It is easy to understand why New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has proposed legislation to force cigarette sales underground. His government is so on the nose with voters that anything to draw attention away from the mess is welcome.
There is one positive outcome. Few would disagree with legislation to ban adults smoking in cars in which children under sixteen are also passengers.
The proposal to make tobacco invisible in shops is argumentative. Tobacco is a legal product and a lot of people - farmers who grow the plant in Australia - and shopkeepers who derive profit from it's sale - will be inconvenienced.
The plan may marginally decrease smoking but it is unlikely that the absence of the product from display will stop young people taking up the habit. On the contrary - if something is partially banned it will have more attraction to rebellious youth - as is evidenced by their fascination with marijuana.
At least this will be an incremental plan. Tobacco products will fade from sight over four years - if the legislation survives it's passage through parliament in the months ahead. It will gradually disappear under the counter - with a similarity to condoms back in the 1950's - when they were illegal to advertise or display - were a chemist's only product - and had to be specifically asked for under their quaint description as " French Letters ".
This legislation will certainly cause merchants cost and inconvenience - but at least it will allow embattled Premier Iemma to crow that at long last he has managed to to do something that he considers " positive ".
Whether the public will agree is another matter !
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Decision time !
Once again dire warnings are being given on the future funding of local government. Ratepayers are being conditioned to expect massive increases in rates and charges to prevent councils collapsing and civic amenities ceasing.
The third tier of government has been subtly changing over the past five decades. Councils were once described as responsible for " pot holes and rubbish collection " - and not much more.
That is not the case today. Councils have had all sorts of amenities offloaded by both the state and Federal governments. In most cases this added responsibility has not been matched with supporting funds, whilst in other cases bridging funds have been offered for the first few years - and then discontinued.
The time has come for the councils to do more than just draw a line in the sand. The damage has been done - and councils are in debt and with an unsustainable backlog of urgently needed work. The money is simply not there to bring civic amenities up to scratch.
A more aggressive approach is needed. It is time councils simply refused to fund functions that are not their responsibility - and if the two superior levels of government refuse to come to the party with funds - close them down !
Of course the ratepayers will suffer but if councils make it clear that they are simply turning back the responsibilities that have been foisted on them without financial support - then the other levels of government will be saddled with the blame.
Council ratepayers have two choices. Suffer a huge blowout in council rates and charges - or get involved in a fight to make state and Federal governments provide the funds for what have become off loaded social services.
One council can not do this alone. It will require a united front across the spectrum - but for too long councils have been saddled with proving services that are not in their domain.
The time has come for them to deliver a resounding " NO " !
The third tier of government has been subtly changing over the past five decades. Councils were once described as responsible for " pot holes and rubbish collection " - and not much more.
That is not the case today. Councils have had all sorts of amenities offloaded by both the state and Federal governments. In most cases this added responsibility has not been matched with supporting funds, whilst in other cases bridging funds have been offered for the first few years - and then discontinued.
The time has come for the councils to do more than just draw a line in the sand. The damage has been done - and councils are in debt and with an unsustainable backlog of urgently needed work. The money is simply not there to bring civic amenities up to scratch.
A more aggressive approach is needed. It is time councils simply refused to fund functions that are not their responsibility - and if the two superior levels of government refuse to come to the party with funds - close them down !
Of course the ratepayers will suffer but if councils make it clear that they are simply turning back the responsibilities that have been foisted on them without financial support - then the other levels of government will be saddled with the blame.
Council ratepayers have two choices. Suffer a huge blowout in council rates and charges - or get involved in a fight to make state and Federal governments provide the funds for what have become off loaded social services.
One council can not do this alone. It will require a united front across the spectrum - but for too long councils have been saddled with proving services that are not in their domain.
The time has come for them to deliver a resounding " NO " !
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
The Sonny Bill Saga !
Without contracts all sports would be a mess. Clubs would not be certain how many players they could muster on any given day - and players could not be certain that there would be a pay cheque at the end of any given week.
The whole concept of contracts is one of mutual obligations. Contracts stipulate how long a person will play for a club or a sport - and in return there are rules the player is obliged to meet - and what amount of remuneration will be received.
Sonny Bill Williams walked away from such a contract, left the country - and it is rumoured that he has changed codes and will play for a foreign club at several times the salary he was receiving here.
There are suggestions of legal action. A contract is a legal document that can be enforced through the courts and the whole sporting spectrum will be watching the outcome with interest.
They need to do so. If Williams gets away with walking out of a binding contract because he can get more money elsewhere then the whole concept of teams of franchised players goes out the window.
This is the time that all sports should stand united. There is no difference between players changing clubs, changing sports or changing codes if it means ignoring a legal contract - and thumbing their nose at the law.
If sport is to survive without the chaos of broken contracts and player's lured by the offer of more money then they must present a united front. No player under contract should be engaged by any other sport unless the club concerned releases the player from the contractual obligation.
The one certain penalty that will ensure compliance is a world life ban, removing the rebel from any hope of further fame or fortune !
The whole concept of contracts is one of mutual obligations. Contracts stipulate how long a person will play for a club or a sport - and in return there are rules the player is obliged to meet - and what amount of remuneration will be received.
Sonny Bill Williams walked away from such a contract, left the country - and it is rumoured that he has changed codes and will play for a foreign club at several times the salary he was receiving here.
There are suggestions of legal action. A contract is a legal document that can be enforced through the courts and the whole sporting spectrum will be watching the outcome with interest.
They need to do so. If Williams gets away with walking out of a binding contract because he can get more money elsewhere then the whole concept of teams of franchised players goes out the window.
This is the time that all sports should stand united. There is no difference between players changing clubs, changing sports or changing codes if it means ignoring a legal contract - and thumbing their nose at the law.
If sport is to survive without the chaos of broken contracts and player's lured by the offer of more money then they must present a united front. No player under contract should be engaged by any other sport unless the club concerned releases the player from the contractual obligation.
The one certain penalty that will ensure compliance is a world life ban, removing the rebel from any hope of further fame or fortune !
Monday, 28 July 2008
The new road menace !
Half a century ago car manufacturers started offering radios in their new vehicles. Many people considered this a distraction which would increase road accidents.
Decades later the mobile phone improved communications for the masses, but laws were soon in place to restrict their use while driving. It quickly became apparent that those texting or holding a conversation were more like to crash while their attention was diverted.
Now we have another electronic marvel - the navigation device which uses satellite technology to match the position of the vehicle with a map - and instruct the driver to reach the intended destination.
If talking on a mobile phone is an illegal distraction while driving, how can peeking at a screen or listening to an instructing voice be any different ?
The authorities have been slow to grasp the importance of this new menace. More and more vehicles have satellite navigation fitted as standard equipment - and mass production has reduced the cost to less than four hundred dollars - making them economically available to most people.
It seems that they could become indispensable in our crowded and fast expanding cities but what rules should apply to their use presents a thorny question.
Ideally, they should be used by a navigator accompanying the driver, but if laws are put in place to make this requirement they are likely to be widely ignored.
Despite heavy fines and loss of demerit points drivers persist in texting and talking on mobile phones while driving. Short of a draconian solution - such as having offenders face a firing squad - there seems no alternative to curb the practice - and now a navigational aid will increase the danger !
Decades later the mobile phone improved communications for the masses, but laws were soon in place to restrict their use while driving. It quickly became apparent that those texting or holding a conversation were more like to crash while their attention was diverted.
Now we have another electronic marvel - the navigation device which uses satellite technology to match the position of the vehicle with a map - and instruct the driver to reach the intended destination.
If talking on a mobile phone is an illegal distraction while driving, how can peeking at a screen or listening to an instructing voice be any different ?
The authorities have been slow to grasp the importance of this new menace. More and more vehicles have satellite navigation fitted as standard equipment - and mass production has reduced the cost to less than four hundred dollars - making them economically available to most people.
It seems that they could become indispensable in our crowded and fast expanding cities but what rules should apply to their use presents a thorny question.
Ideally, they should be used by a navigator accompanying the driver, but if laws are put in place to make this requirement they are likely to be widely ignored.
Despite heavy fines and loss of demerit points drivers persist in texting and talking on mobile phones while driving. Short of a draconian solution - such as having offenders face a firing squad - there seems no alternative to curb the practice - and now a navigational aid will increase the danger !
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Terror in the sky.
The near catastrophe on a Qantas flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne creates a new problem for air travellers.
One thing only is certain. There was an explosion of some sort in the baggage hold and this blew away part of the outer skin of the aircraft. This allowed the cabin to lose pressure and only the skill of the crew prevented a crash. The fact that the aircraft managed to limp into Manila is a tribute to the training of Qantas pilots.
Investigators will eventually discover the cause of that explosion - and at this stage it is suggested that the emergency oxygen bottles may have malfunctioned.
It has also been suggested that some sort of pressurised container in passenger luggage - deodorant - hair spray - or other cosmetic may have been the cause.
This accident is sure to focus attention on luggage content. Already passengers are severely limited as to what they can have as cabin luggage and it is likely that further restrictions will apply to the bags that are checked to be carried in the aircraft's hold.
We have come a long way from the placid days of air travel - when some passengers were even invited to visit the flight deck. Ever increasing restrictions apply to our movement through the terminal - with some people asked to remove their shoes and all having to pass through metal detectors.
It seems destined to get worse - and some will question whether air travel is worth the hassle.
All this at a time when skyrocketing fuel prices are being matched by similar increases in air fares. Coach holidays to see Australia - and cruising on the deep blue ocean have never been more appealing !
One thing only is certain. There was an explosion of some sort in the baggage hold and this blew away part of the outer skin of the aircraft. This allowed the cabin to lose pressure and only the skill of the crew prevented a crash. The fact that the aircraft managed to limp into Manila is a tribute to the training of Qantas pilots.
Investigators will eventually discover the cause of that explosion - and at this stage it is suggested that the emergency oxygen bottles may have malfunctioned.
It has also been suggested that some sort of pressurised container in passenger luggage - deodorant - hair spray - or other cosmetic may have been the cause.
This accident is sure to focus attention on luggage content. Already passengers are severely limited as to what they can have as cabin luggage and it is likely that further restrictions will apply to the bags that are checked to be carried in the aircraft's hold.
We have come a long way from the placid days of air travel - when some passengers were even invited to visit the flight deck. Ever increasing restrictions apply to our movement through the terminal - with some people asked to remove their shoes and all having to pass through metal detectors.
It seems destined to get worse - and some will question whether air travel is worth the hassle.
All this at a time when skyrocketing fuel prices are being matched by similar increases in air fares. Coach holidays to see Australia - and cruising on the deep blue ocean have never been more appealing !
Saturday, 26 July 2008
The ghosts that haunt Serbia !
War criminal Radovan Karadzic has been handed over to the police for extradition to the International Court of Justice in the Hague to be tried for genocide.
It would have been nice if this had been done earlier in the spirit of contrition. It wasn't - and for over a decade the unrepentant citizens of Serbia hid Karadzic - and his fellow murderer General Ratko Mladic - on the pretense that they couldn't find them.
The change of heart had a simple cause - self interest. The world made it clear that Serbia could forget any hope of becoming a member of the European Community ( EU ) until it handed over these criminals for justice.
In all probability Ratko Mladic will be mysteriously " found " in coming months.
This raises the question of whether the Serb people of the former Yugoslavia deserve to rub shoulders with the rest of Europe. During the war of the last decade they exhibited acts of brutality that horrified the rest of the world.
Srebrenica was designated a safe haven by the United Nations, yet the Serbs brushed aside United Nations peacekeepers and starved, tortured - and then murdered thousands of men and boys seeking shelter there - simply because they were Muslims.
This atrocity was not carried out solely by the two sought leaders. Hundreds - perhaps thousands - of Serb citizens acting within the Serb army willingly took part in this genocide - and have no regrets for their actions.
Now - with EU entry refused - they have had a change of heart and are prepared to surrender the people they have shielded as " heroes " . Should people who have willingly taken part in genocide be greeted with open arms by the world community ?
History replies in the affirmative. During the second world war a " civilized " country carried out a similar act of genocide on a greater scale.
The German concentration camps and gas ovens were not manned by the country's leaders. Thousands of members of the armed forces were sent to man those camps and there is evidence that they carried out their duties with relish.
Now - over half a century later - most of them are either dead or very old men, and yet Germany has returned to being a law abiding member of the world body.
The world will embrace Serbia with a degree of reluctance. Hopefully, the passage of time may change attitudes and the Serb's may learn to live peacefully with their neighbours !
It would have been nice if this had been done earlier in the spirit of contrition. It wasn't - and for over a decade the unrepentant citizens of Serbia hid Karadzic - and his fellow murderer General Ratko Mladic - on the pretense that they couldn't find them.
The change of heart had a simple cause - self interest. The world made it clear that Serbia could forget any hope of becoming a member of the European Community ( EU ) until it handed over these criminals for justice.
In all probability Ratko Mladic will be mysteriously " found " in coming months.
This raises the question of whether the Serb people of the former Yugoslavia deserve to rub shoulders with the rest of Europe. During the war of the last decade they exhibited acts of brutality that horrified the rest of the world.
Srebrenica was designated a safe haven by the United Nations, yet the Serbs brushed aside United Nations peacekeepers and starved, tortured - and then murdered thousands of men and boys seeking shelter there - simply because they were Muslims.
This atrocity was not carried out solely by the two sought leaders. Hundreds - perhaps thousands - of Serb citizens acting within the Serb army willingly took part in this genocide - and have no regrets for their actions.
Now - with EU entry refused - they have had a change of heart and are prepared to surrender the people they have shielded as " heroes " . Should people who have willingly taken part in genocide be greeted with open arms by the world community ?
History replies in the affirmative. During the second world war a " civilized " country carried out a similar act of genocide on a greater scale.
The German concentration camps and gas ovens were not manned by the country's leaders. Thousands of members of the armed forces were sent to man those camps and there is evidence that they carried out their duties with relish.
Now - over half a century later - most of them are either dead or very old men, and yet Germany has returned to being a law abiding member of the world body.
The world will embrace Serbia with a degree of reluctance. Hopefully, the passage of time may change attitudes and the Serb's may learn to live peacefully with their neighbours !
Friday, 25 July 2008
New shopping era.
Change to the way we shop is on the way. A giant American corporation will soon open a shopping warehouse in Melbourne - with the promise of an outlet in Sydney and other capitals to follow.
We are about to be introduced to the concept of bulk buying. The bigger the purchase of any item dictates a lower price and this can result in unbelievable prices when the reseller operates on a fraction of the usual margin.
We will need to adjust to travelling to these super warehouses. They are so big that only one or two would be justified in a city the size of Sydney, but they will be worth the time and effort because of the savings they will offer.
The existing grocery stores of Coles and Woolworths have started conditioning customers to start thinking of bigger volume purchases. Have you noticed the latest trend in their liquor outlets to offer two bottle of spirits - or two cases of beer - at a special price ?
Grocery specials now are offered in multiples - six of a single item at a very low price. Obviously the numbers necessary to achieve a big saving will increase steadily as the invasion from across the Pacific draws closer.
This move will tend to tie in with other events. Petrol is reaching ridiculous levels and many will willingly forgo a weekly shopping in favour of buying in bulk to satisfy a whole months requirements.
It also means that the future of Coles and Woolworths is less than clear. Not everyone will be able to buy in bulk, hence the conventional stores are likely to adopt a split approach to prices.
The person of limited means will still be able to make single item purchases - but the price will be much higher than that offered for a greater quantity of the same goods.
Unfortunately this will further widen the divide between the urban poor and the more affluent in our society.
It underscores that old adage that " progress comes at a price " !
We are about to be introduced to the concept of bulk buying. The bigger the purchase of any item dictates a lower price and this can result in unbelievable prices when the reseller operates on a fraction of the usual margin.
We will need to adjust to travelling to these super warehouses. They are so big that only one or two would be justified in a city the size of Sydney, but they will be worth the time and effort because of the savings they will offer.
The existing grocery stores of Coles and Woolworths have started conditioning customers to start thinking of bigger volume purchases. Have you noticed the latest trend in their liquor outlets to offer two bottle of spirits - or two cases of beer - at a special price ?
Grocery specials now are offered in multiples - six of a single item at a very low price. Obviously the numbers necessary to achieve a big saving will increase steadily as the invasion from across the Pacific draws closer.
This move will tend to tie in with other events. Petrol is reaching ridiculous levels and many will willingly forgo a weekly shopping in favour of buying in bulk to satisfy a whole months requirements.
It also means that the future of Coles and Woolworths is less than clear. Not everyone will be able to buy in bulk, hence the conventional stores are likely to adopt a split approach to prices.
The person of limited means will still be able to make single item purchases - but the price will be much higher than that offered for a greater quantity of the same goods.
Unfortunately this will further widen the divide between the urban poor and the more affluent in our society.
It underscores that old adage that " progress comes at a price " !
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