The High court has struck down legislation denying the vote to prisoners incarcerated within the prison system - but upholding that denial for those serving in excess of a three year sentence.
Gaining the vote has been an emotional issue over hundreds of years. In particular, women only gained the vote during the twentieth century - and then only after vigorous action that saw many derided - and in some cases gaoled.
It sounds reasonable that prisoners serving life sentences for despicable crime should lose the vote along with their liberty but that same criteria does not necessarily apply to those sentenced for lesser crimes.
Because a person is a prisoner does not mean that they have abandoned their interest in politics or their right to choose the government under whose laws they are expected to obey.
In particular, prisoners have an acute interest in drug laws because in many instances these are the very laws they have transgressed. Drug laws are not uniform between countries - let alone states - and some people are in prison for crimes that mandate a gaol sentence in one state but are treated as a minor matter only attracting a fine elsewhere.
They would have a very real interest in who is elected to office, particularly when the party involved stands on a platform of revising drug laws.
It seems strange to deprive a prisoner of his or her voting rights when at the same time society is adamant that they should retain their dignity as a person and be afforded the protection of their civil rights in other respects.
It seems that the wisdom of the High court has once again struck the right balance in interpreting the laws that govern our lives !
Friday, 31 August 2007
Thursday, 30 August 2007
The pong from the gong !
To put it mildly - Wollongong's Lake Illawarra stinks !
Like most lakes with an entrance to the sea Lake Illawarra is subjected to regular closures when sand buildup blocks the channel. When this happens the lake becomes stagnant - until heavy rainfall raises it's level and removes the blockage.
This tends to annoy those who live by the lake. When it is closed to the sea there is no fresh nutriment and fish stocks fall. There is also a problem of flooding as the level rises but before it can dislodge the blockage of sand.
To solve the problem huge amounts of money have been spent to create a permanent opening. Bulldozers have artificially removed the sand blockage and now a double sea wall has been constructed to lengthen the entrance to deeper water.
The theory is that with a permanent entrance the lake will again become a paradise for those seeking fish and prawns and the tidal movement will flush the lake on a regular basis - with a vast improvement in water quality.
There is now a new problem - and it is driving away tourists and holiday makers - and making life miserable for those living near the lake and enjoying it's immense water views.
Now the lake is again tidal the sea grasses that are so important for fish stocks become uncovered at low tide - and with the baking effect of the sun they start to rot - and that creates a smell that many compare with an abattoirs or a garbage dump.
The smell is so bad that many claim outdoor BBQ's are out of the question, and that windows must be tightly closed on even a moderately warm day.
Unfortunately, if the objective is a healthy lake teeming with fish then these sea grasses are necessary - but if they are allowed to remain there is no prospect of removing that offensive smell.
It seems that lake residents have to make a choice. Have the lake authority use chemicals to poison and remove the grass beds - and end up with a lake devoid of fish - but with magnificent views - and no pong !
Or - enjoy the fishing and the sparkling water - and the view - but accept that the pong goes with the territory !
Like most lakes with an entrance to the sea Lake Illawarra is subjected to regular closures when sand buildup blocks the channel. When this happens the lake becomes stagnant - until heavy rainfall raises it's level and removes the blockage.
This tends to annoy those who live by the lake. When it is closed to the sea there is no fresh nutriment and fish stocks fall. There is also a problem of flooding as the level rises but before it can dislodge the blockage of sand.
To solve the problem huge amounts of money have been spent to create a permanent opening. Bulldozers have artificially removed the sand blockage and now a double sea wall has been constructed to lengthen the entrance to deeper water.
The theory is that with a permanent entrance the lake will again become a paradise for those seeking fish and prawns and the tidal movement will flush the lake on a regular basis - with a vast improvement in water quality.
There is now a new problem - and it is driving away tourists and holiday makers - and making life miserable for those living near the lake and enjoying it's immense water views.
Now the lake is again tidal the sea grasses that are so important for fish stocks become uncovered at low tide - and with the baking effect of the sun they start to rot - and that creates a smell that many compare with an abattoirs or a garbage dump.
The smell is so bad that many claim outdoor BBQ's are out of the question, and that windows must be tightly closed on even a moderately warm day.
Unfortunately, if the objective is a healthy lake teeming with fish then these sea grasses are necessary - but if they are allowed to remain there is no prospect of removing that offensive smell.
It seems that lake residents have to make a choice. Have the lake authority use chemicals to poison and remove the grass beds - and end up with a lake devoid of fish - but with magnificent views - and no pong !
Or - enjoy the fishing and the sparkling water - and the view - but accept that the pong goes with the territory !
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
A free ride !
Those needing an ambulance today are the lucky people - they get to ride for free !
The Ambulance service is on strike. They will still respond to 000 emergency calls and they will provide their full service in life threatening emergencies - but what they will not do is fill in paperwork that allows the state government to bill their customers.
Our paramedics are fed up with a hospital service that is unable to clear emergency patients and leaves them languishing in ambulances - and under the care of ambulance crews - for hours because of bed shortages.
They are fed up with work loads that see trainees thrust into decision making roles simply because there are no senior people to supervise their work. Morale is at such a low ebb that resignations are seeing an out flow faster than recruits can be trained as replacements.
And now - of all times - the state government is trying to implement a reduction in penalty rates that will result in a ten percent reduction in take home pay - or over $ 80 a week.
Paramedics are under constant pressure to improve their qualifications and the training to do that is conducted in their own time - and at their own expense. They are the first line of defence when a medical emergency arises.
The ambulance delivers trained people to asses the medical needs and provide care on the way to hospital - and yet those paramedics earn forty percent less than a hospital nurse.
Ambulance crews - along with police and firemen - are the essential services that can not simply walk off the job like employees in other industries. They adhere to their moral obligations to provide life saving skills - but this tactic is going to hit their employer - the state government - where it hurts most. As long as this strike lasts it will put a mighty dent in the bottom line of government revenue.
That is one sure way to get the government to sit up and take notice !
The Ambulance service is on strike. They will still respond to 000 emergency calls and they will provide their full service in life threatening emergencies - but what they will not do is fill in paperwork that allows the state government to bill their customers.
Our paramedics are fed up with a hospital service that is unable to clear emergency patients and leaves them languishing in ambulances - and under the care of ambulance crews - for hours because of bed shortages.
They are fed up with work loads that see trainees thrust into decision making roles simply because there are no senior people to supervise their work. Morale is at such a low ebb that resignations are seeing an out flow faster than recruits can be trained as replacements.
And now - of all times - the state government is trying to implement a reduction in penalty rates that will result in a ten percent reduction in take home pay - or over $ 80 a week.
Paramedics are under constant pressure to improve their qualifications and the training to do that is conducted in their own time - and at their own expense. They are the first line of defence when a medical emergency arises.
The ambulance delivers trained people to asses the medical needs and provide care on the way to hospital - and yet those paramedics earn forty percent less than a hospital nurse.
Ambulance crews - along with police and firemen - are the essential services that can not simply walk off the job like employees in other industries. They adhere to their moral obligations to provide life saving skills - but this tactic is going to hit their employer - the state government - where it hurts most. As long as this strike lasts it will put a mighty dent in the bottom line of government revenue.
That is one sure way to get the government to sit up and take notice !
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
A GST rate increase ?
A shiver down the spines of most citizens at the suggestion that there might be an increase in the rate at which the GST is levied !
There will be a Federal election later this year and both sides of politics have been circling the nation's hospital system with the view of a possible Federal takeover.
If that were to happen it would mean a complete renegotiation of Federal/state funding. The states could not expect the same level of Federal monies if one of their most expensive outlays - hospitals - was removed from the state to the Federal sphere.
And there lays the great divide ! To compensate for a Federal hospital takeover the states would need to relinquish about forty percent of the taxes raised and paid to them from the GST.
It is almost beyond belief that the states would give this the nod. Their track record on the GST is not impressive. When this tax was negotiated it was agreed that in return for a new source of income the states would reduce some state taxes and abolish others. They were given several years grace to implement this arrangement.
When that time came - they reneged ! They took the beggar's stance and claimed they simply could not afford to do without those state taxes - and so the public were subjected to double dipping.
The Treasurer has suggest - mischievously - that if Kevin Rudd were elected he would probably raise the GST from the present 10% to 14% to recoup the loss of hospital funds to the Commonwealth.
Rudd emphatically denies this - but the voters will hope that now the subject has been raised both sides of politics will set in stone a promise that under no circumstances will there be a change in the rate of the GST.
In that respect Australia is one of the few countries in the world to have kept it's GST promise. When the tax was introduced in most other countries it was accompanied by a solemn promise that the rate would remain unchanged - and that promise was broken within the first few years - and is now well over twenty percent.
Lets hope that both sides of politics leave the GST at ten percent !
There will be a Federal election later this year and both sides of politics have been circling the nation's hospital system with the view of a possible Federal takeover.
If that were to happen it would mean a complete renegotiation of Federal/state funding. The states could not expect the same level of Federal monies if one of their most expensive outlays - hospitals - was removed from the state to the Federal sphere.
And there lays the great divide ! To compensate for a Federal hospital takeover the states would need to relinquish about forty percent of the taxes raised and paid to them from the GST.
It is almost beyond belief that the states would give this the nod. Their track record on the GST is not impressive. When this tax was negotiated it was agreed that in return for a new source of income the states would reduce some state taxes and abolish others. They were given several years grace to implement this arrangement.
When that time came - they reneged ! They took the beggar's stance and claimed they simply could not afford to do without those state taxes - and so the public were subjected to double dipping.
The Treasurer has suggest - mischievously - that if Kevin Rudd were elected he would probably raise the GST from the present 10% to 14% to recoup the loss of hospital funds to the Commonwealth.
Rudd emphatically denies this - but the voters will hope that now the subject has been raised both sides of politics will set in stone a promise that under no circumstances will there be a change in the rate of the GST.
In that respect Australia is one of the few countries in the world to have kept it's GST promise. When the tax was introduced in most other countries it was accompanied by a solemn promise that the rate would remain unchanged - and that promise was broken within the first few years - and is now well over twenty percent.
Lets hope that both sides of politics leave the GST at ten percent !
Monday, 27 August 2007
Holding our breath !
With a week to go before APEC there must be some intense crystal ball gazing going on in the security command centre. We know that there is going to be a huge demonstration aimed mainly at US president George Bush - but exactly what tactics the feral organizers will use is still a mystery.
A darker problem concerns the intentions of Muslim jihadists in Australia. Obviously APEC is a magnet that will draw their attention because whatever happens here during that week will be world news.
A recurring worry is the whereabouts of those M 72 rocket launchers stolen from a defence armoury and sold to a terrorist group. It is suspected that they were sealed in plastic pipes and buried underground - waiting for the right occasion to be used for maximum effect.
World leaders will be flying in to Australia - and what better targets than aircraft carrying important people ?
Flight plans and movements are a closely guarded secret, but it is unlikely that Sydney airport will be the destination. The airport is surrounded by suburbs and the risk of such a weapon being fired from any one of hundreds of thousands of unit patios would be too much of a risk.
Incoming leaders will more likely land at defence department air fields - which are isolated and much easier to lock down.
So - that leaves a handful of hotels that will house world leaders - and open up an interesting cat and mouse game between those wishing to do harm and the security forces standing guard.
A lot of people will be holding their breath until the last leader safely exits our shores !
A darker problem concerns the intentions of Muslim jihadists in Australia. Obviously APEC is a magnet that will draw their attention because whatever happens here during that week will be world news.
A recurring worry is the whereabouts of those M 72 rocket launchers stolen from a defence armoury and sold to a terrorist group. It is suspected that they were sealed in plastic pipes and buried underground - waiting for the right occasion to be used for maximum effect.
World leaders will be flying in to Australia - and what better targets than aircraft carrying important people ?
Flight plans and movements are a closely guarded secret, but it is unlikely that Sydney airport will be the destination. The airport is surrounded by suburbs and the risk of such a weapon being fired from any one of hundreds of thousands of unit patios would be too much of a risk.
Incoming leaders will more likely land at defence department air fields - which are isolated and much easier to lock down.
So - that leaves a handful of hotels that will house world leaders - and open up an interesting cat and mouse game between those wishing to do harm and the security forces standing guard.
A lot of people will be holding their breath until the last leader safely exits our shores !
Sunday, 26 August 2007
A racing calamity.
Yesterday brought a shock to most Australians - a Saturday when there was no horse racing anywhere in the country !
Equine Influenza ( EI ) has broken out and this spells disaster for the racing industry - and for a whole flock of associated industries depending on this sport.
Yesterday the TAB missed out on turnover of seventy million dollars, bookmakers walked away without recording a bet, jockeys found themselves unemployed and the betting facilities of pubs and clubs were deserted.
It doesn't stop there. This is the breeding season and the embargo on horse movements means that sires can not be transported to mares and the future of the sixty million dollar industry will be in jeopardy.
A lot now depends on how long the embargo will be necessary - but there has already been speculation that the spring racing calendar will be in doubt - and that it may be necessary to delay the Melbourne cup - and hold it in December.
The fallout will be far and wide - and it will also include APEC. One of the most effective means of crowd control has been the mounted police. It is likely that come September the police horses will have to remain in stables. This is also the time of year when pony clubs and dressage events take place, not to mention the livelihood of riding schools and tourist ranches.
Somehow our quarantine service slipped up and an infected horse passed through quarantine while still affected by this highly infectious disease. The cost will run into the millions - and for many this spring will not seem like the Australia they knew of old !
Equine Influenza ( EI ) has broken out and this spells disaster for the racing industry - and for a whole flock of associated industries depending on this sport.
Yesterday the TAB missed out on turnover of seventy million dollars, bookmakers walked away without recording a bet, jockeys found themselves unemployed and the betting facilities of pubs and clubs were deserted.
It doesn't stop there. This is the breeding season and the embargo on horse movements means that sires can not be transported to mares and the future of the sixty million dollar industry will be in jeopardy.
A lot now depends on how long the embargo will be necessary - but there has already been speculation that the spring racing calendar will be in doubt - and that it may be necessary to delay the Melbourne cup - and hold it in December.
The fallout will be far and wide - and it will also include APEC. One of the most effective means of crowd control has been the mounted police. It is likely that come September the police horses will have to remain in stables. This is also the time of year when pony clubs and dressage events take place, not to mention the livelihood of riding schools and tourist ranches.
Somehow our quarantine service slipped up and an infected horse passed through quarantine while still affected by this highly infectious disease. The cost will run into the millions - and for many this spring will not seem like the Australia they knew of old !
Saturday, 25 August 2007
Carcinoma danger !
A new scare on the cancer front - tanning booths !
It has been revealed that overuse of tanning booths can cause users to suffer the most deadly skin cancer - Carcinoma.
At present, the use of tanning booths is subject to a voluntary code of conduct, but the evidence shows that this is being disregarded in the quest for profit.
The biggest problem is young people who seek a golden tan and over use tanning booths as a way of achieving their dream.
No amount of publicity is going to persuade them to opt on the side of moderation. We only have to look at the millions expended to warn of the dangers of drugs, alcohol and speeding while driving to know that young people consider themselves bullet proof - and ignore warnings.
Probably the only way to regulate this industry is to enact legislation - and it would be useful if this could be done on a national basis rather than leaving it to individual states - requiring proof of age before gaining access to a tanning booth - in a similar manner to the requirements for purchasing alcohol or cigarettes.
It would not be necessary to ban the use of this medium, but to merely moderate the exposure time to a safe level.
Unfortunately sanity will fly out the window and the matter will become a political football between the Federal authorities and the states - but the losers will be young people pursuing an impossible dream - and ending up a medical statistic !
It has been revealed that overuse of tanning booths can cause users to suffer the most deadly skin cancer - Carcinoma.
At present, the use of tanning booths is subject to a voluntary code of conduct, but the evidence shows that this is being disregarded in the quest for profit.
The biggest problem is young people who seek a golden tan and over use tanning booths as a way of achieving their dream.
No amount of publicity is going to persuade them to opt on the side of moderation. We only have to look at the millions expended to warn of the dangers of drugs, alcohol and speeding while driving to know that young people consider themselves bullet proof - and ignore warnings.
Probably the only way to regulate this industry is to enact legislation - and it would be useful if this could be done on a national basis rather than leaving it to individual states - requiring proof of age before gaining access to a tanning booth - in a similar manner to the requirements for purchasing alcohol or cigarettes.
It would not be necessary to ban the use of this medium, but to merely moderate the exposure time to a safe level.
Unfortunately sanity will fly out the window and the matter will become a political football between the Federal authorities and the states - but the losers will be young people pursuing an impossible dream - and ending up a medical statistic !
Friday, 24 August 2007
Return of the " Moped ".
After the end of the second world war - when the automobile was still an expensive item - a new form of transport exploded onto the American market.
This was the " Moped " - basically an ordinary bicycle with a very small petrol motor. It still needed pedal power to get up a steep hill, but basically it was a means of transport to get Mum to the shops - or for the kids to go to and from school.
Unfortunately Australian state governments viewed it with a jaundiced eye. Whereas it was a free to use item in the USA, here the authorities decided it would require a license to be legally ridden - and the Moped would be classed as a motorcycle - and would require full registration and insurance - and the display of a number plate. The cost was excessive - and this new form of transport was strangled at birth !
How times change. With overcrowded roads and petrol prices going through the roof the state governments have had a rethink. Now bicycles with small petrol motors are no longer items that need a license - and nor does their rider. Their numbers are expanding rapidly. They are cheap to buy - and cheap to run - and for many they are the obvious mobility answer when money is short.
It didn't take industry long to see an opportunity. We are now seeing commercial models that improve on the deficiencies of the average bicycle. New models have more robust tyres and the bike frame has been enhanced - and that motor has increased in power to just under the legal capacity before it is termed a motorcycle.
In some cities commonsense is coming to the fore and parking bays are being designated for motorcycles - and for Mopeds. We can expect a sharp increase in two wheeled motoring in the years ahead - solving both a space problem - and the relentless demand for more fuel !
This was the " Moped " - basically an ordinary bicycle with a very small petrol motor. It still needed pedal power to get up a steep hill, but basically it was a means of transport to get Mum to the shops - or for the kids to go to and from school.
Unfortunately Australian state governments viewed it with a jaundiced eye. Whereas it was a free to use item in the USA, here the authorities decided it would require a license to be legally ridden - and the Moped would be classed as a motorcycle - and would require full registration and insurance - and the display of a number plate. The cost was excessive - and this new form of transport was strangled at birth !
How times change. With overcrowded roads and petrol prices going through the roof the state governments have had a rethink. Now bicycles with small petrol motors are no longer items that need a license - and nor does their rider. Their numbers are expanding rapidly. They are cheap to buy - and cheap to run - and for many they are the obvious mobility answer when money is short.
It didn't take industry long to see an opportunity. We are now seeing commercial models that improve on the deficiencies of the average bicycle. New models have more robust tyres and the bike frame has been enhanced - and that motor has increased in power to just under the legal capacity before it is termed a motorcycle.
In some cities commonsense is coming to the fore and parking bays are being designated for motorcycles - and for Mopeds. We can expect a sharp increase in two wheeled motoring in the years ahead - solving both a space problem - and the relentless demand for more fuel !
Thursday, 23 August 2007
Blood on the streets !
Many people must be apprehensive about the level of violence likely to occur during the APEC meeting in Sydney in September.
The so-called Socialist Youth Organization - " Resistance " - has a track record of organizing chaos with a well trained cadre of leaders who wear masks and identical white jumpsuits to make individual identification difficult.
On past performance we can expect what is claimed to be " a peaceful demonstration " to be hijacked with these anarchists stirring the crowd to smash barricades, assault the police and do the maximum possible damage to property.
It is obvious that government intelligence is aware of what is to come and for that reason it has invested in both a water cannon and a fleet of specially prepared " prison buses " to deal with mass arrests.
What is disturbing is the actions of Resistance to recruit school kids to join the protest demonstration. A well orchestrated campaign is under way by using YouTube and printed flyers distributed at rail stations and school gates, urging children to disobey both parents and school authorities and take a day off and join the anarchists.
This seems like a Pied Piper operation. To many of the kids this is just another rebellion against authority but there is a chance of serious injury or worse if things get out of hand - and that is precisely what the organizers hope will happen.
Nothing would draw media headlines better than kids killed or injured - and of course the anarchists would scream " police brutality " and claim that their demonstration was merely a peaceful use of their democratic right to protest a meeting of people they describe as " the enemy ".
This same democratic right they claim to meet as a protesting group they deny the leaders of world countries to confer together in similar manner.
The leaders of Resistance are better described as urban terrorists little better than the jihadists who destroyed the World Trade centre. Their aim is similar - to destroy democracy and create a society ruled by fanatics.
The so-called Socialist Youth Organization - " Resistance " - has a track record of organizing chaos with a well trained cadre of leaders who wear masks and identical white jumpsuits to make individual identification difficult.
On past performance we can expect what is claimed to be " a peaceful demonstration " to be hijacked with these anarchists stirring the crowd to smash barricades, assault the police and do the maximum possible damage to property.
It is obvious that government intelligence is aware of what is to come and for that reason it has invested in both a water cannon and a fleet of specially prepared " prison buses " to deal with mass arrests.
What is disturbing is the actions of Resistance to recruit school kids to join the protest demonstration. A well orchestrated campaign is under way by using YouTube and printed flyers distributed at rail stations and school gates, urging children to disobey both parents and school authorities and take a day off and join the anarchists.
This seems like a Pied Piper operation. To many of the kids this is just another rebellion against authority but there is a chance of serious injury or worse if things get out of hand - and that is precisely what the organizers hope will happen.
Nothing would draw media headlines better than kids killed or injured - and of course the anarchists would scream " police brutality " and claim that their demonstration was merely a peaceful use of their democratic right to protest a meeting of people they describe as " the enemy ".
This same democratic right they claim to meet as a protesting group they deny the leaders of world countries to confer together in similar manner.
The leaders of Resistance are better described as urban terrorists little better than the jihadists who destroyed the World Trade centre. Their aim is similar - to destroy democracy and create a society ruled by fanatics.
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Tell it like it is !
Wollongong City Employment Training ( WCET ) was set up to help the long term unemployed and work for the dole people gain skills to enable them to compete in the work place.
One of the projects undertaken was the production of a twenty-four minute short film named " Lifelike ".
The producers commented that the people working on this film were enthusiastic and devoted to the point of volunteering their time well over the paid limits. This enthusiasm resulted in a production that the gifted writer thought might make the film a hit at one of the short film festivals.
Those hopes were dashed when WCET canned the project and refused to allow the film to be finished. WCET expressed the opinion that the subject matter was " inappropriate " - and that it contained references to drugs, swearing and sexual matters.
It seems that what WCET expected was the usual, bland " drugs are bad " piece of nonsense that is totally ignored by the younger generation - but gets an enthusiastic nod from the older people who wouldn't have a clue what is happening in the drug world.
This film is cutting edge reality. The drug scene has it's share of psychosis resulting in violence. Dependence on drugs often results in prostitution to get the money to buy drugs - and the physical depravity and disease is not a pretty picture - but for the viewer it is a case of " welcome to the real world ".
The " real world " is obviously a foreign place to the leaders of WCET. Haven't they been to the movies in the past few decades ? Don't they realise that the world has turned a few times since " bloody " was considered swearing ? Now the " F " word is common in films and in pub talk.
This film is reality that just might cause some young people to back off when peer pressure offers them drugs. Sadly - it will probably never see the light of day - and even more sadly - Twenty thousand dollars that could have made a small difference in the drug fight is going to be wasted.
All because some of our supposed leaders are stuck in a time warp !
One of the projects undertaken was the production of a twenty-four minute short film named " Lifelike ".
The producers commented that the people working on this film were enthusiastic and devoted to the point of volunteering their time well over the paid limits. This enthusiasm resulted in a production that the gifted writer thought might make the film a hit at one of the short film festivals.
Those hopes were dashed when WCET canned the project and refused to allow the film to be finished. WCET expressed the opinion that the subject matter was " inappropriate " - and that it contained references to drugs, swearing and sexual matters.
It seems that what WCET expected was the usual, bland " drugs are bad " piece of nonsense that is totally ignored by the younger generation - but gets an enthusiastic nod from the older people who wouldn't have a clue what is happening in the drug world.
This film is cutting edge reality. The drug scene has it's share of psychosis resulting in violence. Dependence on drugs often results in prostitution to get the money to buy drugs - and the physical depravity and disease is not a pretty picture - but for the viewer it is a case of " welcome to the real world ".
The " real world " is obviously a foreign place to the leaders of WCET. Haven't they been to the movies in the past few decades ? Don't they realise that the world has turned a few times since " bloody " was considered swearing ? Now the " F " word is common in films and in pub talk.
This film is reality that just might cause some young people to back off when peer pressure offers them drugs. Sadly - it will probably never see the light of day - and even more sadly - Twenty thousand dollars that could have made a small difference in the drug fight is going to be wasted.
All because some of our supposed leaders are stuck in a time warp !
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
Water Cannon.
It had to come - and in many ways it was inevitable - but it does illustrate the degree that violence has increased in our community.
Sydney now has a water cannon !
This $ 600,000 armoured truck carries 12,000 litres of water and can hit a target fifty metres away with a blast capable of shifting concrete bollards - and of bowling a demonstrator over backwards.
Acquiring such a monster had it's genesis from the time of the Redfern riots when police holding a line became the target of Molotov cocktails thrown by a drunken mob of rioting Aboriginals.
It has arrived in time for the September APEC meeting in Sydney which promises to be a target by what can only be described as anarchists. On previous history what these urban terrorists insist will be a " peaceful demonstration " will degenerate into life threatening savagery and destruction of property.
Crowd control has been slowly moving into a contest where the patience of the police is increasingly demanded by civil liberty groups whilst the actions of feral rioters becomes increasingly savage and without restraint.
Inevitably these hoons will claim that their demonstration was peaceful until police provocation crossed the line. Television images on such events give the lie to that claim.
Now that we have a water cannon it can not be too big a step for the state to consider investing in a " pepper spray machine ". This armoured tank capable of spitting out a stream of eye and skin irritants is used in many major cities to disperse rioting crowds.
The sad thing is that we once considered ourselves the " peaceful city " far removed from the violence of a distant world.
Welcome to this shrinking planet with it's creeping miasma of evil people !
Sydney now has a water cannon !
This $ 600,000 armoured truck carries 12,000 litres of water and can hit a target fifty metres away with a blast capable of shifting concrete bollards - and of bowling a demonstrator over backwards.
Acquiring such a monster had it's genesis from the time of the Redfern riots when police holding a line became the target of Molotov cocktails thrown by a drunken mob of rioting Aboriginals.
It has arrived in time for the September APEC meeting in Sydney which promises to be a target by what can only be described as anarchists. On previous history what these urban terrorists insist will be a " peaceful demonstration " will degenerate into life threatening savagery and destruction of property.
Crowd control has been slowly moving into a contest where the patience of the police is increasingly demanded by civil liberty groups whilst the actions of feral rioters becomes increasingly savage and without restraint.
Inevitably these hoons will claim that their demonstration was peaceful until police provocation crossed the line. Television images on such events give the lie to that claim.
Now that we have a water cannon it can not be too big a step for the state to consider investing in a " pepper spray machine ". This armoured tank capable of spitting out a stream of eye and skin irritants is used in many major cities to disperse rioting crowds.
The sad thing is that we once considered ourselves the " peaceful city " far removed from the violence of a distant world.
Welcome to this shrinking planet with it's creeping miasma of evil people !
Monday, 20 August 2007
" Bambi " has a dark side !
To most people there is no more innocent an animal than a deer. Walt Disney's legend of Bambi lives on !
To those residents of Sydney and Wollongong who live near the Royal National park the reality is rather different. The park is home to an estimated five thousand deer and in recent times they have been found in people's gardens just after daybreak - having breakfast munching on the plants.
So far there have been no fatalities. Some motorists have had the misfortune to collide with a deer on suburban streets and on the F6 motorway, but the real danger is one of aggression by a male deer during the " rutting season " when they roam far and wide looking for mates. During that time attacks on humans are likely - and a deer with antlers can be a formidable - and deadly - opponent.
The only answer seems to be a culling campaign involving professional shooters. Culling by using poison has been ruled out because baits would be eaten by other park inhabitants other than deer - and the public would not tolerate these fine animals suffering an agonising death.
Most people accept that culling is necessary but it seems that there are no plans to capitalise on this necessity. The meat of deer is a prized gourmet item called venison. It seems almost a criminal waste to painlessly destroy these magnificent animals - and then leave the carcass to rot in the national park.
With a little planning by the government department responsible the cost of the culling could be mitigated and a prized delicacy made available to the public !
To those residents of Sydney and Wollongong who live near the Royal National park the reality is rather different. The park is home to an estimated five thousand deer and in recent times they have been found in people's gardens just after daybreak - having breakfast munching on the plants.
So far there have been no fatalities. Some motorists have had the misfortune to collide with a deer on suburban streets and on the F6 motorway, but the real danger is one of aggression by a male deer during the " rutting season " when they roam far and wide looking for mates. During that time attacks on humans are likely - and a deer with antlers can be a formidable - and deadly - opponent.
The only answer seems to be a culling campaign involving professional shooters. Culling by using poison has been ruled out because baits would be eaten by other park inhabitants other than deer - and the public would not tolerate these fine animals suffering an agonising death.
Most people accept that culling is necessary but it seems that there are no plans to capitalise on this necessity. The meat of deer is a prized gourmet item called venison. It seems almost a criminal waste to painlessly destroy these magnificent animals - and then leave the carcass to rot in the national park.
With a little planning by the government department responsible the cost of the culling could be mitigated and a prized delicacy made available to the public !
Sunday, 19 August 2007
Lender beware !
It is said that when the USA sneezes the world catches a cold ! That sneeze is still reverberating through home lending in most countries - and causing huge problems here in Australia.
The trouble started when what is called " sub-prime " lenders emerged to do battle with traditional finance houses such as banks and building societies. Prudent lending policy went out the window and cut rate finance was offered to people who had only a marginal capacity to repay - and is many cases the loan was for the entire asking price of the property - and sometimes even in excess to finance additions such as furniture or a swimming pool.
That was fine as long as the bull market had ever rising house prices, but when interest rates rose those on tight margins were in trouble and mortgage sales began to multiply.
That created a new problem. When house prices tanked and actually fell, some found that selling the property would not even meet the amount of debt owing. As a result, the lending authority took a loss - and that's where the panic began !
People looking for a house loan today are going to find that it is a whole new ball game. We can expect sub-prime lenders to pull their horns in and the days of one hundred percent loans may be over. Lending institutions will look most favourably on those able to offer a hefty deposit - and have an income from which loan payments represent less than thirty percent.
The crystal ball gazers offer differing interpretations of how the housing market will look in the next few months. There will be a flood of mortgage sales due to the recent interest rate rise - and as a result house prices may decline sharply in some areas. New home construction will feel the pinch as it will take time to sort out the mix in the existing home market - and loans will not be as easy to obtain.
The winners will be those who can hang on, service their existing loan and wait for the inevitable market rise to occur.
We have a growing population - a lack of building land in desireable areas - and that means future rises in home prices.
The losers will be those renting. This glut may temporarily put a hold on rents, but looking to the future the only direction seems to be - up !
The trouble started when what is called " sub-prime " lenders emerged to do battle with traditional finance houses such as banks and building societies. Prudent lending policy went out the window and cut rate finance was offered to people who had only a marginal capacity to repay - and is many cases the loan was for the entire asking price of the property - and sometimes even in excess to finance additions such as furniture or a swimming pool.
That was fine as long as the bull market had ever rising house prices, but when interest rates rose those on tight margins were in trouble and mortgage sales began to multiply.
That created a new problem. When house prices tanked and actually fell, some found that selling the property would not even meet the amount of debt owing. As a result, the lending authority took a loss - and that's where the panic began !
People looking for a house loan today are going to find that it is a whole new ball game. We can expect sub-prime lenders to pull their horns in and the days of one hundred percent loans may be over. Lending institutions will look most favourably on those able to offer a hefty deposit - and have an income from which loan payments represent less than thirty percent.
The crystal ball gazers offer differing interpretations of how the housing market will look in the next few months. There will be a flood of mortgage sales due to the recent interest rate rise - and as a result house prices may decline sharply in some areas. New home construction will feel the pinch as it will take time to sort out the mix in the existing home market - and loans will not be as easy to obtain.
The winners will be those who can hang on, service their existing loan and wait for the inevitable market rise to occur.
We have a growing population - a lack of building land in desireable areas - and that means future rises in home prices.
The losers will be those renting. This glut may temporarily put a hold on rents, but looking to the future the only direction seems to be - up !
Saturday, 18 August 2007
The " Ambo-Doctors ".
The state government is desperate to relieve pressure on hospital emergency rooms and is toying with an idea to update the skills of ambulance crews to a new category of " Extended Care Paramedics ".
The thinking is that higher skilled paramedics could " safely asses " patients, many of whom do not need the services of the emergency room - and could be either treated by the paramedic or referred to a general practitioner.
It would be within the extended care paramedic's authority to administer simple drugs such as antibiotics and refer patients for exploratory procedures such as X-ray and ultrasound.
The idea has merit. Such paramedics would be conducting a triage function in the field but the disadvantage is that patients would be removed from the care of a qualified doctor and placed in the hands of a person with lesser qualifications. The medical profession guards it's turf ferociously - and can be expected to fight the idea tooth and nail.
Problems will arise in areas where there are few general practitioners and none who offer bulk billing. All citizens are entitled to treatment in a public hospital free of charge. It would be an outrage for a paramedic to simply dump a non-critical patient onto a GP and expect that patient to pay a bill for the service.
There is also the prospect of what could be termed " the law of diminishing returns "
where the increasing load on emergency rooms leads to the increased use of paramedics in place of doctors to try and make ends meet.
The pay scale of paramedics is less than for qualified doctors - and in this era of " doing more with less " there would be a tendency to stretch the health budget by employing more paramedics and less doctors.
There are instances where such a scheme will work if it is implemented - but there will also be disasters where the underlying ailment escapes detection due to the paramedics lack of skill - and those are the stories that make newspaper headlines.
The job of the state government is to provide a safe and reliable medical service for the citizens of this state. If this proposal is simply a means of cutting corners to reduce cost - and in the process lowering standards - then those giving it consideration should think again !
The thinking is that higher skilled paramedics could " safely asses " patients, many of whom do not need the services of the emergency room - and could be either treated by the paramedic or referred to a general practitioner.
It would be within the extended care paramedic's authority to administer simple drugs such as antibiotics and refer patients for exploratory procedures such as X-ray and ultrasound.
The idea has merit. Such paramedics would be conducting a triage function in the field but the disadvantage is that patients would be removed from the care of a qualified doctor and placed in the hands of a person with lesser qualifications. The medical profession guards it's turf ferociously - and can be expected to fight the idea tooth and nail.
Problems will arise in areas where there are few general practitioners and none who offer bulk billing. All citizens are entitled to treatment in a public hospital free of charge. It would be an outrage for a paramedic to simply dump a non-critical patient onto a GP and expect that patient to pay a bill for the service.
There is also the prospect of what could be termed " the law of diminishing returns "
where the increasing load on emergency rooms leads to the increased use of paramedics in place of doctors to try and make ends meet.
The pay scale of paramedics is less than for qualified doctors - and in this era of " doing more with less " there would be a tendency to stretch the health budget by employing more paramedics and less doctors.
There are instances where such a scheme will work if it is implemented - but there will also be disasters where the underlying ailment escapes detection due to the paramedics lack of skill - and those are the stories that make newspaper headlines.
The job of the state government is to provide a safe and reliable medical service for the citizens of this state. If this proposal is simply a means of cutting corners to reduce cost - and in the process lowering standards - then those giving it consideration should think again !
Friday, 17 August 2007
Censorship.
It seems that the powers that be have always had an unhealthy determination to impose strict limits on what the citizens can see, hear and say ! It is called " censorship " - and it exists in many forms.
For instance, between 1838 and 1902 it was an offence to bathe in the sea in New South Wales during the hours of daylight.
Apparently " the wowsers " did not believe bathing costumes of the day - despite being neck to knees - were sufficiently modest. Offenders were hauled before a court and suitably punished.
The country was scandalized when actor Clark Gable uttered the words " I don't give a damn " in the iconic film, " Gone with the wind ". This was considered swearing - and an affront to the ears of decent people.
Shortly after the end of the second world war a swimming costume called " the Bikini " appeared on the world's beaches. In Australia, beach inspectors patrolled Bondi beach armed with tape measures to ensure that swimming costumes had at least a hundred millimetres of fabric to cover the thigh. Those found lacking were banned from the beach.
And now the latest innovation to attract the censor's ire is " YouTube " - and it's fellow communication medias " MySpace" and " Facebook ".
The combination of the worldwide net and mobile phones with camera capacity have let the youth of this world enter a new sphere of being able to pose their ideas and comments for all to see.
This is essentially a young persons world, but the ever seeing eye of the censor is voicing disapproval - and threatening to impose a heavy hand on the material.
It seems that the adult mind finds pictures of schoolyard fights, uninhibited passion and illegal activity such as graffiti unacceptable. There is a growing threat to force the sponsors of this media to apply censorship and delete that which offends the adult mind.
The world has changed in the adult realm. The language used in films and TV shows has aligned with the reality of today - and frequently includes the " F " word.
Nudity is commonplace - both in films and on our beaches, and yet we expect our young people to remain inn a time warp.
If censorship comes to the net the most common reaction will be a rejection of that media by the people now using it. The electronic world is advancing with mercurial speed and if the " Nanny State " shuts down the net then youth will turn to other media - like the network offered by mobile phones - to spread the messages they crave - in their own language and within their own bounds of propriety.
It seems that the censor is considering entering a medium where " angels fear to tread ".
For instance, between 1838 and 1902 it was an offence to bathe in the sea in New South Wales during the hours of daylight.
Apparently " the wowsers " did not believe bathing costumes of the day - despite being neck to knees - were sufficiently modest. Offenders were hauled before a court and suitably punished.
The country was scandalized when actor Clark Gable uttered the words " I don't give a damn " in the iconic film, " Gone with the wind ". This was considered swearing - and an affront to the ears of decent people.
Shortly after the end of the second world war a swimming costume called " the Bikini " appeared on the world's beaches. In Australia, beach inspectors patrolled Bondi beach armed with tape measures to ensure that swimming costumes had at least a hundred millimetres of fabric to cover the thigh. Those found lacking were banned from the beach.
And now the latest innovation to attract the censor's ire is " YouTube " - and it's fellow communication medias " MySpace" and " Facebook ".
The combination of the worldwide net and mobile phones with camera capacity have let the youth of this world enter a new sphere of being able to pose their ideas and comments for all to see.
This is essentially a young persons world, but the ever seeing eye of the censor is voicing disapproval - and threatening to impose a heavy hand on the material.
It seems that the adult mind finds pictures of schoolyard fights, uninhibited passion and illegal activity such as graffiti unacceptable. There is a growing threat to force the sponsors of this media to apply censorship and delete that which offends the adult mind.
The world has changed in the adult realm. The language used in films and TV shows has aligned with the reality of today - and frequently includes the " F " word.
Nudity is commonplace - both in films and on our beaches, and yet we expect our young people to remain inn a time warp.
If censorship comes to the net the most common reaction will be a rejection of that media by the people now using it. The electronic world is advancing with mercurial speed and if the " Nanny State " shuts down the net then youth will turn to other media - like the network offered by mobile phones - to spread the messages they crave - in their own language and within their own bounds of propriety.
It seems that the censor is considering entering a medium where " angels fear to tread ".
Thursday, 16 August 2007
The " Joker " in the justice deck !
Just under five years from the Waterfall rail crash that killed seven people the Industrial Court of New South Wales has dispensed " justice ".
The court imposed a fine of $ 825,000 on Railcorp - as the management of the NSW railway system is now known.
What an interesting interpretation of " justice ". A court - which is an instrument of the New South Wales government - imposes a fine on Railcorp - which is an entity totalled owned by the New South Wales government - for an appalling act of omission in ignoring a known fault - which proved to be the reason for the crash - for fifteen long years.
What happens to this fine ? It goes - of course - to the New South Wales government !
A " round robin " cheque passes from Railcorp to the court, which in turn remits it back to - the state government !
What happens to the management people on fat salaries who chose to ignore a fault that prevented the " Deadman " safety device from stopping a train if the driver became incapacitated ?
Did they do any gaol time ? Did they suffer a reduction in salary ? Were they demoted - or were they sacked ?
Of course not !
Their professional association - the equivalent of the white collar man's union - closed ranks, the government avoided a fight to apportion blame and in the higher echelons of the public service it continued to be " business as usual ".
As always, it is the public that is the loser. They have been duped off with a long and tedious " enquiry " to allow the horror of those deaths to fade from public memory - and now the court trumpets the imposition of a fine to give the impression that suitable punishment has been meted out.
No wonder the average person has a jaundiced view of the wheels of justice !
The court imposed a fine of $ 825,000 on Railcorp - as the management of the NSW railway system is now known.
What an interesting interpretation of " justice ". A court - which is an instrument of the New South Wales government - imposes a fine on Railcorp - which is an entity totalled owned by the New South Wales government - for an appalling act of omission in ignoring a known fault - which proved to be the reason for the crash - for fifteen long years.
What happens to this fine ? It goes - of course - to the New South Wales government !
A " round robin " cheque passes from Railcorp to the court, which in turn remits it back to - the state government !
What happens to the management people on fat salaries who chose to ignore a fault that prevented the " Deadman " safety device from stopping a train if the driver became incapacitated ?
Did they do any gaol time ? Did they suffer a reduction in salary ? Were they demoted - or were they sacked ?
Of course not !
Their professional association - the equivalent of the white collar man's union - closed ranks, the government avoided a fight to apportion blame and in the higher echelons of the public service it continued to be " business as usual ".
As always, it is the public that is the loser. They have been duped off with a long and tedious " enquiry " to allow the horror of those deaths to fade from public memory - and now the court trumpets the imposition of a fine to give the impression that suitable punishment has been meted out.
No wonder the average person has a jaundiced view of the wheels of justice !
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
The meaning of life !
From the beginning of time mankind has been obsessed with one question - " What is the meaning of life ? "
From the darkest cave on the highest mountain the wise ones have pondered this over many centuries - and provide this answer.
One day God created the dog and said: " Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this I will give you a life span of twenty years ".
The dog said: " That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten ? " So, God agreed.
On the next day, God created the monkey and said : " Entertain people, do tricks and make them laugh. For this I will give you a twenty year life span ".
The monkey said : " Monkey tricks for twenty years ? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten years like the dog did ? " And God agreed.
On the next day, God created the cow and said : " You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this I will give you a life span of sixty years ".
The cow said : " That's kind of a tough life. You want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty - and I'll give you back the other forty ? ". And again God agreed.
Then on the next day God created man and said : " Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this I will give you a life span of twenty years ".
But man said : " Only twenty years ? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back and the ten the dog gave back - that makes eighty - OK ? " " OK " said God. " You asked for it ! "
So, that's why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren - and for the last ten years we sit on the porch and bark orders at whoever is cleaning our house and cooking our meals.
Life has now been explained to you.
From the darkest cave on the highest mountain the wise ones have pondered this over many centuries - and provide this answer.
One day God created the dog and said: " Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this I will give you a life span of twenty years ".
The dog said: " That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten ? " So, God agreed.
On the next day, God created the monkey and said : " Entertain people, do tricks and make them laugh. For this I will give you a twenty year life span ".
The monkey said : " Monkey tricks for twenty years ? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten years like the dog did ? " And God agreed.
On the next day, God created the cow and said : " You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this I will give you a life span of sixty years ".
The cow said : " That's kind of a tough life. You want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty - and I'll give you back the other forty ? ". And again God agreed.
Then on the next day God created man and said : " Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this I will give you a life span of twenty years ".
But man said : " Only twenty years ? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back and the ten the dog gave back - that makes eighty - OK ? " " OK " said God. " You asked for it ! "
So, that's why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren - and for the last ten years we sit on the porch and bark orders at whoever is cleaning our house and cooking our meals.
Life has now been explained to you.
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
You could die waiting !
Once again the subject of ambulance delays at hospital emergency departments has raised it's ugly head. This seems to be a regular occurrence during the winter months when cold weather and flu bugs create a spike in patients needing urgent medical attention.
We get the usual platitudes from the government, the hospital and the ambulance service. The problem is downgraded to a minor matter and we are urged to forget about it - but that is to deny the immensity of the risk that is involved.
The regular compliment of ambulances on standby for the region from Helensburgh to Kiama is nine units. These are scattered in various ambulance stations across the region so that response time is the shortest possible delay from call out to attendance at the patient's location.
If - as happened this week - seven of those ambulances are stuck in a queue for hours because the hospital is waiting to clear emergency department beds - then response time to get to a person suffering a heart attack or a stroke must be outside normal response times.
When the emergency department is clogged, ambulance crews must stay in the parking bay and maintain their patient until the hospital can accept responsibility.
It seems that the reason the system breaks down is because the hospital can not move patients from emergency department beds to beds in the general wards - and one of the reasons that this is so is because the general wards are often " baby sitting " the elderly who are waiting for space to become available in a nursing home.
Winter is a prime time for the elderly to need medical attention and the fact that funds to achieve a reasonable level of nursing home care has been lacking is compounding hospitals being pressed into service as defacto nursing homes - and this is putting acute medical cases at risk.
The whole problem could be rectified if the Federal and state governments simply accepted the fact that we are desperately short of beds for the aged - and did something about it !
Don't hold your breath. Expect the same problem at the same time next winter !
We get the usual platitudes from the government, the hospital and the ambulance service. The problem is downgraded to a minor matter and we are urged to forget about it - but that is to deny the immensity of the risk that is involved.
The regular compliment of ambulances on standby for the region from Helensburgh to Kiama is nine units. These are scattered in various ambulance stations across the region so that response time is the shortest possible delay from call out to attendance at the patient's location.
If - as happened this week - seven of those ambulances are stuck in a queue for hours because the hospital is waiting to clear emergency department beds - then response time to get to a person suffering a heart attack or a stroke must be outside normal response times.
When the emergency department is clogged, ambulance crews must stay in the parking bay and maintain their patient until the hospital can accept responsibility.
It seems that the reason the system breaks down is because the hospital can not move patients from emergency department beds to beds in the general wards - and one of the reasons that this is so is because the general wards are often " baby sitting " the elderly who are waiting for space to become available in a nursing home.
Winter is a prime time for the elderly to need medical attention and the fact that funds to achieve a reasonable level of nursing home care has been lacking is compounding hospitals being pressed into service as defacto nursing homes - and this is putting acute medical cases at risk.
The whole problem could be rectified if the Federal and state governments simply accepted the fact that we are desperately short of beds for the aged - and did something about it !
Don't hold your breath. Expect the same problem at the same time next winter !
Monday, 13 August 2007
When necessity prevails !
Alarm has been expressed in financial circles at the number or people making emergency withdrawals from their superannuation to fund treatment for cancer.
In many cases this is a matter of necessity as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme ( PBS ) does not cover the latest state of the art medications that have become available.
It is estimated that the out of pocket expenses for those forced to fund their own treatment averages $ 13,400 for men and $ 10,600 for women.
Withdrawals from superannuation must follow strict guidelines and usually do not become available until a certain age is reached. However, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority ( APRA ) has the power to approve early withdrawals in certain circumstances - and trying to beat cancer certainly falls within those guidelines.
But - there are pitfalls. If one member of a marriage contracts cancer and superannuation funds are used to try and beat the disease - win, lose or draw - an affordable old age has gone out the window and the spectre of poverty looms.
And yet who would trade off a comfortable old age against the life of a much loved partner ?
Perhaps this is a situation that the insurance industry should be addressing. There is insurance to cover most calamities so why not a policy to reimburse the cost of drugs not provided under PBS should some catastrophic illness strike the policyholder ?
We take out medical insurance whenever we travel overseas - and that is insurance against something that may not happen. Not everyone will face a life threatening disease - but those that do would be well served by a policy that covers the cost and that would be preferable to having to dip into retirement funds !
In many cases this is a matter of necessity as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme ( PBS ) does not cover the latest state of the art medications that have become available.
It is estimated that the out of pocket expenses for those forced to fund their own treatment averages $ 13,400 for men and $ 10,600 for women.
Withdrawals from superannuation must follow strict guidelines and usually do not become available until a certain age is reached. However, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority ( APRA ) has the power to approve early withdrawals in certain circumstances - and trying to beat cancer certainly falls within those guidelines.
But - there are pitfalls. If one member of a marriage contracts cancer and superannuation funds are used to try and beat the disease - win, lose or draw - an affordable old age has gone out the window and the spectre of poverty looms.
And yet who would trade off a comfortable old age against the life of a much loved partner ?
Perhaps this is a situation that the insurance industry should be addressing. There is insurance to cover most calamities so why not a policy to reimburse the cost of drugs not provided under PBS should some catastrophic illness strike the policyholder ?
We take out medical insurance whenever we travel overseas - and that is insurance against something that may not happen. Not everyone will face a life threatening disease - but those that do would be well served by a policy that covers the cost and that would be preferable to having to dip into retirement funds !
Sunday, 12 August 2007
Return of " National Service ".
An idea is being touted that would seem to serve two objectives. It would help improve this nation's security by increasing the skills available to supplement our defences - and it would give our young men and women an opportunity to learn life skills to manage their own lives.
It is being suggested that young people consider using their " gap " year between school and higher education to experience the armed service life. During this time they would earn about $ 46,000 and acquire the cohesion of thought and action necessary to achieve success within a group.
Half a century ago there was an obligation for all males to undertake compulsory " National Service " shortly after their eighteenth birthday. This comprised a three month stint in the army, followed by a five year period in the reserve, or a six month service in the navy or air force.
Since then the world has changed - and any form of " compulsory " recruitment of a military nature seems to be rejected. Even school cadet corps are in decline and many parents are totally opposed to any form of training that involves firearms.
At the same time, our young people seem to be smarter when it comes to the technical side of communications and technology - and much less inclined to observe any form of self discipline when it comes to their lifestyle.
Perhaps use of the gap year to improve life skills and at the same time make this nation a safer place will bring the best of both worlds.
In retrospect, most of those who served during the " National Service " era of half a century ago would agree that exposure to military discipline and the skills learned were of value during the following civilian years in the work force.
Opportunity knocks - and those that take it open up an advantage gap on the rest of the herd !
It is being suggested that young people consider using their " gap " year between school and higher education to experience the armed service life. During this time they would earn about $ 46,000 and acquire the cohesion of thought and action necessary to achieve success within a group.
Half a century ago there was an obligation for all males to undertake compulsory " National Service " shortly after their eighteenth birthday. This comprised a three month stint in the army, followed by a five year period in the reserve, or a six month service in the navy or air force.
Since then the world has changed - and any form of " compulsory " recruitment of a military nature seems to be rejected. Even school cadet corps are in decline and many parents are totally opposed to any form of training that involves firearms.
At the same time, our young people seem to be smarter when it comes to the technical side of communications and technology - and much less inclined to observe any form of self discipline when it comes to their lifestyle.
Perhaps use of the gap year to improve life skills and at the same time make this nation a safer place will bring the best of both worlds.
In retrospect, most of those who served during the " National Service " era of half a century ago would agree that exposure to military discipline and the skills learned were of value during the following civilian years in the work force.
Opportunity knocks - and those that take it open up an advantage gap on the rest of the herd !
Saturday, 11 August 2007
Honour amongst thieves !
One of the surest ways to solve an intractable crime is to offer a reward.
Money loosens tongues and such was the case in Victoria where prisoner Peter Dupas was finally convicted of a particularly nasty murder.
In this case his cell mate cooperated with the authorities and agreed to wear a wire when Dupas succumbed to ego and couldn't resist bragging about the murder he had committed, even giving a re-enactment of the blows struck.
Dupas should have known better. Prison is not a nice place inhabited by men of honour. In fact there is no honour amongst thieves - and even less amongst murderers. All prisoners aim for a speedy release and helping convict a fellow prisoner is a sure way to get the nod from the parole board.
The anomaly in this case is the size of the reward. A million dollars was on offer for the solution to this murder and the Victorian government was startled when the prisoner who wore the wire applied for his reward.
Andrew Fraser was rather well equipped to secure a confession as he was a high profile lawyer before being sent to serve four years and ten months for drug trafficking. Such were his skills that he was well placed to draw a result using the tactics that lawyers are so good at practising in the law courts.
The reaction of the Victorian government is predictable. First see how the media are treating the matter - and then test public opinion to see whether giving the reward will win or lose votes.
Rewards are always surrounded by a plethora of " ifs, buts and maybes " which leave bolt holes for any government to weasel out if that becomes politically desireable.
The outcome of this claim has yet to be decided, but acceptance or rejection is a two edged sword.
The use of prisoner information is vital to solving many cases and unless the authorities are seen to be honourable in following through with promised rewards that cooperation will dry up. Helping the authorities breaks the prisoners code of ethics - and could lead to a death sentence. Few would risk that if the government gains a reputation for reneging on rewards promised !
Money loosens tongues and such was the case in Victoria where prisoner Peter Dupas was finally convicted of a particularly nasty murder.
In this case his cell mate cooperated with the authorities and agreed to wear a wire when Dupas succumbed to ego and couldn't resist bragging about the murder he had committed, even giving a re-enactment of the blows struck.
Dupas should have known better. Prison is not a nice place inhabited by men of honour. In fact there is no honour amongst thieves - and even less amongst murderers. All prisoners aim for a speedy release and helping convict a fellow prisoner is a sure way to get the nod from the parole board.
The anomaly in this case is the size of the reward. A million dollars was on offer for the solution to this murder and the Victorian government was startled when the prisoner who wore the wire applied for his reward.
Andrew Fraser was rather well equipped to secure a confession as he was a high profile lawyer before being sent to serve four years and ten months for drug trafficking. Such were his skills that he was well placed to draw a result using the tactics that lawyers are so good at practising in the law courts.
The reaction of the Victorian government is predictable. First see how the media are treating the matter - and then test public opinion to see whether giving the reward will win or lose votes.
Rewards are always surrounded by a plethora of " ifs, buts and maybes " which leave bolt holes for any government to weasel out if that becomes politically desireable.
The outcome of this claim has yet to be decided, but acceptance or rejection is a two edged sword.
The use of prisoner information is vital to solving many cases and unless the authorities are seen to be honourable in following through with promised rewards that cooperation will dry up. Helping the authorities breaks the prisoners code of ethics - and could lead to a death sentence. Few would risk that if the government gains a reputation for reneging on rewards promised !
Friday, 10 August 2007
The ' gun at the head " approach.
People in many parts of Australia will be concerned at the Queensland governments methods of enforcing the amalgamation of a huge number of local councils in that state.
Consultation and conciliation have been thrown out the window and the Brisbane approach is little more than " gun at head " tactics. Councils have been forbidden to consult with their ratepayers by way of local referendums - which is surely their right when a decision concerning residents is being proposed.
Prime Minister John Howard has entered the fray by offering to pay for any such referendum called by local councils - and this has been countered by the Queensland Premier threatening to sack any council that dares to go to the people.
To a large degree this is politics. Howard sees a way of attracting votes by siding with local residents and this has enraged the state Premier who considers it interference in a state matter.
This council amalgamation war in Queensland will be closely watched by the other states. From time to time there have been suggestions of council amalgamations in various parts of the country. Inevitably this has been opposed by residents who fear being swallowed up be a larger council and losing a local say on how their rate money will be spent.
There is also an argument in favour of amalgamations on the grounds of efficiency of resources. Smaller councils tend to duplicate plant and machinery which might be better employed within a larger programme of works.
It all boils down to the system of government we have chosen. The three tiers - Federal, state and municipal - are all voted into office by the residents and given powers to make the laws by which we must live.
There are times when those laws do not meet the approval of all the residents, but in a democracy those opposed must bow to the will of the majority.
But that only goes so far. When an elected body drops the guillotine on comment and tries to force through measures that directly affect the life of citizens then a line has been crossed.
To forbid residents to have their say on an unpopular measure is a denial of the right of freedom of speech - and that is the cornerstone of democracy.
The issue here is not the amalgamation of councils. The issue is the right of ordinary people to have their say and let the government hear their wishes.
Any government that denies that right is skating on thin ice !
Consultation and conciliation have been thrown out the window and the Brisbane approach is little more than " gun at head " tactics. Councils have been forbidden to consult with their ratepayers by way of local referendums - which is surely their right when a decision concerning residents is being proposed.
Prime Minister John Howard has entered the fray by offering to pay for any such referendum called by local councils - and this has been countered by the Queensland Premier threatening to sack any council that dares to go to the people.
To a large degree this is politics. Howard sees a way of attracting votes by siding with local residents and this has enraged the state Premier who considers it interference in a state matter.
This council amalgamation war in Queensland will be closely watched by the other states. From time to time there have been suggestions of council amalgamations in various parts of the country. Inevitably this has been opposed by residents who fear being swallowed up be a larger council and losing a local say on how their rate money will be spent.
There is also an argument in favour of amalgamations on the grounds of efficiency of resources. Smaller councils tend to duplicate plant and machinery which might be better employed within a larger programme of works.
It all boils down to the system of government we have chosen. The three tiers - Federal, state and municipal - are all voted into office by the residents and given powers to make the laws by which we must live.
There are times when those laws do not meet the approval of all the residents, but in a democracy those opposed must bow to the will of the majority.
But that only goes so far. When an elected body drops the guillotine on comment and tries to force through measures that directly affect the life of citizens then a line has been crossed.
To forbid residents to have their say on an unpopular measure is a denial of the right of freedom of speech - and that is the cornerstone of democracy.
The issue here is not the amalgamation of councils. The issue is the right of ordinary people to have their say and let the government hear their wishes.
Any government that denies that right is skating on thin ice !
Thursday, 9 August 2007
Safety in citizenship.
There are large numbers of people living in this country who think they have the safety of citizenship - but are in fact liable to be deported in the event they are convicted of a serious crime.
Back in the dark days after the end of the second world war the United Kingdom was a miserable place to live. It was a land of shortages, rationing, bombed our suburbs and taxation at confiscatory levels.
Australia needed migrants to swell a dangerously small population - and so a deal was struck.
Migrants from the United Kingdom - and they came in their thousands - were given what was called " permanent residency status ". This was not citizenship but a halfway measure conferring " most valued migrant " status and allowed them to vote in Federal, state and municipal elections. Children borne in this country had immediate citizen status but those that arrived with their United Kingdom parents were included only as " permanent residents ".
It is probably a matter of British arrogance that few of these original settlers ever bothered to take out Australian citizenship - and many of their children who were born in the old country never appreciated that there was a difference between the two categories.
Now there are instances where the chickens are coming home to roost. This week one of those children with " permanent residency " was released from prison after serving his sentence for a particularly brutal murder. He was promptly seized by immigration and put on a plane back to England.
Those with " permanent residency " enjoy that status provided they are of good character and do not break any serious Australian laws. In the event that they do, their residency status is terminated - and they are subject to ejection back to the country that can not refuse them their right of citizenship.
For many, that country is totally unfamiliar and an alien place - with no relatives or friends remaining - but it is a warning that if you intend to live in a country for the term of your life it is a good idea to ensure that you take out full citizenship as soon as possible.
Back in the dark days after the end of the second world war the United Kingdom was a miserable place to live. It was a land of shortages, rationing, bombed our suburbs and taxation at confiscatory levels.
Australia needed migrants to swell a dangerously small population - and so a deal was struck.
Migrants from the United Kingdom - and they came in their thousands - were given what was called " permanent residency status ". This was not citizenship but a halfway measure conferring " most valued migrant " status and allowed them to vote in Federal, state and municipal elections. Children borne in this country had immediate citizen status but those that arrived with their United Kingdom parents were included only as " permanent residents ".
It is probably a matter of British arrogance that few of these original settlers ever bothered to take out Australian citizenship - and many of their children who were born in the old country never appreciated that there was a difference between the two categories.
Now there are instances where the chickens are coming home to roost. This week one of those children with " permanent residency " was released from prison after serving his sentence for a particularly brutal murder. He was promptly seized by immigration and put on a plane back to England.
Those with " permanent residency " enjoy that status provided they are of good character and do not break any serious Australian laws. In the event that they do, their residency status is terminated - and they are subject to ejection back to the country that can not refuse them their right of citizenship.
For many, that country is totally unfamiliar and an alien place - with no relatives or friends remaining - but it is a warning that if you intend to live in a country for the term of your life it is a good idea to ensure that you take out full citizenship as soon as possible.
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
The ongoing rail fiasco.
Yesterdays event on the Illawarra line illustrates all that is wrong with the shambles New South Wales has the temerity to call a rail service.
Twenty-two people gathered in pre-dawn darkness on the platform of Kiama station awaiting the scheduled 4.29 am train to Central. Some would describe the conditions as " brisk " - while others prefer the terminology of " bloody freezing ".
The minutes lapsed by - until at 4.44 am a train appeared - and failed to stop at Kiama station - or any of the other ten stations between Kiama and Wollongong.
The usual apology from the railways occurred later in the day. They claim this train was the cancelled 4.29 service on it's way to Wollongong to be serviced to have a fault repaired. One would wonder what life threatening fault enabled it to make the journey at high speed with a full crew - but without passengers.
To the shame of the railways there was no effort made to advise them of the situation - and no arrangements to replace the cancelled train with a bus service. Railcorp simply sat on it's hands and did nothing - and left it's passenger customers to wait for the next scheduled service - an hour later.
Those twenty-two passengers were not impressed - and neither would the growing numbers waiting at the other ten bypassed stations. All were seriously late for work - and two people were on their way to Sydney airport for prebooked flights.
This debacle illustrates the lack of management within the rail system. It is unlikely that the cancelled train was found to be faulty at the point of departure, yet nobody had the authority to organise a bus alternative or use the public address system to put stranded passengers in the picture.
In many cases, passengers had parked their cars at the stations and could have travelled to Wollongong by road - had they been advised of the problem.
The only conclusion that can be reached is that Railcorp is inefficient, lacks people in authority down the line who can take command and resolve problems - and quite plainly - couldn't care less about the paying passengers.
And this apology for a rail system wants to hike fares - because it claims to now be running a better service ?
There is an analogy about pigs sprouting wings and taking to the skies !
Twenty-two people gathered in pre-dawn darkness on the platform of Kiama station awaiting the scheduled 4.29 am train to Central. Some would describe the conditions as " brisk " - while others prefer the terminology of " bloody freezing ".
The minutes lapsed by - until at 4.44 am a train appeared - and failed to stop at Kiama station - or any of the other ten stations between Kiama and Wollongong.
The usual apology from the railways occurred later in the day. They claim this train was the cancelled 4.29 service on it's way to Wollongong to be serviced to have a fault repaired. One would wonder what life threatening fault enabled it to make the journey at high speed with a full crew - but without passengers.
To the shame of the railways there was no effort made to advise them of the situation - and no arrangements to replace the cancelled train with a bus service. Railcorp simply sat on it's hands and did nothing - and left it's passenger customers to wait for the next scheduled service - an hour later.
Those twenty-two passengers were not impressed - and neither would the growing numbers waiting at the other ten bypassed stations. All were seriously late for work - and two people were on their way to Sydney airport for prebooked flights.
This debacle illustrates the lack of management within the rail system. It is unlikely that the cancelled train was found to be faulty at the point of departure, yet nobody had the authority to organise a bus alternative or use the public address system to put stranded passengers in the picture.
In many cases, passengers had parked their cars at the stations and could have travelled to Wollongong by road - had they been advised of the problem.
The only conclusion that can be reached is that Railcorp is inefficient, lacks people in authority down the line who can take command and resolve problems - and quite plainly - couldn't care less about the paying passengers.
And this apology for a rail system wants to hike fares - because it claims to now be running a better service ?
There is an analogy about pigs sprouting wings and taking to the skies !
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
The " nutcracker " solution !
Illegal street racing is in the news following the death of two elderly people hit by a pair of Holden Commodores racing side by side in western Sydney. It now appears that street racing is a rising problem that is reaching cult status with car hoons.
The police commissioner has suggested a strategy to stamp it out. He advocates following the example of some American cities where cars used in street races are seized - and the driver is forced to watch them crushed in a car compacter. The resulting cube of metal is then dumped on the offenders front lawn.
The state government seems to be wavering on this idea, preferring that after seizure the cars be auctioned and the proceeds used in other crime prevention schemes.
The police commissioner has got it right. Simply auctioning confiscated vehicles lacks the psychological aspect. The most likely outcome in many cases would be the original offender buying it back by way of a proxy.
To see a car crushed before your eyes is the ultimate message that it is gone forever.
What the police commissioner accurately recognises is the bond between the car and the street racer. These are not clapped out bombs of little value. They are state of the art cars and the owners pride and joy. Huge amounts of money have been spent on them - lowering suspension - fitting racing tyres - adding the plethora of improvements that will coax out that extra bit of speed - to help the cultist achieve superiority over the competition.
The surest way to stamp out car racing on suburban streets is to institute a reign of terror in which the punishment is too awful to contemplate. Taking away driving licenses does not achieve that objective. They simply ignore the restriction and drive anyway.
Once the evening TV news shows a few instances of such cars going through the crusher the message will get through. Parents will have second thoughts about allowing an irresponsible younger family member to have the use of the family car if there is even the slightest chance that it may be involved in a street race.
The car hoons who own their own cars will decide that the risk is too great - and turn to the facilities at Eastern Creek - where they can legally do exactly what they have been doing on the streets of Sydney - with no risk of confiscation.
Unfortunately the politicians will most likely consign the police commissioner's practical idea to the " too hard basket " !
The police commissioner has suggested a strategy to stamp it out. He advocates following the example of some American cities where cars used in street races are seized - and the driver is forced to watch them crushed in a car compacter. The resulting cube of metal is then dumped on the offenders front lawn.
The state government seems to be wavering on this idea, preferring that after seizure the cars be auctioned and the proceeds used in other crime prevention schemes.
The police commissioner has got it right. Simply auctioning confiscated vehicles lacks the psychological aspect. The most likely outcome in many cases would be the original offender buying it back by way of a proxy.
To see a car crushed before your eyes is the ultimate message that it is gone forever.
What the police commissioner accurately recognises is the bond between the car and the street racer. These are not clapped out bombs of little value. They are state of the art cars and the owners pride and joy. Huge amounts of money have been spent on them - lowering suspension - fitting racing tyres - adding the plethora of improvements that will coax out that extra bit of speed - to help the cultist achieve superiority over the competition.
The surest way to stamp out car racing on suburban streets is to institute a reign of terror in which the punishment is too awful to contemplate. Taking away driving licenses does not achieve that objective. They simply ignore the restriction and drive anyway.
Once the evening TV news shows a few instances of such cars going through the crusher the message will get through. Parents will have second thoughts about allowing an irresponsible younger family member to have the use of the family car if there is even the slightest chance that it may be involved in a street race.
The car hoons who own their own cars will decide that the risk is too great - and turn to the facilities at Eastern Creek - where they can legally do exactly what they have been doing on the streets of Sydney - with no risk of confiscation.
Unfortunately the politicians will most likely consign the police commissioner's practical idea to the " too hard basket " !
Monday, 6 August 2007
Return of a bygone era !
Russian president Putkin went to a great amount of trouble to have his navy plant a symbolic " flag " on the sea floor under the north pole.
This seems to be a return to an era many centuries ago when the world was unexplored and the countries of Europe sent their seafarers forth to plant a flag on the beach of any newly discovered land and claim it in the name of their sovereign.
It was a custom that had dubious recognition as an article of law and there is little doubt that the latest Russian " flag planting " will not be recognised by most of the world's countries.
What is troubling is that it introduces a new dimension of conflict. Russia will maintain that planting it's flag confers sovereignty - and with that the right to drill for oil and minerals - and should these be found - retain the profits from their sale.
Which raises the matter of that other pole - in Antarctica !
The present situation is that several countries - including Australia - lay claim to the frozen continent, although these territorial claims are in limbo amid a defacto understanding that there will be no drilling for oil or prospecting for minerals. The understanding is that Antarctica is off limits to everything except research and to that end several countries maintain research stations on the ice.
The Russian claim to the sea floor under the North Pole could well spark a rush of similar claims in the southern hemisphere. Given the looming world oil shortage and the demand for various minerals by the expanding giants of China and India the Antarctic could become the last frontier.
The present harmony and spirit of cooperation could go out the window if the Russian move creates a commodities panic and the world rushes to stake claims to a rapidly melting ice continent.
Surely this is a matter where the United Nations should step in and declare as law the neutrality of the sea floor under both the north and south pole !
This seems to be a return to an era many centuries ago when the world was unexplored and the countries of Europe sent their seafarers forth to plant a flag on the beach of any newly discovered land and claim it in the name of their sovereign.
It was a custom that had dubious recognition as an article of law and there is little doubt that the latest Russian " flag planting " will not be recognised by most of the world's countries.
What is troubling is that it introduces a new dimension of conflict. Russia will maintain that planting it's flag confers sovereignty - and with that the right to drill for oil and minerals - and should these be found - retain the profits from their sale.
Which raises the matter of that other pole - in Antarctica !
The present situation is that several countries - including Australia - lay claim to the frozen continent, although these territorial claims are in limbo amid a defacto understanding that there will be no drilling for oil or prospecting for minerals. The understanding is that Antarctica is off limits to everything except research and to that end several countries maintain research stations on the ice.
The Russian claim to the sea floor under the North Pole could well spark a rush of similar claims in the southern hemisphere. Given the looming world oil shortage and the demand for various minerals by the expanding giants of China and India the Antarctic could become the last frontier.
The present harmony and spirit of cooperation could go out the window if the Russian move creates a commodities panic and the world rushes to stake claims to a rapidly melting ice continent.
Surely this is a matter where the United Nations should step in and declare as law the neutrality of the sea floor under both the north and south pole !
Sunday, 5 August 2007
They also served.
Today there will be a moving ceremony several miles offshore from Sydney's northern beaches. Representatives of the Royal Australian Navy, the Japanese Imperial navy and relatives of two Japanese submariners who perished in midget submarine M 24 sixty-five years ago will participate in a wreath laying and remembrance ceremony.
On May 31, 1942 three Japanese midget submarines managed to penetrate Sydney harbour with the intention of torpedoing the battle cruiser USS Chicago. They were discovered and in the resulting return of fire M 24 fired her torpedoes - which hit the moored ferry HMAS Kuttabul, resulting in the death of twenty one Australian sailors.
Two of the Japanese submarines were sunk and M 24 disappeared, discovered in recent years laying on the ocean floor several miles out to sea off the northern beaches. The wreck has been declared a war grave and presumably contains the remains of it's crew - Sub Lieutenant Katsuhisa Ban and Petty Officer Mamora Ashibe.
The remembrance ceremony will constitute full naval honours from both sides of the former enemy navies - with recognition that this war grave contains the remains of brave men - who also served their countries.
It is also a requiem to the folly of war. The days of barbaric conflict have passed and it seems ironic that the former enemies are now friends. Japan is one of our main trading partners, we buy Japanese cars and tourists from the land of Mount Fuji tour this country as welcome guests.
It is a reminder that the hatred that goes with war is a temporary state of mind - and something that may one day be banned forever !
On May 31, 1942 three Japanese midget submarines managed to penetrate Sydney harbour with the intention of torpedoing the battle cruiser USS Chicago. They were discovered and in the resulting return of fire M 24 fired her torpedoes - which hit the moored ferry HMAS Kuttabul, resulting in the death of twenty one Australian sailors.
Two of the Japanese submarines were sunk and M 24 disappeared, discovered in recent years laying on the ocean floor several miles out to sea off the northern beaches. The wreck has been declared a war grave and presumably contains the remains of it's crew - Sub Lieutenant Katsuhisa Ban and Petty Officer Mamora Ashibe.
The remembrance ceremony will constitute full naval honours from both sides of the former enemy navies - with recognition that this war grave contains the remains of brave men - who also served their countries.
It is also a requiem to the folly of war. The days of barbaric conflict have passed and it seems ironic that the former enemies are now friends. Japan is one of our main trading partners, we buy Japanese cars and tourists from the land of Mount Fuji tour this country as welcome guests.
It is a reminder that the hatred that goes with war is a temporary state of mind - and something that may one day be banned forever !
Saturday, 4 August 2007
Banishing older drivers.
The licensing of older drivers discussion paper has been released - and there is no doubt that the New South Wales government is determined to banish older drivers from the road system.
The present system - which has served us well for years - calls for compulsory medical checks at age eighty - and a compulsory driving test at eighty five.
The new proposal advances the medical check to age seventy five - and replaces the driving test at eighty five with the cancellation of a drivers full license in favour of a new license category - which restricts driving to within ten kilometre radius of place of residence for city drivers - with an extension to the nearest shopping centre for country drivers.
With a stroke of the pen the government has saved itself the cost of holding driving tests for those eighty five and over - and imposed a " one size fits all " restriction on where older drivers can travel in their cars.
For most, the days of paying a visit to the children or the grand kids is out of the question - as is the prospect of an annual holiday to some pleasant place more than ten kilometres from home.
But - there is relief for any driver who objects. That person may request the Roads and Traffic Authority ( RTA ) to conduct a driving test to have a full license restored.
Of course, such a test will be at that drivers expense, and considering that the government wants to ban all older drivers - and the RTA will make the rules that govern such a test - it will be a case of submitting to a Kangaroo court with a predictable outcome.
In the event that the older driver prevails and has a full driving license restored -that will be for just one year - and then the whole business of license cancellation and ten kilometre restriction will again apply. Obviously the government hopes that by making it difficult and expensive the average driver will just give up and accept the inevitable.
Strangely, accompanying this discussion paper are statistics that run against the reason for making a change.
One graph compares driving fatality rates by age and - surprise - surprise - drivers over eighty are miles ahead in safety stakes in comparison with younger drivers in particular and all ages in general.
The government is probably on the right track bringing medical checks forward to age seventy five. This will have several advantages. It will force those who haven't seen a doctor in years to have an annual checkup - and it will weed out those with eyesight problems, physical disabilities - and mental degeneration that reduces the decision making ability necessary for driving decisions.
The banning of licenses and their replacement by a distance restriction seems more a case of looking good and being seen to be doing something. Heavier restrictions have been placed on younger drivers and our politicians want to be seen as egalitarian and spreading the pain widely.
That second graph simply reinforces something that is widely known anyway. Older people are more likely to suffer fatal injuries from any type of accident.
But - it seems that while older drivers are safer drivers than the general herd, they are over represented as pedestrian casualties - and yet this very piece of suggested legislation is designed to get them out of their cars - and turn them into pedestrians.
Its called " real-politic ".!
The present system - which has served us well for years - calls for compulsory medical checks at age eighty - and a compulsory driving test at eighty five.
The new proposal advances the medical check to age seventy five - and replaces the driving test at eighty five with the cancellation of a drivers full license in favour of a new license category - which restricts driving to within ten kilometre radius of place of residence for city drivers - with an extension to the nearest shopping centre for country drivers.
With a stroke of the pen the government has saved itself the cost of holding driving tests for those eighty five and over - and imposed a " one size fits all " restriction on where older drivers can travel in their cars.
For most, the days of paying a visit to the children or the grand kids is out of the question - as is the prospect of an annual holiday to some pleasant place more than ten kilometres from home.
But - there is relief for any driver who objects. That person may request the Roads and Traffic Authority ( RTA ) to conduct a driving test to have a full license restored.
Of course, such a test will be at that drivers expense, and considering that the government wants to ban all older drivers - and the RTA will make the rules that govern such a test - it will be a case of submitting to a Kangaroo court with a predictable outcome.
In the event that the older driver prevails and has a full driving license restored -that will be for just one year - and then the whole business of license cancellation and ten kilometre restriction will again apply. Obviously the government hopes that by making it difficult and expensive the average driver will just give up and accept the inevitable.
Strangely, accompanying this discussion paper are statistics that run against the reason for making a change.
One graph compares driving fatality rates by age and - surprise - surprise - drivers over eighty are miles ahead in safety stakes in comparison with younger drivers in particular and all ages in general.
The government is probably on the right track bringing medical checks forward to age seventy five. This will have several advantages. It will force those who haven't seen a doctor in years to have an annual checkup - and it will weed out those with eyesight problems, physical disabilities - and mental degeneration that reduces the decision making ability necessary for driving decisions.
The banning of licenses and their replacement by a distance restriction seems more a case of looking good and being seen to be doing something. Heavier restrictions have been placed on younger drivers and our politicians want to be seen as egalitarian and spreading the pain widely.
That second graph simply reinforces something that is widely known anyway. Older people are more likely to suffer fatal injuries from any type of accident.
But - it seems that while older drivers are safer drivers than the general herd, they are over represented as pedestrian casualties - and yet this very piece of suggested legislation is designed to get them out of their cars - and turn them into pedestrians.
Its called " real-politic ".!
Friday, 3 August 2007
The past and the present.
Concern over the ever rising cost of housing should be tempered with a comparison of what changes have occurred over the past half century.
Fifty years ago land was cheap - but so was the typical house of that day. The average cottage sat in the middle of a quarter acre block and at best the facilities comprised twin concrete strips by way of a driveway. There was no attempt to landscape or install a lawn pre-sale.
The house itself was probably fibro clad with a tile roof and the inside could be described as " spartan ". The floors were cypress pine - and carpet was way too dear for the first time home buyer. It was usual to hire a floor sander and then treat the sanded boards with a coat or two of Estapol.
The typical house had a single bathroom and toilet, a stove and cupboards in the kitchen and a wash tub in the laundry - and that was it !
The buyer moved in and often used sheets for curtains and second hand furniture while struggling to pay the mortgage. Items like washing machines were eventually acquired on " the never-never " as hire purchase was known in those days.
Compare that with today ? Buyers would turn their noses up at new housing that wasn't landscaped and with a patterned driveway. Inside they would expect to find an en-suite off the master bedroom plus at least one other bathroom - and usually more than one toilet.
The kitchen would be unacceptable without a cooktop, wall oven,dishwasher - and heaps of well designed cupboards, marble benches and a mosaic floor. There would also be garaging for more than one car - and usually the doors would be remote controlled.
The other differing factor is size. The new home of fifty years ago would be a doll's house in comparison. The house of today is huge and covers most on the land on which it sits, leaving little room for leisure and for kid's to play.
The big difference that people seem to forget is that buyers faced big bills fifty years ago to turn that modest cottage into a home. It was usually at least a decade before there was carpet on the floor, decent curtains and furniture - and the acquisition of a free standing garage for the newly acquired family car.
Today - all of that is part of the initial home package. At least the owner is not faced with additional expense when everything his or her parents strived for over half a lifetime is part of the deal !
We could save a lot of money if we chose to live in smaller homes with less equipment provided by the builder - but that would be a huge step backwards.
The cost of a home today may be huge, but not if we do a truthful comparison of what we are getting for the money !
Fifty years ago land was cheap - but so was the typical house of that day. The average cottage sat in the middle of a quarter acre block and at best the facilities comprised twin concrete strips by way of a driveway. There was no attempt to landscape or install a lawn pre-sale.
The house itself was probably fibro clad with a tile roof and the inside could be described as " spartan ". The floors were cypress pine - and carpet was way too dear for the first time home buyer. It was usual to hire a floor sander and then treat the sanded boards with a coat or two of Estapol.
The typical house had a single bathroom and toilet, a stove and cupboards in the kitchen and a wash tub in the laundry - and that was it !
The buyer moved in and often used sheets for curtains and second hand furniture while struggling to pay the mortgage. Items like washing machines were eventually acquired on " the never-never " as hire purchase was known in those days.
Compare that with today ? Buyers would turn their noses up at new housing that wasn't landscaped and with a patterned driveway. Inside they would expect to find an en-suite off the master bedroom plus at least one other bathroom - and usually more than one toilet.
The kitchen would be unacceptable without a cooktop, wall oven,dishwasher - and heaps of well designed cupboards, marble benches and a mosaic floor. There would also be garaging for more than one car - and usually the doors would be remote controlled.
The other differing factor is size. The new home of fifty years ago would be a doll's house in comparison. The house of today is huge and covers most on the land on which it sits, leaving little room for leisure and for kid's to play.
The big difference that people seem to forget is that buyers faced big bills fifty years ago to turn that modest cottage into a home. It was usually at least a decade before there was carpet on the floor, decent curtains and furniture - and the acquisition of a free standing garage for the newly acquired family car.
Today - all of that is part of the initial home package. At least the owner is not faced with additional expense when everything his or her parents strived for over half a lifetime is part of the deal !
We could save a lot of money if we chose to live in smaller homes with less equipment provided by the builder - but that would be a huge step backwards.
The cost of a home today may be huge, but not if we do a truthful comparison of what we are getting for the money !
Thursday, 2 August 2007
Health expectations.
The news that the Federal government has stepped in to prevent the Mersey hospital at Devonport in Tasmania from being downgraded to an entity run by general practitioners raises the question of health expectations in this country.
Tasmania has a small population by Australian standards. Just over 447,000 people call it home. Devonport has a population of 22,300 - and situated sixty kilometres away - Burnie has 19,134 people.
The suggestion was that Devonport's Mersey hospital operate as a GP's clinic, while hospital services be concentrated at Burnie hospital. Naturally, the people at Devonport were enraged. Having been used to having a functioning hospital in their town this was seen as debasing their standing as citizens.
So - what is the norm when it comes to providing medical services ?
Sixty kilometres to access a hospital would be a blessing to many parts of this continent. In some places a drive of a thousand miles would be nearer the point for some remote communities.
In the case of Tasmania there are two big centres of population - the capital, Hobart with 126,000 people and Launceston with 68,000. Both have fully functioning general hospitals that provide the full range of services and tend to draw specialist service patients from surrounding areas of the state.
Now would be a good time for a review of medical service provision in all areas of this country. Country towns need at least a medical centre providing basic services which should include theatre and emergency departments, but it is not practical to have a fully serviced base hospital in every village and town.
Perhaps the missing link is the provision of an adequate transport service to get patients to where top of the line hospitals are located. At present, apart from accident cases transported by ambulance - patients have to find their own way when an operation or other treatment is required. That seems to be the main sticking point - apart from the time factor of getting swift treatment in an emergency.
Rather than a band aid solution by way of retaining rather than consolidating hospitals the money would be better spent devising a transport service that would feed patients swiftly and economically to where they can be treated to the full range of services.
It would be a matter of logistics taking preference over politics !
Tasmania has a small population by Australian standards. Just over 447,000 people call it home. Devonport has a population of 22,300 - and situated sixty kilometres away - Burnie has 19,134 people.
The suggestion was that Devonport's Mersey hospital operate as a GP's clinic, while hospital services be concentrated at Burnie hospital. Naturally, the people at Devonport were enraged. Having been used to having a functioning hospital in their town this was seen as debasing their standing as citizens.
So - what is the norm when it comes to providing medical services ?
Sixty kilometres to access a hospital would be a blessing to many parts of this continent. In some places a drive of a thousand miles would be nearer the point for some remote communities.
In the case of Tasmania there are two big centres of population - the capital, Hobart with 126,000 people and Launceston with 68,000. Both have fully functioning general hospitals that provide the full range of services and tend to draw specialist service patients from surrounding areas of the state.
Now would be a good time for a review of medical service provision in all areas of this country. Country towns need at least a medical centre providing basic services which should include theatre and emergency departments, but it is not practical to have a fully serviced base hospital in every village and town.
Perhaps the missing link is the provision of an adequate transport service to get patients to where top of the line hospitals are located. At present, apart from accident cases transported by ambulance - patients have to find their own way when an operation or other treatment is required. That seems to be the main sticking point - apart from the time factor of getting swift treatment in an emergency.
Rather than a band aid solution by way of retaining rather than consolidating hospitals the money would be better spent devising a transport service that would feed patients swiftly and economically to where they can be treated to the full range of services.
It would be a matter of logistics taking preference over politics !
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
A helluva way to run a railroad !
Some years ago a group of bright people thought it would be a good idea to have a rail link from Central station to the airport. That made a lot of sense. For a start, the airport is almost a city in it's own right with a huge number of workers there 24/7 - and then there is the constant flow of passengers.
The consortium constructed the line with three stations and anticipated that it would attract 4,600 passengers per day. What eventuated was a mere 11,500 a day - because of two huge obstacles.
The fare imposed was simply too high. It was way out of whack with comparable fare/journeys and both air passengers and airport workers gave it the thumbs down.
The rolling stock provided was the responsibility of the New South Wales railways - and as anyone with any knowledge knows - the management of our railways would be hard pressed to successfully raffle a duck.
They provided the Tangarra sardine cans normally used as cattle trucks to get commuters to and from work - and in accordance with the timetable these failed miserably to run on time.
The trains ignored the fact that air passengers usually have luggage. There was no provision for bags and cases - and as the exorbitant fares demanded roughly equated with catching a taxi - the trains ran empty.
As a result - the consortium went broke !
Now a new sucker has taken over the system. This time Westpac is the new owner - and in the tradition of a bank - they have started their new operation by hiking the fare.
Banks know that it is the tradition of their calling to impose impossible fees and charges - so why do anything different when running a railroad.
It will now cost $ 20.40 return to ride the rails - with the same carriages that have no luggage capacity - from Central to the airport. This compares unfavourably with the fares for a similar distance - Central to Wolli Creek - of just $ 5.60 return.
Many would have thought that the experience of the cross city road tunnel would have been learned. We lot in New South Wales are a stubborn tribe and we react predictably when someone tries to rip us off. It doesn't take bean counters to know that the Central/Airport fare is way too high.
When sanity prevails - and the combination of the right fare and useable rail carriages with luggage provisions are provided - commuters will happily make use of this new line !
The consortium constructed the line with three stations and anticipated that it would attract 4,600 passengers per day. What eventuated was a mere 11,500 a day - because of two huge obstacles.
The fare imposed was simply too high. It was way out of whack with comparable fare/journeys and both air passengers and airport workers gave it the thumbs down.
The rolling stock provided was the responsibility of the New South Wales railways - and as anyone with any knowledge knows - the management of our railways would be hard pressed to successfully raffle a duck.
They provided the Tangarra sardine cans normally used as cattle trucks to get commuters to and from work - and in accordance with the timetable these failed miserably to run on time.
The trains ignored the fact that air passengers usually have luggage. There was no provision for bags and cases - and as the exorbitant fares demanded roughly equated with catching a taxi - the trains ran empty.
As a result - the consortium went broke !
Now a new sucker has taken over the system. This time Westpac is the new owner - and in the tradition of a bank - they have started their new operation by hiking the fare.
Banks know that it is the tradition of their calling to impose impossible fees and charges - so why do anything different when running a railroad.
It will now cost $ 20.40 return to ride the rails - with the same carriages that have no luggage capacity - from Central to the airport. This compares unfavourably with the fares for a similar distance - Central to Wolli Creek - of just $ 5.60 return.
Many would have thought that the experience of the cross city road tunnel would have been learned. We lot in New South Wales are a stubborn tribe and we react predictably when someone tries to rip us off. It doesn't take bean counters to know that the Central/Airport fare is way too high.
When sanity prevails - and the combination of the right fare and useable rail carriages with luggage provisions are provided - commuters will happily make use of this new line !
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