Yesterday a jury returned a verdict of guilty in the trial of Doctor Jayant Patel. This man was accused of the manslaughter of three patients - but has been indirectly linked to the deaths of seventeen more. He faces probable life in prison.
Patel was appointed director of surgery at Bundaberg Base hospital in 2003, despite previous charges of medical incompetence in the United States that resulted in limitations on the operations he was permitted to perform.
This should not be the end of the matter here. Equally negligent were those whose job it was to check the qualifications of the doctor before his appointment.
There is another disturbing suggestion concerning the endorsements provided by other members of the medical profession.
It seems that when asked to provide a reference for a colleague that they barely know, many doctors will accept that this is simply a courtesy expected of them - and will reel off a glowing testimonial that may tip the balance on an appointment.
Such a falsification delivers unsuspecting members of the public into the hands of a doctor who may decide if they live or die.
It is time the medical profession faced reality and accepted responsibility for carefully scrutinising a colleagues skills before writing a testimonial.
Should they be careless in doing this they should face the prospect of standing in the dock - and sharing the responsibility for risk to the life of that doctor's victims !
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
A death in custody.
Few would doubt that the colour of a persons skin has a lot to do with the way they are treated in custody.
The death of an Aboriginal elder in Western Australia can only be added to the list of black people who have met their death in suspicious circumstances.
That this man was thrown in the back of a paddy wagon for a multi hour journey on a very hot day - and the two prison guards were aware that the air conditioning was working fine for the cabin they were in - but not working for the prisoner - seems to be beyond belief.
Temperatures in excess of fifty degrees - without comfort stops or checks on the prisoners condition is unforgivable. This man was dead on arrival - the subject of heat stroke.
It is the final indignity that a court has found no blame attached to the two men charged with his care. They will walk free - and in all probability do exactly the same in future.
Had a dog or any other animal been conveyed in those conditions and that manner the RSPCA would no doubt have taken the case to court - and got a conviction.
And had the prisoner been white - a transfer in such circumstances would not have been approved.
It seems that justice is not colour blind !
The death of an Aboriginal elder in Western Australia can only be added to the list of black people who have met their death in suspicious circumstances.
That this man was thrown in the back of a paddy wagon for a multi hour journey on a very hot day - and the two prison guards were aware that the air conditioning was working fine for the cabin they were in - but not working for the prisoner - seems to be beyond belief.
Temperatures in excess of fifty degrees - without comfort stops or checks on the prisoners condition is unforgivable. This man was dead on arrival - the subject of heat stroke.
It is the final indignity that a court has found no blame attached to the two men charged with his care. They will walk free - and in all probability do exactly the same in future.
Had a dog or any other animal been conveyed in those conditions and that manner the RSPCA would no doubt have taken the case to court - and got a conviction.
And had the prisoner been white - a transfer in such circumstances would not have been approved.
It seems that justice is not colour blind !
Monday, 28 June 2010
New ASIC powers.
From next week the Australian Securities and Investment Commission ( ASIC ) will have the power to disallow the " exit fee " strategy used by the banks to lock people into mortgages.
It seems strange that ASIC should only be permitted to dispense justice in nominated sectors of the economy. Surely any unfair deal in the finance sector should be within ASIC's brief -- to investigate and remedy.
These limitations seem to be spread widely across all those institutions that are legislated to guard the public from rapacious conduct by industry.
Another example concerns the Telephone Industry Obudsman ( TIO ). For some unknown reason the TIO is limited to only investigating complaints that are less than twelve months old.
There have been instances where overcharges go back years - but the TIO can only order a refund on the last twelve months of such robbery.
Control of exit fees is a first step - but it is time the brakes were released to allow all regulatory authorities to deal with any form of banditry !
It seems strange that ASIC should only be permitted to dispense justice in nominated sectors of the economy. Surely any unfair deal in the finance sector should be within ASIC's brief -- to investigate and remedy.
These limitations seem to be spread widely across all those institutions that are legislated to guard the public from rapacious conduct by industry.
Another example concerns the Telephone Industry Obudsman ( TIO ). For some unknown reason the TIO is limited to only investigating complaints that are less than twelve months old.
There have been instances where overcharges go back years - but the TIO can only order a refund on the last twelve months of such robbery.
Control of exit fees is a first step - but it is time the brakes were released to allow all regulatory authorities to deal with any form of banditry !
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Parking meter peril !
The city of Wollongong was inflicted with parking meters while in the hands of administrators chosen by the state government. This action took place against the wishes of the majority of citizens - and now the chickens are coming home to roost.
Business owners report as much as a forty percent drop-off of trade since shoppers were required to pay to park.
The council insists that shoppers will get used to paid parking and things will return to normal when the shock wears off.
That attitude flies in the face of reality. Wollongong mall and it's surrounding streets are not an enticing place to shop. The mall is dreary - and indeed a dangerous place at night and the upgrade plans do nothing to change that situation.
Parking meters simply provide one more reason for shoppers to choose Corrimal or Warrawang - or experience a " real " shopping centre at Miranda.
Sadly, the people of Wollongong are stuck with this mess.
In a year or so the administrative trio will be gone, replaced with an elected council and the damage will be apparent. Empty shops abandoned by those who could no longer make a living, making the city centre reminiscent of the fate that befell upper Crown street.
And the victims didn't get a vote on the parking meter issue !
Business owners report as much as a forty percent drop-off of trade since shoppers were required to pay to park.
The council insists that shoppers will get used to paid parking and things will return to normal when the shock wears off.
That attitude flies in the face of reality. Wollongong mall and it's surrounding streets are not an enticing place to shop. The mall is dreary - and indeed a dangerous place at night and the upgrade plans do nothing to change that situation.
Parking meters simply provide one more reason for shoppers to choose Corrimal or Warrawang - or experience a " real " shopping centre at Miranda.
Sadly, the people of Wollongong are stuck with this mess.
In a year or so the administrative trio will be gone, replaced with an elected council and the damage will be apparent. Empty shops abandoned by those who could no longer make a living, making the city centre reminiscent of the fate that befell upper Crown street.
And the victims didn't get a vote on the parking meter issue !
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Justice delayed.
Justice delayed - is justice denied !
In 1908 the affairs of Wollongong Council made the front page of most newspapers in this country. A sordid tale of money for favours, building approvals for graft, sex, and wide spread corruption emerged. Elected councillors demanded both personal gain and support for their political party in exchange for passing building projects that did not comply with regulations.
The council was sacked - and replaced by a three person board. Prosecution for various offences against accused felons was recommended.
Now - in this year 2010 - court action is about to take place.
Why ? Why has it taken years for the wheels of justice to grind so slowly ?
The whole concept of justice is that it be settled quickly and a verdict arrived at. Surely the collection of evidence should not take years to compile .
The sad conclusion is that this matter will still drag on through the courts - and a conclusion is unlikely to be reached even in this year !
In 1908 the affairs of Wollongong Council made the front page of most newspapers in this country. A sordid tale of money for favours, building approvals for graft, sex, and wide spread corruption emerged. Elected councillors demanded both personal gain and support for their political party in exchange for passing building projects that did not comply with regulations.
The council was sacked - and replaced by a three person board. Prosecution for various offences against accused felons was recommended.
Now - in this year 2010 - court action is about to take place.
Why ? Why has it taken years for the wheels of justice to grind so slowly ?
The whole concept of justice is that it be settled quickly and a verdict arrived at. Surely the collection of evidence should not take years to compile .
The sad conclusion is that this matter will still drag on through the courts - and a conclusion is unlikely to be reached even in this year !
Friday, 25 June 2010
Under the microscope !
Julia Gillard's elevation to the prime ministership suggests a more open form of government. Kevin Rudd got into trouble because he made decisions without consulting with his colleagues - and his plans lacked the checks and balances necessary to avoid rorting.
The new prime minister has been involved in politics for a very long time. As a university student she headed the student's union - and at that time the flame haired left winger had some torrid things to say about the directions this country was taking.
It is absolutely certain that both the opposition and the media will be trawling through the archives to resurrect comments from those days. We can expect the talk show hosts to compare the past and the present to try and evaluate the real Julia Gillard.
She has a big job ahead of her. The Labor brand is on the nose at both Federal and state level and it's fate at forthcoming elections is far from certain.
A fresh face at the helm signals a new start and Julia Gillard has shown that she has poise and direction in her previous role at deputy prime minister.
Australia will judge her on how well she settles the mining tax dispute, resurrects the carbon reduction scheme which Kevin Rudd dumped - and manages the factional bosses that plague all Labor party leaders.
The indications are that she is up to the job !
The new prime minister has been involved in politics for a very long time. As a university student she headed the student's union - and at that time the flame haired left winger had some torrid things to say about the directions this country was taking.
It is absolutely certain that both the opposition and the media will be trawling through the archives to resurrect comments from those days. We can expect the talk show hosts to compare the past and the present to try and evaluate the real Julia Gillard.
She has a big job ahead of her. The Labor brand is on the nose at both Federal and state level and it's fate at forthcoming elections is far from certain.
A fresh face at the helm signals a new start and Julia Gillard has shown that she has poise and direction in her previous role at deputy prime minister.
Australia will judge her on how well she settles the mining tax dispute, resurrects the carbon reduction scheme which Kevin Rudd dumped - and manages the factional bosses that plague all Labor party leaders.
The indications are that she is up to the job !
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Uneasy lays the head .....
In less than an hour we will know who will be the prime minister of this country.
The present prime minister will bring on a spill of all positions, and will then compete with his deputy. It will be resolved by the numbers game.
Shakespeare said " Uneasy lays the head that wears a crown ".
Unease also shakes the nerves of politicians holding seats with slim margins, plus the factional bosses and the army of supporters who have their snouts in the gravy train as a result of political patronage.
It has become clear that Kevin Rudd has lost the confidence of the Australian people. His administration has failed to deliver the pre-election promises - and despite unlimited spin - the judgement is that he has failed.
Self preservation is a dominant emotion and immense pressure will have been brought on those who will cast a vote this morning.
For better or worse - Rudd's fate will be decided before this day ends.
The present prime minister will bring on a spill of all positions, and will then compete with his deputy. It will be resolved by the numbers game.
Shakespeare said " Uneasy lays the head that wears a crown ".
Unease also shakes the nerves of politicians holding seats with slim margins, plus the factional bosses and the army of supporters who have their snouts in the gravy train as a result of political patronage.
It has become clear that Kevin Rudd has lost the confidence of the Australian people. His administration has failed to deliver the pre-election promises - and despite unlimited spin - the judgement is that he has failed.
Self preservation is a dominant emotion and immense pressure will have been brought on those who will cast a vote this morning.
For better or worse - Rudd's fate will be decided before this day ends.
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