| JUNE 2008 Pages - Page 7 |
| THIS IS PAGE 7 OF JUNE 2008 PAGES - JUNE0807 |
GETTING DONE OVER
IN the famous movie Iemma's Dilemma one of the characters says :
"If I am going to be f**ked by the party - then I'll f**k the party."
Now in NSW it appears very likely there is going to be a f**king over, probably very soon...
The main question is : Who will be the f**ker and who will be the f**kee.
SOURCES :
ABC Radio, Iemma receives stern ALP warning , ABC Radio, 6 June 2008.
Andrew Clennell & Brian Robins , Iemma told list of foes growing , Sydney Morning Herald, 7 June 2008.
Imre Salusinszky , Electricity sell-off risks Labor war, Iemma told , The Australian, 7 June 2008
Andrew West , Wage cap angers Labor faithful , Sydney Morning Herad, 7 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
IN the famous movie Iemma's Dilemma one of the characters says :
"If I am going to be f**ked by the party - then I'll f**k the party."
Now in NSW it appears very likely there is going to be a f**king over, probably very soon...
The main question is : Who will be the f**ker and who will be the f**kee.
SOURCES :
ABC Radio, Iemma receives stern ALP warning , ABC Radio, 6 June 2008.
Andrew Clennell & Brian Robins , Iemma told list of foes growing , Sydney Morning Herald, 7 June 2008.
Imre Salusinszky , Electricity sell-off risks Labor war, Iemma told , The Australian, 7 June 2008
Andrew West , Wage cap angers Labor faithful , Sydney Morning Herad, 7 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
PEOPLE YOU MEET IN THE PUB.......
On Friday night of 6 June 2008, I was chatting to 3 blokes in the pub. All happily heterosexual,
married and with young children. Given that on the news that night it was announced the
Police would not be proceeding with charges relating to the Bill Henson photographs, I decided to
dip my toe into the pool of public opinion. The men did not appear to me to be a coven of
pedophiles (although one can never of course rule out that possibility), so I reckoned they would
be a good representative sample.
Anyway a summary of the data collected by me is:- the men thought it was a wise decision not to
prosecute, the whole thing was a beat up, it was a waste of police time and politicians showed
themselves up (once again) as fools.
The best comment came from the guy wearing a jacket, which in normal circumstances I would have killed for, who said :
"Look at it this way mate. Those photographs were nothing. Anyone who sees filth in them, is looking at them in a perverted way. They are the
sicko's. Those people really need help."
In that guy's opinion anyone who thought the Henson pics were "offensive and disgusting" or "absolutely revolting" -is a sicko.
Premier Iemma shows no remorse : "My personal opinion remains clear these photographs crossed the line and were inappropriate."
PM Rudd is in rehabilitation : "I said what my views are as a parent. I don't budge from that. But I'm not about to go around and start dictating to
the legal authorities what they should or should not do."
Hetty Johnston of Bravehearts now wants the law changed so purveyors of filth (like Bill Henson) can be prosecuted and locked away. Hetty is
unrepentant and beyond redemption.
SOURCE :
ABC News, No case against Henson: prosecutors , ABC Radio, 6 June 2008.
Daniel Emerson , Henson in clear: prosecution scrapped , Sydney Morning Herald, 6 June 2008.
ABC News, Rudd sticks with Henson assessment , ABC Radio, 6 June 2008.
ABC News, 'Not surprising' no charges laid over NGA Henson collection , ABC Radio, 6 June 2008.
David Marr , Henson can't be charged, but opponents refuse to let it go , Sydney Morning Herald, 7 June 2008.
Corrie Perkin , An unedifying exhibition of naked party politics , The Australian, 7 June 2008.
A good outcome , The Australian, 7 June 2008.
THE WITCH-HUNT, May Page 22, www.independent-nsw.com
Alison Branley, Henson works fit to hang , Newcastle Herald, 7 June 2008.
================================================================================================================
On Friday night of 6 June 2008, I was chatting to 3 blokes in the pub. All happily heterosexual,
married and with young children. Given that on the news that night it was announced the
Police would not be proceeding with charges relating to the Bill Henson photographs, I decided to
dip my toe into the pool of public opinion. The men did not appear to me to be a coven of
pedophiles (although one can never of course rule out that possibility), so I reckoned they would
be a good representative sample.
Anyway a summary of the data collected by me is:- the men thought it was a wise decision not to
prosecute, the whole thing was a beat up, it was a waste of police time and politicians showed
themselves up (once again) as fools.
The best comment came from the guy wearing a jacket, which in normal circumstances I would have killed for, who said :
"Look at it this way mate. Those photographs were nothing. Anyone who sees filth in them, is looking at them in a perverted way. They are the
sicko's. Those people really need help."
In that guy's opinion anyone who thought the Henson pics were "offensive and disgusting" or "absolutely revolting" -is a sicko.
Premier Iemma shows no remorse : "My personal opinion remains clear these photographs crossed the line and were inappropriate."
PM Rudd is in rehabilitation : "I said what my views are as a parent. I don't budge from that. But I'm not about to go around and start dictating to
the legal authorities what they should or should not do."
Hetty Johnston of Bravehearts now wants the law changed so purveyors of filth (like Bill Henson) can be prosecuted and locked away. Hetty is
unrepentant and beyond redemption.
SOURCE :
ABC News, No case against Henson: prosecutors , ABC Radio, 6 June 2008.
Daniel Emerson , Henson in clear: prosecution scrapped , Sydney Morning Herald, 6 June 2008.
ABC News, Rudd sticks with Henson assessment , ABC Radio, 6 June 2008.
ABC News, 'Not surprising' no charges laid over NGA Henson collection , ABC Radio, 6 June 2008.
David Marr , Henson can't be charged, but opponents refuse to let it go , Sydney Morning Herald, 7 June 2008.
Corrie Perkin , An unedifying exhibition of naked party politics , The Australian, 7 June 2008.
A good outcome , The Australian, 7 June 2008.
THE WITCH-HUNT, May Page 22, www.independent-nsw.com
Alison Branley, Henson works fit to hang , Newcastle Herald, 7 June 2008.
================================================================================================================
CLOVER SAYS.......
Clover Moore MP (Sydney) said on 6 June 2008 :
During supposedly "family friendly" new sitting hours, the Government kept Members of the Legislative Assembly
in Parliament until 2.30am on Wednesday morning to ram through anti-democratic planning laws, hoping that the
late hour and State Budget would enable them to avoid essential media and community scrutiny.
I strongly opposed the Government's other planning and development legislation that will allow vested interests
to shape our cities and towns.
In 1997, I opposed introduction of the private certification system because of the obvious conflict of interest inherent in a developer
selecting and paying the person who assesses their building for compliance with standards and the development approval. The new
Building Professionals Amendment Bill introduces bandaid measures that just attempt to make this bad policy look better.
At this time when the threat of global warming is so critical to our future, I can not believe that the Government would put forward
radical planning changes that seek to fast track development at any cost and ignore the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Councillors are accountable to the people that vote for them and must declare conflicts of interests at public meetings before assessing
developments. The proposed new panels stacked with development professionals appointed by the Minister can make decisions behind
closed doors.
Together with the majority of City Councillors, I voted for Independent Cr Robyn Kemmis' motion this week which supported widespread calls
from local government, environment, heritage, public interest and community groups for an Upper House inquiry into the planning system to
maintain democratic involvement, abolish conflicts of interest, and protect heritage and environment.
INDEPENDENT VOTING ON THE DRACONIAN SARTOR LEGISLATION
For : Peter Draper (Tamworth), Dawn Fardell (Dubbo)
Against : Clover Moore (Sydney), Rob Oakeshott (Port Macquarie) Greg Piper (Lake Macquarie)
No vote : Richard Torbay (Northern Tablelands) - in the chair.
==================================================================================================================
Clover Moore MP (Sydney) said on 6 June 2008 :
During supposedly "family friendly" new sitting hours, the Government kept Members of the Legislative Assembly
in Parliament until 2.30am on Wednesday morning to ram through anti-democratic planning laws, hoping that the
late hour and State Budget would enable them to avoid essential media and community scrutiny.
I strongly opposed the Government's other planning and development legislation that will allow vested interests
to shape our cities and towns.
In 1997, I opposed introduction of the private certification system because of the obvious conflict of interest inherent in a developer
selecting and paying the person who assesses their building for compliance with standards and the development approval. The new
Building Professionals Amendment Bill introduces bandaid measures that just attempt to make this bad policy look better.
At this time when the threat of global warming is so critical to our future, I can not believe that the Government would put forward
radical planning changes that seek to fast track development at any cost and ignore the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Councillors are accountable to the people that vote for them and must declare conflicts of interests at public meetings before assessing
developments. The proposed new panels stacked with development professionals appointed by the Minister can make decisions behind
closed doors.
Together with the majority of City Councillors, I voted for Independent Cr Robyn Kemmis' motion this week which supported widespread calls
from local government, environment, heritage, public interest and community groups for an Upper House inquiry into the planning system to
maintain democratic involvement, abolish conflicts of interest, and protect heritage and environment.
INDEPENDENT VOTING ON THE DRACONIAN SARTOR LEGISLATION
For : Peter Draper (Tamworth), Dawn Fardell (Dubbo)
Against : Clover Moore (Sydney), Rob Oakeshott (Port Macquarie) Greg Piper (Lake Macquarie)
No vote : Richard Torbay (Northern Tablelands) - in the chair.
==================================================================================================================
25 YEARS OF LAND RIGHTS LEGISLATION
On Tuesday 10 June 2008 the governing the NSW Aboriginal Land Council will hold a special meeting
in the NSW Legislative Assembly, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (1983).
According to Alex Mitchell, former state political editor of the Sun-Herald::
The shocking neglect of Aboriginal communities during the 13 years of the Carr and Iemma Governments – notably with the appointment of
Milton Orkopoulos and then Reba Meagher as ministers for Aboriginal affairs between 2005 and 2007 – has turned the trail-blazing 1983
legislation into little more than a sick joke.
The current minister, Paul Lynch, MP for Liverpool and a former solicitor, has embarked on a “fresh approach” but has been starved of funds
and Cabinet support for a full-scale overhaul.
Nevertheless, we can confidently expect a showcase announcement on land rights in parliament next week as the government “spins” its way
forward.
The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council's consists of 9 Councillors, democratically elected for a 4 year term, by Local Aboriginal Land
Council members. Each represents one of the 9 Land Council regions of NSW.
SOURCE :
Alex Mitchell, Land blights , Justinian, 5 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
On Tuesday 10 June 2008 the governing the NSW Aboriginal Land Council will hold a special meeting
in the NSW Legislative Assembly, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (1983).
According to Alex Mitchell, former state political editor of the Sun-Herald::
The shocking neglect of Aboriginal communities during the 13 years of the Carr and Iemma Governments – notably with the appointment of
Milton Orkopoulos and then Reba Meagher as ministers for Aboriginal affairs between 2005 and 2007 – has turned the trail-blazing 1983
legislation into little more than a sick joke.
The current minister, Paul Lynch, MP for Liverpool and a former solicitor, has embarked on a “fresh approach” but has been starved of funds
and Cabinet support for a full-scale overhaul.
Nevertheless, we can confidently expect a showcase announcement on land rights in parliament next week as the government “spins” its way
forward.
The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council's consists of 9 Councillors, democratically elected for a 4 year term, by Local Aboriginal Land
Council members. Each represents one of the 9 Land Council regions of NSW.
SOURCE :
Alex Mitchell, Land blights , Justinian, 5 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
IEMMA's HYPOCRISY SINKS EVEN DEEPER
We have already written about the sheer hypocrisy of Premier Iemma when he allowed Minister Frank Sartor to keep
the parliament sitting until 2am on 3 June 2008.
Well it gets even worse. The parliament sat from 10am until 1pm on Friday 6 June 2008. Frank Sartor MP was in attendance
and introduced the Filming Related Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 that day.
UNTIL Morris Iemma gives a plausible explanation as to why 'family friendly' sitting hours were ditched on 3 June, and why
it was essential that Frank Sartor's bill be passed that day (or conversely why it could not be passed on any later day) we will continue to think that
Iemma is a hypocrite.
==================================================================================================================
We have already written about the sheer hypocrisy of Premier Iemma when he allowed Minister Frank Sartor to keep
the parliament sitting until 2am on 3 June 2008.
Well it gets even worse. The parliament sat from 10am until 1pm on Friday 6 June 2008. Frank Sartor MP was in attendance
and introduced the Filming Related Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 that day.
UNTIL Morris Iemma gives a plausible explanation as to why 'family friendly' sitting hours were ditched on 3 June, and why
it was essential that Frank Sartor's bill be passed that day (or conversely why it could not be passed on any later day) we will continue to think that
Iemma is a hypocrite.
==================================================================================================================
IT GETS WORSE - TWEED GETS $14.5 million
According to Geoff Provest MP (Tweed), who is "100% for the Tweed", the Costa 2008 budget means the Tweed electorate will "receive" $14.5
million in "funding".
On the basis of horizontal equity, the amount should be $44.5 million.
IT seems that Michael Costa is "100% against the Tweed" - but perhaps more accurately 67% against the Tweed.
=================================================================================================================
According to Geoff Provest MP (Tweed), who is "100% for the Tweed", the Costa 2008 budget means the Tweed electorate will "receive" $14.5
million in "funding".
On the basis of horizontal equity, the amount should be $44.5 million.
IT seems that Michael Costa is "100% against the Tweed" - but perhaps more accurately 67% against the Tweed.
=================================================================================================================
CAPTURING A MARKET SHARE
The Daily Telegraph says a Sydney based debt collector, who says of himself: " It's much better to have me on your side than against you " ,
carries a 2 sided business card :
On the front his business is described as :
"Private Investigation; Finance; Investment; Recovery of Money's".
The reverse side has advertisements for funerals and medical emergencies - offering 10% discounts
WHO SAID ADVERTISING DOESN'T PAY ?
==================================================================================================================
The Daily Telegraph says a Sydney based debt collector, who says of himself: " It's much better to have me on your side than against you " ,
carries a 2 sided business card :
On the front his business is described as :
"Private Investigation; Finance; Investment; Recovery of Money's".
The reverse side has advertisements for funerals and medical emergencies - offering 10% discounts
WHO SAID ADVERTISING DOESN'T PAY ?
==================================================================================================================
DIFFICULT ISSUES
The situation of Dr George Sliwinski raises some very difficult issues.
see : Natasha Wallace , Patients don't know he killed his wife , Sydney Morning Herald, 7 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
The situation of Dr George Sliwinski raises some very difficult issues.
see : Natasha Wallace , Patients don't know he killed his wife , Sydney Morning Herald, 7 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
FARDELL WANTS TOUGHER TESTS FOR DRIVERS
Dawn Fardell MP (Dubbo) wants stricter controls on those who tow caravans or trailers. She wants
a new law introduced that would make it an offence for a driver to tow a caravan or a trailer, unless
they have completed a test and obtained a special licence.
Her move was supported by Peter Draper (Tamworth), Clover Moore (Sydney) Rob Oakehott
(Port Macquarie) and Greg Piper (Lake Macquarie).
Richard Torbay (Northern Tablelands) did not vote, although he could have, as he was not in the
chair, which was occupied by Acting Speaker Dianne Beamer, MP.
SOURCES :
NSW LA Hansard, Licence Qualifications for Towing Trailers , 5 June 2008.
Seona Cremasco, Heavy criticisms on state of roads , Dubbo Daily Liberal, 6 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
Dawn Fardell MP (Dubbo) wants stricter controls on those who tow caravans or trailers. She wants
a new law introduced that would make it an offence for a driver to tow a caravan or a trailer, unless
they have completed a test and obtained a special licence.
Her move was supported by Peter Draper (Tamworth), Clover Moore (Sydney) Rob Oakehott
(Port Macquarie) and Greg Piper (Lake Macquarie).
Richard Torbay (Northern Tablelands) did not vote, although he could have, as he was not in the
chair, which was occupied by Acting Speaker Dianne Beamer, MP.
SOURCES :
NSW LA Hansard, Licence Qualifications for Towing Trailers , 5 June 2008.
Seona Cremasco, Heavy criticisms on state of roads , Dubbo Daily Liberal, 6 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
SUSPICION OF IMPROPRIETY
A suspicion of Police impropriety held by a Dubbo community member , is being investigated by the
Police Integrity Commission. The suspicion was aired before the District Court of NSW sitting in Orange,
during an appeal against the severity of a sentence imposed on a Orange man by the Local Court..
Judge Coolahan , confirmed the conviction but varied the sentence.
Recently the Police Integrity Commission heard evidence in relation to other alleged misconduct by a Orange
police officer, relating to a breath test.
SOURCES :
Charity work helps Fabar win appeal , Central Western Daily, 6 June 2008.
ABC News , Witnesses front PIC inquiry over random breath test , ABC Radio, 16 May 2008
ABC News, Policeman dad 'unaware of fudged breath test' , ABC Radio, 16 May 2008.
=================================================================================================================
A suspicion of Police impropriety held by a Dubbo community member , is being investigated by the
Police Integrity Commission. The suspicion was aired before the District Court of NSW sitting in Orange,
during an appeal against the severity of a sentence imposed on a Orange man by the Local Court..
Judge Coolahan , confirmed the conviction but varied the sentence.
Recently the Police Integrity Commission heard evidence in relation to other alleged misconduct by a Orange
police officer, relating to a breath test.
SOURCES :
Charity work helps Fabar win appeal , Central Western Daily, 6 June 2008.
ABC News , Witnesses front PIC inquiry over random breath test , ABC Radio, 16 May 2008
ABC News, Policeman dad 'unaware of fudged breath test' , ABC Radio, 16 May 2008.
=================================================================================================================
BUN-FIGHT AT UNE
I was always under the impression that a Chancellor of a university was a ceremonial figurehead,
but apparently I have been under a misapprehension.
Anyway, at the University of New England in Armidale, the Chancellor John Cassidy, former
chairman of Abigroup, takes a hands on and active role in the university. He has asked
Vice-Chancellor Alan Pettigrew to hand in his resignation by 15 June 2008, without even
consulting the University Council. The next council meeting is on 16 June 2008.
According to The Australian newspaper :
Mr Cassidy has made clear his belief that UNE needs quick action and sharper business acumen to wean it off its heavy dependence on
grants from the Federal Government. "Whether you are selling fish and chips, construction or education, the business is the same," he
told a a local magazine.
Professor Pettigrew has been in the role of vice-chancellor since February 2006. Apparently the Chancellor feels progress at UNE has been too
slow under Professor Pettigrew.
see : Bernard Lane , UNE leadership in crisis , The Australian, 6 June 2008.
and : Bernard Lane , Staff have no confidence in UNE chancellor John Cassidy , The Australian, 5 June 2008.
and : Harriet Alexander , New England witnesses an unaccustomed slugfest , Sydney Morning Herald, 9 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
I was always under the impression that a Chancellor of a university was a ceremonial figurehead,
but apparently I have been under a misapprehension.
Anyway, at the University of New England in Armidale, the Chancellor John Cassidy, former
chairman of Abigroup, takes a hands on and active role in the university. He has asked
Vice-Chancellor Alan Pettigrew to hand in his resignation by 15 June 2008, without even
consulting the University Council. The next council meeting is on 16 June 2008.
According to The Australian newspaper :
Mr Cassidy has made clear his belief that UNE needs quick action and sharper business acumen to wean it off its heavy dependence on
grants from the Federal Government. "Whether you are selling fish and chips, construction or education, the business is the same," he
told a a local magazine.
Professor Pettigrew has been in the role of vice-chancellor since February 2006. Apparently the Chancellor feels progress at UNE has been too
slow under Professor Pettigrew.
see : Bernard Lane , UNE leadership in crisis , The Australian, 6 June 2008.
and : Bernard Lane , Staff have no confidence in UNE chancellor John Cassidy , The Australian, 5 June 2008.
and : Harriet Alexander , New England witnesses an unaccustomed slugfest , Sydney Morning Herald, 9 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
When a 22 year old Camden resident received a dodger in the letter-box urging people to
oppose the development application for the building of a Muslim school, he mistakenly
assumed the local MP was the author of the document. He fired off an email to the MP -
"Im a resident of camden and just received your flyer in the mail just wondering
HOW RACIST ARE YOU? to tell you the truth I live within 2km of the new school
and couldnt care less if it is biult I HOPE THE FIRST THING THEY DO IS BLOW YOU
AND ALL THE PEOPLE LIKE YOU UP!!!!!!!!
He later sent another email with a more specific threat.
Apparently he received a visit from the constabulary. He was booked with 2 charges of using
a telecommunications service to menace, harass or offend. He pleaded guilty. In the Local Court,
Magistrate John Andrews, fined him $1,300 and put him on a 18-month good behaviour bond.
According to the Camden Advertiser newspaper, the magistrate said :
" ....(his)...actions were a "hasty, stupid reaction to what you saw as an inappropriate flyer''.
"Be that as it may, it is a serious matter,'' he said.
"People, particularly Members of Parliament, should not be pressured by way of an email which can be regarded as menacing, harassing
and offensive.
"They also need to be able to go about their business as parliamentarians or local members without receiving materials such as this.''
We assume (but note that it is never wise to make assumptions), the charges were laid under section 474.17 of Schedule 1 of the Criminal Code
Act 1995 (Commonwealth) which makes it an offence if :
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if:
(a) the person uses a carriage service; and
(b) the person does so in a way (whether by the method of use or the content of a communication, or both) that reasonable persons
would regard as being, in all the circumstances, menacing, harassing or offensive.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years.
SOURCES :
Rebecca Senescal, Death threat to MP over Islamic school lands man in court , Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser, 7 May 2008.
Alicia Bowie, Resident who threatened Corrigan gets bond , Camden Advertiser, 4 June 2008.
When a 22 year old Camden resident received a dodger in the letter-box urging people to
oppose the development application for the building of a Muslim school, he mistakenly
assumed the local MP was the author of the document. He fired off an email to the MP -
"Im a resident of camden and just received your flyer in the mail just wondering
HOW RACIST ARE YOU? to tell you the truth I live within 2km of the new school
and couldnt care less if it is biult I HOPE THE FIRST THING THEY DO IS BLOW YOU
AND ALL THE PEOPLE LIKE YOU UP!!!!!!!!
He later sent another email with a more specific threat.
Apparently he received a visit from the constabulary. He was booked with 2 charges of using
a telecommunications service to menace, harass or offend. He pleaded guilty. In the Local Court,
Magistrate John Andrews, fined him $1,300 and put him on a 18-month good behaviour bond.
According to the Camden Advertiser newspaper, the magistrate said :
" ....(his)...actions were a "hasty, stupid reaction to what you saw as an inappropriate flyer''.
"Be that as it may, it is a serious matter,'' he said.
"People, particularly Members of Parliament, should not be pressured by way of an email which can be regarded as menacing, harassing
and offensive.
"They also need to be able to go about their business as parliamentarians or local members without receiving materials such as this.''
We assume (but note that it is never wise to make assumptions), the charges were laid under section 474.17 of Schedule 1 of the Criminal Code
Act 1995 (Commonwealth) which makes it an offence if :
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if:
(a) the person uses a carriage service; and
(b) the person does so in a way (whether by the method of use or the content of a communication, or both) that reasonable persons
would regard as being, in all the circumstances, menacing, harassing or offensive.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years.
SOURCES :
Rebecca Senescal, Death threat to MP over Islamic school lands man in court , Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser, 7 May 2008.
Alicia Bowie, Resident who threatened Corrigan gets bond , Camden Advertiser, 4 June 2008.
