Friday, 4 May 2007
Who's to blame for China's emissions?
Last night I was listening to the BBC and pricked my ears up to a story on the paradox of China's emissions.
As more manufacturing moves to "low-cost" countries such as China, the emissions caused by the manufacturing process are blamed on China, not the country of origin. In this case, dryer balls (balls you put in your clothes dryer to speed up the drying process, thus reducing emissions) were invented in the UK but are manufactured in China.
And while workers in the Chinese factories have very little emissions because of their lifestyle, the effects of the manufacturing process are ultimately felt around the world.
Ultimately, an emission is an emission, and it affects global warming regardless of where it is produced. The global community, and in particular the West, will need to look carefully at how emission reduction programs are measured and managed to ensure there is full accountability for the affect on the planet.
As more manufacturing moves to "low-cost" countries such as China, the emissions caused by the manufacturing process are blamed on China, not the country of origin. In this case, dryer balls (balls you put in your clothes dryer to speed up the drying process, thus reducing emissions) were invented in the UK but are manufactured in China.
And while workers in the Chinese factories have very little emissions because of their lifestyle, the effects of the manufacturing process are ultimately felt around the world.
Ultimately, an emission is an emission, and it affects global warming regardless of where it is produced. The global community, and in particular the West, will need to look carefully at how emission reduction programs are measured and managed to ensure there is full accountability for the affect on the planet.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Howard's character on the line.....again
The unacceptably stupid and turgid comments from Bill Heffernan about Julia Gillard are one thing. The Prime Minister's inability to hose him down straight up is another.
John Howard's character continues to be called into question.
Why didn't Howard react quickly after the initial uproar about Heffernan's comments? Does the PM actually agree with them? Did Howard hope the storm would actually be a mere puff of redneck wind? Is he sick of his Ministers painting the Tories as a bunch of Neanderthals, but was just too tired to be bothered?
It's again a question of character, attitude and ability...
John Howard's character continues to be called into question.
Why didn't Howard react quickly after the initial uproar about Heffernan's comments? Does the PM actually agree with them? Did Howard hope the storm would actually be a mere puff of redneck wind? Is he sick of his Ministers painting the Tories as a bunch of Neanderthals, but was just too tired to be bothered?
It's again a question of character, attitude and ability...
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Innovating Innovation
Kim Carr's release last week of our new directions for innovation is another example of powerful policy development on our side of politics.
Australia must become smarter in the way it plans, acts and integrates areas of knowledge generation, business research and development incentives, technology take-up, international collaboration, government procurement, university-business links, improving the skills base, establishing innovation priorities, strengthening national governance and streamlining of programs.
Our key initiatives include:
■ Investing up to $200 million over four years to establish 10 Enterprise Connect innovation centres to connect business people with new ideas.
■ Restoring the chief scientist to a full-time position, recognising the fundamental contribution science makes to the nation's wellbeing.
■ Establishing industry innovation councils for key sectors to support a strategic and long-term approach to innovation, and to ensure that Labor's innovation initiatives meet industry needs.
■ Bringing the key policy areas of industry, innovation science and research together within one department.
With these initiatives, Australia can not only compete more effectively on a global scale, but lead the world in both introducing new inventions and taking clever ideas in one field and applying them to others. This will mean enhanced productivity, generation of export dollars that drive real value through the economy, and the construction of new employment sectors based on a more skilled and creative workforce.
Australia must become smarter in the way it plans, acts and integrates areas of knowledge generation, business research and development incentives, technology take-up, international collaboration, government procurement, university-business links, improving the skills base, establishing innovation priorities, strengthening national governance and streamlining of programs.
Our key initiatives include:
■ Investing up to $200 million over four years to establish 10 Enterprise Connect innovation centres to connect business people with new ideas.
■ Restoring the chief scientist to a full-time position, recognising the fundamental contribution science makes to the nation's wellbeing.
■ Establishing industry innovation councils for key sectors to support a strategic and long-term approach to innovation, and to ensure that Labor's innovation initiatives meet industry needs.
■ Bringing the key policy areas of industry, innovation science and research together within one department.
With these initiatives, Australia can not only compete more effectively on a global scale, but lead the world in both introducing new inventions and taking clever ideas in one field and applying them to others. This will mean enhanced productivity, generation of export dollars that drive real value through the economy, and the construction of new employment sectors based on a more skilled and creative workforce.
Australia a "Strategic Nuclear Concern"
I've recently been pondering John Howard's rationale for the rapid development of a nuclear industry in Australia. His statements over the past few months and the insistent catapulting approach (after 11 years in office - there has been plenty of prior opportunity...) lead me to wonder about the development of home grown nuclear weapons.
Does Howard want Australia to have nuclear weapons? Does he see a nuclear Australia as a deterrent against invaders wanting to ransack our mineral wealth? Does the Prime Minister see Australia's role as Deputy Sherriff in the South Pacific expanding to one of "middle power in Asia with big stick?"
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute is certainly concerned about Australia becoming a country that is a "Strategic Nuclear Concern". According to SIPRI, "these countries have components of a nuclear fuel cycle and therefore play an important role in the context of nuclear nonproliferation while having the technological potential for developing nuclear weapons."
Australia has had a leading role in the international non-proliferation movement over the past 35 years. Why is it acceptable to now trade in this reputation for perceived short term economic or defence gains?
The challenge for John Howard is to come clean on his motives for the development of a nuclear industry that can process nuclear grade weapons material. He cannot attempt to hide behind the global warming debate, a debate in which he is both late to and agnostic.
I ask again: Does John Howard want Australia to build it's own nuclear weapons capability?
Does Howard want Australia to have nuclear weapons? Does he see a nuclear Australia as a deterrent against invaders wanting to ransack our mineral wealth? Does the Prime Minister see Australia's role as Deputy Sherriff in the South Pacific expanding to one of "middle power in Asia with big stick?"
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute is certainly concerned about Australia becoming a country that is a "Strategic Nuclear Concern". According to SIPRI, "these countries have components of a nuclear fuel cycle and therefore play an important role in the context of nuclear nonproliferation while having the technological potential for developing nuclear weapons."
Australia has had a leading role in the international non-proliferation movement over the past 35 years. Why is it acceptable to now trade in this reputation for perceived short term economic or defence gains?
The challenge for John Howard is to come clean on his motives for the development of a nuclear industry that can process nuclear grade weapons material. He cannot attempt to hide behind the global warming debate, a debate in which he is both late to and agnostic.
I ask again: Does John Howard want Australia to build it's own nuclear weapons capability?
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
Newspoll Results
Good morning Friends,
Good news again in the latest Newspoll.
We're down a couple of points in the two-party preferred of two weeks ago but significantly are still tracking on the same results as the beginning of March. Only 18% of people are dissatisfied with my performance as Leader of the Opposition and 46% of those polled think I would make the better Prime Minister.
The NewsCorp Tories have asserted these results are giving Howard a scent of a chance. He's always had a sniff - PM for 11 years and we need to win 16 seats. We ignore the political realities at our peril.
Still, the figures continue to be encouraging and there is a very long way to go until we can claim victory on election night.
Good news again in the latest Newspoll.
We're down a couple of points in the two-party preferred of two weeks ago but significantly are still tracking on the same results as the beginning of March. Only 18% of people are dissatisfied with my performance as Leader of the Opposition and 46% of those polled think I would make the better Prime Minister.
The NewsCorp Tories have asserted these results are giving Howard a scent of a chance. He's always had a sniff - PM for 11 years and we need to win 16 seats. We ignore the political realities at our peril.
Still, the figures continue to be encouraging and there is a very long way to go until we can claim victory on election night.
Monday, 30 April 2007
Media Coverage following the Conference
I had some time this morning to examine the media coverage following the National Conference.
The Australian was laughable:
Gillard denies Labor IR policy is anti-business
Janet Albrechtsen: Kev turns Left after all
Paul Kelly: A bizarre blast from the past
Union deals to be 'forced' on bosses
Subsidy plan for energy savers
Editorial: Labor looks for its future in the past
Glenn Milne: PM buoyed as ALP caves in to unions
Yet over at the Daily Telegraph (News Corp again), the stance is somewhat more disjointed:
Rudd in Octopussy's grip (that's Fair Work Australia according to "one employer group". Is that like "the man in the street said"?)
No apologies over preselections: Rudd
Rudd: Uranium policy 'not hypocritical'
Downer dreams of being treasurer (Surely this thought alone will get us elected!)
Business pounds Rudd's plans for the workplace
Like it or not, PM will deliver nuclear power (another election winning topic)
Finally, The Age is more balanced:
Nuclear opposition unites ALP
Rudd defends uranium u-turn
Rudd pitches $300m green home loan plan
Rudd's hijacking of Menzies legacy doomed
How Rudd won the day in party's uranium debate
PM almost confesses he's in strife (Thank you Michelle Gratton, he is, indeed, in strife friends)
The Australian was laughable:
Gillard denies Labor IR policy is anti-business
Janet Albrechtsen: Kev turns Left after all
Paul Kelly: A bizarre blast from the past
Union deals to be 'forced' on bosses
Subsidy plan for energy savers
Editorial: Labor looks for its future in the past
Glenn Milne: PM buoyed as ALP caves in to unions
Yet over at the Daily Telegraph (News Corp again), the stance is somewhat more disjointed:
Rudd in Octopussy's grip (that's Fair Work Australia according to "one employer group". Is that like "the man in the street said"?)
No apologies over preselections: Rudd
Rudd: Uranium policy 'not hypocritical'
Downer dreams of being treasurer (Surely this thought alone will get us elected!)
Business pounds Rudd's plans for the workplace
Like it or not, PM will deliver nuclear power (another election winning topic)
Finally, The Age is more balanced:
Nuclear opposition unites ALP
Rudd defends uranium u-turn
Rudd pitches $300m green home loan plan
Rudd's hijacking of Menzies legacy doomed
How Rudd won the day in party's uranium debate
PM almost confesses he's in strife (Thank you Michelle Gratton, he is, indeed, in strife friends)
Leaving on a jet plane...
Look friends, Mr Howard can whinge and moan all he likes about handing power back to the unions. The reality is that we will implement a more equitable industrial relations system that will provide an appropriate level of support for Australian families whilst promoting productivity and assisting Australia to compete on the global stage.
Make no mistake. Howard will attempt to bring the debate down to his lowest common denominator. i.e. Labor = Unions = Bad. It's as base as that.
Meanwhile I'm off around the country campaigning on the back of what has been a disciplined, policy-driven National Conference.
I believe Australian Labor demonstrated it is ready to govern. And I am ready to lead that Government.
Make no mistake. Howard will attempt to bring the debate down to his lowest common denominator. i.e. Labor = Unions = Bad. It's as base as that.
Meanwhile I'm off around the country campaigning on the back of what has been a disciplined, policy-driven National Conference.
I believe Australian Labor demonstrated it is ready to govern. And I am ready to lead that Government.
Saturday, 28 April 2007
Forward with Fairness
Friends I was happy to announce our IR policy today at the National Conference. The policy is all about driving Australia forward whilst supporting workers rights. This includes 10 National Employment Standards and modern industrial awards.
Federal Labor’s 10 National Employment Standards
A Rudd Labor Government will guarantee the following minimum standards in law for all Australian employees:
1. Hours of work
Under Federal Labor, the standard working week for a full time employee will be 38 hours. Employees may be required to work additional hours, but cannot be required to work unreasonable additional hours.
2. Parental leave
Federal Labor recognises that many families want to have a parent provide all or most of the care for a child during the first two years of the child’s life. A Rudd Labor Government will guarantee that both parents have the right to separate periods of up to 12 months of unpaid leave associated with the birth of a baby. Where families prefer one parent to take a longer period of leave, that parent will be entitled to request up to an additional 12 months of unpaid parental leave from their employer.
The employer may only refuse the request for the additional 12 months leave on reasonable business grounds. This will guarantee that Australian working families have the flexibility of up to 24 months unpaid leave to provide care for their child.
3. Flexible work for parents
A Rudd Labor Government will guarantee a right for parents to request flexible work arrangements until their child reaches school age. Employers will only be able to refuse any request on reasonable business grounds.
4. Annual leave
All full time non casual employees will be guaranteed 4 weeks paid annual leave each year. Part time employees will be entitled to 4 weeks annual leave paid pro rata. Shift workers will be entitled to an additional paid week of annual leave.
5. Personal, Carers and Compassionate leave
All full time non casual employees will be entitled to 10 days paid personal and carers leave each year. Part time employees will be entitled to 10 days personal leave paid pro rata. These employees will also be entitled to 2 days paid compassionate leave on the death or serious illness of a family member or a person the employee lives with. All employees will be entitled to an additional 2 days of unpaid personal leave where required for genuine caring purposes and family emergencies.
6. Community Service Leave
Employees will be entitled to leave for prescribed community service activities, for example paid leave for jury service and reasonable unpaid leave for emergency services duties.
7. Public holidays
Federal Labor’s industrial relations system will guarantee public holidays. Where an employee works on a public holiday, they will be entitled to an appropriate penalty rate of pay or other compensation. This will be set out in the applicable award.
8. Information in the workplace
Employers must provide all new employees with a Fair Work Information Statement which contains prescribed information about the employee’s rights and entitlements at work, including the right of the employee to choose whether to be or not to be a member of a union and where to go for information and assistance.
9. Termination of Employment & Redundancy
All employees will be entitled to fair notice of termination. Employees who are made redundant and who are employed in workplaces with 15 or more employees will also be entitled to redundancy pay as determined by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in the 2004 Redundancy Test Case.
10. Long Service Leave
As part of its commitment to national industrial relations laws, Federal Labor will work with the States to develop nationally consistent long service leave entitlements. Under Federal Labor, long service leave entitlements accrued under these arrangements will be protected in the transition to nationally consistent long service leave entitlements so Australian employees are not disadvantaged.
Federal Labor’s Modern, Simple Industry Awards
Federal Labor’s new awards will provide industry relevant detail to Labor’s National Employment Standards and may only contain a further 10 minimum standards:
1. Minimum wages. This will include skill based classifications and career structures, incentive based payments and bonuses, wage rates and other arrangements for apprentices and trainees;
2. The type of work performed, for example whether an employee is permanent or casual, and the facilitation of flexible working arrangements, particularly for workers with family responsibilities, including quality part time employment and job sharing;
3. Arrangements for when work is performed, including hours of work, rostering, rest breaks and meal breaks;
4. Overtime rates for employees working long hours;
5. Penalty rates for employees working unsocial, irregular or unpredictable hours, on weekends or public holidays, and as shift workers;
6. Provisions for minimum annualised wage or salary arrangements that have regard to the patterns of work in an occupation, industry or enterprise as an alternative to the payment of penalty rates, with appropriate safeguards to ensure individual employees are not disadvantaged;
7. Allowances including reimbursement of expenses, higher duties and disability based payments;
8. Leave, leave loadings and the arrangements for taking leave;
9. Superannuation; and
10. Consultation, representation and dispute settling procedures.
Under Labor, award coverage will not be extended to cover those who are historically award free, such as managerial employees.
I urge you to read the full policy on the ALP website.
Federal Labor’s 10 National Employment Standards
A Rudd Labor Government will guarantee the following minimum standards in law for all Australian employees:
1. Hours of work
Under Federal Labor, the standard working week for a full time employee will be 38 hours. Employees may be required to work additional hours, but cannot be required to work unreasonable additional hours.
2. Parental leave
Federal Labor recognises that many families want to have a parent provide all or most of the care for a child during the first two years of the child’s life. A Rudd Labor Government will guarantee that both parents have the right to separate periods of up to 12 months of unpaid leave associated with the birth of a baby. Where families prefer one parent to take a longer period of leave, that parent will be entitled to request up to an additional 12 months of unpaid parental leave from their employer.
The employer may only refuse the request for the additional 12 months leave on reasonable business grounds. This will guarantee that Australian working families have the flexibility of up to 24 months unpaid leave to provide care for their child.
3. Flexible work for parents
A Rudd Labor Government will guarantee a right for parents to request flexible work arrangements until their child reaches school age. Employers will only be able to refuse any request on reasonable business grounds.
4. Annual leave
All full time non casual employees will be guaranteed 4 weeks paid annual leave each year. Part time employees will be entitled to 4 weeks annual leave paid pro rata. Shift workers will be entitled to an additional paid week of annual leave.
5. Personal, Carers and Compassionate leave
All full time non casual employees will be entitled to 10 days paid personal and carers leave each year. Part time employees will be entitled to 10 days personal leave paid pro rata. These employees will also be entitled to 2 days paid compassionate leave on the death or serious illness of a family member or a person the employee lives with. All employees will be entitled to an additional 2 days of unpaid personal leave where required for genuine caring purposes and family emergencies.
6. Community Service Leave
Employees will be entitled to leave for prescribed community service activities, for example paid leave for jury service and reasonable unpaid leave for emergency services duties.
7. Public holidays
Federal Labor’s industrial relations system will guarantee public holidays. Where an employee works on a public holiday, they will be entitled to an appropriate penalty rate of pay or other compensation. This will be set out in the applicable award.
8. Information in the workplace
Employers must provide all new employees with a Fair Work Information Statement which contains prescribed information about the employee’s rights and entitlements at work, including the right of the employee to choose whether to be or not to be a member of a union and where to go for information and assistance.
9. Termination of Employment & Redundancy
All employees will be entitled to fair notice of termination. Employees who are made redundant and who are employed in workplaces with 15 or more employees will also be entitled to redundancy pay as determined by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in the 2004 Redundancy Test Case.
10. Long Service Leave
As part of its commitment to national industrial relations laws, Federal Labor will work with the States to develop nationally consistent long service leave entitlements. Under Federal Labor, long service leave entitlements accrued under these arrangements will be protected in the transition to nationally consistent long service leave entitlements so Australian employees are not disadvantaged.
Federal Labor’s Modern, Simple Industry Awards
Federal Labor’s new awards will provide industry relevant detail to Labor’s National Employment Standards and may only contain a further 10 minimum standards:
1. Minimum wages. This will include skill based classifications and career structures, incentive based payments and bonuses, wage rates and other arrangements for apprentices and trainees;
2. The type of work performed, for example whether an employee is permanent or casual, and the facilitation of flexible working arrangements, particularly for workers with family responsibilities, including quality part time employment and job sharing;
3. Arrangements for when work is performed, including hours of work, rostering, rest breaks and meal breaks;
4. Overtime rates for employees working long hours;
5. Penalty rates for employees working unsocial, irregular or unpredictable hours, on weekends or public holidays, and as shift workers;
6. Provisions for minimum annualised wage or salary arrangements that have regard to the patterns of work in an occupation, industry or enterprise as an alternative to the payment of penalty rates, with appropriate safeguards to ensure individual employees are not disadvantaged;
7. Allowances including reimbursement of expenses, higher duties and disability based payments;
8. Leave, leave loadings and the arrangements for taking leave;
9. Superannuation; and
10. Consultation, representation and dispute settling procedures.
Under Labor, award coverage will not be extended to cover those who are historically award free, such as managerial employees.
I urge you to read the full policy on the ALP website.
ALP Election Results
I'd like to congratulate all those who were successful in yesterday's elections for ALP National Secretary, ALP National Executive, and ALP National Women’s Network.
Tim Gartrell has been returned as ALP National Secretary.
The ALP National Executive will comprise: Sarah Abbott, Anthony Albanese, Mark Arbib, Carol Brown, Mark Butler, Kim Carr, Stephen Conroy, Joseph De Bruyn, Charlie Donnelly, Charlene Farmer, Luke Foley, Sharon Humphreys, Annette Hurley, Sue Lines, Bill Ludwig, Michael O’Connor, Bill Shorten, Ursula Stephens, Linda White and Michael Williamson
The ALP National Labor Women’s Network Executive will be: Michelle Bertossa, Elizabeth Blandthorn, Kylie Bowe, Sarah Burke, Sue Charchalis, Virginia Clarke, Deb Greene, Sarah Kaine, Charis Mullen, Naomi Porrovecchio, Jaala Pulford, Davina Quirke, Michelle Rowland, Catherine van Vliet and Monika Wheeler.
What a tremendous group of talented, committed people.
Tim Gartrell has been returned as ALP National Secretary.
The ALP National Executive will comprise: Sarah Abbott, Anthony Albanese, Mark Arbib, Carol Brown, Mark Butler, Kim Carr, Stephen Conroy, Joseph De Bruyn, Charlie Donnelly, Charlene Farmer, Luke Foley, Sharon Humphreys, Annette Hurley, Sue Lines, Bill Ludwig, Michael O’Connor, Bill Shorten, Ursula Stephens, Linda White and Michael Williamson
The ALP National Labor Women’s Network Executive will be: Michelle Bertossa, Elizabeth Blandthorn, Kylie Bowe, Sarah Burke, Sue Charchalis, Virginia Clarke, Deb Greene, Sarah Kaine, Charis Mullen, Naomi Porrovecchio, Jaala Pulford, Davina Quirke, Michelle Rowland, Catherine van Vliet and Monika Wheeler.
What a tremendous group of talented, committed people.
The Uranium Debate
Well friends, today is the day of our history defining uranium mining debate. I'm very confident of winning the vote - frankly, I've been surprised and impressed with the level of support I have received for changing the policy.
I'm looking forward to a spirited engagement, one in which we as a Party can be proud. Unlike the Tories, we don't hold our policy discussions in dusty, wood paneled rooms amongst mottled old men trying to make their mates rich.
Our debates are open, transparent and passionate. And the Australian people appreciate that.
Fresh Thinking. Now. For our future.
I'm looking forward to a spirited engagement, one in which we as a Party can be proud. Unlike the Tories, we don't hold our policy discussions in dusty, wood paneled rooms amongst mottled old men trying to make their mates rich.
Our debates are open, transparent and passionate. And the Australian people appreciate that.
Fresh Thinking. Now. For our future.
Friday, 27 April 2007
The Party of the Future
Finally the air has cleared and I've kick-started Conference this morning.
“My name is Kevin, I'm from Queensland and I'm here to help"
One thing we know for certain is that the history of nations is made up of those who understand, anticipate and act on the challenges of the future. And those who do not. Those who instead bury their heads in the sand. Those who hope it will all just go away.
This election in just a few months time will be about the future versus the past.
And we friends are the party of the future.
And our opponents, friends, have become the party of the past.
When I look to the next decade, the future I see for Australia is one fundamentally shaped by the rise of China and the rise of India
The future I see for Australia is one in which our current mining boom does not last forever, and rather that simply being the lucky country , we will have to make our own luck.
The future I see for our country is also one challenged by long term energy security, climate change and its impact on water security, food security and national security.
I am an unabashed optimist when it comes to our country's long term future.
Australian people want prosperity but they want prosperity with a heart.
Mr Howard doesn't really believe in a single idea which didn't appear on black and white television.
No one is a bigger fan of Ward Cleaver than me, but I've got news for Mr Howard, the world has changed since Leave It To Beaver.
And to conceal his absence of ideas he's now increasingly driven by short-term politics in order to cling onto long-term political office.
As I've said to my colleagues on many occasions: we will not win this election on the basis of a protest vote against Mr Howard alone.
We can only win it on the basis of a positive vote for us - and our alternative plans for Australia's future.
We can build productivity growth through an education revolution, the application of new technologies, by freeing up our businesses from unnecessary regulation and by encouraging a new age of innovation - including our critical manufacturing industries.
I don't want to be a prime minister of a country that doesn't make things any more.
And we are capable of building this prosperity on the back of these reforms - without throwing the fair go out the back door.
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
The footy season
It's that time of year when Australians close the back door to keep the drafts out, pop the telly on, find a cold beer in the fridge and settle back in their favourite comfy chair to watch the footy.
And what a season it will be.
On one hand we have a team that has won the past four grand finals - skilled, cocky and sure of themselves. Their captain has kicked countless goals on the run. He's been without fear getting in and under to get the ball out to his midfielders. Their backs have been solid and reliable with the ability to turn defence into attack.
Yet our team has been building quietly for a few years now. We've picked up a couple of excellent young draft picks, we've got a talented midfield that is young, fit and with the one key attribute every winning team needs - they can read the footy; they have vision on the run, they can see when to drive it straight through the corridor or to hold play up, waiting for the rush of onballers to come streaming past to carry the footy forward.
And our defence is a unit. Big, rangy, tough. Willing to run back into a pack with the flight of the ball. No fear.
And me? Well I play centre half forward. I've kicked a couple of bags full and I can bust a pack, giving our crumbers the chance to snap one on either foot. I say modestly I'm pretty good when we've got the wind behind us and we're in front. But I'm even better when it's wet and windy, the scores are close and we've got a sniff.
And I'm young and still developing.
Compare that to the team we're up against. Highly experienced but getting a bit slow. They can still pick up plenty of touches but their decision making is not as good as it was. They keep turning the ball over and our strong young side makes them pay, driving the footy deep into our forward line.
Yep. The footy season is back and I can't wait for that one day in September (or maybe October. Or November. Or December). Our chance to take the flag. Whatever the conditions, we'll be there. Standing strong. Focused. Skilled.
Better for the experience of the season and with that little extra vision and fitness to bring us home in front at the final siren.
And what a season it will be.
On one hand we have a team that has won the past four grand finals - skilled, cocky and sure of themselves. Their captain has kicked countless goals on the run. He's been without fear getting in and under to get the ball out to his midfielders. Their backs have been solid and reliable with the ability to turn defence into attack.
Yet our team has been building quietly for a few years now. We've picked up a couple of excellent young draft picks, we've got a talented midfield that is young, fit and with the one key attribute every winning team needs - they can read the footy; they have vision on the run, they can see when to drive it straight through the corridor or to hold play up, waiting for the rush of onballers to come streaming past to carry the footy forward.
And our defence is a unit. Big, rangy, tough. Willing to run back into a pack with the flight of the ball. No fear.
And me? Well I play centre half forward. I've kicked a couple of bags full and I can bust a pack, giving our crumbers the chance to snap one on either foot. I say modestly I'm pretty good when we've got the wind behind us and we're in front. But I'm even better when it's wet and windy, the scores are close and we've got a sniff.
And I'm young and still developing.
Compare that to the team we're up against. Highly experienced but getting a bit slow. They can still pick up plenty of touches but their decision making is not as good as it was. They keep turning the ball over and our strong young side makes them pay, driving the footy deep into our forward line.
Yep. The footy season is back and I can't wait for that one day in September (or maybe October. Or November. Or December). Our chance to take the flag. Whatever the conditions, we'll be there. Standing strong. Focused. Skilled.
Better for the experience of the season and with that little extra vision and fitness to bring us home in front at the final siren.
Santoro gone gone and gone
Anyone would think Santo Santoro had done something wrong. First he was dropped from the Ministry. Now he's leaving parliament.
This bloody game of smear and spear now has another major casualty. And its another Lib.
When will they ever learn!
This bloody game of smear and spear now has another major casualty. And its another Lib.
When will they ever learn!
Tuesday, 13 March 2007
Santoro has to resign
I'm scratching my head here.
Ian Campbell is forced to resign because he had a meeting with Brian Burke.
Yet Santo Santoro buys $6,000 worth of shares in Brisbane biotech company CBio a month before he becomes Minister for Aging, then doesn't declare them, then divests them, then gives the proceeds to charity...
And it's ok for him to keep his job?
It reminds me of the episode "Five Votes Down" from The West Wing's first series. Toby has "accidentally" made $125,000 from some tech stocks that rose after his childhood mate gave a speech that lifted the price:
SAM
I got it!
MANDY
What?
SAM
Counsel’s office releases a statement through C.J. using the strongest possible language we make it very clear that there’s been no wrongdoing of any kind.
TOBY
Yes.
SAM
But to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, Toby has agreed to reduce his salary for one year to one dollar, and immediately cash out his stock issue thereby relieving the taxpayer of the burden.
Toby looks shocked.
BARTLET
Done.
TOBY
Wait.
LEO
Good, Sam.
SAM
Thank you.
TOBY
No, no, it’s not good. Actually, it stinks.
BARTLET
Toby, you’re a great writer, do you know that?
TOBY
Well, thank you very much sir.
BARTLET
Here, give me a hug.
TOBY
[looks pained] Leo!
BARTLET
Come on. Give us a hug. [hugs Toby] There you go
....
SAM
[to Toby] So, how do you feel there, big guy?
TOBY
[dryly] Like I just got screwed with my pants on.
SAM
Excellent.
Ian Campbell is forced to resign because he had a meeting with Brian Burke.
Yet Santo Santoro buys $6,000 worth of shares in Brisbane biotech company CBio a month before he becomes Minister for Aging, then doesn't declare them, then divests them, then gives the proceeds to charity...
And it's ok for him to keep his job?
It reminds me of the episode "Five Votes Down" from The West Wing's first series. Toby has "accidentally" made $125,000 from some tech stocks that rose after his childhood mate gave a speech that lifted the price:
SAM
I got it!
MANDY
What?
SAM
Counsel’s office releases a statement through C.J. using the strongest possible language we make it very clear that there’s been no wrongdoing of any kind.
TOBY
Yes.
SAM
But to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, Toby has agreed to reduce his salary for one year to one dollar, and immediately cash out his stock issue thereby relieving the taxpayer of the burden.
Toby looks shocked.
BARTLET
Done.
TOBY
Wait.
LEO
Good, Sam.
SAM
Thank you.
TOBY
No, no, it’s not good. Actually, it stinks.
BARTLET
Toby, you’re a great writer, do you know that?
TOBY
Well, thank you very much sir.
BARTLET
Here, give me a hug.
TOBY
[looks pained] Leo!
BARTLET
Come on. Give us a hug. [hugs Toby] There you go
....
SAM
[to Toby] So, how do you feel there, big guy?
TOBY
[dryly] Like I just got screwed with my pants on.
SAM
Excellent.
Monday, 12 March 2007
Policy, policy, policy and more...
Policy.
I know I keep harping on it, but the Australian people expect more from their political leaders than just trite populism, smears and empty promises.
They want hard facts, clearly differentiated policy positions and a strong alternative government.
It's not about polls or popularity. I don't intend to be "popular", I intend to show policy leadership.
I know I keep harping on it, but the Australian people expect more from their political leaders than just trite populism, smears and empty promises.
They want hard facts, clearly differentiated policy positions and a strong alternative government.
It's not about polls or popularity. I don't intend to be "popular", I intend to show policy leadership.
The Phillip Adams View of History
I cannot believe the hide of Phillip Adams'.
To suggest John Howard has:
1. Shonked the intelligence prior to the war in Iraq
2. Ignored the human cost of the war
3. Defended the presidency of George W. Bush
4. Vilified the entire Democratic Party in the US
5. Failed to understand and act on the facts about global warming
6. Backed nuclear power without any thought to the consequences (environmental OR economic)
7. Waged war on asylum seekers
8. Accused asylum seekers of drowning their babies
9. Then remained indifferent to hundreds of drowned refugees
10. Opened a chain of Pacific prisons
11. Added razor wire to mainland concentration camps
12. Then trumpeted Australian values of tolerance, mateship and a fair go
13. Left David Hicks in Guantanamo for 5 years
14. Then pretended to intervene on Hicks' behalf
15. Had mercenaries trained in Dubai to attack the wharfies
16. Ensured the referendum on an independent Australia (aka The Republic) failed
17. Ignored the "Bringing Them Home" report on the stolen generation
18. Attacked the "black armband view" of Australian history
19. Refused to say "Sorry"
20. Attacked the ABC
21. Attacked the union movement
22. Attacked voluntary euthanasia
23. Stonewalled poor Peter Costello
24. Refused to debate me on television on the war in Iraq
25. Refused to debate me on in Parliament on the war in Iraq
...is to ignore the inexorable truth about the Prime Minister:
a. John Howard is highly moral and outlines the correct position on every issue
b. John Howard and his government are not past their prime
c. John Howard is a very clever politician and understands the Australian people implicitly
Shame on you Phillip Adams.
To suggest John Howard has:
1. Shonked the intelligence prior to the war in Iraq
2. Ignored the human cost of the war
3. Defended the presidency of George W. Bush
4. Vilified the entire Democratic Party in the US
5. Failed to understand and act on the facts about global warming
6. Backed nuclear power without any thought to the consequences (environmental OR economic)
7. Waged war on asylum seekers
8. Accused asylum seekers of drowning their babies
9. Then remained indifferent to hundreds of drowned refugees
10. Opened a chain of Pacific prisons
11. Added razor wire to mainland concentration camps
12. Then trumpeted Australian values of tolerance, mateship and a fair go
13. Left David Hicks in Guantanamo for 5 years
14. Then pretended to intervene on Hicks' behalf
15. Had mercenaries trained in Dubai to attack the wharfies
16. Ensured the referendum on an independent Australia (aka The Republic) failed
17. Ignored the "Bringing Them Home" report on the stolen generation
18. Attacked the "black armband view" of Australian history
19. Refused to say "Sorry"
20. Attacked the ABC
21. Attacked the union movement
22. Attacked voluntary euthanasia
23. Stonewalled poor Peter Costello
24. Refused to debate me on television on the war in Iraq
25. Refused to debate me on in Parliament on the war in Iraq
...is to ignore the inexorable truth about the Prime Minister:
a. John Howard is highly moral and outlines the correct position on every issue
b. John Howard and his government are not past their prime
c. John Howard is a very clever politician and understands the Australian people implicitly
Shame on you Phillip Adams.
Wednesday, 7 March 2007
Qantas commitment
I do worry.
I worry about this government's ability to get the best possible outcomes for the Australian people.
And so it is with the Qantas sale. Can we be assured there is an absolute, legally enforceable commitment from the new owners to honour the undertakings in the takeover agreement?
What happens if the consortium doesn't honour these "codified" pledges? What happens if they pull the plug on regional air commitments? What if they pull the plug on Australian-based maintenance facilities?
What happens then? Do we say "Gosh. We lost them. Oh well". Do the Australian people receive compensation? Can we legally enforce their return?
My challenge to John Howard and Peter Costello is this: Show the Australian people an iron-clad guarantee on ongoing Qantas services and maintenance. Show us how the Government will enforce this commitment.
The Australian people deserve no less.
I worry about this government's ability to get the best possible outcomes for the Australian people.
And so it is with the Qantas sale. Can we be assured there is an absolute, legally enforceable commitment from the new owners to honour the undertakings in the takeover agreement?
What happens if the consortium doesn't honour these "codified" pledges? What happens if they pull the plug on regional air commitments? What if they pull the plug on Australian-based maintenance facilities?
What happens then? Do we say "Gosh. We lost them. Oh well". Do the Australian people receive compensation? Can we legally enforce their return?
My challenge to John Howard and Peter Costello is this: Show the Australian people an iron-clad guarantee on ongoing Qantas services and maintenance. Show us how the Government will enforce this commitment.
The Australian people deserve no less.
Tuesday, 6 March 2007
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