It seems that the era of rank and file branch members choosing the candidate to represent the Australian Labor party at state or Federal elections is now a distant memory.
Rule N-40 allows head office to step into that role - and parachute in a distant candidate of their choosing to satisfy the incestuous needs of the various factions to maintain their numbers.
Such was the case in the Wollongong electorate of Throsby when union heavy weight Jennie George was parachuted in, despite the objections of the branches. She went on to hold the seat for three terms - and has proved to be both popular and effective, but now she is considering retiring.
Another union heavy weight is touted as her replacement - to maintain the faction balance and satisfy the " left " numbers game.
Stephen Jones has no connection with Throsby, a " safe " Labor seat with a margin of I6.5%. It's quite possible he would win the affection of voters and may prove to be a worthy representative. No doubt some will recall the fact that Jennie George was a Melbourne woman whose only experience of Wollongong was attending a conference here in the dim, dark, distant past. She bought a home here, knuckled down - and earned her spurs as our member.
That may be so, but the whole concept of democracy is choice - and that is something the ALP is consistently taking away from the people who fill in voting forms.
Politics is moving away from the wishes of the average man or woman to choose their representative. The party rules supreme and the factional mix dictates who will be nominated.
The ALP will probably get away with it once again, but there have been rumblings at this blatant disregard of a democratic choice, and the power brokers would do well to remember Cunningham - when a disastrous " parachute " choice had one of the safest of safe Labor seats reject the " ring-in " and turn their backs - and vote in the first Green member of the lower house of parliament.
Like a rubber band - choice can only be stretched so far - and then it breaks !
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Friday, 30 October 2009
Medicine - and superclinics !
Many doctors have reservations about the Federal government plan to spend $ 275 million to create eight " superclinics " in New South Wales - one of them in Shellharbour.
It is almost " a tale of two cities ". There seems to be an ample supply of general practitioners in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, and yet in Shellharbour they are in short supply - and seeing a doctor involves a very long wait.
The idea of herding whatever doctors are available into some sort of superclinic tends to break the nexus between doctor and patient.
The theme of a superclinic is that " you will be allocated a doctor " - but not necessarily the doctor you usually see, who knows your past history, temperament, foibles - and in whom you have faith and confidence.
Superclinics have about them that aura of " socialised medicine " !
Unfortunately this seems to be the way the world is heading. The day of the " corner store " is over and we now buy our groceries at a supermarket. The number of family owned, friendly filling stations is dwindling and being replaced by oil company sponsored mega petrol sellers owned by those supermarket chains - and the era has ended when milkmen, bread delivery girls and a host of other services delivered house to house in the suburbs.
It looks like " take a number, sit and wait " will be imposed on those areas where doctors do not choose to site their practices. Unfortunately this will exacerbate the difference between " good " suburbs - and " the others " !
One more reason why there is a big difference in house prices.
People prefer to live where a civilized range of services is offered !
It is almost " a tale of two cities ". There seems to be an ample supply of general practitioners in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, and yet in Shellharbour they are in short supply - and seeing a doctor involves a very long wait.
The idea of herding whatever doctors are available into some sort of superclinic tends to break the nexus between doctor and patient.
The theme of a superclinic is that " you will be allocated a doctor " - but not necessarily the doctor you usually see, who knows your past history, temperament, foibles - and in whom you have faith and confidence.
Superclinics have about them that aura of " socialised medicine " !
Unfortunately this seems to be the way the world is heading. The day of the " corner store " is over and we now buy our groceries at a supermarket. The number of family owned, friendly filling stations is dwindling and being replaced by oil company sponsored mega petrol sellers owned by those supermarket chains - and the era has ended when milkmen, bread delivery girls and a host of other services delivered house to house in the suburbs.
It looks like " take a number, sit and wait " will be imposed on those areas where doctors do not choose to site their practices. Unfortunately this will exacerbate the difference between " good " suburbs - and " the others " !
One more reason why there is a big difference in house prices.
People prefer to live where a civilized range of services is offered !
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Safety not assured !
When you hop on a ferry in Sydney harbour you have every expectation that you will arrive safely at your destination. The chance that the ferry will sink halfway to Manly is certainly remote.
You are assured that the vessel will be in prime condition - and that it has been subjected to regular inspections and holds all the necessary certificates.Unfortunately that is not guaranteed in other parts of the world.
In nearby Tonga seventy two unfortunate passengers met an untimely death when the ferry they were travelling on - the Princess Ashika - suddenly sank. An investigation has revealed that this vessel was literally " a floating death trap ". It was riddled with rust - had gaping holes - and would not have passed even the most rudimentary sea worthiness inspection.
Unfortunately this is not an isolated instance. Unsafe - and often over crowded - ferries and ferry disasters are common in countries that Australians visit on holiday. Such sudden sinking's and consequent loss of life occur regularly in the Philipine's, Indonesia - and other Pacific island countries.
It is a warning to approach any foreign ferry travel with extreme caution. It would be a good idea not to assume that safety regulations are in place and to carry out a personal inspection of the vessel before boarding. Even if it appears sound, the number of people being carried should be of concern.
The best advice is probably - " When in doubt - don't ! "
Unfortunately, in countries where ferry safety is lax, air safety usually has a similar record.
That seems to be a big plus for having a holiday within Australia - or if you must go overseas - choosing a country with a similar safety regime to that which applies here.
You are assured that the vessel will be in prime condition - and that it has been subjected to regular inspections and holds all the necessary certificates.Unfortunately that is not guaranteed in other parts of the world.
In nearby Tonga seventy two unfortunate passengers met an untimely death when the ferry they were travelling on - the Princess Ashika - suddenly sank. An investigation has revealed that this vessel was literally " a floating death trap ". It was riddled with rust - had gaping holes - and would not have passed even the most rudimentary sea worthiness inspection.
Unfortunately this is not an isolated instance. Unsafe - and often over crowded - ferries and ferry disasters are common in countries that Australians visit on holiday. Such sudden sinking's and consequent loss of life occur regularly in the Philipine's, Indonesia - and other Pacific island countries.
It is a warning to approach any foreign ferry travel with extreme caution. It would be a good idea not to assume that safety regulations are in place and to carry out a personal inspection of the vessel before boarding. Even if it appears sound, the number of people being carried should be of concern.
The best advice is probably - " When in doubt - don't ! "
Unfortunately, in countries where ferry safety is lax, air safety usually has a similar record.
That seems to be a big plus for having a holiday within Australia - or if you must go overseas - choosing a country with a similar safety regime to that which applies here.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Parole enigma.
When a judge hands down a sentence for a major crime the term of incarceration usually pleases nobody. Some people think the prisoner should never be released and the judge sets both a maximum and a minimum sentence. The minimum is seen as a reward should the prisoner show contrition - and obey the rules and be of good behaviour.
Phillip Choon Tee Lin has now served eighteen years - the minimum of a twenty-four year sentence for the murder of heart surgeon Doctor Victor Chang. It was a grisly murder of a much loved pioneer of life saving surgery and now it is proposed that Lee be released on parole - and deported to his native Malaysia.
According to the prison authorities, Lee has been a model prisoner. He has shown remorse, obeyed prison rules and given his gaolers no trouble.
It is natural that many people are enraged at the prospect of parole, but then they would probably be equally enraged if he completed his twenty-four year sentence and was automatically released.
The problem is that the murder of an internationally respected leader of heart surgery is seen as an attack on the very foundations of the civilization we hold so dear - and to many no amount of gaol time would be an adequate sentence.
If the victim of this murder had been a citizen unknown to the public then this matter of parole would pass without question. People get parole every day of the year and criminals pass back into society without question.
It is unfortunate that because of the fame of the victim the intent of the justice system is about to be distorted. Lee will probably serve more time in prison - and his remorse and good behaviour will serve for nothing.
Whether the original sentence was adequate is a moot point !
What is an issue is that media publicity and public outrage is going to influence the outcome of what is supposed to be removed from the public arena and put in the hands of an experienced judge.
Justice extended to appease public opinion could be seen as justice denied !
Phillip Choon Tee Lin has now served eighteen years - the minimum of a twenty-four year sentence for the murder of heart surgeon Doctor Victor Chang. It was a grisly murder of a much loved pioneer of life saving surgery and now it is proposed that Lee be released on parole - and deported to his native Malaysia.
According to the prison authorities, Lee has been a model prisoner. He has shown remorse, obeyed prison rules and given his gaolers no trouble.
It is natural that many people are enraged at the prospect of parole, but then they would probably be equally enraged if he completed his twenty-four year sentence and was automatically released.
The problem is that the murder of an internationally respected leader of heart surgery is seen as an attack on the very foundations of the civilization we hold so dear - and to many no amount of gaol time would be an adequate sentence.
If the victim of this murder had been a citizen unknown to the public then this matter of parole would pass without question. People get parole every day of the year and criminals pass back into society without question.
It is unfortunate that because of the fame of the victim the intent of the justice system is about to be distorted. Lee will probably serve more time in prison - and his remorse and good behaviour will serve for nothing.
Whether the original sentence was adequate is a moot point !
What is an issue is that media publicity and public outrage is going to influence the outcome of what is supposed to be removed from the public arena and put in the hands of an experienced judge.
Justice extended to appease public opinion could be seen as justice denied !
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Bail law dilemma !
Over a year ago there were calls for bail laws to be tightened. Courts were becoming a revolving door - with young offenders committing further crimes as they were repeatedly granted bail. As a result, the law changed and more offenders found themselves behind bars.
Now there are calls for bail laws to be eased. Juvenile detention centres are full and overflowing - and some of the blame for this can be sheeted home to the state government's decision to close and abandon the excellent Wollongong facility.
More offenders find themselves on remand because they either can not meet bail conditions - or they have breached bail by committing further offences - the very reason bail laws needed tightening in the first place
Perhaps this is a good time to look beyond bail and examine the sentencing system.
Four out of every five offenders who face court do not get a custodial sentence. In many cases, they spend more time on remand in a gaol than they would expect to receive as a sentence for the crime committed.
Those that exercise their right to plead innocent and defend themselves often do more gaol time than those who simply plead guilty - and have the matter settled on the spot.
What we have is an untenable bail/court/sentencing system that is neither dispensing justice or serving the public.
Time to go back to square one - have a long, hard look at the entire mess - and devise a system that actually works.
What we have at present is a hangover from a long past century. Time it was dragged kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century !
Now there are calls for bail laws to be eased. Juvenile detention centres are full and overflowing - and some of the blame for this can be sheeted home to the state government's decision to close and abandon the excellent Wollongong facility.
More offenders find themselves on remand because they either can not meet bail conditions - or they have breached bail by committing further offences - the very reason bail laws needed tightening in the first place
Perhaps this is a good time to look beyond bail and examine the sentencing system.
Four out of every five offenders who face court do not get a custodial sentence. In many cases, they spend more time on remand in a gaol than they would expect to receive as a sentence for the crime committed.
Those that exercise their right to plead innocent and defend themselves often do more gaol time than those who simply plead guilty - and have the matter settled on the spot.
What we have is an untenable bail/court/sentencing system that is neither dispensing justice or serving the public.
Time to go back to square one - have a long, hard look at the entire mess - and devise a system that actually works.
What we have at present is a hangover from a long past century. Time it was dragged kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century !
Monday, 26 October 2009
A slippery slope !
There was a certain inevitability about Kevin Rudd's " Indonesian Solution " to our refugee problem !
The Greens and other welfare minded organizations are complaining that the Indonesian facilities for housing our refugee rejects are way below the standards they would expect if they were being held in Australia.
Rudd's answer is to pledge further assistance to " International Refugee agencies " to upgrade these facilities.
That is the first step on a very slippery slope - and it needs long and careful thought about the likely consequences.
Australia is a first world country - Indonesia is not !
Detention facilities here have standards commensurate with the Australian way of living. Hot water for showers is available 24/7. Meals are adjusted to accommodate religious requirements. There is entertainment by way of TV and libraries. Medical help is always immediately available - as are counsellors - and those detained have access to legal advisers.
It would be very easy to create detention centres in Indonesia where facilities are way and above the standards the Indonesian population receives from it's government, and that could only foment resentment - at both governments.
Indonesia has problems with restive members of it's own community and has a problem containing it's own incoming refugee flow. If we create a higher standard of detention for those privileged ones whose aspirations were to live in Australia - then we are creating a double standard - to our detriment.
The reason both countries incarcerate illegal settlers is to try and slow the flow of boat people - and allow the lengthy investigative process to separate genuine refugees from those simply seeking a better life.
The fact that Australian immigration holding centres are light years ahead in luxury - in comparison with the conditions at home - is one of the reasons boat people take the risk of death on the high seas.
Once we start duplicating these in Indonesia we not only provide a migration incentive, but we showcase the differing standards between the Australian and Indonesian lifestyles - and that can only create resentment in Indonesian minds !
The Greens and other welfare minded organizations are complaining that the Indonesian facilities for housing our refugee rejects are way below the standards they would expect if they were being held in Australia.
Rudd's answer is to pledge further assistance to " International Refugee agencies " to upgrade these facilities.
That is the first step on a very slippery slope - and it needs long and careful thought about the likely consequences.
Australia is a first world country - Indonesia is not !
Detention facilities here have standards commensurate with the Australian way of living. Hot water for showers is available 24/7. Meals are adjusted to accommodate religious requirements. There is entertainment by way of TV and libraries. Medical help is always immediately available - as are counsellors - and those detained have access to legal advisers.
It would be very easy to create detention centres in Indonesia where facilities are way and above the standards the Indonesian population receives from it's government, and that could only foment resentment - at both governments.
Indonesia has problems with restive members of it's own community and has a problem containing it's own incoming refugee flow. If we create a higher standard of detention for those privileged ones whose aspirations were to live in Australia - then we are creating a double standard - to our detriment.
The reason both countries incarcerate illegal settlers is to try and slow the flow of boat people - and allow the lengthy investigative process to separate genuine refugees from those simply seeking a better life.
The fact that Australian immigration holding centres are light years ahead in luxury - in comparison with the conditions at home - is one of the reasons boat people take the risk of death on the high seas.
Once we start duplicating these in Indonesia we not only provide a migration incentive, but we showcase the differing standards between the Australian and Indonesian lifestyles - and that can only create resentment in Indonesian minds !
Sunday, 25 October 2009
A privacy invasion !
Nobody would object to drug and alcohol testing of " safety critical staff ". We would want to be absolutely sure that the person who drives our train to work, or flies the plane taking us to Bali was cold sober or not withdrawing from a drug binge.
It seems that random testing is now being extended to " all staff " by some companies, and that includes the people on the order phones, secretaries - the guy who mows the lawns - and even the tea lady.
There is a real danger that this can lead to a privacy invasion resulting in promotional opportunities being compromises - simply because a person has shown signs of recreational drug use or a harmless one-off indulgence with alcohol.
A career could be blighted because a family birthday celebration resulted in a few drinks more than usual - or a person on holiday smoked a joint to see what this Marijuana thing was all about !
A full license holder must stay under 0.05 to legally drive a car. A " safety critical " person must be under 0.02 to work, but does this mean that an office worker is " unreliable " if he or she has a reading somewhere in that range ?
Marijuana stays in the blood for up to three weeks. This is detectable, but has long lost potency. There is a real danger that a " wowser " boss would discriminate against an employee because of a personal objection to what most people consider to be " a normal lifestyle ".
What may seem a " good idea " can have unexpected consequences. Perhaps a blanket test for all employees is not fair unless it also contains a scale under which any minor reading is shown as a negative.
Otherwise, a person well within legal limits can suffer discrimination !
It seems that random testing is now being extended to " all staff " by some companies, and that includes the people on the order phones, secretaries - the guy who mows the lawns - and even the tea lady.
There is a real danger that this can lead to a privacy invasion resulting in promotional opportunities being compromises - simply because a person has shown signs of recreational drug use or a harmless one-off indulgence with alcohol.
A career could be blighted because a family birthday celebration resulted in a few drinks more than usual - or a person on holiday smoked a joint to see what this Marijuana thing was all about !
A full license holder must stay under 0.05 to legally drive a car. A " safety critical " person must be under 0.02 to work, but does this mean that an office worker is " unreliable " if he or she has a reading somewhere in that range ?
Marijuana stays in the blood for up to three weeks. This is detectable, but has long lost potency. There is a real danger that a " wowser " boss would discriminate against an employee because of a personal objection to what most people consider to be " a normal lifestyle ".
What may seem a " good idea " can have unexpected consequences. Perhaps a blanket test for all employees is not fair unless it also contains a scale under which any minor reading is shown as a negative.
Otherwise, a person well within legal limits can suffer discrimination !
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Return of the Swastika !
Many people will feel unease at the reappearance in Britain of a far right fascist party which has managed to secure sufficient voter support to elect two members to the European parliament.
The BNP ( British National Party ) runs on a platform of only admitting white people to party membership - and campaigns to stop further immigration to the British Isles.
That seems way out of step with the ideals of the country that brought the world Magna Carta and habeas corpus, but then Germany was a civilized country until events brought Adolph Hitler and the Nazi's to power - and ushered in atrocities that included the Holocaust.
What set Germany on a path to destruction was a combination of events. They were the loser in the first world war - had an unjust peace treaty imposed on them - suffered dire effects from the 1929 world recession - and had an incompetent government in office, unable to lead them out of trouble.
In desperation, the voters turned to Hitler.
There are ominous parallels in present world events.
The western world is far from winning the struggle with militant Islam. Many people are far from happy at the flow of refugees forcing their way and demanding entry as a right - and we are having a world recession that proves that our system of commerce is vulnerable to sudden collapse.
All that the rise of the BNP proves is that no country is safe from extremism - given the right cirsumstances.
Those that fail to learn from history - are destined to repeat it !
The BNP ( British National Party ) runs on a platform of only admitting white people to party membership - and campaigns to stop further immigration to the British Isles.
That seems way out of step with the ideals of the country that brought the world Magna Carta and habeas corpus, but then Germany was a civilized country until events brought Adolph Hitler and the Nazi's to power - and ushered in atrocities that included the Holocaust.
What set Germany on a path to destruction was a combination of events. They were the loser in the first world war - had an unjust peace treaty imposed on them - suffered dire effects from the 1929 world recession - and had an incompetent government in office, unable to lead them out of trouble.
In desperation, the voters turned to Hitler.
There are ominous parallels in present world events.
The western world is far from winning the struggle with militant Islam. Many people are far from happy at the flow of refugees forcing their way and demanding entry as a right - and we are having a world recession that proves that our system of commerce is vulnerable to sudden collapse.
All that the rise of the BNP proves is that no country is safe from extremism - given the right cirsumstances.
Those that fail to learn from history - are destined to repeat it !
Friday, 23 October 2009
Director's fees !
Once again the fees that company directors receive have hit the headlines !
Southern Phone Company is a joint venture by forty-one local councils, set up to provide mobile, fixed line and internet services at a reasonable tariff in country areas - and to return a welcome profit to council coffers.
It has six non-executive directors, and there is a proposal to hike the directors fees they receive by fifty percent - to $ 150,000 shared amongst them - despite this year returning a loss of $ 369,895.
What will rankle many people is the fact that these directors are either highly paid council executives, or retirees from such posts - and they have been nominated to Southern Phone to watch over their council's investment.
Directors fees are just the icing on the cake, to be paid on top of normal salaries or superannuation payments. An extra $ 30,000 to $ 50,000 a year is something ordinary folk can only imagine in their dreams.
Whatever happened to the notion of public service ? Once upon a time being appointed a company director was an honour bestowed on a person as evidence of sound judgement, a good moral attitude and a willingness to work for the public good.
Executive greed is one of the factors that contributed to the current recession. Southern Phone is not reaching to the dizzy heights of those in Pitt street or Wall street, but it does raise the question of where doing a job for the public good starts - and ends !
Years ago the most such a person could hope for was a gong - bestowed years later in the New Year honours list !
Southern Phone Company is a joint venture by forty-one local councils, set up to provide mobile, fixed line and internet services at a reasonable tariff in country areas - and to return a welcome profit to council coffers.
It has six non-executive directors, and there is a proposal to hike the directors fees they receive by fifty percent - to $ 150,000 shared amongst them - despite this year returning a loss of $ 369,895.
What will rankle many people is the fact that these directors are either highly paid council executives, or retirees from such posts - and they have been nominated to Southern Phone to watch over their council's investment.
Directors fees are just the icing on the cake, to be paid on top of normal salaries or superannuation payments. An extra $ 30,000 to $ 50,000 a year is something ordinary folk can only imagine in their dreams.
Whatever happened to the notion of public service ? Once upon a time being appointed a company director was an honour bestowed on a person as evidence of sound judgement, a good moral attitude and a willingness to work for the public good.
Executive greed is one of the factors that contributed to the current recession. Southern Phone is not reaching to the dizzy heights of those in Pitt street or Wall street, but it does raise the question of where doing a job for the public good starts - and ends !
Years ago the most such a person could hope for was a gong - bestowed years later in the New Year honours list !
Thursday, 22 October 2009
" Dud " subs !
The fact that all but one of our Collins Class submarine fleet is out of action leaves a gaping hole in our defence strategy.
These boats were trouble from the start. Submarines are supposed to be " silent but deadly " - and the Collins Class were noisy boats from day one. Huge sums of money were spent trying o get them to perform, but now it seems the Department of Defence has given up.
In an emergency situation only one boat is capable of putting to sea - and we are assured that the role of submarines is essential in defending this country.
Unfortunately replacement is a long process. Even if such a project got the nod today it would be years before the first new boat arrived. Until that happens, it looks like we are stuck with these six under performing craft - and more outlay to even have them reach a state of minimum performance.
Time to cut our losses rather than throwing good money after bad.
Time to go back to the drawing board - and to fill the gap it might be a good idea to try and lease several replacements from a friendly foreign navy.
And this time - make sure that the procurement people get it right !
These boats were trouble from the start. Submarines are supposed to be " silent but deadly " - and the Collins Class were noisy boats from day one. Huge sums of money were spent trying o get them to perform, but now it seems the Department of Defence has given up.
In an emergency situation only one boat is capable of putting to sea - and we are assured that the role of submarines is essential in defending this country.
Unfortunately replacement is a long process. Even if such a project got the nod today it would be years before the first new boat arrived. Until that happens, it looks like we are stuck with these six under performing craft - and more outlay to even have them reach a state of minimum performance.
Time to cut our losses rather than throwing good money after bad.
Time to go back to the drawing board - and to fill the gap it might be a good idea to try and lease several replacements from a friendly foreign navy.
And this time - make sure that the procurement people get it right !
Monday, 19 October 2009
The carbon reduction strategy !
Both sides of politics seem to have lost the plot on the nuts and bolts of the carbon reduction strategy. They are arguing over whether agriculture should be included - and clearly it should not !
The whole purpose of applying a tax to industries that generate carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is to make that process more expensive - and encourage them to move to new methods that reduce carbon output.
For instance, if burning coal to produce electricity is taxed heavily there is incentive to install wind and solar - which will not be taxed.
When we look at agriculture we are examining a law of nature. All living animals - including us - breathe air and exhale carbon dioxide. No matter what taxes are applied, nothing is going to stop cattle belching and pigs and sheep farting - and that is where agricultural carbon emissions come into the equation.
If agriculture is taxed for adding to CO2 emissions it will only increase the price of food - with absolutely no gain in CO2 reductions.
Taxing tractors and agricultural machinery and their fuel has merit - if there is an alternative available, but there is a tendency for fanatacism to distort the debate.
It would be just too easy to end up throwing the baby out with the bath water !
The whole purpose of applying a tax to industries that generate carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is to make that process more expensive - and encourage them to move to new methods that reduce carbon output.
For instance, if burning coal to produce electricity is taxed heavily there is incentive to install wind and solar - which will not be taxed.
When we look at agriculture we are examining a law of nature. All living animals - including us - breathe air and exhale carbon dioxide. No matter what taxes are applied, nothing is going to stop cattle belching and pigs and sheep farting - and that is where agricultural carbon emissions come into the equation.
If agriculture is taxed for adding to CO2 emissions it will only increase the price of food - with absolutely no gain in CO2 reductions.
Taxing tractors and agricultural machinery and their fuel has merit - if there is an alternative available, but there is a tendency for fanatacism to distort the debate.
It would be just too easy to end up throwing the baby out with the bath water !
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Fifteen minutes of fame !
It is said that everyone on the planet is entitled to fifteen minutes of fame. Just what you do with that fifteen minutes depends on whether you become a winner - or a loser !
Yesterday a family in Colorado hit world wide attention !
For reasons unknown the family had constructed a house sized silver balloon, shaped like a " flying saucer " and filled with Helium gas. It was tethered in the back yard when the father admonished his six year old so - Falcon - for playing in the balloons cabin space.
A sudden gust of wind broke the balloon loose - and panic followed. Falcon could not be found - and it was thought that he was still aboard that runaway flying machine.
What followed was an " only in America " rescue attempt. Air Force jets and Army helicopters tracked the balloon in the air and on the ground police cars roared along country roads - sirens screaming - keeping the balloon in sight.
All this was carried live as a " breaking story " on the nation's television networks.
Eventually the balloon descended and rescuers grabbed trailing ropes and brought it to the ground, but a frantic search revealed no Falcon. The balloon had reached a height of three thousand feet and covered eighty kilometres - and it was feared that Falcon has probably fallen to his death.
A happy ending when the six year old was found hiding in the loft of his father's shed. He claimed to have hidden to escape his father's wrath because he had disobeyed orders and played in the balloon.
Some doubters think the whole episode may have been fabricated to gain publicity, given that the family were storm chasers and often appeared on reality TV programmes.
Whatever the truth, this drama grabbed the nation's attention and young Falcon certainly made good use of his fifteen minutes of fame. Money will be offered for TV interviews, appearances on shows - possibly Letterman and Oprah. Then there will be book rights - and a movie would not be out of the question.
It is a classic example of striking while the iron is hot. When your fifteen minutes of fame arrives - milk it for all it's worth. There is no reason why you can not be both famous - and rich !
Yesterday a family in Colorado hit world wide attention !
For reasons unknown the family had constructed a house sized silver balloon, shaped like a " flying saucer " and filled with Helium gas. It was tethered in the back yard when the father admonished his six year old so - Falcon - for playing in the balloons cabin space.
A sudden gust of wind broke the balloon loose - and panic followed. Falcon could not be found - and it was thought that he was still aboard that runaway flying machine.
What followed was an " only in America " rescue attempt. Air Force jets and Army helicopters tracked the balloon in the air and on the ground police cars roared along country roads - sirens screaming - keeping the balloon in sight.
All this was carried live as a " breaking story " on the nation's television networks.
Eventually the balloon descended and rescuers grabbed trailing ropes and brought it to the ground, but a frantic search revealed no Falcon. The balloon had reached a height of three thousand feet and covered eighty kilometres - and it was feared that Falcon has probably fallen to his death.
A happy ending when the six year old was found hiding in the loft of his father's shed. He claimed to have hidden to escape his father's wrath because he had disobeyed orders and played in the balloon.
Some doubters think the whole episode may have been fabricated to gain publicity, given that the family were storm chasers and often appeared on reality TV programmes.
Whatever the truth, this drama grabbed the nation's attention and young Falcon certainly made good use of his fifteen minutes of fame. Money will be offered for TV interviews, appearances on shows - possibly Letterman and Oprah. Then there will be book rights - and a movie would not be out of the question.
It is a classic example of striking while the iron is hot. When your fifteen minutes of fame arrives - milk it for all it's worth. There is no reason why you can not be both famous - and rich !
Wedding Vows.
Half a century ago just about every wedding took place in a church. At that time very different customs prevailed. Few lived together out of wedlock. The term " illegitimate child " was almost as derogatory as " bastard " - and the churches were held in far higher esteem that is the case today.
How far things have changed show in the figures. So far this year there have been 27,350 marriages - and 18,192 were either conducted by a celebrant or held in a registry office.
The churches must shoulder some of the blame for this trend. Some priests tended to be dictatorial when it came to music and style, and the church format tended to be old and stuffy compared with an outdoor wedding held in a place of natural beauty.
Another factor was cost. Many moons ago it was the custom for the best man to hand the officiating priest an " envelope " after the ceremony. That contained whatever fee the husband could afford - and if the marriage involved a rich family - the priest would be smiling broadly.
Now that priest operates from a fixed scale of charges. There are no " negotiations " !
It is a case of " take it or leave it " !
Celebrants are more understanding, although a wedding in a registry office also has a scale of fees, ranging from $ 320 to $ 420.
The trend away from church weddings looks likely to continue - but then the view of marriage has also made great changes.
There was a time when it was " till death do us part " - and draconian laws made sure that once so trapped escape was near impossible.
Today, marriage can be a temporary or permanent union. Perhaps that is why couples often choose light and colourful surroundings rather than the heavy, frowning solemnity of a church.
In some cases, a repetitive event in their lives !
How far things have changed show in the figures. So far this year there have been 27,350 marriages - and 18,192 were either conducted by a celebrant or held in a registry office.
The churches must shoulder some of the blame for this trend. Some priests tended to be dictatorial when it came to music and style, and the church format tended to be old and stuffy compared with an outdoor wedding held in a place of natural beauty.
Another factor was cost. Many moons ago it was the custom for the best man to hand the officiating priest an " envelope " after the ceremony. That contained whatever fee the husband could afford - and if the marriage involved a rich family - the priest would be smiling broadly.
Now that priest operates from a fixed scale of charges. There are no " negotiations " !
It is a case of " take it or leave it " !
Celebrants are more understanding, although a wedding in a registry office also has a scale of fees, ranging from $ 320 to $ 420.
The trend away from church weddings looks likely to continue - but then the view of marriage has also made great changes.
There was a time when it was " till death do us part " - and draconian laws made sure that once so trapped escape was near impossible.
Today, marriage can be a temporary or permanent union. Perhaps that is why couples often choose light and colourful surroundings rather than the heavy, frowning solemnity of a church.
In some cases, a repetitive event in their lives !
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Justice delayed.
Suspicions that all was not well within Wollongong Council were confirmed in 2006 when ICAC officers raided the Burelli street headquarters, locked council staff out of the building and seized files and computers.
As a result of this raid an exhaustive enquiry revealed corruption between the planning department, developers and Labor councillors, resulting in the state government dismissing the council and appointing administrators.
On October 8, 2008 the findings of this enquiry were handed down and it was recommended that charges proceed. There were twenty-four instances of corruption attributed to ten individual persons. The files were handed to the DPP for further action.
A year later - nothing has happened !
Justice delayed is justice denied ! It is a double edged sword.
The accused are walking free, but with the accusation of guilt hanging over their heads. While this remains they can not get on with the rest of their lives - and their status is " innocent until proven guilty ".
The eighth largest city in Australia is denied democracy because it no longer has an elected council to pursue the wishes of it's citizens. There is a strong suspicion in many people's minds that this lack of progress is political.
The corruption involved elected councillors of the same political persuasion as the state government. The council is now run by a trio of administrators appointed by that same state government - and all three have affiliations to that government.
Many people believe that no further court action has occurred because the government is hoping that citizens will " forgive and forget " - and not punish party politics when the city eventually returns to the polls.
For the sake of justice - and putting this unfortunate series of incidents to rest - these charges need to go to court, be heard - and punishment or acquittal handed down.
Anything less is just another form of corruption !
As a result of this raid an exhaustive enquiry revealed corruption between the planning department, developers and Labor councillors, resulting in the state government dismissing the council and appointing administrators.
On October 8, 2008 the findings of this enquiry were handed down and it was recommended that charges proceed. There were twenty-four instances of corruption attributed to ten individual persons. The files were handed to the DPP for further action.
A year later - nothing has happened !
Justice delayed is justice denied ! It is a double edged sword.
The accused are walking free, but with the accusation of guilt hanging over their heads. While this remains they can not get on with the rest of their lives - and their status is " innocent until proven guilty ".
The eighth largest city in Australia is denied democracy because it no longer has an elected council to pursue the wishes of it's citizens. There is a strong suspicion in many people's minds that this lack of progress is political.
The corruption involved elected councillors of the same political persuasion as the state government. The council is now run by a trio of administrators appointed by that same state government - and all three have affiliations to that government.
Many people believe that no further court action has occurred because the government is hoping that citizens will " forgive and forget " - and not punish party politics when the city eventually returns to the polls.
For the sake of justice - and putting this unfortunate series of incidents to rest - these charges need to go to court, be heard - and punishment or acquittal handed down.
Anything less is just another form of corruption !
Friday, 16 October 2009
A sensible credit law !
The government is proposing a change to the privacy laws to enable an applicants credit history to become available to those considering a loan application.
This is a much needed improvement to an antiquated secrecy concept that was pushing up the rate of interest charged and allowing delinquent borrowers to rort the system, to the detriment of the responsible majority.
Anybody charged with approving a loan needs to know what loans are already in the client's name, how much money is owed - and very importantly - what is that person's repayment history - and if there have been past defaults.
That is the basic criteria necessary to make an informed decision.
There have been objections, and it is claimed that if someone returns from holidays to find they are a day late paying a bill - this will result in a permanent blemish, refusal of credit or the imposition of a much higher interest rate.
What a load of rubbish !
Removal of secrecy will allow the person's entire credit history to be viewed, and a minor discretion will be judged in contrast to an otherwise good record.
We complain about the high interest rate the banks and other lending institutions charge on credit cards and loans, but much of this is caused by delinquent borrowers who slip through the net because of the privacy laws.
It is not good business to loan money to people who are bad debtors. Defaults simply mean the lender jacks up interest rates to the whole borrowing community to cover those losses.
These changes will make it harder for desperate people in financial trouble to keep adding to their debt and reaching inevitable bankruptcy - and at the same time saddling the rest of the community with higher interest rates.
It's a big win for the majority of sensible and prudent borrowers !
This is a much needed improvement to an antiquated secrecy concept that was pushing up the rate of interest charged and allowing delinquent borrowers to rort the system, to the detriment of the responsible majority.
Anybody charged with approving a loan needs to know what loans are already in the client's name, how much money is owed - and very importantly - what is that person's repayment history - and if there have been past defaults.
That is the basic criteria necessary to make an informed decision.
There have been objections, and it is claimed that if someone returns from holidays to find they are a day late paying a bill - this will result in a permanent blemish, refusal of credit or the imposition of a much higher interest rate.
What a load of rubbish !
Removal of secrecy will allow the person's entire credit history to be viewed, and a minor discretion will be judged in contrast to an otherwise good record.
We complain about the high interest rate the banks and other lending institutions charge on credit cards and loans, but much of this is caused by delinquent borrowers who slip through the net because of the privacy laws.
It is not good business to loan money to people who are bad debtors. Defaults simply mean the lender jacks up interest rates to the whole borrowing community to cover those losses.
These changes will make it harder for desperate people in financial trouble to keep adding to their debt and reaching inevitable bankruptcy - and at the same time saddling the rest of the community with higher interest rates.
It's a big win for the majority of sensible and prudent borrowers !
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Invasion from the sea.
Nomatter what spin comes from both sides of politics, Australia is again facing a huge increase in uninvited migrants demanding entry to this country.
John Howard's " Lock 'em up " policy stopped the boat people invasion in it's tracks.
Kevin Rudd's softer " Let them live in the community " policy has been interpreted by the people smugglers as a green light to recommence operations, as evidenced by the almost daily arrival of refugee boats and the swamping of Christmas Island processing facilities.
Now a new factor has emerged !
It can not be coincidence that on the same day that visas were conferred on arrivals who torched their boat, killed five of their number - and removed any chance of them being turned away - the Indonesian navy is facing the same threat from another group who they detained on their way to Australia.
Clearly, the " migrants " arriving by boat are " economic refugees " looking for a better life in this land of milk and honey. They have travelled through several countries on their way to a sea journey to our shores - and the rules of law dictate that they must apply for refuge and settle at the first landfall.
They are not interested in living in a poor country. Australia is their goal and we are now seeing a more aggressive tactic to achieve this end.
About time we faced reality and decided just what policy will apply to those who are in fact conducting an unarmed invasion of our coastline !
The present policy is clearly not working !
John Howard's " Lock 'em up " policy stopped the boat people invasion in it's tracks.
Kevin Rudd's softer " Let them live in the community " policy has been interpreted by the people smugglers as a green light to recommence operations, as evidenced by the almost daily arrival of refugee boats and the swamping of Christmas Island processing facilities.
Now a new factor has emerged !
It can not be coincidence that on the same day that visas were conferred on arrivals who torched their boat, killed five of their number - and removed any chance of them being turned away - the Indonesian navy is facing the same threat from another group who they detained on their way to Australia.
Clearly, the " migrants " arriving by boat are " economic refugees " looking for a better life in this land of milk and honey. They have travelled through several countries on their way to a sea journey to our shores - and the rules of law dictate that they must apply for refuge and settle at the first landfall.
They are not interested in living in a poor country. Australia is their goal and we are now seeing a more aggressive tactic to achieve this end.
About time we faced reality and decided just what policy will apply to those who are in fact conducting an unarmed invasion of our coastline !
The present policy is clearly not working !
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Stranded bus passengers.
The government has announced that bus fares will increase by nearly fifteen percent over the next four years. Unfortunately this will add insult to injury for those inner city passengers who are continually left stranded when packed buses fail to stop at designated bus stops.
For decades the government has been imploring people to " leave the car at home and take the bus ". Rising petrol prices and choked roads have finally convinced many to heed that advice - but the transport system has not been extended to accommodate the greater numbers.
People in the inner suburbs are finding that buses - packed like sardines - have no capacity when they rush past and fail to stop. In many cases passengers wishing to alight in the inner city are carried on because drivers fear causing a riot if they stop and can not accommodate the waiting crowd.
Basically, bus transport is robbing inner city people by not providing a service, making them wait until the peak has passed - and now charging more for a service that does not exist.
The answer is obvious ! More buses !
Increased patronage from outer suburbs will always mean that buses will become progressively full and have no capacity before they reach the city, where most passengers work.
Buses that commence their run in the inner city are needed to serve those inner city residents who have the same need to get to work on time - and get home in the evening rush period.
The government has announced that fare increase - but not a word on solving the inner city problem !
For decades the government has been imploring people to " leave the car at home and take the bus ". Rising petrol prices and choked roads have finally convinced many to heed that advice - but the transport system has not been extended to accommodate the greater numbers.
People in the inner suburbs are finding that buses - packed like sardines - have no capacity when they rush past and fail to stop. In many cases passengers wishing to alight in the inner city are carried on because drivers fear causing a riot if they stop and can not accommodate the waiting crowd.
Basically, bus transport is robbing inner city people by not providing a service, making them wait until the peak has passed - and now charging more for a service that does not exist.
The answer is obvious ! More buses !
Increased patronage from outer suburbs will always mean that buses will become progressively full and have no capacity before they reach the city, where most passengers work.
Buses that commence their run in the inner city are needed to serve those inner city residents who have the same need to get to work on time - and get home in the evening rush period.
The government has announced that fare increase - but not a word on solving the inner city problem !
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Predatory pricing !
It seems to be a proven fact that the big grocery chains use predatory pricing to drive competitors out of business - and once this is achieved their pricing regime exploits profits.
There have been numerous enquiries and we supposedly have laws in place to prevent the big end of town pricing below cost to disadvantage a competitor and cause them business loss.
One sure way of achieving protection for small traders would be legislation to require multi store outlets to offer the same discounted price in all their shops, but this has been rejected because it would create more problems than it would solve.
It is a fact of life that store managers must adjust prices to quickly move a perishable item when the " use by " date is approaching, and once this form of price control is in place the tendency would be towards the higher end of the price scale.
Probably the only relief for small competitors would be a complaints forum with the power to inspect purchase invoices. If a particular store was consistently selling below cost to disadvantage a small competitor that forum should have the power to impose a heavy fine and direct this to compensate the competitor.
So far this problem seems to have been consigned to the " too hard basket ". Trying to draw a line between legitimate commercial activity and predatory pricing falls into the category of " how long is a piece of string ! "
There have been numerous enquiries and we supposedly have laws in place to prevent the big end of town pricing below cost to disadvantage a competitor and cause them business loss.
One sure way of achieving protection for small traders would be legislation to require multi store outlets to offer the same discounted price in all their shops, but this has been rejected because it would create more problems than it would solve.
It is a fact of life that store managers must adjust prices to quickly move a perishable item when the " use by " date is approaching, and once this form of price control is in place the tendency would be towards the higher end of the price scale.
Probably the only relief for small competitors would be a complaints forum with the power to inspect purchase invoices. If a particular store was consistently selling below cost to disadvantage a small competitor that forum should have the power to impose a heavy fine and direct this to compensate the competitor.
So far this problem seems to have been consigned to the " too hard basket ". Trying to draw a line between legitimate commercial activity and predatory pricing falls into the category of " how long is a piece of string ! "
Monday, 12 October 2009
Big Brother threatens !
A bright idea floated by someone in the Federal government sent a chill down the spines of all pensioners and welfare receipients.
It was suggested that Centrelink may help people " to manage their money ".
The idea is to issue those who get money from Centrelink with a debit card - similar to the EFTPOS card we are all familiar with.
This would enable those with the welfare of the masses in their hearts to steer the peasants to a better - and healthier - way of life.
This would be achieved by managing the bar codes on each and every product sold and through the national computer system by simply making those items deemed injurious to our health invalid when swiped through the checkout scanners.
No more doughnuts with a high fat content. Big Brother will choose your breakfast food - and of course you will only be permitted to buy the right kind of milk. Of course there will be no possibility of using your money to buy - shock - horror - cigarettes or alcohol.
It will never happen, but the thought is buzzing around in some bureaucratic minds and somewhere down the track it is likely to re-emerge in a modified form.
There are several reasons why it will be a miserable failure. Firstly, it underestimates two human factors - greed and ingenuity. The other that stands out is - supply and demand. If there is demand - someone will move mountains to profit by enabling supply.
Theoretically severe punishment for breaches and a strong policing code should deter breaches, but then we have just that already in place to prevent juveniles accessing tobacco products - and when did you last hear of kid's being deprived of their smokes ?
Undoubtedly there are people who do not make wise decisions when spending their money, but the power of computers and the manner in which they control every aspect of our lives is a potent control source.
Let us hope this latest bright idea fades to obscurity. Otherwise the day may dawn when a pensioner is refused a Big Mac at McDonalds - because it has failed to get the nod from the chief health bureaucrat !
It was suggested that Centrelink may help people " to manage their money ".
The idea is to issue those who get money from Centrelink with a debit card - similar to the EFTPOS card we are all familiar with.
This would enable those with the welfare of the masses in their hearts to steer the peasants to a better - and healthier - way of life.
This would be achieved by managing the bar codes on each and every product sold and through the national computer system by simply making those items deemed injurious to our health invalid when swiped through the checkout scanners.
No more doughnuts with a high fat content. Big Brother will choose your breakfast food - and of course you will only be permitted to buy the right kind of milk. Of course there will be no possibility of using your money to buy - shock - horror - cigarettes or alcohol.
It will never happen, but the thought is buzzing around in some bureaucratic minds and somewhere down the track it is likely to re-emerge in a modified form.
There are several reasons why it will be a miserable failure. Firstly, it underestimates two human factors - greed and ingenuity. The other that stands out is - supply and demand. If there is demand - someone will move mountains to profit by enabling supply.
Theoretically severe punishment for breaches and a strong policing code should deter breaches, but then we have just that already in place to prevent juveniles accessing tobacco products - and when did you last hear of kid's being deprived of their smokes ?
Undoubtedly there are people who do not make wise decisions when spending their money, but the power of computers and the manner in which they control every aspect of our lives is a potent control source.
Let us hope this latest bright idea fades to obscurity. Otherwise the day may dawn when a pensioner is refused a Big Mac at McDonalds - because it has failed to get the nod from the chief health bureaucrat !
Saturday, 10 October 2009
A fatal choice !
Telstra has signalled that it will choose to fight the government's " Competition and Consumers Safeguards " bill - which will require it to separate it's wholesale and retail business.
The statement did not specify to what degree it would oppose this plan, but if it intends to go to court then it's shareholders are facing a long length of rocky road.
The previous Telstra management was both arrogant and intent on establishing a monopoly in the communications field. It felt it held all the aces because it owned the copper wire system connecting telephone exchanges to home and business phones. It engaged in a " Mexican standoff " with the government - and lost !
Telstra states that separating it's wholesale and retail business would cost between $ 500 million and $ 1.2 billion. That might be pocket money compared with the cost of going to all the court levels in an attempt to defeat the government on constitutional grounds.
Telstra is a big company, but fighting a government is not something to be undertaken lightly.
The government has deeper pockets - and has the ability to both tilt the playing field - and to move the goal posts if it chooses.
Perhaps Telstra management is simply sabre rattling to appease shareholder concerns. It also states that it will " continue negotiations in a positive and constructive manner ".
The share price has taken a hit because the market has a fair idea of who will win this battle.
If Telstra is serious about a court battle with the Federal government the word " suicide " comes to mind !
The statement did not specify to what degree it would oppose this plan, but if it intends to go to court then it's shareholders are facing a long length of rocky road.
The previous Telstra management was both arrogant and intent on establishing a monopoly in the communications field. It felt it held all the aces because it owned the copper wire system connecting telephone exchanges to home and business phones. It engaged in a " Mexican standoff " with the government - and lost !
Telstra states that separating it's wholesale and retail business would cost between $ 500 million and $ 1.2 billion. That might be pocket money compared with the cost of going to all the court levels in an attempt to defeat the government on constitutional grounds.
Telstra is a big company, but fighting a government is not something to be undertaken lightly.
The government has deeper pockets - and has the ability to both tilt the playing field - and to move the goal posts if it chooses.
Perhaps Telstra management is simply sabre rattling to appease shareholder concerns. It also states that it will " continue negotiations in a positive and constructive manner ".
The share price has taken a hit because the market has a fair idea of who will win this battle.
If Telstra is serious about a court battle with the Federal government the word " suicide " comes to mind !
Friday, 9 October 2009
A threat to democracy !
This weekend what has been described as " Climate Camp " will take place at Helensburgh. This will be a gathering of people for the purpose of making a protest about plans to expand Metropolitan Colliery, the oldest coal mine in Australia.
According to the organizers this will be a " family friendly festival ", complete with activities for children and workshops and speakers to provide informed information on various subjects.
This claim of non violence usually precedes all such protests, and a similar " Climate Camp " at Newcastle degenerated into criminal activity that saw people arrested and charged.
The police will be there in force and will include members of the riot squad, dog squad and other specialist branches. If events follow the normal course for such gatherings it will result in an invasion of the colliery property, damage of various kinds - and the citizens of Helensburgh will be inconvenienced by a wild mob roaming their friendly little town.
Everyone has a right to voice their opinion, but when that right also takes the form of mindless violence the very foundations of democracy are threatened. The actions of a few outrage the tolerance of the many and this leads to pressure to change the laws and dilute the right to express an opinion.
We are seeing a strange attitude taking over the minds of protest organizers world wide. There are people who want to deny the leaders of countries to meet together to plan to solve world problems - and this effort usually results in property damage, torched cars and general mayhem.
Hopefully " Climate Camp " will be reasonably peaceful, but there is every chance that the event will be taken over by violent elements who have no interest in the objectives for which it is being held, but have an anarchist outlook and want to provoke confrontation for their own ends.
Nobody will be surprised if Monday's local newspaper reports on this event with lurid headlines !
According to the organizers this will be a " family friendly festival ", complete with activities for children and workshops and speakers to provide informed information on various subjects.
This claim of non violence usually precedes all such protests, and a similar " Climate Camp " at Newcastle degenerated into criminal activity that saw people arrested and charged.
The police will be there in force and will include members of the riot squad, dog squad and other specialist branches. If events follow the normal course for such gatherings it will result in an invasion of the colliery property, damage of various kinds - and the citizens of Helensburgh will be inconvenienced by a wild mob roaming their friendly little town.
Everyone has a right to voice their opinion, but when that right also takes the form of mindless violence the very foundations of democracy are threatened. The actions of a few outrage the tolerance of the many and this leads to pressure to change the laws and dilute the right to express an opinion.
We are seeing a strange attitude taking over the minds of protest organizers world wide. There are people who want to deny the leaders of countries to meet together to plan to solve world problems - and this effort usually results in property damage, torched cars and general mayhem.
Hopefully " Climate Camp " will be reasonably peaceful, but there is every chance that the event will be taken over by violent elements who have no interest in the objectives for which it is being held, but have an anarchist outlook and want to provoke confrontation for their own ends.
Nobody will be surprised if Monday's local newspaper reports on this event with lurid headlines !
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Creating a new country ?
People in Britain have every right to express their concern at the direction the European Union is taking.
The " Lisbon Treaty " is being interpretted as allowing Brussels to set up a diplomatic service, open embassies in other countries and sign international agreements which are legally binding on the member states.
That is a fair description of a new, sovereign country !
Ireland just held a referendum on ratifying the treaty, similar referendums are yet to be held in Poland and the Czeck Republic - but the people of Britain are being denied a voice in their country's decision.
The British people went to a referendum thirty-four years ago, and that question was about joining " the European Community ". That is very different from Britain being absorbed into a new nation - with it's capital in Brussels and it's laws over riding the laws of the British parliament.
Basically, if the present government gets away with refusing it's citizens the right to a referendum, then Britain will be in a similar position to any of the states of Australia.
They will have limited rights of self government, but within the membership of a new country which has authority over matters of income tax, trading treaties, relations with other countries - and eventually - defence.
That is a major step. It would mean the end of Britain as the self governing world entity that spawned Australia, Canada and many other parts of the world.
It may be a matter of self survival for Europe in a rapidly changing world with issues such as global warming and falling food production about to wreak havoc, but for the British people surely such a decision should come from a poll of the public - not from government diktat ?
And why is Britain the only country denied a referendum ?
The " Lisbon Treaty " is being interpretted as allowing Brussels to set up a diplomatic service, open embassies in other countries and sign international agreements which are legally binding on the member states.
That is a fair description of a new, sovereign country !
Ireland just held a referendum on ratifying the treaty, similar referendums are yet to be held in Poland and the Czeck Republic - but the people of Britain are being denied a voice in their country's decision.
The British people went to a referendum thirty-four years ago, and that question was about joining " the European Community ". That is very different from Britain being absorbed into a new nation - with it's capital in Brussels and it's laws over riding the laws of the British parliament.
Basically, if the present government gets away with refusing it's citizens the right to a referendum, then Britain will be in a similar position to any of the states of Australia.
They will have limited rights of self government, but within the membership of a new country which has authority over matters of income tax, trading treaties, relations with other countries - and eventually - defence.
That is a major step. It would mean the end of Britain as the self governing world entity that spawned Australia, Canada and many other parts of the world.
It may be a matter of self survival for Europe in a rapidly changing world with issues such as global warming and falling food production about to wreak havoc, but for the British people surely such a decision should come from a poll of the public - not from government diktat ?
And why is Britain the only country denied a referendum ?
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
The right to choose !
Peter Dutton, the Federal opposition's Health spokesman has a problem. His Gold Coast seat of McPherson has had a redistribution and is now nominally Labor. Dutton missed out on preselection for another conservative safe seat when the branch rejected him in favour of a local.
He is faced with two basic choices. Either to campaign and try to wrest McPherson back to the conservatives - or convince a sitting conservative to retire and hand him a safe seat - provided the local branch will go along with that option.
This comes to the root of what politics is all about. The original idea of a parliament was an assembly where each village voted to send their most respected member to represent them in a conclave of the wise and fair.
Then came party politics !
Both sides of politics are equally guilty of using muscle to parachute a chosen one into a supposedly safe seat - against the wishes and objections of the locals.
It became an art form within the Labor party with use of the notorious N-40 rule - with varied results.
In some cases the " cuckold " won over the people and went on to become a favoured local member, but then there was the debacle of Cunningham - when this safest of safe Labor seats revolted against such an intruder - and for the first time elected a " Green " to the lower house.
You would think both sides of politics would respect the right of local branches to select a candidate of their own choosing, but that is not the way of party politics.
No double muscle will be exerted - and push will come to shove and down the track Mr Dutton will be accommodated - but unfortunately such a traversty of democracy does little to enhace the fairness of parliament in the eyes of the voters !
He is faced with two basic choices. Either to campaign and try to wrest McPherson back to the conservatives - or convince a sitting conservative to retire and hand him a safe seat - provided the local branch will go along with that option.
This comes to the root of what politics is all about. The original idea of a parliament was an assembly where each village voted to send their most respected member to represent them in a conclave of the wise and fair.
Then came party politics !
Both sides of politics are equally guilty of using muscle to parachute a chosen one into a supposedly safe seat - against the wishes and objections of the locals.
It became an art form within the Labor party with use of the notorious N-40 rule - with varied results.
In some cases the " cuckold " won over the people and went on to become a favoured local member, but then there was the debacle of Cunningham - when this safest of safe Labor seats revolted against such an intruder - and for the first time elected a " Green " to the lower house.
You would think both sides of politics would respect the right of local branches to select a candidate of their own choosing, but that is not the way of party politics.
No double muscle will be exerted - and push will come to shove and down the track Mr Dutton will be accommodated - but unfortunately such a traversty of democracy does little to enhace the fairness of parliament in the eyes of the voters !
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
The reality of bail laws.
Bail has always been a contentious issue. People on bail who commit further offences draw criticism - and demands that the bail laws be tightened.
Recent research by the Youth Justice Coalition show that 90% of juveniles held on remand had actually been granted bail - but were kept under lock and key because they were unable to meet their conditions of bail.
One of the usual bail requirements demands the offender reside at an approved place of abode. In many instances that person is homeless and therefore the only place the court can approve would be a refuge bed - and these are scarcer than hen's teeth !
When a refuge bed is available, it is usually only for a very short time - and in many cases merely overnight. The moment that happens the offender is again homeless - and in breach of bail conditions - and back under lock and key.
This anomaly places pressure on the remand accommodation available and we have the situation of overcrowding and intimidation. It becomes a vicious circle and prison remand has long been dubbed " the university of crime ".
Many people despaired when " Keelong " detention centre in Wollongong was closed. It now sits idle, but it would have made a great addition to the availability of refuge beds had it been transformed to that task.
It could have served as a kind of " half-way house ". A dedicated source of welfare beds for those on bail accused of a crime, but also a place where offenders either remained on their best behaviour - or lost the privilege of being free.
Instead, we have the worst of both worlds
Recent research by the Youth Justice Coalition show that 90% of juveniles held on remand had actually been granted bail - but were kept under lock and key because they were unable to meet their conditions of bail.
One of the usual bail requirements demands the offender reside at an approved place of abode. In many instances that person is homeless and therefore the only place the court can approve would be a refuge bed - and these are scarcer than hen's teeth !
When a refuge bed is available, it is usually only for a very short time - and in many cases merely overnight. The moment that happens the offender is again homeless - and in breach of bail conditions - and back under lock and key.
This anomaly places pressure on the remand accommodation available and we have the situation of overcrowding and intimidation. It becomes a vicious circle and prison remand has long been dubbed " the university of crime ".
Many people despaired when " Keelong " detention centre in Wollongong was closed. It now sits idle, but it would have made a great addition to the availability of refuge beds had it been transformed to that task.
It could have served as a kind of " half-way house ". A dedicated source of welfare beds for those on bail accused of a crime, but also a place where offenders either remained on their best behaviour - or lost the privilege of being free.
Instead, we have the worst of both worlds
Monday, 5 October 2009
Timely events !
The December meeting in Copenhagen will be make or break for efforts to slow global warming.
World leaders will either accept or reject firm limits for carbon reductions and these will have distorting effects on the world economy. Depending on which point of view is being expressed, carbon reduction plans will either create the loss of jobs or create new industries.
The economic meltdown that started in 08 threw a spanner in the works. Many thought that this was not the right time to take chances with a dodgy economy and job security. There was pressure for limits to be set low - and many people opted to delay implementing schemes until things improved.
Now a new roll of the dice has swung public thinking to support carbon reduction.
To our north a series of earthquakes and a tsunami have devastated Samoa and Sumatra in Indonesia, including western Papua New Guinea. Whole villages have been destroyed with heavy loss of life.
That has nothing to do with global warming. This area is located on " the ring of fire " where tectonic plates grind together, but it is noticeable that whenever people talk about global warming the conversation seems to automatically swing to include this volcanic activity.
That is certainly the case here in Australia, and most likely in the rest of the world.
It seems that the sheer coincidence of an unusual string of damaging earthquakes has linked people's perceptions to include these as part of the damage global warming is inflicting on the world.
Perhaps this misfortune will be the catalyst to swing wavering public opinion and bring pressure on world leaders to make decisions that might otherwise have been too timid to have any real effect.
If so, at least some good will have come from a disaster that has affected many !
World leaders will either accept or reject firm limits for carbon reductions and these will have distorting effects on the world economy. Depending on which point of view is being expressed, carbon reduction plans will either create the loss of jobs or create new industries.
The economic meltdown that started in 08 threw a spanner in the works. Many thought that this was not the right time to take chances with a dodgy economy and job security. There was pressure for limits to be set low - and many people opted to delay implementing schemes until things improved.
Now a new roll of the dice has swung public thinking to support carbon reduction.
To our north a series of earthquakes and a tsunami have devastated Samoa and Sumatra in Indonesia, including western Papua New Guinea. Whole villages have been destroyed with heavy loss of life.
That has nothing to do with global warming. This area is located on " the ring of fire " where tectonic plates grind together, but it is noticeable that whenever people talk about global warming the conversation seems to automatically swing to include this volcanic activity.
That is certainly the case here in Australia, and most likely in the rest of the world.
It seems that the sheer coincidence of an unusual string of damaging earthquakes has linked people's perceptions to include these as part of the damage global warming is inflicting on the world.
Perhaps this misfortune will be the catalyst to swing wavering public opinion and bring pressure on world leaders to make decisions that might otherwise have been too timid to have any real effect.
If so, at least some good will have come from a disaster that has affected many !
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Olympics in Rio.
Many people were surprised when the 2016 Olympics were awarded to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For the first time the games will be played in a Latin American country.
There has been a tendency for the northern hemisphere to hog the Olympics and the other three contenders - Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid all hailed from that part of the world.
There is much to be gained by hosting this huge sporting spectacle, as Sydney found in 2000. For a few brief weeks both the city and the country becomes the Mecca of world attention, drawing vast crowds of spectators and tourists - and generating lots of money.
It also costs huge sums to create the venues, but after the event these remain and sustain the sporting life of the host country.
Unfortunately Rio will be under a lot of pressure to change the timetable of premier events to suit northern hemisphere peak television viewing times. It seems that this is a single sided coin. When the Olympics are held in the northern hemisphere there is no consideration to timing in regard to the rest of the world.
The whole of South America will gain from the 2016 Olympics. All the countries surrounding Brazil will see an increase in tourist numbers and the world media will showcase this usually forgotten part of the world.
Despite hard lobbying by the powerful and famous, the Olympic committee made a wise decision. One of the few occasions where " the little guy " comes out on top !
There has been a tendency for the northern hemisphere to hog the Olympics and the other three contenders - Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid all hailed from that part of the world.
There is much to be gained by hosting this huge sporting spectacle, as Sydney found in 2000. For a few brief weeks both the city and the country becomes the Mecca of world attention, drawing vast crowds of spectators and tourists - and generating lots of money.
It also costs huge sums to create the venues, but after the event these remain and sustain the sporting life of the host country.
Unfortunately Rio will be under a lot of pressure to change the timetable of premier events to suit northern hemisphere peak television viewing times. It seems that this is a single sided coin. When the Olympics are held in the northern hemisphere there is no consideration to timing in regard to the rest of the world.
The whole of South America will gain from the 2016 Olympics. All the countries surrounding Brazil will see an increase in tourist numbers and the world media will showcase this usually forgotten part of the world.
Despite hard lobbying by the powerful and famous, the Olympic committee made a wise decision. One of the few occasions where " the little guy " comes out on top !
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Leisure time !
Tomorrow we move the clocks forward one hour. Daylight saving starts - and we have an extra hour before nightfall to enjoy ourselves.
One American state has opted for a change in business hours in an attempt to reduce energy costs - and increase leisure time.
Utah has adopted the four day week for all workers in government departments. Friday is now a day off and to make up the lost hours employees work from 7 am to 6 pm from Monday to Thursday.
There are obvious pluses and minuses. If every government office is shut down for an entire day there is a 20% reduction in lighting, heating and cooling costs over the five day week.
Those that drive a car to work obviously make a similar saving on fuel costs.
Those working the longer day may find problems in child care scheduling, but the longer working hours of the public service make them more accessible for those working " normal " hours.
It will be interesting to see how this experiment works out. One of the problems will be the use people put to this new " free time ". Not much saving in fuel if instead of driving to work people drive to the beach or the golf course.
There is also a tendency for free time to involve spending money. Entertainment costs money and many people get bored if they have nothing to do.
There is no suggestion of adopting this plan in Australia, but it would be an interesting experiment to question those who have been reduced to a four day week as a means of reducing hours and saving jobs - rather than embracing retrenchments.
It would be a worthy project for some academic to examine whether this changed lifestyle increased or reduced the family spending pattern - and if so - by how much.
It would be handy information for the planners when the challenges of the future need to be addressed !
One American state has opted for a change in business hours in an attempt to reduce energy costs - and increase leisure time.
Utah has adopted the four day week for all workers in government departments. Friday is now a day off and to make up the lost hours employees work from 7 am to 6 pm from Monday to Thursday.
There are obvious pluses and minuses. If every government office is shut down for an entire day there is a 20% reduction in lighting, heating and cooling costs over the five day week.
Those that drive a car to work obviously make a similar saving on fuel costs.
Those working the longer day may find problems in child care scheduling, but the longer working hours of the public service make them more accessible for those working " normal " hours.
It will be interesting to see how this experiment works out. One of the problems will be the use people put to this new " free time ". Not much saving in fuel if instead of driving to work people drive to the beach or the golf course.
There is also a tendency for free time to involve spending money. Entertainment costs money and many people get bored if they have nothing to do.
There is no suggestion of adopting this plan in Australia, but it would be an interesting experiment to question those who have been reduced to a four day week as a means of reducing hours and saving jobs - rather than embracing retrenchments.
It would be a worthy project for some academic to examine whether this changed lifestyle increased or reduced the family spending pattern - and if so - by how much.
It would be handy information for the planners when the challenges of the future need to be addressed !
Friday, 2 October 2009
Parade of military power.
Yesterday China put on a carefully orchestrated display to celebrate sixty years of Communist rule.
The arrival of Communism was probably the best thing to happen to that divided and warlord ruled country because it delivered the one thing China needed to become unified - a ruthless, dictatorial regime that suppressed any form of dissent.
The miracle is that the Communist bosses had the enlightenment to open their society to " social capitalism " and see it grow to become the world's factory for consumer goods, and to spawn a vast middle class of " rich " citizens.
There was one disturbing aspect of that giant parade. It brought back memories of Russia way back in the 50's, 60's and 70's of the last century.
This Chinese celebration was big on it's military aspect. We were treated to endless ranks of uniformed men and women goose stepping through Tianamen square with fixed bayonets on their rifles, followed by vast arrays of tanks, missile launchers and hardware designed for war.
Russia collapsed because it was incapable of making the transition to a world economy that the Chinese have made, but this preoccupation with things military brings a jarring unease that perhaps the old Communist quest for world domination may still be alive in the hearts of China's leadership.
Supremacy in commerce is one thing. Hopefully that massive military buildup may be just insurance against revolt by the huge array of Chinese rural peasants who have so far missed out on their share " of the good life ! "
The arrival of Communism was probably the best thing to happen to that divided and warlord ruled country because it delivered the one thing China needed to become unified - a ruthless, dictatorial regime that suppressed any form of dissent.
The miracle is that the Communist bosses had the enlightenment to open their society to " social capitalism " and see it grow to become the world's factory for consumer goods, and to spawn a vast middle class of " rich " citizens.
There was one disturbing aspect of that giant parade. It brought back memories of Russia way back in the 50's, 60's and 70's of the last century.
This Chinese celebration was big on it's military aspect. We were treated to endless ranks of uniformed men and women goose stepping through Tianamen square with fixed bayonets on their rifles, followed by vast arrays of tanks, missile launchers and hardware designed for war.
Russia collapsed because it was incapable of making the transition to a world economy that the Chinese have made, but this preoccupation with things military brings a jarring unease that perhaps the old Communist quest for world domination may still be alive in the hearts of China's leadership.
Supremacy in commerce is one thing. Hopefully that massive military buildup may be just insurance against revolt by the huge array of Chinese rural peasants who have so far missed out on their share " of the good life ! "
Thursday, 1 October 2009
The " justice " system !
On November I8 last year two men - one 24 and the other I8 - accompanied by three juveniles felt they were bored and needed something to bring a little entertainment into their lives.
They then broke into a property at Gwynville in Wollongong and used petrol to set fire to two cars in a carport attached to a house.
A Hyundai Excel, a Honda Civic and the carport were destroyed and other parts of the property were damaged. The juveniles managed to sustain burns that required hospital treatment, and as a result all these culprits were caught.
The two adult arsonists yesterday pleaded guilty - almost a year after this crime. It seems certain that the wheels of justice grind slowly but what excuse can the court system give for such an intolerable delay.
And then there is the " punishment " handed out !
The 24 year old was fined $ 1500 and placed on a a two year good behaviour bond. The I8 year old was ordered to perform 150 hours of community service.
These two adult criminals have spent the past year unpunished, wandering around free on bail. Arson is a major crime and their action caused considerable financial damage to the owners of the two cars - and the person owning the house that suffered damage.
The magistrate ignored any order of compensation for these losses. That $ 1500 fine will go straight into government coffers - and the community service may - or may not - be performed, but the " punishment " handed out was little more than a slap on the wrist.
What incentive does this sort of sentence give to persuade offenders to desist from criminally destructive behaviour ?
No wonder the courts are held in contempt by both criminals and the long suffering victims of crime !
They then broke into a property at Gwynville in Wollongong and used petrol to set fire to two cars in a carport attached to a house.
A Hyundai Excel, a Honda Civic and the carport were destroyed and other parts of the property were damaged. The juveniles managed to sustain burns that required hospital treatment, and as a result all these culprits were caught.
The two adult arsonists yesterday pleaded guilty - almost a year after this crime. It seems certain that the wheels of justice grind slowly but what excuse can the court system give for such an intolerable delay.
And then there is the " punishment " handed out !
The 24 year old was fined $ 1500 and placed on a a two year good behaviour bond. The I8 year old was ordered to perform 150 hours of community service.
These two adult criminals have spent the past year unpunished, wandering around free on bail. Arson is a major crime and their action caused considerable financial damage to the owners of the two cars - and the person owning the house that suffered damage.
The magistrate ignored any order of compensation for these losses. That $ 1500 fine will go straight into government coffers - and the community service may - or may not - be performed, but the " punishment " handed out was little more than a slap on the wrist.
What incentive does this sort of sentence give to persuade offenders to desist from criminally destructive behaviour ?
No wonder the courts are held in contempt by both criminals and the long suffering victims of crime !
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