It is worthwhile spending a few minutes reviewing your present medical options. If you consult a regular doctor, how did this person become your doctor of choice ?
The chances are that it was by chance !
Many people choose their doctor either because someone they know consults that person - or in many cases because they see a surgery in the district where they live and present there for their medical needs.
If they are reasonably happy with the service provided - then that person becomes their regular doctor.
Unfortunately the level of service provided by members of the medical profession varies widely and patrons are well advised to consider how well their professional shapes up.
If the doctor is past fifty years of age there is a good chance that he is no longer following the rapid advances of medicine. We constantly read of medical advances in the media. It would be a good idea to test your doctor by mentioning such advances and asking his or her views. A negative reaction would be a sign of warning.
It would also pay to carefully take note of the surgery. Is it modern ? Does it have a computer ? Does it have EFTPOS facilities - or does the doctor demand cash or cheque ? If the doctor is not keeping up with modern technology then perhaps medical thinking also remains in another age.
The most important aspect of our lives - is our health. Without that, quality of life declines despite having the best job, heaps of money and a loving family. We strive to drive a safe and economical motor vehicle. We should take the same care when selecting the person who will manage our health. It pays to ask questions and evaluate that person in the white coat whose decisions will decide our fate !
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
Birthday party mayhem !
There was a time when kids from tots to teens looked forward to a party to celebrate their birthday. Today, that is becoming " mission impossible " for most parents !
The problem is " gate crashers ". No matter how well planned the party there is always the chance that a horde of hundreds of juveniles will descend on the venue and create chaos.
There are two problems. The first is the ubiquitous mobile phone. Once the location of the party is known messages flash back and forth between mobile phones and assemble the raiders.
The second is the mentality of those raiders. They do not come to help the party host celebrate. They come to get drunk, steal anything not nailed down - and usually assault anyone who objects to their presence.
Few people these days are silly enough to hold birthday parties in their own homes. Those that do are usually the rich who can afford to hire off duty police as security guards - at $ 40 an hour.
Favourite past venues - Scout halls and local Council halls are no longer available for hire for parties due to past experience of damage caused and mess left behind.
Even the option of holding such parties in registered clubs creates problems. The club management has to ensure that no drinkers are under age - or risk their license - and for most venues that is just too much trouble - so requests are refused.
Teenagers whose parents refuse to host such parties are often the instigator of wild scenes in parks or on public beaches. They organise a meeting with a few friends which is nothing better than a drinking session and when this gets out of hand with invaders there is no damage to parent's homes and the wreckage left behind is someone else's problem.
It seems that the day of the well organised - and well conducted - birthday party is a thing of the past. These days - a request from a family member for a birthday party is a thing of dread for parents. Perhaps a sign of this ever changing world we live in !
The problem is " gate crashers ". No matter how well planned the party there is always the chance that a horde of hundreds of juveniles will descend on the venue and create chaos.
There are two problems. The first is the ubiquitous mobile phone. Once the location of the party is known messages flash back and forth between mobile phones and assemble the raiders.
The second is the mentality of those raiders. They do not come to help the party host celebrate. They come to get drunk, steal anything not nailed down - and usually assault anyone who objects to their presence.
Few people these days are silly enough to hold birthday parties in their own homes. Those that do are usually the rich who can afford to hire off duty police as security guards - at $ 40 an hour.
Favourite past venues - Scout halls and local Council halls are no longer available for hire for parties due to past experience of damage caused and mess left behind.
Even the option of holding such parties in registered clubs creates problems. The club management has to ensure that no drinkers are under age - or risk their license - and for most venues that is just too much trouble - so requests are refused.
Teenagers whose parents refuse to host such parties are often the instigator of wild scenes in parks or on public beaches. They organise a meeting with a few friends which is nothing better than a drinking session and when this gets out of hand with invaders there is no damage to parent's homes and the wreckage left behind is someone else's problem.
It seems that the day of the well organised - and well conducted - birthday party is a thing of the past. These days - a request from a family member for a birthday party is a thing of dread for parents. Perhaps a sign of this ever changing world we live in !
Monday, 26 February 2007
The continuing Asbestos menace !
The James Hardie company is compensating Asbestos victims to the tune of billions of dollars, but very little is being done to prevent new cases from Asbestos products already in the community.
There are strict laws in place to regulate the removal of Asbestos when an existing home is demolished, but there is no education programme to teach people the danger of working on the Asbestos that is present in all homes more than a quarter century old.
In particular, there are hundreds of thousands of homes, garages and sheds with unpainted Asbestos wall cladding and Asbestos roof sheeting.
Over the years the surface of these sheets has weathered and the Asbestos fibres are now exposed to the wind. Fibres break off under the deteriorating effect of sun and wind - and blow through the air to come in contact with the lungs of those nearby.
Mesothelioma is a slow developing - but inevitably fatal disease. It can take twenty to thirty years to make it's presence felt and our lack of action to prevent future cases means that Asbestos deaths will remain throughout this century - and probably extend into the next.
What is needed is an aggressive media campaign to make people realise just how deadly this product is. It is unsafe to drill or cut Asbestos sheeting without first wetting it down - and always to wear a breathing mask.
Asbestos sheeting on exterior walls and Asbestos sheeting roofs are deadly just by nature of their existence unprotected by a coat of paint or other binder to stop the surface weathering and releasing fibres.
If you can't afford to have it removed and replaced by a safe material, at least cover it with a coat of paint - and make sure that coat of paint remains intact as the years go by.
The alternative is to join the list of Asbestos sufferers who will eventually face a painful death !
There are strict laws in place to regulate the removal of Asbestos when an existing home is demolished, but there is no education programme to teach people the danger of working on the Asbestos that is present in all homes more than a quarter century old.
In particular, there are hundreds of thousands of homes, garages and sheds with unpainted Asbestos wall cladding and Asbestos roof sheeting.
Over the years the surface of these sheets has weathered and the Asbestos fibres are now exposed to the wind. Fibres break off under the deteriorating effect of sun and wind - and blow through the air to come in contact with the lungs of those nearby.
Mesothelioma is a slow developing - but inevitably fatal disease. It can take twenty to thirty years to make it's presence felt and our lack of action to prevent future cases means that Asbestos deaths will remain throughout this century - and probably extend into the next.
What is needed is an aggressive media campaign to make people realise just how deadly this product is. It is unsafe to drill or cut Asbestos sheeting without first wetting it down - and always to wear a breathing mask.
Asbestos sheeting on exterior walls and Asbestos sheeting roofs are deadly just by nature of their existence unprotected by a coat of paint or other binder to stop the surface weathering and releasing fibres.
If you can't afford to have it removed and replaced by a safe material, at least cover it with a coat of paint - and make sure that coat of paint remains intact as the years go by.
The alternative is to join the list of Asbestos sufferers who will eventually face a painful death !
Sunday, 25 February 2007
The rent threat !
A combination of circumstances is pushing those who rely on rental accommodation into making hazardous decisions. On the one hand, a scarcity of rental property is sending rents sky high - and there are indications that as this year progresses many will simply find such property unobtainable.
On the other hand, lenders are imploring people to accept no deposit, full asking price home loans to buy property - and because of lack of demand property prices have retreated from the boom of several months ago.
A logical conclusion is that renters - faced with a lack of suitable accommodation - should take the plunge and buy. For many, that would be an unwise step because as renters they are accustomed to the weekly rent being the end of the matter. As an owner they are faced with legal and stamp duty costs in transferring their new home into their name, and ongoing costs such as council rates and water and sewerage charges. The unwary can quickly find themselves mired in debt with the only escape being bankruptcy !
In Wollongong a new opportunity for those seeking accommodation is soon to appear. Magnificent Lake Illawarra has long been closed to the sea as low rainfall has failed to flush the lake and sand has barred the entrance to the sea.
Millions are being spent to construct rock training walls and a dredge is presently sucking sand from the channel to form a permanent entrance. Later this year that work is expected to be complete.
It must then occur to many that maybe their rental crisis can be solved by investing in a boat. There is a certain romantic atmosphere about living on the water and changing your address as often as you choose to drop the anchor - and Lake Illawarra is a vast stretch of water with numerous islands to provide shelter.
There are laws and requirements that apply to those living on boats, but once the lake is open to the sea a legal escape is available. By simply leaving the lake and sailing into the open sea at regular intervals for a few hours the vessel not only has the opportunity to flush it's toilet holding tank, but it also negates those laws which apply to permanency.
No doubt officialdom will tighten those laws if sufficient people choose to live on Lake Illawarra, but for renters the future is far from clear - and we can expect the spirit of innovation to shine brightest when the renting scenario is at it's darkest !
On the other hand, lenders are imploring people to accept no deposit, full asking price home loans to buy property - and because of lack of demand property prices have retreated from the boom of several months ago.
A logical conclusion is that renters - faced with a lack of suitable accommodation - should take the plunge and buy. For many, that would be an unwise step because as renters they are accustomed to the weekly rent being the end of the matter. As an owner they are faced with legal and stamp duty costs in transferring their new home into their name, and ongoing costs such as council rates and water and sewerage charges. The unwary can quickly find themselves mired in debt with the only escape being bankruptcy !
In Wollongong a new opportunity for those seeking accommodation is soon to appear. Magnificent Lake Illawarra has long been closed to the sea as low rainfall has failed to flush the lake and sand has barred the entrance to the sea.
Millions are being spent to construct rock training walls and a dredge is presently sucking sand from the channel to form a permanent entrance. Later this year that work is expected to be complete.
It must then occur to many that maybe their rental crisis can be solved by investing in a boat. There is a certain romantic atmosphere about living on the water and changing your address as often as you choose to drop the anchor - and Lake Illawarra is a vast stretch of water with numerous islands to provide shelter.
There are laws and requirements that apply to those living on boats, but once the lake is open to the sea a legal escape is available. By simply leaving the lake and sailing into the open sea at regular intervals for a few hours the vessel not only has the opportunity to flush it's toilet holding tank, but it also negates those laws which apply to permanency.
No doubt officialdom will tighten those laws if sufficient people choose to live on Lake Illawarra, but for renters the future is far from clear - and we can expect the spirit of innovation to shine brightest when the renting scenario is at it's darkest !
Saturday, 24 February 2007
Avoidable traffic chaos.
Yesterday, Sydney was not a pleasant place to visit if you were driving a car. In fact, Sydney will be a horror destination for drivers for three whole days !
Why ? Because the vice president of the United States of America is here on a visit - and for some strange reason that visit will take place in Sydney.
Because the VP will be moving about the city in his motorcade,streets will be sealed off between his hotel in " The Rocks " and the CBD, both to ensure safety from terrorists and to speed his journey. As a consequence, other road users will face delays and inconvenience.
The question that needs an answer is why this visit by a senior representative of a friendly ally has to take place in Sydney ?
Sydney is the biggest city in this country - and the state capital - but the national capital happens to be in a place called Canberra - and that's the logical place for chin wags between government and visiting dignitaries to take place.
When our PM flies to America or Britain for meetings they take place in Washington or London.
Admittedly Canberra is something of a non-event when it comes to scenery - and few citizens of other countries have ever heard of it - as opposed to the beautiful world city of Sydney, with it's harbour, bridge and Opera House - but these top level discussions are not supposed to be mere tourism - and wouldn't it be reasonable to expect them to be held in Canberra - where the drab surroundings would not draw attention away from the matters under discussion ?
The citizens of Sydney could surely do without crowds of the unwashed demonstrating whenever a controversial visitor arrives and motorists have enough to put up with from badly designed traffic flows and tolls without street closures to further impede their progress.
Perhaps now is the time to ordain that all government to government contact will in future take place - in Canberra !
Why ? Because the vice president of the United States of America is here on a visit - and for some strange reason that visit will take place in Sydney.
Because the VP will be moving about the city in his motorcade,streets will be sealed off between his hotel in " The Rocks " and the CBD, both to ensure safety from terrorists and to speed his journey. As a consequence, other road users will face delays and inconvenience.
The question that needs an answer is why this visit by a senior representative of a friendly ally has to take place in Sydney ?
Sydney is the biggest city in this country - and the state capital - but the national capital happens to be in a place called Canberra - and that's the logical place for chin wags between government and visiting dignitaries to take place.
When our PM flies to America or Britain for meetings they take place in Washington or London.
Admittedly Canberra is something of a non-event when it comes to scenery - and few citizens of other countries have ever heard of it - as opposed to the beautiful world city of Sydney, with it's harbour, bridge and Opera House - but these top level discussions are not supposed to be mere tourism - and wouldn't it be reasonable to expect them to be held in Canberra - where the drab surroundings would not draw attention away from the matters under discussion ?
The citizens of Sydney could surely do without crowds of the unwashed demonstrating whenever a controversial visitor arrives and motorists have enough to put up with from badly designed traffic flows and tolls without street closures to further impede their progress.
Perhaps now is the time to ordain that all government to government contact will in future take place - in Canberra !
Friday, 23 February 2007
That planning debacle !
This week the largest passenger liner in the world - the " Queen Mary 2 " and her sister ship - " Queen Elisabeth 2 " both were in port in Sydney on the same day.
The Queen Mary sailed through the heads at dawn, to be met by a huge flotilla of welcoming private vessels and crowds thronging the foreshore in greeting.
Crowds gathered all day to secure prime viewing spots and a picnic atmosphere prevailed as people waited for the promised fireworks display before the Queen Mary made a spectacular evening departure,
For some unknown reason this failed to gain the attention of the state government. All during the day television news recorded the huge number of people on the foreshores and vantage spots - and it should not have taken Einstein to predict that there would be a problem when the Queen Mary sailed - and these people headed home.
When this happened it quickly developed into a debacle. There were no extra trains or buses. The transport system was running to it's usual, sleepy, cut back evening timetables. The ferry services had been suspended - because of the danger of collision with the flotilla of private craft returning from escorting Queen Mary to sea - and to cap it off - the rangers who control the Botanical Gardens locked the gates at sundown - trapping hordes of people within the gardens. Those heading home from their vantage points were forced to climb trees and scale fences to escape from this prison.
Motorists who drove to vantage points to see this great ship fared no better. In a moment of bad timing the east-west tunnel was closed for maintenance on this memorable night, forcing traffic to use side streets and resulting in total gridlock. The situation was so bad that motorists beginning the morning rush to work encountered " Queen Mary traffic " still battling to get home from the night before.
State Premier Morris Iemma has apologised ! This is a government that next month is asking the people of this state to return it for another term in office. A government is usually judged on it's performance - and the debacle on the night of the cruise ships is not something that will score them high marks.
People have a right to know why - when crowd congestion at such an event was so obvious - that the Road and Traffic authority, the Police - and even the rangers at the Botanical Gardens - sat on their hands and did nothing - and let Sydney degenerate into a huge parking lot !
An apology will not do ! What is needed is an explanation - and an action plan that will ensure such a situation will not happen again !
The Queen Mary sailed through the heads at dawn, to be met by a huge flotilla of welcoming private vessels and crowds thronging the foreshore in greeting.
Crowds gathered all day to secure prime viewing spots and a picnic atmosphere prevailed as people waited for the promised fireworks display before the Queen Mary made a spectacular evening departure,
For some unknown reason this failed to gain the attention of the state government. All during the day television news recorded the huge number of people on the foreshores and vantage spots - and it should not have taken Einstein to predict that there would be a problem when the Queen Mary sailed - and these people headed home.
When this happened it quickly developed into a debacle. There were no extra trains or buses. The transport system was running to it's usual, sleepy, cut back evening timetables. The ferry services had been suspended - because of the danger of collision with the flotilla of private craft returning from escorting Queen Mary to sea - and to cap it off - the rangers who control the Botanical Gardens locked the gates at sundown - trapping hordes of people within the gardens. Those heading home from their vantage points were forced to climb trees and scale fences to escape from this prison.
Motorists who drove to vantage points to see this great ship fared no better. In a moment of bad timing the east-west tunnel was closed for maintenance on this memorable night, forcing traffic to use side streets and resulting in total gridlock. The situation was so bad that motorists beginning the morning rush to work encountered " Queen Mary traffic " still battling to get home from the night before.
State Premier Morris Iemma has apologised ! This is a government that next month is asking the people of this state to return it for another term in office. A government is usually judged on it's performance - and the debacle on the night of the cruise ships is not something that will score them high marks.
People have a right to know why - when crowd congestion at such an event was so obvious - that the Road and Traffic authority, the Police - and even the rangers at the Botanical Gardens - sat on their hands and did nothing - and let Sydney degenerate into a huge parking lot !
An apology will not do ! What is needed is an explanation - and an action plan that will ensure such a situation will not happen again !
Thursday, 22 February 2007
Procrastination !
The mighty Murray/Darling river system is running dry. This source of water for four states is the subject of a Federal government initiative. The Feds ask the four states involved to surrender their management rights and the system will get an injection of ten billion dollars over ten years to " droughtproof Australia ".
The problem is that with four states administering the river system, there is no overall control. Each state grants irrigation rights - and the simple fact is that outflow is now greater than inflow.
Iemma of NSW and Beattie of Queensland back the Federal initiative, but it now seems that there is backsliding by Brack of Victoria and Rann of South Australia.
It is simply a matter of politics. Handing the control of the river system to the Feds goes against the political grain of these two premiers. They want the Federal money - but they want to keep control in their own hands. They seem to agree that irrigation rights need to be cut back sharply - and that this will mean some farmers having to abandon farming in areas better suited for grazing - but then comes the stumbling block. Just so long as none of those farmers are those from their state and that in their region it is " business as usual ".
It seems to be a case " of little men with little minds " ! It doesnt take Einstein to figure out that the Murray/Darling can not survive with four competing states making their own rules - and being determined to hog a greater share of the water.
Eventually the Federal government will prevail - but that will probably be after years of delaying court action. History will condemn those of a faint heart who put greed ahead of the national interest !
The problem is that with four states administering the river system, there is no overall control. Each state grants irrigation rights - and the simple fact is that outflow is now greater than inflow.
Iemma of NSW and Beattie of Queensland back the Federal initiative, but it now seems that there is backsliding by Brack of Victoria and Rann of South Australia.
It is simply a matter of politics. Handing the control of the river system to the Feds goes against the political grain of these two premiers. They want the Federal money - but they want to keep control in their own hands. They seem to agree that irrigation rights need to be cut back sharply - and that this will mean some farmers having to abandon farming in areas better suited for grazing - but then comes the stumbling block. Just so long as none of those farmers are those from their state and that in their region it is " business as usual ".
It seems to be a case " of little men with little minds " ! It doesnt take Einstein to figure out that the Murray/Darling can not survive with four competing states making their own rules - and being determined to hog a greater share of the water.
Eventually the Federal government will prevail - but that will probably be after years of delaying court action. History will condemn those of a faint heart who put greed ahead of the national interest !
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
A bright idea !
There has been much talk about how we can save the planet by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, but mostly this has involved shutting down noxious industries or spending astronomical amounts on " cleaner " electricity generation. All of the ideas so far advanced either sharply increase unemployment - or bankrupt the treasury.
Finally - an idea that actual works and can be implemented by every member of the community at minimal cost.
There is a proposal to ban the old fashioned filament light globes - that have been with us for over two centuries - and require that every such light globe in Australia be replaced with the new generation of globes that give more light for less power.
Estimates suggest that if every light globe in Australia made this change demand for electricity would fall by twenty percent - and every household power bill would drop sharply. As a consequence, Co2 emissions would face a similar sharp fall.
The old filament light globe is wasteful in that over ninety percent of the electricity used results in heat - and only a minuscule amount of power generates light. It's demise is long overdue.
How the change to the more efficient - but initially dearer to buy - globe occurs is yet to be settled. Probably the most efficient method would be to outlaw the sale of filament globes and have them removed from the shops. This would be a slow - but practical way - to ensure that they eventually penetrate one hundred percent of homes and shops.
The government may also consider a free swap. Bring in your old filament globe - and get a free issue of the new, more efficient unit in exchange.
Whatever method is used, this is a great idea and the first really practical way of reducing the growing demand for electricity - and at the same time reducing emissions.
Lets hope this does not become a political football. A great opportunity exists to do something practical - and the time for implementation is - NOW !
Finally - an idea that actual works and can be implemented by every member of the community at minimal cost.
There is a proposal to ban the old fashioned filament light globes - that have been with us for over two centuries - and require that every such light globe in Australia be replaced with the new generation of globes that give more light for less power.
Estimates suggest that if every light globe in Australia made this change demand for electricity would fall by twenty percent - and every household power bill would drop sharply. As a consequence, Co2 emissions would face a similar sharp fall.
The old filament light globe is wasteful in that over ninety percent of the electricity used results in heat - and only a minuscule amount of power generates light. It's demise is long overdue.
How the change to the more efficient - but initially dearer to buy - globe occurs is yet to be settled. Probably the most efficient method would be to outlaw the sale of filament globes and have them removed from the shops. This would be a slow - but practical way - to ensure that they eventually penetrate one hundred percent of homes and shops.
The government may also consider a free swap. Bring in your old filament globe - and get a free issue of the new, more efficient unit in exchange.
Whatever method is used, this is a great idea and the first really practical way of reducing the growing demand for electricity - and at the same time reducing emissions.
Lets hope this does not become a political football. A great opportunity exists to do something practical - and the time for implementation is - NOW !
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
Medical emergencies.
The New South Wales hospital system is facing a medical emergency due to the sheer numbers of people presenting for emergency treatment. Unfortunately many of these people are not recognised as patients with critical needs - and consequently they impede attention to those seriously ill.
Mostly this is a matter of economics. Private doctors charge fees and the number offering bulk billing services - at no charge to the patient - is dwindling as the costs of running a practice increase. As a result, patient attend emergency rooms for help with trivial matters such as a sprained ankle or to get a prescription renewed.
With an election due next month the NSW government has come up with a plan to alleviate this overload. It proposes establishing bulk billing medical consultancies adjacent to emergency rooms. Hopefully, those with minor ailments will proceed directly there - but if they present in the emergency room they will be redirected by the triage nurse.
It sounds good but the devil will be in the detail. Will hospitals have the room to house such a service in close proximity to emergency rooms ? And will there be medical people available to man such a facility, given that there is a severe shortage of doctors in this country ?
And thirdly - will it happen ?
The public are deeply suspicious of promises made just before elections. This sounds like a good idea - but will all hospitals be involved ? Or will it just apply to one or two " showcase " hospitals ? Or will it become the subject of a ministerial enquiry to plan the event - which ends up shelved somewhere in the archives ?
The remarkable thing about the law is that we - as individuals - can be held responsible for what we contract to do. Unfortunately that law does not apply to politicians. Prior to elections politicians and political parties are free to make outrageous promises that they have no intention of implementing. Our only redress when such promises are broken is to deliver censure at the next election.
Unfortunately, voters suffer from a curious form of amnesia. By the next election they have forgotten - and they go ahead and make the same mistake !
Mostly this is a matter of economics. Private doctors charge fees and the number offering bulk billing services - at no charge to the patient - is dwindling as the costs of running a practice increase. As a result, patient attend emergency rooms for help with trivial matters such as a sprained ankle or to get a prescription renewed.
With an election due next month the NSW government has come up with a plan to alleviate this overload. It proposes establishing bulk billing medical consultancies adjacent to emergency rooms. Hopefully, those with minor ailments will proceed directly there - but if they present in the emergency room they will be redirected by the triage nurse.
It sounds good but the devil will be in the detail. Will hospitals have the room to house such a service in close proximity to emergency rooms ? And will there be medical people available to man such a facility, given that there is a severe shortage of doctors in this country ?
And thirdly - will it happen ?
The public are deeply suspicious of promises made just before elections. This sounds like a good idea - but will all hospitals be involved ? Or will it just apply to one or two " showcase " hospitals ? Or will it become the subject of a ministerial enquiry to plan the event - which ends up shelved somewhere in the archives ?
The remarkable thing about the law is that we - as individuals - can be held responsible for what we contract to do. Unfortunately that law does not apply to politicians. Prior to elections politicians and political parties are free to make outrageous promises that they have no intention of implementing. Our only redress when such promises are broken is to deliver censure at the next election.
Unfortunately, voters suffer from a curious form of amnesia. By the next election they have forgotten - and they go ahead and make the same mistake !
Monday, 19 February 2007
Betting on sport.
Once again there is a scandal involving sportsmen betting on the results of the sport they participate in. This perennial old chestnut makes a regular appearance from time to time - and so far nobody has been able to find an answer.
The rot set in many decades ago when the government caved in to demands by the TAB and other betting agencies to allow sports betting. It was a seductive argument. If it is legal to bet on horses and greyhounds - why is it not legal to bet on the outcome of football or cricket matches ?
Players and officials are by law prohibited from placing sporting bets, but that is so easily circumvented. In the easiest form, a mate is handed money and makes the wager in his name. Now it seems some sports people openly have accounts with betting agencies and place their wagers openly - in their own names.
The danger - as some of our cricketers recently found - is that the public lose confidence in the fairness of the sport they follow. The perception arises that some results are far from honest - and that damages that sport beyond repair.
How easy it would be for several key players in a team considered a certainty to win to deliberately play badly and allow a lesser opponent to get up - at remarkable odds for such an upset win ?
It looks like sport betting is here to stay. The only way to keep the sport clean is eagle eyed supervision of players - and an " out for life " penalty for those found to have broken the no-betting rule !
The rot set in many decades ago when the government caved in to demands by the TAB and other betting agencies to allow sports betting. It was a seductive argument. If it is legal to bet on horses and greyhounds - why is it not legal to bet on the outcome of football or cricket matches ?
Players and officials are by law prohibited from placing sporting bets, but that is so easily circumvented. In the easiest form, a mate is handed money and makes the wager in his name. Now it seems some sports people openly have accounts with betting agencies and place their wagers openly - in their own names.
The danger - as some of our cricketers recently found - is that the public lose confidence in the fairness of the sport they follow. The perception arises that some results are far from honest - and that damages that sport beyond repair.
How easy it would be for several key players in a team considered a certainty to win to deliberately play badly and allow a lesser opponent to get up - at remarkable odds for such an upset win ?
It looks like sport betting is here to stay. The only way to keep the sport clean is eagle eyed supervision of players - and an " out for life " penalty for those found to have broken the no-betting rule !
Sunday, 18 February 2007
Science versus nature !
Just five days ago huge numbers of people patronised florists shops to buy traditional red roses for Valentine's Day. The roses on sale were magnificent - buds just beginning to open and offering the promise of a bright display for days to come.
That just did not happen. The roses on display on Valentine's day looked just the same on each of the following days - and by day five were clearly dying.
Science had come to the aid of the rose growers. Obviously the need to have huge quantities of red roses ready for sale on a single day of the year posed a challenge. Science met that challenge by carefully engineering the genome of the rose so that it reaches an acceptable stage of bloom - and stops there indefinitely.
The same phenomenon is experienced at " Mother's Day ". There was a problem finding enough of the traditional white Chrysanthemums at peak to meet demand. Again science altered the ageing process, and at the same time other coloured flowers became popular due to clever advertising.
Flowers are not the only victims of science. Remember the proud claims that the humble tomato had been genetically altered to achieve firmer flesh - and a much longer shelf life ? The only problem was that it had no taste and was similar to eating wet cardboard !
We can expect more of the same in the future. Science has learned how to genetically re-engineer the botanical world to meet the demands of producers and the retail trade. What you get will look good, but don't expect it to last - nor to have the same taste as the product it replaces !
That just did not happen. The roses on display on Valentine's day looked just the same on each of the following days - and by day five were clearly dying.
Science had come to the aid of the rose growers. Obviously the need to have huge quantities of red roses ready for sale on a single day of the year posed a challenge. Science met that challenge by carefully engineering the genome of the rose so that it reaches an acceptable stage of bloom - and stops there indefinitely.
The same phenomenon is experienced at " Mother's Day ". There was a problem finding enough of the traditional white Chrysanthemums at peak to meet demand. Again science altered the ageing process, and at the same time other coloured flowers became popular due to clever advertising.
Flowers are not the only victims of science. Remember the proud claims that the humble tomato had been genetically altered to achieve firmer flesh - and a much longer shelf life ? The only problem was that it had no taste and was similar to eating wet cardboard !
We can expect more of the same in the future. Science has learned how to genetically re-engineer the botanical world to meet the demands of producers and the retail trade. What you get will look good, but don't expect it to last - nor to have the same taste as the product it replaces !
Science versus nature !
Just five days ago huge numbers of people patronised florists shops to buy traditional red roses for Valentine's Day. The roses on sale were magnificent - buds just beginning to open and offering the promise of a bright display for days to come.
That just did not happen. The roses on display on Valentine's day looked just the same on each of the following days - and by day five were clearly dying.
Science had come to the aid of the rose growers. Obviously the need to have huge quantities of red roses ready for sale on a single day of the year posed a challenge. Science met that challenge by carefully engineering the genome of the rose so that it reaches an acceptable stage of bloom - and stops there indefinitely.
The same phenomenon is experienced at " Mother's Day ". There was a problem finding enough of the traditional white Chrysanthemums at peak to meet demand. Again science altered the ageing process, and at the same time other coloured flowers became popular due to clever advertising.
Flowers are not the only victims of science. Remember the proud claims that the humble tomato had been genetically altered to achieve firmer flesh - and a much longer shelf life ? The only problem was that it had no taste and was similar to eating wet cardboard !
We can expect more of the same in the future. Science has learned how to genetically re-engineer the botanical world to meet the demands of producers and the retail trade. What you get will look good, but don't expect it to last - nor to have the same taste as the product it replaces !
That just did not happen. The roses on display on Valentine's day looked just the same on each of the following days - and by day five were clearly dying.
Science had come to the aid of the rose growers. Obviously the need to have huge quantities of red roses ready for sale on a single day of the year posed a challenge. Science met that challenge by carefully engineering the genome of the rose so that it reaches an acceptable stage of bloom - and stops there indefinitely.
The same phenomenon is experienced at " Mother's Day ". There was a problem finding enough of the traditional white Chrysanthemums at peak to meet demand. Again science altered the ageing process, and at the same time other coloured flowers became popular due to clever advertising.
Flowers are not the only victims of science. Remember the proud claims that the humble tomato had been genetically altered to achieve firmer flesh - and a much longer shelf life ? The only problem was that it had no taste and was similar to eating wet cardboard !
We can expect more of the same in the future. Science has learned how to genetically re-engineer the botanical world to meet the demands of producers and the retail trade. What you get will look good, but don't expect it to last - nor to have the same taste as the product it replaces !
Saturday, 17 February 2007
Death in the sky !
Mother Nature occasionally elevates us mere mortals to the record books with tales of almost unbelievable survival. Earlier this month a swimmer was half swallowed by a shark, finding his head and shoulders to mid chest in that shark's maw. He gouged it's eye - and it spat him out. He survived with minor injuries.
Yesterday German woman Ewa Wisnierska ( 35 ) was practising for the World Paragliding Championships in northern New South Wales when two storm centres combined to form a dreaded Cumulo Nimbus cloud. These clouds contain incredible wind speeds and are avoided by aviators because they are capable of tearing aircraft apart with their fury.
Ewa found herself caught up in a violent updraft, rising at twenty metres per second until she was higher than Mount Everest at 8850 metres. This is what climbers describe as " the death zone " - where lack of oxygen slows reactions and induces paralysis.
She was surrounded by lightning and severe hail - and the temperature dropped to between - 40 and - 50 c. Frost and ice covered her body and she lost consciousness - drifting helplessly beneath her paraglider canopy.
Amazingly this storm spat her out. She regained consciousness to find herself at a lower altitude - sixty kilometres from her launch site - and made a safe landing. Shaken - and with mild frostbite - she courageously intends to be a competitor when the championships are held in Australia next week.
A fellow Chinese competitor was not so lucky. Caught in the same storm he did not survive and his body was found after the storm passed.
Surviving the dreaded anvil shaped cloud is one of those freakish things that can not be explained in any rational way. EWa is simply a very lucky woman - and she would be well advised to invest in a lottery ticket and Lotto entry after that sort of luck !
Yesterday German woman Ewa Wisnierska ( 35 ) was practising for the World Paragliding Championships in northern New South Wales when two storm centres combined to form a dreaded Cumulo Nimbus cloud. These clouds contain incredible wind speeds and are avoided by aviators because they are capable of tearing aircraft apart with their fury.
Ewa found herself caught up in a violent updraft, rising at twenty metres per second until she was higher than Mount Everest at 8850 metres. This is what climbers describe as " the death zone " - where lack of oxygen slows reactions and induces paralysis.
She was surrounded by lightning and severe hail - and the temperature dropped to between - 40 and - 50 c. Frost and ice covered her body and she lost consciousness - drifting helplessly beneath her paraglider canopy.
Amazingly this storm spat her out. She regained consciousness to find herself at a lower altitude - sixty kilometres from her launch site - and made a safe landing. Shaken - and with mild frostbite - she courageously intends to be a competitor when the championships are held in Australia next week.
A fellow Chinese competitor was not so lucky. Caught in the same storm he did not survive and his body was found after the storm passed.
Surviving the dreaded anvil shaped cloud is one of those freakish things that can not be explained in any rational way. EWa is simply a very lucky woman - and she would be well advised to invest in a lottery ticket and Lotto entry after that sort of luck !
Friday, 16 February 2007
Peril in the unspoilt continent.
The news that the 8,000 tonne Nisshin Maru, flagship and factory ship of the Japanese whaling fleet is on fire and drifting in the Ross sea, Antarctica is sure to send a shiver down the spine of most conservationists.
This ship contains 1.3 million litres of oil. It is said that the fire is under control, but 142 of her crew have been evacuated to other Japanese whaling vessels, leaving twenty to fight the fire.
The problem is that this ship - which is listing due to the water pumped aboard to fight the fire - is just 175 kilometres from one of the biggest Penguin rookeries in the frozen continent. This rookery contains 250,000 breeding pairs.
What happens now is in the lap of the Gods. The weather is calm at present, but Antarctica is a place where some of the fiercest storms on the planet take place, and it will now be a race against time whether the ship can be stabilised and either towed or under her own power retreat from the danger zone.
There must also be questions in many people's minds about that fire. The Japanese whaling fleet have been dogged by protest vessels from Greenpeace and the Sea Shepherd organizations. World opinion is strongly against whaling and many will wonder whether an activist committed an act of sabotage and introduced a bomb aboard this vessel.
That will be settled in due course, but at the moment the world is watching the Japanese efforts to extricate their stricken ship and save the Penguin rookeries. If nothing else, the drama will highlight whaling in world opinion - and maybe cause the Japanese to have second thoughts about the wisdom of their actions !
This ship contains 1.3 million litres of oil. It is said that the fire is under control, but 142 of her crew have been evacuated to other Japanese whaling vessels, leaving twenty to fight the fire.
The problem is that this ship - which is listing due to the water pumped aboard to fight the fire - is just 175 kilometres from one of the biggest Penguin rookeries in the frozen continent. This rookery contains 250,000 breeding pairs.
What happens now is in the lap of the Gods. The weather is calm at present, but Antarctica is a place where some of the fiercest storms on the planet take place, and it will now be a race against time whether the ship can be stabilised and either towed or under her own power retreat from the danger zone.
There must also be questions in many people's minds about that fire. The Japanese whaling fleet have been dogged by protest vessels from Greenpeace and the Sea Shepherd organizations. World opinion is strongly against whaling and many will wonder whether an activist committed an act of sabotage and introduced a bomb aboard this vessel.
That will be settled in due course, but at the moment the world is watching the Japanese efforts to extricate their stricken ship and save the Penguin rookeries. If nothing else, the drama will highlight whaling in world opinion - and maybe cause the Japanese to have second thoughts about the wisdom of their actions !
Peril in the unspoilt continent.
The news that the 8,000 tonne Nisshin Maru, flagship and factory ship of the Japanese whaling fleet is on fire and drifting in the Ross sea, Antarctica is sure to send a shiver down the spine of most conservationists.
This ship contains 1.3 million litres of oil. It is said that the fire is under control, but 142 of her crew have been evacuated to other Japanese whaling vessels, leaving twenty to fight the fire.
The problem is that this ship - which is listing due to the water pumped aboard to fight the fire - is just 175 kilometres from one of the biggest Penguin rookeries in the frozen continent. This rookery contains 250,000 breeding pairs.
What happens now is in the lap of the Gods. The weather is calm at present, but Antarctica is a place where some of the fiercest storms on the planet take place, and it will now be a race against time whether the ship can be stabilised and either towed or under her own power retreat from the danger zone.
There must also be questions in many people's minds about that fire. The Japanese whaling fleet have been dogged by protest vessels from Greenpeace and the Sea Shepherd organizations. World opinion is strongly against whaling and many will wonder whether an activist committed an act of sabotage and introduced a bomb aboard this vessel.
That will be settled in due course, but at the moment the world is watching the Japanese efforts to extricate their stricken ship and save the Penguin rookeries. If nothing else, the drama will highlight whaling in world opinion - and maybe cause the Japanese to have second thoughts about the wisdom of their actions !
This ship contains 1.3 million litres of oil. It is said that the fire is under control, but 142 of her crew have been evacuated to other Japanese whaling vessels, leaving twenty to fight the fire.
The problem is that this ship - which is listing due to the water pumped aboard to fight the fire - is just 175 kilometres from one of the biggest Penguin rookeries in the frozen continent. This rookery contains 250,000 breeding pairs.
What happens now is in the lap of the Gods. The weather is calm at present, but Antarctica is a place where some of the fiercest storms on the planet take place, and it will now be a race against time whether the ship can be stabilised and either towed or under her own power retreat from the danger zone.
There must also be questions in many people's minds about that fire. The Japanese whaling fleet have been dogged by protest vessels from Greenpeace and the Sea Shepherd organizations. World opinion is strongly against whaling and many will wonder whether an activist committed an act of sabotage and introduced a bomb aboard this vessel.
That will be settled in due course, but at the moment the world is watching the Japanese efforts to extricate their stricken ship and save the Penguin rookeries. If nothing else, the drama will highlight whaling in world opinion - and maybe cause the Japanese to have second thoughts about the wisdom of their actions !
Thursday, 15 February 2007
The rental crisis.
A dangerous economic cycle is descending on those living in rental accommodation. Rents are about to soar and there is a chance that many may simply find that rental accommodation is not available - at any price !
Over a decade ago, when house prices commenced their relentless increase to today's levels many decided that home ownership was out of their reach. Instead of saving for a deposit they lashed out, buying luxury cars or taking expensive world tour holidays. Lifestyle became more important than the security of bricks and mortar.
At the time there was a surplus of rental accommodation and this pushed rental prices down to the degree that it became a " renter's market ".
Since then the government has introduced - and retreated from - a surcharge on the sale of other than the family home - and there have been three interest rate rises. As a result, investment in all forms of new housing has slumped and we now have the situation where the pool of rental housing in Sydney is at it's lowest ebb for half a century - and that means price increases !
This will put more pressure on public housing. There is already a huge backlog of people waiting for Housing Commission accomodation and rental price increases and lack of availability will soon swell this to crisis level.
Unfortunately Housing Commission history has never lived up to it's aim. It was never intended as a " home for life " for the poor. The original concept was for subsidised housing for the lowly paid until they progressed to the point when they could either afford private rental accomodation - or bought their own homes.
There was no enforcement of that aim and over the years we had the situation of retired couples living in four bedroom homes and people who had risen through the corporate ranks living in concession housing while bringing home executive salaries.
Some effort is being expended to change that. New tenants are offered a rental contract that includes a time renew clause at which time their circumstances will be reviewed against their need and income.
Despite such progress, there is every indication that private rentals are going to move sharply upwards and Housing Commission demand will increase. This will put pressure on wages - and pressure on wages because of cost of living increases is quickly reflected in inflation - and when inflation increases so do interest rates.
It's a vicious circle and unless the state government releases more affordable land for housing and increases the stock of Housing Commission homes we are facing a financial crisis that will affect every resident of New South Wales.
The danger is clear and evident. The question is - will the government have the vision to act promptly and give relief ?
Over a decade ago, when house prices commenced their relentless increase to today's levels many decided that home ownership was out of their reach. Instead of saving for a deposit they lashed out, buying luxury cars or taking expensive world tour holidays. Lifestyle became more important than the security of bricks and mortar.
At the time there was a surplus of rental accommodation and this pushed rental prices down to the degree that it became a " renter's market ".
Since then the government has introduced - and retreated from - a surcharge on the sale of other than the family home - and there have been three interest rate rises. As a result, investment in all forms of new housing has slumped and we now have the situation where the pool of rental housing in Sydney is at it's lowest ebb for half a century - and that means price increases !
This will put more pressure on public housing. There is already a huge backlog of people waiting for Housing Commission accomodation and rental price increases and lack of availability will soon swell this to crisis level.
Unfortunately Housing Commission history has never lived up to it's aim. It was never intended as a " home for life " for the poor. The original concept was for subsidised housing for the lowly paid until they progressed to the point when they could either afford private rental accomodation - or bought their own homes.
There was no enforcement of that aim and over the years we had the situation of retired couples living in four bedroom homes and people who had risen through the corporate ranks living in concession housing while bringing home executive salaries.
Some effort is being expended to change that. New tenants are offered a rental contract that includes a time renew clause at which time their circumstances will be reviewed against their need and income.
Despite such progress, there is every indication that private rentals are going to move sharply upwards and Housing Commission demand will increase. This will put pressure on wages - and pressure on wages because of cost of living increases is quickly reflected in inflation - and when inflation increases so do interest rates.
It's a vicious circle and unless the state government releases more affordable land for housing and increases the stock of Housing Commission homes we are facing a financial crisis that will affect every resident of New South Wales.
The danger is clear and evident. The question is - will the government have the vision to act promptly and give relief ?
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
Valentines Day.
The most romantic day of the year is with us again. Today, enormous quantities of roses will be presented - along with greeting cards professing unlimited love. Florists agree that together with " Mother's Day ", " Valentin's Day " is the busiest day of the year.
There will be well - and some not so well - thought out stunts and proposals of marriage. These will probably range from proposals during a romantic hot air balloon ride to the efforts of sky writers to deliver the message.
The rewards to commercial interests will be huge. Every newsagency will have a display of cards to commemorate the day - and keep the till ringing. Newspapers will devote well paid columns to allow a personal message to be printed for all to see - and the jewellers expect a bonanza from couples would receive an affirmative answer to the age old question.
Cynics look down their noses and reject Valentines Day as just another commercial exploitation - but then they say the same about Mother's Day - and of course Christmas.
There are probably not too many roses handed out in places like Baghdad and Sudan these days - but it would be a sadder old world if the spirit of love was allowed to die by the proclaimers of " humbug ". The roses and cards bring an element of cheer and colour to what would otherwise be the drab and dingy world of humanity !
There will be well - and some not so well - thought out stunts and proposals of marriage. These will probably range from proposals during a romantic hot air balloon ride to the efforts of sky writers to deliver the message.
The rewards to commercial interests will be huge. Every newsagency will have a display of cards to commemorate the day - and keep the till ringing. Newspapers will devote well paid columns to allow a personal message to be printed for all to see - and the jewellers expect a bonanza from couples would receive an affirmative answer to the age old question.
Cynics look down their noses and reject Valentines Day as just another commercial exploitation - but then they say the same about Mother's Day - and of course Christmas.
There are probably not too many roses handed out in places like Baghdad and Sudan these days - but it would be a sadder old world if the spirit of love was allowed to die by the proclaimers of " humbug ". The roses and cards bring an element of cheer and colour to what would otherwise be the drab and dingy world of humanity !
Tuesday, 13 February 2007
The search for fame.
Sad news that kayaker Andrew McAuley is presumed dead after days of searching the Tasman sea off New Zealand. McAuley was attempting to kayak from Fortescue Bay in Tasmania to Milford Sound in New Zealand, leaving Tasmania on January 11 and expecting to arrive in Milford Sound on February 11. His upturned kayak was spotted seventy-five kilometres short of it's destination - but his fate is unknown.
It was an awesome adventure that nobody had previously achieved. A month at sea in perilous waters - often with sharks for company -in a fragile kayak that required human paddling endurance to make progress. There would be occasions when he would need to enter the water to access food and other supplies from a forward compartment, adding to the dangers.
Many people shake their head in disbelief when they read of the adventures some undertake in all parts of this planet. No mountain is too high to climb. No stretch of the earth's surface too hot - or too frigid - to be crossed. Sailors brave the cold and lonely Great Southern ocean in search of speed in international sailing races. Some of them succeed - and some of them meet a tragic death.
Why do they do it ? As a famous mountain climber once replied when asked why he was attempting to climb Mount Everest - " Because it's there ! "
These days there is another reason that intrudes beyond pure adventure. Fame has rewards. If you manage to do something that brings your story and photograph to the front pages of newspapers there is a very good chance that you will become rich from sponsorship deals. It is not even necessary for the event to be heroic or glamorous. In some cases fame comes from stupidity - as evidenced in the early days of the last century when an aviator set off to fly around the world - and headed off in the wrong direction.
Unfortunately attempts at fame come with a price. Sometimes it is the death of the adventurer, but there is also the cost of rescue expeditions and large scale searches. It costs big money to keep helicopters and Orion search aircraft in the air but this is a price countries gladly pay to keep the spirit of adventure alive.
Scarely a week goes by without the media reporting on a fresh attempt to gain fame somewhere in the world - and many of those stories will also feature the attempts of brave men and women to attempt rescues. That is the price of the search for fame !
It was an awesome adventure that nobody had previously achieved. A month at sea in perilous waters - often with sharks for company -in a fragile kayak that required human paddling endurance to make progress. There would be occasions when he would need to enter the water to access food and other supplies from a forward compartment, adding to the dangers.
Many people shake their head in disbelief when they read of the adventures some undertake in all parts of this planet. No mountain is too high to climb. No stretch of the earth's surface too hot - or too frigid - to be crossed. Sailors brave the cold and lonely Great Southern ocean in search of speed in international sailing races. Some of them succeed - and some of them meet a tragic death.
Why do they do it ? As a famous mountain climber once replied when asked why he was attempting to climb Mount Everest - " Because it's there ! "
These days there is another reason that intrudes beyond pure adventure. Fame has rewards. If you manage to do something that brings your story and photograph to the front pages of newspapers there is a very good chance that you will become rich from sponsorship deals. It is not even necessary for the event to be heroic or glamorous. In some cases fame comes from stupidity - as evidenced in the early days of the last century when an aviator set off to fly around the world - and headed off in the wrong direction.
Unfortunately attempts at fame come with a price. Sometimes it is the death of the adventurer, but there is also the cost of rescue expeditions and large scale searches. It costs big money to keep helicopters and Orion search aircraft in the air but this is a price countries gladly pay to keep the spirit of adventure alive.
Scarely a week goes by without the media reporting on a fresh attempt to gain fame somewhere in the world - and many of those stories will also feature the attempts of brave men and women to attempt rescues. That is the price of the search for fame !
Monday, 12 February 2007
Driving license disqualifications.
Agencies concerned with road safety question the wisdom of license disqualification. Drivers in New South Wales have a kitty of twelve points allocated to them when they obtain a full driving license. Various traffic offences incur fines - and points loss. When all twelve points are gone - so is the license for a period of time.
Loss of the ability to drive a motor vehicle can be catastrophic for most people. It can be as extreme as loss of employment, inability to get the children to and from school and the general mobility necessary to shop and live a normal life. In many cases, the disqualified driver has an overwhelming temptation to ignore the ban - and drive illegally. Those that do are not covered by compulsory third party insurance. Not only do they place their own financial future in jeopardy - but they leave any victims of their driving in financial limbo.
Unfortunately laws have been tightened to the point that magistrates now have little discretion in awarding penalties. As a result, a " one size fits all " penalty applies to driving offences.
Another example of officialdom surpassing magistrates is the ability of the RTA to declare a driver " a habitual offender ". This is a person who commits a large number of ongoing traffic violations - and is the subject of a five year license ban - in addition to whatever the magistrate has imposed.
In a recent case, a sixty-three year old man was given six months gaol and a license suspension, but had this increased by a further five years by the RTA - thus cancelling his license until 2075 - well beyond his reasonable life expectancy.
License suspensions are undeniably necessary for some sort of drivers, but it seems that the criteria for imposing them has got out of hand. There is little point in imposing them if the end result is an avalanche of unlicensed drivers on the road who are there because of necessity.
There is no perfect answer to this problem, but now is certainly the time for wise minds to ponder - and hopefully fine tune a system that is simply not working !
Loss of the ability to drive a motor vehicle can be catastrophic for most people. It can be as extreme as loss of employment, inability to get the children to and from school and the general mobility necessary to shop and live a normal life. In many cases, the disqualified driver has an overwhelming temptation to ignore the ban - and drive illegally. Those that do are not covered by compulsory third party insurance. Not only do they place their own financial future in jeopardy - but they leave any victims of their driving in financial limbo.
Unfortunately laws have been tightened to the point that magistrates now have little discretion in awarding penalties. As a result, a " one size fits all " penalty applies to driving offences.
Another example of officialdom surpassing magistrates is the ability of the RTA to declare a driver " a habitual offender ". This is a person who commits a large number of ongoing traffic violations - and is the subject of a five year license ban - in addition to whatever the magistrate has imposed.
In a recent case, a sixty-three year old man was given six months gaol and a license suspension, but had this increased by a further five years by the RTA - thus cancelling his license until 2075 - well beyond his reasonable life expectancy.
License suspensions are undeniably necessary for some sort of drivers, but it seems that the criteria for imposing them has got out of hand. There is little point in imposing them if the end result is an avalanche of unlicensed drivers on the road who are there because of necessity.
There is no perfect answer to this problem, but now is certainly the time for wise minds to ponder - and hopefully fine tune a system that is simply not working !
Sunday, 11 February 2007
Green lunacy.
Most people have at least some sympathy for the objectives of " the Greenies ". It is evident that planet earth is in trouble. We are generating too much carbon dioxide gas and this is heating the atmosphere, melting the ice caps and causing the sea levels to rise. At the same time huge populations in China and India are transforming their countries from agrarian to manufacturing - and accelerating the problem.
There are many suggestions as to how this problem can be overcome, but the latest demand from Green leader, Senator Bob Brown seems to have come from the realms of fantasy.
The Greens demand that Australia cease coal exports within a three year time frame !
Any thinking person would be horrified by such a suggestion. It would mean the death of highly profitable industries with hundreds of thousands of coal miners facing the dole cheque. The Australian economy would be crippled and the nation would face at least a severe recession - if not that dreaded " D " word.
And what would be gained ? Nothing !
The world is short of oil, but certainly not coal. Our competitors would react with glee to the news that Australian coal exports were to cease. The industries of Japan would continue to be supplied by electric power generated from coal fired turbines. India and China would simply have a change of supplier - and the proliferation of carbon dioxide would continue unabated.
The loser in this case is the Greens. This descent into fanaticism puts them on a similar level to Muslim fundamentalists who see suicide bombers as the way to advance their cause.
We can not replace coal in our own power generators until we develop nuclear,solar, wind and wave action generation to the degree that it can maintain base loads - and that has to be at least a decade into the future.
When a seemingly responsible leader spouts such garbage and it becomes the policy of his party then it is a big turnoff for the thinking voter. The Greens have not done themselves a service by this line of thinking !
There are many suggestions as to how this problem can be overcome, but the latest demand from Green leader, Senator Bob Brown seems to have come from the realms of fantasy.
The Greens demand that Australia cease coal exports within a three year time frame !
Any thinking person would be horrified by such a suggestion. It would mean the death of highly profitable industries with hundreds of thousands of coal miners facing the dole cheque. The Australian economy would be crippled and the nation would face at least a severe recession - if not that dreaded " D " word.
And what would be gained ? Nothing !
The world is short of oil, but certainly not coal. Our competitors would react with glee to the news that Australian coal exports were to cease. The industries of Japan would continue to be supplied by electric power generated from coal fired turbines. India and China would simply have a change of supplier - and the proliferation of carbon dioxide would continue unabated.
The loser in this case is the Greens. This descent into fanaticism puts them on a similar level to Muslim fundamentalists who see suicide bombers as the way to advance their cause.
We can not replace coal in our own power generators until we develop nuclear,solar, wind and wave action generation to the degree that it can maintain base loads - and that has to be at least a decade into the future.
When a seemingly responsible leader spouts such garbage and it becomes the policy of his party then it is a big turnoff for the thinking voter. The Greens have not done themselves a service by this line of thinking !
Saturday, 10 February 2007
The flying Tiger !
Australian travellers must shake their heads in wonder at the announcement of yet another low cost airline about to enter the domestic market. History is littered with the wrecks of airlines that arrived with a fanfare, offered incredibly low fares - and subsequently went into liquidation leaving ticket holders stranded.
This time it may be different. Tiger Airways has credentials. It is 49% owned by Singapore Airlines and the rest of the stock is held by Ryanair - the successful European discount airline that has a proven track record of delivering low air fares.
There is talk of seat prices from as low as $ 10. That seems an impossible target, given that fares on a bus between Sydney and Canberra are many times that figure. Most people feel that the existing domestic airlines - Virgin Blue, Qantas with it's subsidiary Jetstar and Rex - artificially inflate ticket prices and there is room for a price drop given some real competition.
One of the problems to cheap fares is the small population of this country. Compared to such a huge market as the United States the possibility of simply rolling airplanes through terminals and filling them with passengers on the basis of the first few hundred in the cheque get a seat - and the remainder await the next plane loading a few minutes from now - is remote.
The " Flying Tiger " will be welcome, and with such distinguished parentage it has a very good chance of success. Let us hope that it has better good fortune than those that preceeded it !
This time it may be different. Tiger Airways has credentials. It is 49% owned by Singapore Airlines and the rest of the stock is held by Ryanair - the successful European discount airline that has a proven track record of delivering low air fares.
There is talk of seat prices from as low as $ 10. That seems an impossible target, given that fares on a bus between Sydney and Canberra are many times that figure. Most people feel that the existing domestic airlines - Virgin Blue, Qantas with it's subsidiary Jetstar and Rex - artificially inflate ticket prices and there is room for a price drop given some real competition.
One of the problems to cheap fares is the small population of this country. Compared to such a huge market as the United States the possibility of simply rolling airplanes through terminals and filling them with passengers on the basis of the first few hundred in the cheque get a seat - and the remainder await the next plane loading a few minutes from now - is remote.
The " Flying Tiger " will be welcome, and with such distinguished parentage it has a very good chance of success. Let us hope that it has better good fortune than those that preceeded it !
Friday, 9 February 2007
Victims win compensation.
Yesterday, shareholders in James Hardie Industries voted in Amsterdam to approve a four billion dollars compensation fund for asbestos victims in Australia. This money will flow regularly over a forty year period and will be distributed by the Asbestos Industries Compensation Fund to those suffering Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases caused by the company's products.
It has been a six year battle. Initially victims though James Hardie was about to cut and run when they moved their corporate headquarters from Australia to Amsterdam. Union action threatening a virtual ban on the use of Hardie products in Australia saw a change of heart. The long term future of the fund then depended on shareholder agreement to contribute compensation from profits over an extended period.
It sounds good, but there is a big " if " involved. To maintain the money flow over four decades - and probably longer - James Hardie Industries will need to trade profitably and return a healthy bottom line.
In America, companies which included asbestos in their products were forced into compensation deals and many of these collapsed when the outflow of cash sent those companies into insolvency. It is essential for sufferers here that there is no unofficial ban on the now asbestos free James Hardie products by unions or the building trade.
At least this tragedy delivers a lesson to the business community. The dangers of asbestos were known for decades - and yet James Hardie persisted in using it in their products because it was cheap and gave good product performance. It only ceased using it when legislation banned asbestos.
There are probably other substances used in the market place that are like a bomb with a long fuse. Health complications may not appear until many years down the track - and then once more there will be victims looking for compensation. Manufacturers would do well to stop and think - and have analysis of raw material risks assessed - to avoid the tragedy that overtook James Hardie !
It has been a six year battle. Initially victims though James Hardie was about to cut and run when they moved their corporate headquarters from Australia to Amsterdam. Union action threatening a virtual ban on the use of Hardie products in Australia saw a change of heart. The long term future of the fund then depended on shareholder agreement to contribute compensation from profits over an extended period.
It sounds good, but there is a big " if " involved. To maintain the money flow over four decades - and probably longer - James Hardie Industries will need to trade profitably and return a healthy bottom line.
In America, companies which included asbestos in their products were forced into compensation deals and many of these collapsed when the outflow of cash sent those companies into insolvency. It is essential for sufferers here that there is no unofficial ban on the now asbestos free James Hardie products by unions or the building trade.
At least this tragedy delivers a lesson to the business community. The dangers of asbestos were known for decades - and yet James Hardie persisted in using it in their products because it was cheap and gave good product performance. It only ceased using it when legislation banned asbestos.
There are probably other substances used in the market place that are like a bomb with a long fuse. Health complications may not appear until many years down the track - and then once more there will be victims looking for compensation. Manufacturers would do well to stop and think - and have analysis of raw material risks assessed - to avoid the tragedy that overtook James Hardie !
Thursday, 8 February 2007
Better build of cars.
A sign of the changing times. The National Roads and Motorists Association ( NRMA ) has announced that from April it is discontinuing it's service of inspecting and preparing a report on member's vehicles. The take-up rate has fallen to just 1% of members and consequently NRMA expects the service to run at a one million dollar loss in 2006/7.
This was a well patronised service in the past. Many people called for an inspection prior to the end of a warranty period, and many more had an inspection before signing on the dotted line for a used car. In those days, warranties were pretty savage - Ford and GM offering just " twelve months or twelve thousand miles " of cover.
Today, two things have changed. Modern cars are better built than the clunkers of yesteryear - and five year warranties apply to many models. In relation to earnings, the asking price for new cars has sharply reduced. The entree of " El Cheapo " cars from Korea some years ago set a precedent and now most makers offer a well equipped basic model from about $ 15,000.
With lower prices and a better built product many people see less need for an NRMA inspection at warranty end or before buying a used vehicle.
For those who would continue to use this service salvation is at hand. The Motor Traders Association ( MTA ) has announced that from April they will be offering inspections - at a cheaper price than that charged by the NRMA.
This is probably a tactical step to snare NRMA members as MTA has ambitions to provide roadside breakdown services in competition to the market leading NRMA scheme.
This was a well patronised service in the past. Many people called for an inspection prior to the end of a warranty period, and many more had an inspection before signing on the dotted line for a used car. In those days, warranties were pretty savage - Ford and GM offering just " twelve months or twelve thousand miles " of cover.
Today, two things have changed. Modern cars are better built than the clunkers of yesteryear - and five year warranties apply to many models. In relation to earnings, the asking price for new cars has sharply reduced. The entree of " El Cheapo " cars from Korea some years ago set a precedent and now most makers offer a well equipped basic model from about $ 15,000.
With lower prices and a better built product many people see less need for an NRMA inspection at warranty end or before buying a used vehicle.
For those who would continue to use this service salvation is at hand. The Motor Traders Association ( MTA ) has announced that from April they will be offering inspections - at a cheaper price than that charged by the NRMA.
This is probably a tactical step to snare NRMA members as MTA has ambitions to provide roadside breakdown services in competition to the market leading NRMA scheme.
Wednesday, 7 February 2007
Ancient miracles.
Excitement in some parts of the medical fraternity as researh is directed at " Reishi ", a giant Chinese mushroom that has been at the centre of Chinese medicine for over two thousand years.
Known in botanical circles as " ganoderma lucidum " this mushroom grows to the size of a dinner plate and science now thinks it may play a dominant role in combating diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Interest in the medicine practised by the ancient Chinese and healers in jungle villages in remote parts of the world has waxed and waned over decades. The main problem is the elitism and arrogance shown by western medicine. Amazing medical breakthroughs in some areas have led to indifference to proven track records from barefoot " wise ones " who have been regarded as " quacks ", " witch doctors " and " barbarians ".
Certainly some ethnic medicine is tied into anamalistic religion which usually incorporates ritualistic blood sacrifices to various gods, and this obscures the quite separate entity of healers who have had their knowledge passed down from generation to generation - and who are able to obtain cures unknown to western medicine.
If studies of Reishi result in the development of treatments for diabetes one thing is certain - western medicine will take the credit and the fact that it came from a Chinese healer's knowledge will be pushed into the background.
Wise ones of this age would do well to respect the knowledge gathered over centuries by those who treated patients long before the age of the man in a white coat with a stethescope around his neck. Amazing treatments could be occurring deep in the jungles. Hopefully western medicine is learning that it is not the centre of all knowledge and is now prepared to consider the ancient cures of " the wise ones ".
Known in botanical circles as " ganoderma lucidum " this mushroom grows to the size of a dinner plate and science now thinks it may play a dominant role in combating diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Interest in the medicine practised by the ancient Chinese and healers in jungle villages in remote parts of the world has waxed and waned over decades. The main problem is the elitism and arrogance shown by western medicine. Amazing medical breakthroughs in some areas have led to indifference to proven track records from barefoot " wise ones " who have been regarded as " quacks ", " witch doctors " and " barbarians ".
Certainly some ethnic medicine is tied into anamalistic religion which usually incorporates ritualistic blood sacrifices to various gods, and this obscures the quite separate entity of healers who have had their knowledge passed down from generation to generation - and who are able to obtain cures unknown to western medicine.
If studies of Reishi result in the development of treatments for diabetes one thing is certain - western medicine will take the credit and the fact that it came from a Chinese healer's knowledge will be pushed into the background.
Wise ones of this age would do well to respect the knowledge gathered over centuries by those who treated patients long before the age of the man in a white coat with a stethescope around his neck. Amazing treatments could be occurring deep in the jungles. Hopefully western medicine is learning that it is not the centre of all knowledge and is now prepared to consider the ancient cures of " the wise ones ".
Tuesday, 6 February 2007
The era of the knife.
Rarely does a day go by without the morning paper reporting that someone is either dead or seriously ill in casualty as the result of a knife attack. Carrying and using a kife as a defensive or offensive weapon was not part of Australian culture. Altercations were usually settled by fisticuffs - but it seems those days are gone forever.
Carrying of knives was brought to Australia by migrants. In some parts of the world - namely the middle east and latin America - society is brutal and without respect for law. Self defence is vital - and citizens feel that they need the protection of a knife.
The law here is adamant. Carrying a knife in public without a valid reason is an offence that is punishable. The problem is - that punishment is inconsistent and therefore widely ignored.
The use of knives is trickling down to younger age groups. This week saw an altercation between fifteen and sixteen year old schoolboys in school grounds. The argument was over a girl - and one of the lads was rushed to hospital with a knife wound in the stomach.
It is about time steps were taken to banish knives from our streets. If someone is caught with a handgun the punishment is much more severe than for a knife offence. Why is this so ? Both are weapons capable of inflicting death and yet young people who would fear carring a
handgun carry a knife with impunity.
Maybe we need a law change. Maybe if being found in posession of a knife on the streets was a sure and certain time behind bars many would ponder the wisdom of being so armed. Nothing will change while magistrates issue slap on the wrist punishments such as good behavious bonds and community service orders.
We have disarmed citizens and removed their right to have rifles and shotguns. Now the time has come to add knives to that ban !
Carrying of knives was brought to Australia by migrants. In some parts of the world - namely the middle east and latin America - society is brutal and without respect for law. Self defence is vital - and citizens feel that they need the protection of a knife.
The law here is adamant. Carrying a knife in public without a valid reason is an offence that is punishable. The problem is - that punishment is inconsistent and therefore widely ignored.
The use of knives is trickling down to younger age groups. This week saw an altercation between fifteen and sixteen year old schoolboys in school grounds. The argument was over a girl - and one of the lads was rushed to hospital with a knife wound in the stomach.
It is about time steps were taken to banish knives from our streets. If someone is caught with a handgun the punishment is much more severe than for a knife offence. Why is this so ? Both are weapons capable of inflicting death and yet young people who would fear carring a
handgun carry a knife with impunity.
Maybe we need a law change. Maybe if being found in posession of a knife on the streets was a sure and certain time behind bars many would ponder the wisdom of being so armed. Nothing will change while magistrates issue slap on the wrist punishments such as good behavious bonds and community service orders.
We have disarmed citizens and removed their right to have rifles and shotguns. Now the time has come to add knives to that ban !
Monday, 5 February 2007
Heritage listing.
A shiver must be running down the backs of all those people who own 1950's onwards Housing Commission cottages in Wollongong. Planners at Wollongong Council report that examples of these iconic dwellings are becoming rare - and they propose that the genre be preserved by slapping a Heritage listing on those remaining.
A Heritage listing is an instrument of dread to any home owner. Basically, it demands that the dwelling be preserved exactly as it was at the time it was built. Housing Commission homes at that time were placed an a quarter acre block of land and were built to a common design. The outer walls were asbestos cement sheet, the roof was tiled - and it had a brick chimney because in that era winter heating was by way of an open fire.
The problem is that once a Heritage listing is proclaimed even minute matters - such as replacing the letter box - must have approval by the trust. It is impossible to get approval for such things as adding window or split system air conditioning, because those things did not exist when the building was built. Even a coat of paint must have the trust's approval.
So - what does it mean to an owner ? It means the home is almost impossible to sell with an order in place. Demolition is out of the question, even if the land is zoned for medium density housing - and could accomodate town houses at great profit for the owner. The owner is in a time warp - and must live like citizens did over half a century ago.
Surely this would be grounds for compensation ? Maybe a hefty discount on the rates ? No such luck ! Faceless people decide which examples will be covered by a listing - and from that point the unfortunate owner is on his or her own.
It would be nice to have examples of by-gone eras architecture because back in 1961 one in every seven people in Wollongong lived in one of these homes. Today, it would be illegal to plan to build one to that standard. For a start, asbestos cement sheet has been banned. For another, a code named BASIX is in place and that dictates energy and water saving measures such as additional insulation required, north facing aspect, solar hot water heating, water tanks connected to the washing machine and toilet - and many more. Such a home would look nothing like the Housing Commission cottages of the 1950's.
Those living in such homes that have not been changed or renovated must dread receiving a Heritage listing notification in the mail. There is no consultation. The faceless ones make their decision - and for the home owner with plans to renovate or develop - it is the kiss of death !
A Heritage listing is an instrument of dread to any home owner. Basically, it demands that the dwelling be preserved exactly as it was at the time it was built. Housing Commission homes at that time were placed an a quarter acre block of land and were built to a common design. The outer walls were asbestos cement sheet, the roof was tiled - and it had a brick chimney because in that era winter heating was by way of an open fire.
The problem is that once a Heritage listing is proclaimed even minute matters - such as replacing the letter box - must have approval by the trust. It is impossible to get approval for such things as adding window or split system air conditioning, because those things did not exist when the building was built. Even a coat of paint must have the trust's approval.
So - what does it mean to an owner ? It means the home is almost impossible to sell with an order in place. Demolition is out of the question, even if the land is zoned for medium density housing - and could accomodate town houses at great profit for the owner. The owner is in a time warp - and must live like citizens did over half a century ago.
Surely this would be grounds for compensation ? Maybe a hefty discount on the rates ? No such luck ! Faceless people decide which examples will be covered by a listing - and from that point the unfortunate owner is on his or her own.
It would be nice to have examples of by-gone eras architecture because back in 1961 one in every seven people in Wollongong lived in one of these homes. Today, it would be illegal to plan to build one to that standard. For a start, asbestos cement sheet has been banned. For another, a code named BASIX is in place and that dictates energy and water saving measures such as additional insulation required, north facing aspect, solar hot water heating, water tanks connected to the washing machine and toilet - and many more. Such a home would look nothing like the Housing Commission cottages of the 1950's.
Those living in such homes that have not been changed or renovated must dread receiving a Heritage listing notification in the mail. There is no consultation. The faceless ones make their decision - and for the home owner with plans to renovate or develop - it is the kiss of death !
Sunday, 4 February 2007
Death with dignity !
The funeral industry is trying to outlaw the custom of friends or relatives acting as pall bearers and transporting the coffin out of the church at shoulder height. To be asked to be a pall bearer is an honour, but not all are physically endowed to perform that task - and the catastrophy of a dropped coffin does not bear thinking about.
Of immediate concern to the industry is the possibility of injury to the pall bearer. A coffin is a heavy load to carry and the chance of sprains - or worse - could lead to litigation. Many would see the choice of pall bearers as a family matter and therefore any litigation would be against the family, but these days the law casts a wide net and the funeral director could be liable as the entity managing the funeral.
Some funeral companies have already acted by banning shoulder height transportation of the coffin. A coffin carried at waist height is more manageable and poses fewer chances of being dropped or causing damage to the bearer. Funeral directors reject claims that they should have the right to determine the ability of pall bearers to perform the task and claim that if they use their own staff in this capacity as bearers it will obviously increase the cost of the funeral.
These problems will make the growing popularity of funerals being conducted in secular " funeral homes " more widespread. In most cases, the coffin is on a dias and a service is conducted by a religious person chosen by the family - or the funeral is conducted without religious input - and at the close of service a curtain descends and the funeral staff take over from that point. In many cases the Funeral Home has " refreshment facilities " and mourners are invited to anything from a quiet drink to a wake.
The funeral business is changing but like every other aspect of life litigation is hanging over the head of those who do not wisely plan to shed risk !
Of immediate concern to the industry is the possibility of injury to the pall bearer. A coffin is a heavy load to carry and the chance of sprains - or worse - could lead to litigation. Many would see the choice of pall bearers as a family matter and therefore any litigation would be against the family, but these days the law casts a wide net and the funeral director could be liable as the entity managing the funeral.
Some funeral companies have already acted by banning shoulder height transportation of the coffin. A coffin carried at waist height is more manageable and poses fewer chances of being dropped or causing damage to the bearer. Funeral directors reject claims that they should have the right to determine the ability of pall bearers to perform the task and claim that if they use their own staff in this capacity as bearers it will obviously increase the cost of the funeral.
These problems will make the growing popularity of funerals being conducted in secular " funeral homes " more widespread. In most cases, the coffin is on a dias and a service is conducted by a religious person chosen by the family - or the funeral is conducted without religious input - and at the close of service a curtain descends and the funeral staff take over from that point. In many cases the Funeral Home has " refreshment facilities " and mourners are invited to anything from a quiet drink to a wake.
The funeral business is changing but like every other aspect of life litigation is hanging over the head of those who do not wisely plan to shed risk !
Saturday, 3 February 2007
Saving our farming future.
The lead letter to the editor in Friday's Sydney Morning Herald raised an important point. Writer Deborah Cansdell commented that it is easier to sponsor an African child than it is to assist our drought stricken farmers. Simply pick up the phone, have a credit card handy - agree to contribute thirty dollars a month and this will provide food, clean water, health care and the chance of schooling for a deprived child in Africa.
Well over a year ago the public was asked to help farmers by way of a scheme named " Farm Hand ". Donations poured in and substantial sums were raised, but this was a short campaign and when the advertisments ceased the public realised it was over.
More recently, food giant Woolworths donated a days profits from their store chain to farmer relief - and this amounted to several million dollars.
The problem has moved somewhat in recent times. Drought stricken farmers are now entitled to the dole so at least they can feed their wives and children, but most have been desperately trying to hang on to their breeding stock. Lacking the money to provide food and water many are sending their future to market for a mere pittance - and others are mercifully putting them down with a bullet.
Good breeding stock is the future of Australian farming. Farmers have carefully nurtured their flocks and herds to attain excellence. Should this be sacrificed there will be no future in farming.
Deborah Cansdell is asking why we have no means for ordinary Australians - the ones who can afford to donate anything from a few dollars to about the monthly cost of African relief to keep this vital breeding stock alive. Is it because nobody has thought of it ? Or is it because no sponsor has come forward with such a scheme ?
Hopefully this letter may spark action. If it doesnt, the future for Australian farming looks bleak !
Well over a year ago the public was asked to help farmers by way of a scheme named " Farm Hand ". Donations poured in and substantial sums were raised, but this was a short campaign and when the advertisments ceased the public realised it was over.
More recently, food giant Woolworths donated a days profits from their store chain to farmer relief - and this amounted to several million dollars.
The problem has moved somewhat in recent times. Drought stricken farmers are now entitled to the dole so at least they can feed their wives and children, but most have been desperately trying to hang on to their breeding stock. Lacking the money to provide food and water many are sending their future to market for a mere pittance - and others are mercifully putting them down with a bullet.
Good breeding stock is the future of Australian farming. Farmers have carefully nurtured their flocks and herds to attain excellence. Should this be sacrificed there will be no future in farming.
Deborah Cansdell is asking why we have no means for ordinary Australians - the ones who can afford to donate anything from a few dollars to about the monthly cost of African relief to keep this vital breeding stock alive. Is it because nobody has thought of it ? Or is it because no sponsor has come forward with such a scheme ?
Hopefully this letter may spark action. If it doesnt, the future for Australian farming looks bleak !
The train fiasco.
The New South Wales government must he cringing at the reaction from it's political heartland - Wollongong - over the transport service that it has the temerity to call a " railway ".
For various reasons - including having to withdraw rolling stock because of rust problems, failed delivery date for new carriages - and vandalism of existing carriages - the rail service connecting this city to Sydney has descended into farce.
Commuters face at least a ninety minute trip - and often two hours when delays along the way extend the journey - with carriages packed like sardine cans - and in most cases without toilets. Many trains were designed for short, inner city trips and have been forced into inter-city use and those carriages with toilets are usually out of service. Locked because of vandalism - or too filthy to use.
There are many instances of passengers suffering severe embarrassment when they have wet themselves. There have also been cases of humilitation when people have been seen urinating in desperation in the tween carriage walkways - and sometimes in the corner of carriages.
The end is in sight - when the new OSCARS designed for inter-city travel come on line, but that will be midyear at the earliest.
There also seems to be complete indifference to the needs of Wollongong people on the part of the railway planners. January 26 was Australia day and the celebrations in Sydney were well advertised. It should not have taken Nostradamus to predict a huge surge of Wollongong people heading to Darling Harbour to participate - but the railways provided the normal times four carriage set. As a result, it was packed like sardines and many people were left on the platforms. Many failed to even get to the Sydney Australia day celebrations.
The government minister says " sorry ". But he is not as sorry as the harassed commuters who have put up with third world rail conditions for many years - and now have trains running to a steam age timetable because this enables the government to claim better " running on time " performance figures.
Next month this state will have an election. If " heartland " voters continue to put their tick against government candidates on the ballot paper it will simple reinforce the conception that has held back this area for decades. The Labor party does not spend money here because the " mugs " vote for them anyway - and when the Liberals are in office they don't spend money here because for them it is a " no win " area anyway !
For various reasons - including having to withdraw rolling stock because of rust problems, failed delivery date for new carriages - and vandalism of existing carriages - the rail service connecting this city to Sydney has descended into farce.
Commuters face at least a ninety minute trip - and often two hours when delays along the way extend the journey - with carriages packed like sardine cans - and in most cases without toilets. Many trains were designed for short, inner city trips and have been forced into inter-city use and those carriages with toilets are usually out of service. Locked because of vandalism - or too filthy to use.
There are many instances of passengers suffering severe embarrassment when they have wet themselves. There have also been cases of humilitation when people have been seen urinating in desperation in the tween carriage walkways - and sometimes in the corner of carriages.
The end is in sight - when the new OSCARS designed for inter-city travel come on line, but that will be midyear at the earliest.
There also seems to be complete indifference to the needs of Wollongong people on the part of the railway planners. January 26 was Australia day and the celebrations in Sydney were well advertised. It should not have taken Nostradamus to predict a huge surge of Wollongong people heading to Darling Harbour to participate - but the railways provided the normal times four carriage set. As a result, it was packed like sardines and many people were left on the platforms. Many failed to even get to the Sydney Australia day celebrations.
The government minister says " sorry ". But he is not as sorry as the harassed commuters who have put up with third world rail conditions for many years - and now have trains running to a steam age timetable because this enables the government to claim better " running on time " performance figures.
Next month this state will have an election. If " heartland " voters continue to put their tick against government candidates on the ballot paper it will simple reinforce the conception that has held back this area for decades. The Labor party does not spend money here because the " mugs " vote for them anyway - and when the Liberals are in office they don't spend money here because for them it is a " no win " area anyway !
The train fiasco.
The New South Wales government must he cringing at the reaction from it's political heartland - Wollongong - over the transport service that it has the temerity to call a " railway ".
For various reasons - including having to withdraw rolling stock because of rust problems, failed delivery date for new carriages - and vandalism of existing carriages - the rail service connecting this city to Sydney has descended into farce.
Commuters face at least a ninety minute trip - and often two hours when delays along the way extend the journey - with carriages packed like sardine cans - and in most cases without toilets. Many trains were designed for short, inner city trips and have been forced into inter-city use and those carriages with toilets are usually out of service. Locked because of vandalism - or too filthy to use.
There are many instances of passengers suffering severe embarrassment when they have wet themselves. There have also been cases of humilitation when people have been seen urinating in desperation in the tween carriage walkways - and sometimes in the corner of carriages.
The end is in sight - when the new OSCARS designed for inter-city travel come on line, but that will be midyear at the earliest.
There also seems to be complete indifference to the needs of Wollongong people on the part of the railway planners. January 26 was Australia day and the celebrations in Sydney were well advertised. It should not have taken Nostradamus to predict a huge surge of Wollongong people heading to Darling Harbour to participate - but the railways provided the normal times four carriage set. As a result, it was packed like sardines and many people were left on the platforms. Many failed to even get to the Sydney Australia day celebrations.
The government minister says " sorry ". But he is not as sorry as the harassed commuters who have put up with third world rail conditions for many years - and now have trains running to a steam age timetable because this enables the government to claim better " running on time " performance figures.
Next month this state will have an election. If " heartland " voters continue to put their tick against government candidates on the ballot paper it will simple reinforce the conception that has held back this area for decades. The Labor party does not spend money here because the " mugs " vote for them anyway - and when the Liberals are in office they don't spend money here because for them it is a " no win " area anyway !
For various reasons - including having to withdraw rolling stock because of rust problems, failed delivery date for new carriages - and vandalism of existing carriages - the rail service connecting this city to Sydney has descended into farce.
Commuters face at least a ninety minute trip - and often two hours when delays along the way extend the journey - with carriages packed like sardine cans - and in most cases without toilets. Many trains were designed for short, inner city trips and have been forced into inter-city use and those carriages with toilets are usually out of service. Locked because of vandalism - or too filthy to use.
There are many instances of passengers suffering severe embarrassment when they have wet themselves. There have also been cases of humilitation when people have been seen urinating in desperation in the tween carriage walkways - and sometimes in the corner of carriages.
The end is in sight - when the new OSCARS designed for inter-city travel come on line, but that will be midyear at the earliest.
There also seems to be complete indifference to the needs of Wollongong people on the part of the railway planners. January 26 was Australia day and the celebrations in Sydney were well advertised. It should not have taken Nostradamus to predict a huge surge of Wollongong people heading to Darling Harbour to participate - but the railways provided the normal times four carriage set. As a result, it was packed like sardines and many people were left on the platforms. Many failed to even get to the Sydney Australia day celebrations.
The government minister says " sorry ". But he is not as sorry as the harassed commuters who have put up with third world rail conditions for many years - and now have trains running to a steam age timetable because this enables the government to claim better " running on time " performance figures.
Next month this state will have an election. If " heartland " voters continue to put their tick against government candidates on the ballot paper it will simple reinforce the conception that has held back this area for decades. The Labor party does not spend money here because the " mugs " vote for them anyway - and when the Liberals are in office they don't spend money here because for them it is a " no win " area anyway !
Friday, 2 February 2007
The water war.
The Federal government proposed a plan to " drought proof " Australia. Basically, it calls for the states to give up their rights to the Murray/Darling river system to allow the Feds to spend ten billion dollars over ten years to make improvements and regulate the use of water.
Initially, the four state premiers involved signalled interest and partial agreement, but since then politics has entered the fray. In particular, South Australia's Mike Rann is showing resistance and signalling that he will opose the plan if it inflicts any pain on his state.
Any thinking person knows that to save this river system a lot less water will need to be drawn annually - and that means many marginal irrigation schemes serving arid areas will be closed down. There is an opportunity to re-think farming and abandon what is essentially grazing land being intensively farmed - and move those farms north to where there is water in abundance.
So many farms " just happened ". When this country was settled land was granted without consideration of viability. Now is the time to correct the resulting unsustainability.
Eventually, one of two things will happen. Either the states will cave in and reach agreement, or the Commonwealth will go to court and win the right to manage the river system. In the latter case, there will be a delay that could run to years - and this country will suffer the consequences.
Hopefully, common sense will prevail and a Federal management plan can be implemented with the support of the states. Such an outcome could well become a leading political issue at the Federal election later this year !
Initially, the four state premiers involved signalled interest and partial agreement, but since then politics has entered the fray. In particular, South Australia's Mike Rann is showing resistance and signalling that he will opose the plan if it inflicts any pain on his state.
Any thinking person knows that to save this river system a lot less water will need to be drawn annually - and that means many marginal irrigation schemes serving arid areas will be closed down. There is an opportunity to re-think farming and abandon what is essentially grazing land being intensively farmed - and move those farms north to where there is water in abundance.
So many farms " just happened ". When this country was settled land was granted without consideration of viability. Now is the time to correct the resulting unsustainability.
Eventually, one of two things will happen. Either the states will cave in and reach agreement, or the Commonwealth will go to court and win the right to manage the river system. In the latter case, there will be a delay that could run to years - and this country will suffer the consequences.
Hopefully, common sense will prevail and a Federal management plan can be implemented with the support of the states. Such an outcome could well become a leading political issue at the Federal election later this year !
Thursday, 1 February 2007
Crime fighters !
This week seven hundred and ninety nine new police officers graduated from the Police Academy. These officers are now reinforcing police commands across the state, but there is a doubt in many minds because it has been revealed that a small number failed to pass all the tests necessary for graduation. Most concerning is news that several failed a test on ethics - and others failed firearm proficiency.
Those that are poor shots will not be issued with a sidearm, but will gain work experience before being retested. Further failure will presumeably result in them being dismissed from the force.
The failure of ethics standards is even more troubling. Police officers are expected to uphold high moral ethics and we do not want our police to degenerate to the standards of countries such as Mexico - where poorly paid police officers keep watch while their partners mug the citizenry
There is a verbal tug of war in progress between the police on one side - and the government and it's opposition on the other. The police insist that they need an extra three thousand officers to adequately police this state. With an election due on March 24 both government and opposition is locked in a brawl as to what will be provided.
It seems obvious that this class was rushed to graduation for political reasons. No doubt the majority are well trained and will do a good job, but even a few officers performing below par have the ability to bring the force into disrepute. Let us hope that prompt remedial action will bring the failures up to standard !
Those that are poor shots will not be issued with a sidearm, but will gain work experience before being retested. Further failure will presumeably result in them being dismissed from the force.
The failure of ethics standards is even more troubling. Police officers are expected to uphold high moral ethics and we do not want our police to degenerate to the standards of countries such as Mexico - where poorly paid police officers keep watch while their partners mug the citizenry
There is a verbal tug of war in progress between the police on one side - and the government and it's opposition on the other. The police insist that they need an extra three thousand officers to adequately police this state. With an election due on March 24 both government and opposition is locked in a brawl as to what will be provided.
It seems obvious that this class was rushed to graduation for political reasons. No doubt the majority are well trained and will do a good job, but even a few officers performing below par have the ability to bring the force into disrepute. Let us hope that prompt remedial action will bring the failures up to standard !
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