of some suburbs may be a very bad idea. The sub-surface has suffered severe liquifaction and this area will never present a suitable base for home foundations. As a result, if Christchurch is re-constructed it will be a very different - and much smaller city.
Then there is the matter of public confidence. A lot of cities have suffered and survived earthquakes. There are usually aftershocks - but eventually these diminish and life returns to normal. There is no guarantee that this is going to happen in Christchurch - and the present almost daily aftershocks have sapped the will of it's citizens to remain at risk.
If the city is abandoned it will be a huge hit on the country's finances - and each individual home owner will face financial disaster. A lot will depend on whether insurance companies cover loss due to earthquake in a country with a known history of such events.
Many people regard Christchurch as their home and will not want it abandoned, but that decision will have to be taken if the earth continues to move. It will be a very big decision - and whichever way it goes - it will not please everyone !
Christchurch is New Zealand's second biggest city, with a population of about 350,000. New Zealand is located on the socalled " Ring of Fire " and every part of the country is prone to earthquakes. That is something it's citizens have learned to live with, but recent events beneath Christchurch show no signs of ending.
It is impossible to predict earthquakes, but the people who study that science are becoming alarmed at the severity and continuation of aftershocks - and past experience suggests that instead of steadily diminishing - there may be an even bigger quake on the way. It seems that there are even more fault lines under the city - and therefore the future is totally uncertain.
What is known is that reconstruction of some suburbs may be a very bad idea. The sub-surface has suffered severe liquifaction and this area will never present a suitable base for home foundations. As a result, if Christchurch is re-constructed it will be a very different - and much smaller city.
Then there is the matter of public confidence. A lot of cities have suffered and survived earthquakes. There are usually aftershocks - but eventually these diminish and life returns to normal. There is no guarantee that this is going to happen in Christchurch - and the present almost daily aftershocks have sapped the will of it's citizens to remain at risk.
If the city is abandoned it will be a huge hit on the country's finances - and each individual home owner will face financial disaster. A lot will depend on whether insurance companies cover loss due to earthquake in a country with a known history of such events.
Many people regard Christchurch as their home and will not want it abandoned, but that decision will have to be taken if the earth continues to move. It will be a very big decision - and whichever way it goes - it will not please everyone !
Wednesday 15 June 2011
That " Slutwalk " !
During the weekend a group of about two hundred women marched through city streets to angrily protest dress advice given by a police officer.
This cop had told them that to dress provocatively was likely to increase the chance of rape.
Ultra feminists insist that they are free to dress as they please and that there are no circumstances in which their manner of dress justifies rape - and in this they are entirely correct. They seem to be incensed by the cop's choice of attire description - He used the term " dressed like sluts " !
In past decades women who dressed revealingly were often referred to as a " tease ". Defence lawyers often tried to create sympathy for the rapist by suggesting that the woman was partly responsible for the offence because of her choice of attire.
These feminists protesting by way of their colourfully described " Slutwalk " are missing the point. The officer was merely reminding them that the risk of rape or other sexual assault can be reduced by a less revealing mode of dress. He could have put it another way !
Lets suppose a person is in the habit of leaving a very expensive camera on the passenger seat of the car - and parking it daily in a busy city street. Thousands of people walk past and notice the camera, but the vast majority are honest. Quite a few are tempted - but the prospect of getting caught and being put before a court prevails - but it is inevitable that one day the owner will return - and find a broken window and a missing camera.
It is called " temptation " - and that is why the police advise people to keep valuables out of sight.
There are people in this world who are less inclined to obey the law, and many of those are more prone to reckless behaviour when they have consumed drugs and alcohol. The message the officer was delivering was similar to the camera illustration - keep the " goodies " out of sight and you will reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.
The fact that a mere two hundred women took part in that " Slutwalk " seems to indicate that most women agree with the cop !
This cop had told them that to dress provocatively was likely to increase the chance of rape.
Ultra feminists insist that they are free to dress as they please and that there are no circumstances in which their manner of dress justifies rape - and in this they are entirely correct. They seem to be incensed by the cop's choice of attire description - He used the term " dressed like sluts " !
In past decades women who dressed revealingly were often referred to as a " tease ". Defence lawyers often tried to create sympathy for the rapist by suggesting that the woman was partly responsible for the offence because of her choice of attire.
These feminists protesting by way of their colourfully described " Slutwalk " are missing the point. The officer was merely reminding them that the risk of rape or other sexual assault can be reduced by a less revealing mode of dress. He could have put it another way !
Lets suppose a person is in the habit of leaving a very expensive camera on the passenger seat of the car - and parking it daily in a busy city street. Thousands of people walk past and notice the camera, but the vast majority are honest. Quite a few are tempted - but the prospect of getting caught and being put before a court prevails - but it is inevitable that one day the owner will return - and find a broken window and a missing camera.
It is called " temptation " - and that is why the police advise people to keep valuables out of sight.
There are people in this world who are less inclined to obey the law, and many of those are more prone to reckless behaviour when they have consumed drugs and alcohol. The message the officer was delivering was similar to the camera illustration - keep the " goodies " out of sight and you will reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.
The fact that a mere two hundred women took part in that " Slutwalk " seems to indicate that most women agree with the cop !
Tuesday 14 June 2011
" Jumbulla " - a failed idea !
Aspiring politicians try to attract votes by promising to spend public money. Five of those hoping to become the Lord Mayor of Wollongong at the September council election are proposing the reinstallation of Jumbulla at the Southern Gateway site at Bulli.
It would be a good idea to first give thought to why Jumbulla failed, even after it was given an extensive rent free period by council.
It was touted as " Jumbulla - the Aboriginal Discovery centre " and for $ 15 customers were treated to a forty-five minute diorama and attended by Aboriginal guides. Attendance amounted to an average four people a day - and it was obvious that what amounted to an " Aboriginal history lesson " was not going to pull in paying customers.
The reinstallation suggestion is a thinly disguised pitch for council to subsidise Jumbulla's losses. It would be a case of " flogging a dead horse " if Jumbulla returned as a drain on Wollongong ratepayers funds by delivering the same presentation that visitors have avoided in droves.
Southern Gateway is supposed to deliver tourists to the Illawarra and return ratepayers funds by attracting business to the city. The first priority must be to fix the appalling access problem so that visitors can actually attend the centre - and then it needs something that people want to visit.
Just what that is - is a good question. Hopefully our best and brightest can come up with a good idea that will attract a flow of potential customers - and if that includes an Aboriginal presence that directs attention to Aboriginal features that people might want to visit - well and good !
What is not an option is to just throw good money after bad and continue with a presentation that has not worked - and which will become an ongoing drain on the resources of this community !
It would be a good idea to first give thought to why Jumbulla failed, even after it was given an extensive rent free period by council.
It was touted as " Jumbulla - the Aboriginal Discovery centre " and for $ 15 customers were treated to a forty-five minute diorama and attended by Aboriginal guides. Attendance amounted to an average four people a day - and it was obvious that what amounted to an " Aboriginal history lesson " was not going to pull in paying customers.
The reinstallation suggestion is a thinly disguised pitch for council to subsidise Jumbulla's losses. It would be a case of " flogging a dead horse " if Jumbulla returned as a drain on Wollongong ratepayers funds by delivering the same presentation that visitors have avoided in droves.
Southern Gateway is supposed to deliver tourists to the Illawarra and return ratepayers funds by attracting business to the city. The first priority must be to fix the appalling access problem so that visitors can actually attend the centre - and then it needs something that people want to visit.
Just what that is - is a good question. Hopefully our best and brightest can come up with a good idea that will attract a flow of potential customers - and if that includes an Aboriginal presence that directs attention to Aboriginal features that people might want to visit - well and good !
What is not an option is to just throw good money after bad and continue with a presentation that has not worked - and which will become an ongoing drain on the resources of this community !
Monday 13 June 2011
Branch stacking !
Factionalism has been one of the divisive elements of the Australian Labor party, and this has been glaringly evident by the use of branch stacking to try and get it's adherents into control.
A proposal by twenty-seven Labor branches for a rule change to make branch stacking more difficult has been rejected by the NSW Labor Party Rules committee. Consequently, no such proposal will be put to the State Conference, to be held in Sydney on July 9 - 10.
The requested reform would make it mandatory for new members wishing to join a branch to pay their own entrance fees - and be required to forward their application to head office. At present, all that is required is their signature on the dotted line.
This has led to rorting where factional bosses collect signatures from those of their political persuasion and pay their entrance fees from factional funds. This organiser then delivers a mass of new entrants in bulk - and the voting pattern of the branch is transformed.
The Labor party got a clear indication of voter discontent at the recent state election. It took a drubbing because it no longer had the confidence of the voters - and now it seems that all hope of reform is being thrown out of the window.
The " faceless men " of the rules committee are not going to allow even a hint of reform to be mentioned - much less put to the state conference for a vote.
Looks like Labor may be stuck in the boondocks for a long - long time !
A proposal by twenty-seven Labor branches for a rule change to make branch stacking more difficult has been rejected by the NSW Labor Party Rules committee. Consequently, no such proposal will be put to the State Conference, to be held in Sydney on July 9 - 10.
The requested reform would make it mandatory for new members wishing to join a branch to pay their own entrance fees - and be required to forward their application to head office. At present, all that is required is their signature on the dotted line.
This has led to rorting where factional bosses collect signatures from those of their political persuasion and pay their entrance fees from factional funds. This organiser then delivers a mass of new entrants in bulk - and the voting pattern of the branch is transformed.
The Labor party got a clear indication of voter discontent at the recent state election. It took a drubbing because it no longer had the confidence of the voters - and now it seems that all hope of reform is being thrown out of the window.
The " faceless men " of the rules committee are not going to allow even a hint of reform to be mentioned - much less put to the state conference for a vote.
Looks like Labor may be stuck in the boondocks for a long - long time !
Sunday 12 June 2011
Prison - and a smoking ban !
You can not smoke in a pub. You can not smoke in a club. You can not smoke in a restaurant. You can not smoke on a beach - and in fact the areas where you are permitted to light up are becoming more restricted as each year goes by.
Now there are moves to make prisons a " no smoke zone " - and this introduces a plethora of conflicting arguments.
Should non smoking prisoners and the prison officers who guard them be subjected to second hand smoke ? Both could regard prisons as their " work place " - and the law these days guarantees that work places should be smoke free - and therefore " risk free " ?
Prisoners are denied many " rights " enjoyed by ordinary citizens. For instance, they are not permitted to have mobile phones to retain contact with loved ones. Is a ban on nicotine any different from the usual strict security measures enacted on those serving a form of " punishment " ?
Does the denial of nicotine infringe on the right " to do as one pleases in one's own home " ? After all, a prison cell is undeniably " home " to a prisoner for the duration of the sentence to be served. This is compounded by the " lockdown " regulations in force for sixteen hours a day. A prisoner is locked in a cell from 4 pm to 8 am on every day of the year.
No doubt any nicotine ban will be tested under legislation that guarantees " human rights " and there will be an argument that deprivation will make prisoners more violent and enhance the chances of attacks on prison officers.
A decision to ban smoking in prisons will be decided in a political framework - and as any prison officer will attest - whatever the decision - it will not see the end of smoking in prisons. It will simply add nicotine to the long list of banned substances already circulating behind prison walls.
At least it might prove an incentive for those prisoners wanting to quit for health reasons !
Now there are moves to make prisons a " no smoke zone " - and this introduces a plethora of conflicting arguments.
Should non smoking prisoners and the prison officers who guard them be subjected to second hand smoke ? Both could regard prisons as their " work place " - and the law these days guarantees that work places should be smoke free - and therefore " risk free " ?
Prisoners are denied many " rights " enjoyed by ordinary citizens. For instance, they are not permitted to have mobile phones to retain contact with loved ones. Is a ban on nicotine any different from the usual strict security measures enacted on those serving a form of " punishment " ?
Does the denial of nicotine infringe on the right " to do as one pleases in one's own home " ? After all, a prison cell is undeniably " home " to a prisoner for the duration of the sentence to be served. This is compounded by the " lockdown " regulations in force for sixteen hours a day. A prisoner is locked in a cell from 4 pm to 8 am on every day of the year.
No doubt any nicotine ban will be tested under legislation that guarantees " human rights " and there will be an argument that deprivation will make prisoners more violent and enhance the chances of attacks on prison officers.
A decision to ban smoking in prisons will be decided in a political framework - and as any prison officer will attest - whatever the decision - it will not see the end of smoking in prisons. It will simply add nicotine to the long list of banned substances already circulating behind prison walls.
At least it might prove an incentive for those prisoners wanting to quit for health reasons !
Saturday 11 June 2011
An " Open Door " immigration policy ?
The Labor/Greens coalition is pulling our immigration policy in different directions. There are indications that elements within the Greens favour a policy which accepts all comers - similar to the policy that prevailed in the United States of America during the seventeen and eighteen hundreds - and even into the early years of the twentieth century.
America had an empty land to fill - and it did that by attracting the poor and homeless from Europe and offering sanctuary to those suffering religious persecution. Vast hordes poured through Ellis Island - and few were rejected.
The world looked at America as the land of opportunity - whose streets were paved with gold. Reality was very different ! The majority prospered through honest hard work and ingenuity - but those that fell through the cracks received no comfort from a welfare state. America was founded on the principle of paying for what you receive - be that food or medical attention - or a roof over your head. If you have no money - you receive nothing.
Australia has evolved a vast welfare umbrella. We presently accept somewhere between eighty thousand and well over a hundred thousand new settlers annually. The moment they gain that precious Citizenship certificate Medicare ensures that they receive free hospital treatment, and the vast panoply of benefits includes free education for their children to the litany of " entitlements " encompassing everything from the birth of a child to retirement in old age.
This would not be possible if we opened the door to unlimited migration. The incoming numbers would swamp us and housing such hordes would be beyond our resources. We would see the emergence of shanty towns such as exist in Dhaka and Manila - where too many people in too little space create shelter with discarded wood, tin and cardboard.
What we need is a clearly defined immigration policy - and the voting public has a right to demand that the various political parties declare their intentions so that it can be an issue at the next Federal election.
The present situation is untenable. We can not go on indefinitely with migrants locked behind barbed wire for long periods of time while differing policies dictate who will - and who will not - be accepted as refugees.
Those conditions lead to the riots and arson we are seeing on our nightly TV news - and that is the result of a migration policy vacuum !
America had an empty land to fill - and it did that by attracting the poor and homeless from Europe and offering sanctuary to those suffering religious persecution. Vast hordes poured through Ellis Island - and few were rejected.
The world looked at America as the land of opportunity - whose streets were paved with gold. Reality was very different ! The majority prospered through honest hard work and ingenuity - but those that fell through the cracks received no comfort from a welfare state. America was founded on the principle of paying for what you receive - be that food or medical attention - or a roof over your head. If you have no money - you receive nothing.
Australia has evolved a vast welfare umbrella. We presently accept somewhere between eighty thousand and well over a hundred thousand new settlers annually. The moment they gain that precious Citizenship certificate Medicare ensures that they receive free hospital treatment, and the vast panoply of benefits includes free education for their children to the litany of " entitlements " encompassing everything from the birth of a child to retirement in old age.
This would not be possible if we opened the door to unlimited migration. The incoming numbers would swamp us and housing such hordes would be beyond our resources. We would see the emergence of shanty towns such as exist in Dhaka and Manila - where too many people in too little space create shelter with discarded wood, tin and cardboard.
What we need is a clearly defined immigration policy - and the voting public has a right to demand that the various political parties declare their intentions so that it can be an issue at the next Federal election.
The present situation is untenable. We can not go on indefinitely with migrants locked behind barbed wire for long periods of time while differing policies dictate who will - and who will not - be accepted as refugees.
Those conditions lead to the riots and arson we are seeing on our nightly TV news - and that is the result of a migration policy vacuum !
Friday 10 June 2011
China - friend or foe ?
There is no doubt that trade with China allowed Australia to escape the worst of the world financial crisis that started in 08, but whether this long term trend will continue to deliver our financial health is becoming a moot point !
In the past decade sales of three commodities - iron ore, coal and natural gas have enabled China trade to constitute 12% of our GDP. Expansion plans, new projects and enhancement of export ports indicate that in a further ten year period that figure will increase to 35% - and there seems no limit on a further expansion in the distant future.
That is a lot of eggs to have in one basket !
The question is - what sort of country will China be a decade or so from now ?
Statistics tell an ominous story. China's People's Liberation Army ( PLA ) is the biggest in the world and China is signalling that it intends to strut it;'s military might on the world stage. It is developing stealth fighter aircraft - and is about to commission it's first aircraft carrier - with four more on the drawing boards, including two to be nuclear powered.
This military might, plus a well developed internal police system keeps the lid on any sort of protest movement. Unlike any western country that needs to appease the voters to stay in office, China has the power to make unpopular decisions and implement them on it's citizens with impunity. The fact that it commands huge trade surpluses means that the money is available to fund not only traditional military power - but also what may be termed " future warfare - the use of computers to attack and disable another country's defences and throw it's commerce into disarray.
As Chinese power grows, so does the capacity to impose it's will on it's suppliers. It is well advanced on a plan of diversification by way of funding new mines in parts of Africa and the Middle East and eventually this will allow it to use it's buying power as a weapon to impose policy demands.
Australia would be well advised to slow this headlong rush to expand trade. The world need for the energy flowing from natural gas, and the need for steel produced from coal and iron ore will only continue to increase as more third world countries expand their horizons.
The clever country limits the depletion of it's gas, coal and iron ore reserves to assure a steady flow of export income well into the future, rather than a greedy rush for instant profits - to a singular market.
Hopefully, the Australian government will keep it's finger on the control button and make sure that Australia does not mortgage it's future in an " expansion at any price " depletion of it's natural wealth !
In the past decade sales of three commodities - iron ore, coal and natural gas have enabled China trade to constitute 12% of our GDP. Expansion plans, new projects and enhancement of export ports indicate that in a further ten year period that figure will increase to 35% - and there seems no limit on a further expansion in the distant future.
That is a lot of eggs to have in one basket !
The question is - what sort of country will China be a decade or so from now ?
Statistics tell an ominous story. China's People's Liberation Army ( PLA ) is the biggest in the world and China is signalling that it intends to strut it;'s military might on the world stage. It is developing stealth fighter aircraft - and is about to commission it's first aircraft carrier - with four more on the drawing boards, including two to be nuclear powered.
This military might, plus a well developed internal police system keeps the lid on any sort of protest movement. Unlike any western country that needs to appease the voters to stay in office, China has the power to make unpopular decisions and implement them on it's citizens with impunity. The fact that it commands huge trade surpluses means that the money is available to fund not only traditional military power - but also what may be termed " future warfare - the use of computers to attack and disable another country's defences and throw it's commerce into disarray.
As Chinese power grows, so does the capacity to impose it's will on it's suppliers. It is well advanced on a plan of diversification by way of funding new mines in parts of Africa and the Middle East and eventually this will allow it to use it's buying power as a weapon to impose policy demands.
Australia would be well advised to slow this headlong rush to expand trade. The world need for the energy flowing from natural gas, and the need for steel produced from coal and iron ore will only continue to increase as more third world countries expand their horizons.
The clever country limits the depletion of it's gas, coal and iron ore reserves to assure a steady flow of export income well into the future, rather than a greedy rush for instant profits - to a singular market.
Hopefully, the Australian government will keep it's finger on the control button and make sure that Australia does not mortgage it's future in an " expansion at any price " depletion of it's natural wealth !
Thursday 9 June 2011
Using religion to deceive !
The University of Wollongong has signalled that it intends to use identity checks to make sure that the person sitting examinations is the student enrolled and not an impostor. This has provoked the usual protests about the sanctity of religious head coverings.
The university is well aware that some ingenious ruses have been in play to cheat on exam results. A lucrative scheme exists to substitute those with advanced academic qualifications for struggling students who might otherwise fail examinations, and in this electronic age all sorts of hidden communication equipment can be used to supply answers to those within the examination hall.
When a student presents to sit an examination he or she will be facially compared with the photograph on their university identity card. This may require the removal of religious head coverings and to achieve the required modesty the student will be taken to a private room and will be examined by a person of the same gender.
It is expected that this will be challenged by some people who will see it as an intrusion on their religious rights, so perhaps the university should consider an alternative to be offered at the time each person applies for university enrolment.
Those who claim that their religion requires face covering could be offered an alternative method of identification - by way of having their finger prints recorded. When presenting for an examination, they would be required to handle an object that records finger prints and this would be later checked against finger print computer records. Should the prints not match, disqualification of the exam results would follow.
Mobile phones are forbidden in examination rooms, and the issue of hidden electronic aids should be policed by all students being " swept " by a probe that detects electronic activity. This system works at airports at at court entrances, and there is no reason why it should not prevent deception in examination rooms.
We live in an electronic age and if religion presents an identification problem we need to look beyond merely asking to see a persons face.
And more importantly, the use of such a system denies religion being used to cheat - and obtain unearned qualifications.
The university is well aware that some ingenious ruses have been in play to cheat on exam results. A lucrative scheme exists to substitute those with advanced academic qualifications for struggling students who might otherwise fail examinations, and in this electronic age all sorts of hidden communication equipment can be used to supply answers to those within the examination hall.
When a student presents to sit an examination he or she will be facially compared with the photograph on their university identity card. This may require the removal of religious head coverings and to achieve the required modesty the student will be taken to a private room and will be examined by a person of the same gender.
It is expected that this will be challenged by some people who will see it as an intrusion on their religious rights, so perhaps the university should consider an alternative to be offered at the time each person applies for university enrolment.
Those who claim that their religion requires face covering could be offered an alternative method of identification - by way of having their finger prints recorded. When presenting for an examination, they would be required to handle an object that records finger prints and this would be later checked against finger print computer records. Should the prints not match, disqualification of the exam results would follow.
Mobile phones are forbidden in examination rooms, and the issue of hidden electronic aids should be policed by all students being " swept " by a probe that detects electronic activity. This system works at airports at at court entrances, and there is no reason why it should not prevent deception in examination rooms.
We live in an electronic age and if religion presents an identification problem we need to look beyond merely asking to see a persons face.
And more importantly, the use of such a system denies religion being used to cheat - and obtain unearned qualifications.
Wednesday 8 June 2011
Cooking the books !
Politicians say they are surprised that the NAPLAN tests are producing skewed results. The only surprise is that teachers are protecting their domain by using the same methods that politicians employ to filter news they give the public to show it in a good light.
NAPLAN tests students to determine the level of achievement in reading, writing and arithmetic in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It is controversial because some people claim that it will be used to grade schools in similar manner to a " Leagues table " - and consequently schools in underprivileged areas - and those with a big indigenous enrolment - will fare badly alongside their more affluent cousins.
It is now claimed that teachers have balanced the playing field by simply telling the kids who they know will test badly to stay at home - and miss the tests. In particular, this occurs in the Northern Territory and inland communities with big Aboriginal populations.
This is a very reasonable outcome. NAPLAN was lauded as a means of determining where problems exist - and consequently where money should be spent to elevate education levels to a nationalistic standard.
Teachers know that a bad school result will have a bearing on the grading of the staff at that school, and that will affect promotional prospects and all hope of climbing up the seniority ladder.
It never was a level playing field. How can you compare a school in a working class area with a high mix of ethnic migrants and a sprinkling of indigenous residents - with one in an affluent area of high incomes - empowered with good playing fields, public transport and the amenities that flow from high house prices and consequently a rich council rates pool ?
And don't for one minute expect that teachers in such a location are not going to suggest that the school dunces play hookey on the day of NAPLAN tests either ! Everyone wants their school to look the best in tests that compare " good schools " against perceived " bad schools ".
The only way to ensure a level playing field is to demand that NAPLAN tests apply to every student registered in that year class. If a student - or a whole heap of students are missing on test day - then the missing will simply be tested when they return.
Surely that should have been part of the deal when NAPLAN was first conceived !
NAPLAN tests students to determine the level of achievement in reading, writing and arithmetic in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It is controversial because some people claim that it will be used to grade schools in similar manner to a " Leagues table " - and consequently schools in underprivileged areas - and those with a big indigenous enrolment - will fare badly alongside their more affluent cousins.
It is now claimed that teachers have balanced the playing field by simply telling the kids who they know will test badly to stay at home - and miss the tests. In particular, this occurs in the Northern Territory and inland communities with big Aboriginal populations.
This is a very reasonable outcome. NAPLAN was lauded as a means of determining where problems exist - and consequently where money should be spent to elevate education levels to a nationalistic standard.
Teachers know that a bad school result will have a bearing on the grading of the staff at that school, and that will affect promotional prospects and all hope of climbing up the seniority ladder.
It never was a level playing field. How can you compare a school in a working class area with a high mix of ethnic migrants and a sprinkling of indigenous residents - with one in an affluent area of high incomes - empowered with good playing fields, public transport and the amenities that flow from high house prices and consequently a rich council rates pool ?
And don't for one minute expect that teachers in such a location are not going to suggest that the school dunces play hookey on the day of NAPLAN tests either ! Everyone wants their school to look the best in tests that compare " good schools " against perceived " bad schools ".
The only way to ensure a level playing field is to demand that NAPLAN tests apply to every student registered in that year class. If a student - or a whole heap of students are missing on test day - then the missing will simply be tested when they return.
Surely that should have been part of the deal when NAPLAN was first conceived !
Tuesday 7 June 2011
The war that never stopped !
Logic is the missing component of the Middle-East. A state of war exists between most of the Arab nations and Israel - simply because there was never a peace deal signed when the shooting stopped.
The so-called "Six day war " started when the surrounding Arab nations launched a massive attack on Israel - and were quickly routed. As usually happens during a war, the victor enters and controls land owned by the losing party - and that seems to be why people are still getting killed by trying to invade and reclaim that lost land.
The event known as " the Arab Spring " has added a new dimension. Insurrection has broken out in Arab countries ruled by dictators and the war with Israel is being used to cause a distraction from the internal strife.
The aim seems to be to draw away the world media to concentrate on border friction - and to allow internal security forces to act against the demonstrations with impunity.
The danger is that this build-up of tension may cause the " Middle East pressure cooker " to explode. Iran is moving ever closer to building a nuclear bomb - and Iran is just as big a threat to other Arab countries as Israel. While the Arabs would surely deplore an Israeli attack on Iran, they would secretly relish a reduction or destruction of Iran's nuclear programme.
Many world leaders have made major efforts to secure peace in the Middle-East - and none have succeeded. Hatred runs too deep for logic to prevail - and even if the Arab Spring results in the downfall of tyrants - very little will really change.
The thinking in Arab minds seems wired towards perpetual war !
The so-called "Six day war " started when the surrounding Arab nations launched a massive attack on Israel - and were quickly routed. As usually happens during a war, the victor enters and controls land owned by the losing party - and that seems to be why people are still getting killed by trying to invade and reclaim that lost land.
The event known as " the Arab Spring " has added a new dimension. Insurrection has broken out in Arab countries ruled by dictators and the war with Israel is being used to cause a distraction from the internal strife.
The aim seems to be to draw away the world media to concentrate on border friction - and to allow internal security forces to act against the demonstrations with impunity.
The danger is that this build-up of tension may cause the " Middle East pressure cooker " to explode. Iran is moving ever closer to building a nuclear bomb - and Iran is just as big a threat to other Arab countries as Israel. While the Arabs would surely deplore an Israeli attack on Iran, they would secretly relish a reduction or destruction of Iran's nuclear programme.
Many world leaders have made major efforts to secure peace in the Middle-East - and none have succeeded. Hatred runs too deep for logic to prevail - and even if the Arab Spring results in the downfall of tyrants - very little will really change.
The thinking in Arab minds seems wired towards perpetual war !
Monday 6 June 2011
The road of no return !
Yesterday, thousands of people turned out in Sydney to urge the government to go ahead with a carbon tax because they feared the result of global warming. This seems to contrast with polls that show that the general consensus is opposed to such a tax.
Their is undoubted merit in the carbon tax idea. Put simply, it is a plan to tax the polluters and by costing them money create the incentive for them to mend their ways and move to a less polluting way of doing business.
The planners agree that it will push up energy prices - and probably most other prices as well - but intend to compensate lower income people and pensioners from the tax collected - and there are very fuzzy plans to initially limit the impact on core industries with cash-backs.
Nobody can actually predict how severe the job losses and business failures from a carbon tax implementation will be on this nation. The left wingers predict a rosy future of job growth and business expansion as we create new " green " industries to fill the void. The biggest polluters are crying gloom and doom - and probably overstating the expected impact.
What the community of Australians must understand when they consider this proposal is that if we take this road - then it is a road of no return.
If it turns out badly, we can not reverse direction - drop the tax - and expect things to return to normal. If the worst scenario develops - and we lose core industries such as steel making, aluminium production and the heavy polluters who also happen to provide the vast majority of jobs - then once they are gone they are gone forever.
A former prime minister - a long time ago - made a statement that Australia could turn into a " banana republic ". That is a very real possibility if we take the carbon tax road with good intentions for this planet's future - and it turns out that the lesser nations are tilting at windmills because China, India and the United States ignore global warming - and we destroy what is left of our production industry to no avail.
Each and every Australian needs to study this carbon tax proposal very carefully before making up their minds. There is no magic crystal ball to chart the way ahead - but if we get it wrong it will be a calamity to impact the lives of our children - and our children's children - into the future far beyond this century !
Their is undoubted merit in the carbon tax idea. Put simply, it is a plan to tax the polluters and by costing them money create the incentive for them to mend their ways and move to a less polluting way of doing business.
The planners agree that it will push up energy prices - and probably most other prices as well - but intend to compensate lower income people and pensioners from the tax collected - and there are very fuzzy plans to initially limit the impact on core industries with cash-backs.
Nobody can actually predict how severe the job losses and business failures from a carbon tax implementation will be on this nation. The left wingers predict a rosy future of job growth and business expansion as we create new " green " industries to fill the void. The biggest polluters are crying gloom and doom - and probably overstating the expected impact.
What the community of Australians must understand when they consider this proposal is that if we take this road - then it is a road of no return.
If it turns out badly, we can not reverse direction - drop the tax - and expect things to return to normal. If the worst scenario develops - and we lose core industries such as steel making, aluminium production and the heavy polluters who also happen to provide the vast majority of jobs - then once they are gone they are gone forever.
A former prime minister - a long time ago - made a statement that Australia could turn into a " banana republic ". That is a very real possibility if we take the carbon tax road with good intentions for this planet's future - and it turns out that the lesser nations are tilting at windmills because China, India and the United States ignore global warming - and we destroy what is left of our production industry to no avail.
Each and every Australian needs to study this carbon tax proposal very carefully before making up their minds. There is no magic crystal ball to chart the way ahead - but if we get it wrong it will be a calamity to impact the lives of our children - and our children's children - into the future far beyond this century !
Sunday 5 June 2011
Mental illness - and sitting in judgement !
A Sydney magistrate has been found to be " permanently incapacitated " by the Judicial Commission because he suffers from bi-polar. The state parliament will take a " conscience " vote on whether he should be removed from the bench, and under state law that will require a two thirds majority to proceed.
Various people who have suffered depression - including the state Finance minister, Andrew Robb contend that to sack a person with bi-polar will send a message through the community that mental illness is something to be hidden, rather than brought into the open and treated.
The contention is that there are people in most walks of life who suffer debilitating diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy and asthma. They simply take their medicine and do their jobs and this is part of the treatment process.
The reason this particular magistrate has come to the notice of the Judicial Commission is that some of his findings - and in particular his court behaviour - are described as " unusual ". They has been criticised because they are very different from that of other magistrates.
The call for a bi-polar magistrate to continue to sit on the bench tends to miss the point. People who have a treatable disability and continue to work in other walks of life do not decide the fate of others. When a person appears before a court it is hoped that all the nuances of the case will be carefully examined and a decision reached that embraces both justice and mercy. That is not something ideally decided by a disturbed mind.
If this magistrate continues to serve on the bench there will always be questions about his decisions - and those decisions will be challenged in higher courts. It will introduce an element of uncertainty that has no place in the judicial system.
There are some professions that must automatically bar those with mental problems. Would we volunteer to go under the knife for brain surgery if the respected brain surgeon was known to be bi-polar - and had a history of bizarre incidents in theatre ?
When in doubt - remove the doubt !
Various people who have suffered depression - including the state Finance minister, Andrew Robb contend that to sack a person with bi-polar will send a message through the community that mental illness is something to be hidden, rather than brought into the open and treated.
The contention is that there are people in most walks of life who suffer debilitating diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy and asthma. They simply take their medicine and do their jobs and this is part of the treatment process.
The reason this particular magistrate has come to the notice of the Judicial Commission is that some of his findings - and in particular his court behaviour - are described as " unusual ". They has been criticised because they are very different from that of other magistrates.
The call for a bi-polar magistrate to continue to sit on the bench tends to miss the point. People who have a treatable disability and continue to work in other walks of life do not decide the fate of others. When a person appears before a court it is hoped that all the nuances of the case will be carefully examined and a decision reached that embraces both justice and mercy. That is not something ideally decided by a disturbed mind.
If this magistrate continues to serve on the bench there will always be questions about his decisions - and those decisions will be challenged in higher courts. It will introduce an element of uncertainty that has no place in the judicial system.
There are some professions that must automatically bar those with mental problems. Would we volunteer to go under the knife for brain surgery if the respected brain surgeon was known to be bi-polar - and had a history of bizarre incidents in theatre ?
When in doubt - remove the doubt !
Saturday 4 June 2011
Gift card security !
Queensland has raised the issue of gift card national legislation at a meeting of the Ministerial council of consumer affairs. There was great concern earlier this year when a national bookselling chain closed it's doors and either reneged on honouring gift cards in full - or imposed stringent new conditions on their use.
There has long been disharmony because of restrictions that some outlets impose on gift cards. Expiry date limits have been applied in recent times and there are many other restrictions that are deemed unfair. Some stores will not accept the use of gift cards on items that are marked down in a sale, and others insist that they can only be used on big ticket priced items.
Gift cards are a pre-paid purchase of goods and as such there is absolutely no basis for insisting on a time limit for their use. It is a fact of life that some gift cards are never presented - and therefore the value of the card becomes a " gift " to the bottom line of the store involved. We need legislation to close loop holes and mandate that gift cards should be treated precisely the same as any cash purchase.
Another need is a guarantee of security in case the store becomes insolvent before the credit on the card is extinguished. This could be resolved by either requiring the issuer to insure the value of the card with a third party, or for the value of the card to be held in trust by a bank or a building society until it is redeemed.
Gift cards are a desireable option for many people at Christmas or at birthday times. They eliminate the problem of choice in size, colour or type of gift - but the conditions of use have been left to the discretion of the people issuing the cards - and in recent times many of them have been found wanting.
Time to put some rules on the table and bring gift cards into the twenty-first century. The stores who have been bitterly complaining about competition from the Internet should welcome moves to clean up their act.
After all, a pre-paid purchase is exactly the same as cash money in the till !
There has long been disharmony because of restrictions that some outlets impose on gift cards. Expiry date limits have been applied in recent times and there are many other restrictions that are deemed unfair. Some stores will not accept the use of gift cards on items that are marked down in a sale, and others insist that they can only be used on big ticket priced items.
Gift cards are a pre-paid purchase of goods and as such there is absolutely no basis for insisting on a time limit for their use. It is a fact of life that some gift cards are never presented - and therefore the value of the card becomes a " gift " to the bottom line of the store involved. We need legislation to close loop holes and mandate that gift cards should be treated precisely the same as any cash purchase.
Another need is a guarantee of security in case the store becomes insolvent before the credit on the card is extinguished. This could be resolved by either requiring the issuer to insure the value of the card with a third party, or for the value of the card to be held in trust by a bank or a building society until it is redeemed.
Gift cards are a desireable option for many people at Christmas or at birthday times. They eliminate the problem of choice in size, colour or type of gift - but the conditions of use have been left to the discretion of the people issuing the cards - and in recent times many of them have been found wanting.
Time to put some rules on the table and bring gift cards into the twenty-first century. The stores who have been bitterly complaining about competition from the Internet should welcome moves to clean up their act.
After all, a pre-paid purchase is exactly the same as cash money in the till !
Friday 3 June 2011
Greed - and progress !
There is no doubt that we will have to adopt higher density living if we are to counter urban sprawl and the loss of agricultural land, but Wollongong council has thrown it's support behind a project which appears to be blocked by sheer greed.
The proposal is for a $ 38 million complex of apartment blocks rising to nine stories which will deliver 207 individual apartments in an area zoned for higher density development. One lone, single level house stands to lose winter sun and will therefore be shaded by this high rise - and the developer has tried to buy the property to remove this obstacle.
It all boils down to price. The real estate value of this house is in the vicinity of $ 430,000. The developer has offered $ I million - and this has been rejected. The owners see an opportunity to gouge a huge profit by demanding it be increased to $ 1.5 million - and the developer has refused - but still offers $ 1 million to close the deal.
The owner of this single property has every right to try and get the best price possible, but there are consequences of being too greedy ! The council has rights too - and one of those rights is to give the development the green light and allow the winter shading objection to be rejected.
The owner has had more than a fair offer for the property - over double it's actual value. By refusing, the property could actually drop far below it's present value because it may not attract buyers because of the lack of sunlight in winter.
When it comes to adjudicating claims, fairness is a double edged sword - and it applies to both parties.
Council would be quite justified in suggesting that the owner either take the offer - or suffer the consequences !
The proposal is for a $ 38 million complex of apartment blocks rising to nine stories which will deliver 207 individual apartments in an area zoned for higher density development. One lone, single level house stands to lose winter sun and will therefore be shaded by this high rise - and the developer has tried to buy the property to remove this obstacle.
It all boils down to price. The real estate value of this house is in the vicinity of $ 430,000. The developer has offered $ I million - and this has been rejected. The owners see an opportunity to gouge a huge profit by demanding it be increased to $ 1.5 million - and the developer has refused - but still offers $ 1 million to close the deal.
The owner of this single property has every right to try and get the best price possible, but there are consequences of being too greedy ! The council has rights too - and one of those rights is to give the development the green light and allow the winter shading objection to be rejected.
The owner has had more than a fair offer for the property - over double it's actual value. By refusing, the property could actually drop far below it's present value because it may not attract buyers because of the lack of sunlight in winter.
When it comes to adjudicating claims, fairness is a double edged sword - and it applies to both parties.
Council would be quite justified in suggesting that the owner either take the offer - or suffer the consequences !
Thursday 2 June 2011
Cremations versus burials.
What happens after we die is an evolving scene of cremations replacing burials. Ten years ago cremations represented just fifty-five percent and burials forty-five percent of funerals - but today that ratio has increased to sixty-five against thirty-five. The statistician predicts that seventy - thirty will not be long in coming.
Several factors have accelerated this trend. The explosion of land prices have made land acquisition for new cemeteries prohibitive, and the existing cemeteries are fast running out of room for new burials. Already there is talk of limited tenure for that burial plot !
Then there is the question of the upkeep of old graves. How many neglected suburban cemeteries blot the landscape - with calls for them to be bulldozed and turned into parks to serve the living ?
Perhaps the biggest factor is now the cost of a funeral. Burials are still available, but at a much higher cost than a cremation, and as most people are now pre-paying into funeral insurance schemes - the cost of a future event is hitting wallets now. As a result, the decision between burial/cremation is no longer something awaiting the time of death - but needs to be decided while that person is still living.
Some religions favour burial - and there are a few that insist on burial for what appears to be very suspect reasons - but in this twenty-first century we suffer a space problem. Earth has a population of seven billion people - and eventually all of them will die and their bodies will need taking care of. Just how much ground do we set aside for that purpose - and at what cost ?
Once again the " after death " scenario is evolving into a matter of money. For the very rich there is the opportunity to illustrate their elevation over " the common herd " by using that money to have the body installed in a family crypt.
For the rest of us, a niche the size of a brick will house our ashes, and our resting place will be commemorated with an etched brass plate.
And even that may one day take up too much space. It all depends on just how many people this poor old planet gets to call " home " !
Several factors have accelerated this trend. The explosion of land prices have made land acquisition for new cemeteries prohibitive, and the existing cemeteries are fast running out of room for new burials. Already there is talk of limited tenure for that burial plot !
Then there is the question of the upkeep of old graves. How many neglected suburban cemeteries blot the landscape - with calls for them to be bulldozed and turned into parks to serve the living ?
Perhaps the biggest factor is now the cost of a funeral. Burials are still available, but at a much higher cost than a cremation, and as most people are now pre-paying into funeral insurance schemes - the cost of a future event is hitting wallets now. As a result, the decision between burial/cremation is no longer something awaiting the time of death - but needs to be decided while that person is still living.
Some religions favour burial - and there are a few that insist on burial for what appears to be very suspect reasons - but in this twenty-first century we suffer a space problem. Earth has a population of seven billion people - and eventually all of them will die and their bodies will need taking care of. Just how much ground do we set aside for that purpose - and at what cost ?
Once again the " after death " scenario is evolving into a matter of money. For the very rich there is the opportunity to illustrate their elevation over " the common herd " by using that money to have the body installed in a family crypt.
For the rest of us, a niche the size of a brick will house our ashes, and our resting place will be commemorated with an etched brass plate.
And even that may one day take up too much space. It all depends on just how many people this poor old planet gets to call " home " !
Wednesday 1 June 2011
Live cattle exports !
The horror engendered by the release of a video showing extreme cruelty to Australian cattle exported to Indonesia raises a wider problem in the live export of animals for domestic meat consumption. Cattle and sheep exported from Australia create a one billion dollar world market - and this market employs ten thousand Australians in the chain of events leading to the loading of export ships.
The cruel practices in Indonesia are nothing new. The whole process of cramming live animals on ships and transporting them to the other side of the world is distressing for the animals concerned, and many die before the ships arrive. It is also a a highly uneconomic way to do business.
There have been constant calls for the practice to be banned - and now eleven Indonesian abattoirs will no longer be supplied. No doubt Indonesia will discipline those abottoirs and in due course the ban will be lifted - and things will return to normal - whatever we or they consider " normal ".
Exporting live animals would be better served by processing the meat here in Australia - and exporting it in frozen form. This would cut shipping costs sharply - and this is the practice followed when Australian meat is exported to other than Muslim countries.
Live exports are only involved when meat is required by Islam - and there are some very real obstacles to introducing reforms. Islam insists that animals slaughtered for domestic consumption be killed by those of the Islamic religion and that they follow strict religious practice. They must offer a prayer - and the killing method must be by slitting the animals throat while it faces towards Mecca. It is not common practice to stun the beast to lower the level of distress.
Obviously, this should not be a problem if the receiving countries developed abattoirs in Australia employing Muslims who followed Islamic practice. The meat would then be packaged, frozen and exported at much lower cost than when live trade is involved.
The problem is the standards of the receiving countries. They mostly lack any form of domestic refrigeration and as a necessity the killing and processing of meat from the abattoir to the dining table must follow a very short time frame. The standard of hygiene involved would make most Australians shudder !
There is little point in demanding a change to live exports until Muslim countries get their act together and create the conditions to safely handle the distribution of frozen food - all the way from the docks to the distribution centres - and onward to the shops that sell to the public.
There seems little will to make a change - and perhaps that will only come when the supply of meat decreases - and forces a sharp increase in price.
The world is heading for a food shortage and the day is fast coming when Australia may refuse to continue to make live exports - because world demand is such that frozen meat processed in Australia can pick and choose the markets that will be supplied.
In the interim, those Indonesian abattoirs will be under pressure to at least improve their practices !
The cruel practices in Indonesia are nothing new. The whole process of cramming live animals on ships and transporting them to the other side of the world is distressing for the animals concerned, and many die before the ships arrive. It is also a a highly uneconomic way to do business.
There have been constant calls for the practice to be banned - and now eleven Indonesian abattoirs will no longer be supplied. No doubt Indonesia will discipline those abottoirs and in due course the ban will be lifted - and things will return to normal - whatever we or they consider " normal ".
Exporting live animals would be better served by processing the meat here in Australia - and exporting it in frozen form. This would cut shipping costs sharply - and this is the practice followed when Australian meat is exported to other than Muslim countries.
Live exports are only involved when meat is required by Islam - and there are some very real obstacles to introducing reforms. Islam insists that animals slaughtered for domestic consumption be killed by those of the Islamic religion and that they follow strict religious practice. They must offer a prayer - and the killing method must be by slitting the animals throat while it faces towards Mecca. It is not common practice to stun the beast to lower the level of distress.
Obviously, this should not be a problem if the receiving countries developed abattoirs in Australia employing Muslims who followed Islamic practice. The meat would then be packaged, frozen and exported at much lower cost than when live trade is involved.
The problem is the standards of the receiving countries. They mostly lack any form of domestic refrigeration and as a necessity the killing and processing of meat from the abattoir to the dining table must follow a very short time frame. The standard of hygiene involved would make most Australians shudder !
There is little point in demanding a change to live exports until Muslim countries get their act together and create the conditions to safely handle the distribution of frozen food - all the way from the docks to the distribution centres - and onward to the shops that sell to the public.
There seems little will to make a change - and perhaps that will only come when the supply of meat decreases - and forces a sharp increase in price.
The world is heading for a food shortage and the day is fast coming when Australia may refuse to continue to make live exports - because world demand is such that frozen meat processed in Australia can pick and choose the markets that will be supplied.
In the interim, those Indonesian abattoirs will be under pressure to at least improve their practices !
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