| JUNE 2008 Pages - Page 13 |
| THIS IS PAGE 13 OF JUNE 2008 PAGES - JUNE0813 |
NORMAL NSW LABOR BEHAVIOUR
I keep telling myself - it's just normal, the normal behaviour of the ruling faction of NSW Labor -
as a self protection mechanism against being shocked each time a new revelation comes out
about Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal).
BUT somehow that tactic doesn't prevent me feeling sick on the stomach.
The latest revelations by free-lance journalist Geraldine Willesee certainly fall into that category.
Most telling of all is her statement that the political chattering classes of the Central Coast have
viewed the revelations of Ms Neal's behaviour on that fateful Friday night, not with incredulity, but
rather brushed it aside with the comment :
: "Isn't this classic Belinda?"
see : Geraldine Willesee , Power couple's ways are legendary on the coast , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
Humour is always the best way to deal with tragedy :
see: Bernard Zuel , Iguana drama on a wet day at Brookie , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
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I keep telling myself - it's just normal, the normal behaviour of the ruling faction of NSW Labor -
as a self protection mechanism against being shocked each time a new revelation comes out
about Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal).
BUT somehow that tactic doesn't prevent me feeling sick on the stomach.
The latest revelations by free-lance journalist Geraldine Willesee certainly fall into that category.
Most telling of all is her statement that the political chattering classes of the Central Coast have
viewed the revelations of Ms Neal's behaviour on that fateful Friday night, not with incredulity, but
rather brushed it aside with the comment :
: "Isn't this classic Belinda?"
see : Geraldine Willesee , Power couple's ways are legendary on the coast , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
Humour is always the best way to deal with tragedy :
see: Bernard Zuel , Iguana drama on a wet day at Brookie , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
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INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FOR NEWCASTLE
(Use of Runway 13 restricted to witches on flights to and from Canberra ?)
In a bold vision, the suggestion has been put forward that Williamstown, near Newcastle, be made
an International Airport, with a Fast Train service connecting it to Sydney.
SOURCES :
Glen Searle , A white elephant with wings , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
Julieanne Strachan, Push for international terminal in the Hunter , Newcastle Herald, 12 June 2008.
Jano Gibson & Sunanda Creagh , New airport, fast train to rescue NSW tourism , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 2008.
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(Use of Runway 13 restricted to witches on flights to and from Canberra ?)
In a bold vision, the suggestion has been put forward that Williamstown, near Newcastle, be made
an International Airport, with a Fast Train service connecting it to Sydney.
SOURCES :
Glen Searle , A white elephant with wings , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
Julieanne Strachan, Push for international terminal in the Hunter , Newcastle Herald, 12 June 2008.
Jano Gibson & Sunanda Creagh , New airport, fast train to rescue NSW tourism , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 2008.
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ENOUGH OF DISTRACTIONS......
If the Witch of Woy Woy intended by her bad behaviour to distract attention away from the problems of NSW Labor
and it's Terrigals sponsored electricity asset sell-off, she has not been entirely successful.
The legislation is expected to be debated in the NSW Parliament during the week commencing 17 June 2008.
AS we have said before the major stumbling block for the Terrigals is the Upper House.
Assuming, that the Terrigals can get their legislation through the Legislative Assembly, and assuming that Labor
can hold all 18 Upper House MLC's to vote for the sell-off, the Terrigals need 3 more votes in favour of a sell-off to
get the legislation through the Upper House. The Terrigals need 21 votes on the floor of Legislative Council - to give
them a majority of the 41 votes (the 42nd member is in the chair).
NOW it has been suggested that the Terrigals have been targetting Fred Nile MLC and the 2 Shooters Party MLC's
to get the extra 3 votes they need.
The Terrigals are hoping that by bestowing upon him the honour of "Assistant President" and awarding him a wage of an extra $43,000 per year
Fred will see the light and vote in favour of the sell-off. In fact, it is rumoured that the Terrigals sing daily the hymn
"What a Friend we have in Freddy".
Indications are that the prayers of the Terrigals have been answered, and that Fred will do the right thing.
MEANWHILE, the Terrigals continue to work on the Shooter's Party members.
A Greens MP, Sylvia Hale, said the fact the Government had allowed the Shooters Party to introduce its Firearms Amendment Bill 2008
in the upper house last week and have a second reading brought on so quickly suggested a deal had been done. She questioned
whether the Government was supporting the bill to attempt to win support for its electricity privatisation or planning reforms legislation.
PRETTY scarey stuff. BUT with the "whatever it takes" guiding principle of the Terrigals, one wouldn't be surprised if they shot their own
grandmothers , if that was necessary to get their ideological electricity sell-off bill passed.
HOWEVER at a grass-roots level there is some turbulence.
A meeting of about 400 union members held at a Central Coast club (clubs on the central coast are very popular lately) was addressed by :
Chris Hartcher MP (Terrigal - Liberal) George Souris MP (Upper Hunter - Nationals) John Kaye MLC (Greens) Paul Gibson MP (Blacktown -
Labor), Kerry Hickey MP (Cessnock - Labor), Grant McBride MP (The Entrance - Labor) and Lynda Voltz MLC (Labor).
There was some discussion that the electricity bill might even be defeated on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. If that were to happen, not
even Freddy in the Upper House could save the Iemma government. By convention Mr iemma would be required to resign, and the Governor
would first call upon another Labor MP to assure her she/he had the confidence of the house,and upon receiving that assurance the Governor
would appoint such person Premier and ask him/her to appoint his/her ministerial team.
AND just bear a thought for Lyndia Voltz MLC. She is acting on the basis of her convictions. She says her views are supported by the grass-roots
of the party that elected her to parliament (7 to 1). BUT imagine the abuse and humiliation, she would subjected to if she received a telephone
call from someone like the Witch of Woy Woy. Ms Voltz deserves a gold medal for bravery.
SOURCE :
Ian Kirkwood, Power failure likely , Newcastle Herald, 12 June 2008.
Andrew Clennell , Shooters accused of gun bill deal , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
If the Witch of Woy Woy intended by her bad behaviour to distract attention away from the problems of NSW Labor
and it's Terrigals sponsored electricity asset sell-off, she has not been entirely successful.
The legislation is expected to be debated in the NSW Parliament during the week commencing 17 June 2008.
AS we have said before the major stumbling block for the Terrigals is the Upper House.
Assuming, that the Terrigals can get their legislation through the Legislative Assembly, and assuming that Labor
can hold all 18 Upper House MLC's to vote for the sell-off, the Terrigals need 3 more votes in favour of a sell-off to
get the legislation through the Upper House. The Terrigals need 21 votes on the floor of Legislative Council - to give
them a majority of the 41 votes (the 42nd member is in the chair).
NOW it has been suggested that the Terrigals have been targetting Fred Nile MLC and the 2 Shooters Party MLC's
to get the extra 3 votes they need.
The Terrigals are hoping that by bestowing upon him the honour of "Assistant President" and awarding him a wage of an extra $43,000 per year
Fred will see the light and vote in favour of the sell-off. In fact, it is rumoured that the Terrigals sing daily the hymn
"What a Friend we have in Freddy".
Indications are that the prayers of the Terrigals have been answered, and that Fred will do the right thing.
MEANWHILE, the Terrigals continue to work on the Shooter's Party members.
A Greens MP, Sylvia Hale, said the fact the Government had allowed the Shooters Party to introduce its Firearms Amendment Bill 2008
in the upper house last week and have a second reading brought on so quickly suggested a deal had been done. She questioned
whether the Government was supporting the bill to attempt to win support for its electricity privatisation or planning reforms legislation.
PRETTY scarey stuff. BUT with the "whatever it takes" guiding principle of the Terrigals, one wouldn't be surprised if they shot their own
grandmothers , if that was necessary to get their ideological electricity sell-off bill passed.
HOWEVER at a grass-roots level there is some turbulence.
A meeting of about 400 union members held at a Central Coast club (clubs on the central coast are very popular lately) was addressed by :
Chris Hartcher MP (Terrigal - Liberal) George Souris MP (Upper Hunter - Nationals) John Kaye MLC (Greens) Paul Gibson MP (Blacktown -
Labor), Kerry Hickey MP (Cessnock - Labor), Grant McBride MP (The Entrance - Labor) and Lynda Voltz MLC (Labor).
There was some discussion that the electricity bill might even be defeated on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. If that were to happen, not
even Freddy in the Upper House could save the Iemma government. By convention Mr iemma would be required to resign, and the Governor
would first call upon another Labor MP to assure her she/he had the confidence of the house,and upon receiving that assurance the Governor
would appoint such person Premier and ask him/her to appoint his/her ministerial team.
AND just bear a thought for Lyndia Voltz MLC. She is acting on the basis of her convictions. She says her views are supported by the grass-roots
of the party that elected her to parliament (7 to 1). BUT imagine the abuse and humiliation, she would subjected to if she received a telephone
call from someone like the Witch of Woy Woy. Ms Voltz deserves a gold medal for bravery.
SOURCE :
Ian Kirkwood, Power failure likely , Newcastle Herald, 12 June 2008.
Andrew Clennell , Shooters accused of gun bill deal , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
THAT DON'T IMPRESS US MUCH .......
In the usual way of the Terrigals, "buying people off with whatever it takes", Treasurer Michael Costa MLC, has
launched a major plan for the Hunter region. Of course the Hunter region is one of the areas of NSW that is
strongly opposed to the electricity sell-off.
Unfortunately, for Mr Costa and his "good news" spin-meisters - the proposal has gone down like a lead balloon.
SOURCE :
Julieanne Strachan, Heard it all before , Newcastle Herald, 12 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
In the usual way of the Terrigals, "buying people off with whatever it takes", Treasurer Michael Costa MLC, has
launched a major plan for the Hunter region. Of course the Hunter region is one of the areas of NSW that is
strongly opposed to the electricity sell-off.
Unfortunately, for Mr Costa and his "good news" spin-meisters - the proposal has gone down like a lead balloon.
SOURCE :
Julieanne Strachan, Heard it all before , Newcastle Herald, 12 June 2008.
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COUNSEL ASSISTING INQUIRY SAYS : "SACK SHELLHARBOUR"
Counsel assisting the government inquiry into Shellharbour City Council says There is sufficient evidence to replace all councillors with an
administrator for the next four years.
We have said before, that we find it repugnant generally that democratically elected councils should be sacked - especially since in this case
elections are only a mere few months away.
However, clearly in the case of Wollongong Council, where there were allegations of entrenched corruption - a sacking is appropriate.
We have not been following the Shellharbour inquiry carefully enough to form a view. However, if the basis of the recommendation to"sack" is
based merely on 'mistakes' , then we think it is wrong, even though it may be legally justified. Maybe it's time to look at changing the law.
SOURCES :
Sarah Allely, Shellharbour council should be sacked, inquiry told , Illawarra Mercury, 12 June 2008.
Sarah Allely, Shellharbour council ignored advice: inquiry , Illawarra Mercury, 14 June 2008.
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Counsel assisting the government inquiry into Shellharbour City Council says There is sufficient evidence to replace all councillors with an
administrator for the next four years.
We have said before, that we find it repugnant generally that democratically elected councils should be sacked - especially since in this case
elections are only a mere few months away.
However, clearly in the case of Wollongong Council, where there were allegations of entrenched corruption - a sacking is appropriate.
We have not been following the Shellharbour inquiry carefully enough to form a view. However, if the basis of the recommendation to"sack" is
based merely on 'mistakes' , then we think it is wrong, even though it may be legally justified. Maybe it's time to look at changing the law.
SOURCES :
Sarah Allely, Shellharbour council should be sacked, inquiry told , Illawarra Mercury, 12 June 2008.
Sarah Allely, Shellharbour council ignored advice: inquiry , Illawarra Mercury, 14 June 2008.
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PETER DRAPER MP BENEFICIARY OF LABOR LIES
Peter Draper MP (Tamworth) was the beneficiary of political lies at the 2007 election.
Labor did everything it could to assist Mr Draper in the 2007 election, making announcements through him or
attributing the announcement to representations made by him. The officially endorsed Labor candidate in the
seat of Tamworth was left out of the loop.
Premier Morris Iemma promised the people of Tamworth on March 7, 2007 – just weeks out from the state
election – that work on the new [Tamworth ] hospital would start “within the next term of government”.
YET 15 months later :
(A) document, released by the NSW treasurer Michael Costa and posted on the treasury website late yesterday, makes it clear the only
action planned for the Tamworth Hospital in the next four years is just that – planning.
IN RESPONSE the editorial team of the Northern Daily Leader has written :
YOU couldn’t be blamed for thinking the current NSW Government is so untrustworthy that if the Premier’s Department put out a
press release saying the sun was going to come up tomorrow you’d want to get up early just to make sure.
Yesterday’s NSW State Infrastructure Strategy makes it very clear what this Government is willing to say it will do in order to win an
election or, in our case, to keep The Nationals out of the local seat. It is a very different story to what it will actually do.
SURELY Peter Draper MP is aware of the old adage : If you sleep with dogs - you are bound to get fleas .
AND surely he remembers the Spit Bridge in Manly. Yet he continues to accept whatever NSW Labor and it's ministerial staffers tell him as the
rolled gold truth. By doing so he is letting the electorate of Tamworth, and himself, down.
SOURCE :
David Ellery, Four-year plan for a three-year deadline , Northern Daily Leader, 12 June 2008.
Editorial, Iemma hospital promise a lie , Northern Daily Leader, 12 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
Peter Draper MP (Tamworth) was the beneficiary of political lies at the 2007 election.
Labor did everything it could to assist Mr Draper in the 2007 election, making announcements through him or
attributing the announcement to representations made by him. The officially endorsed Labor candidate in the
seat of Tamworth was left out of the loop.
Premier Morris Iemma promised the people of Tamworth on March 7, 2007 – just weeks out from the state
election – that work on the new [Tamworth ] hospital would start “within the next term of government”.
YET 15 months later :
(A) document, released by the NSW treasurer Michael Costa and posted on the treasury website late yesterday, makes it clear the only
action planned for the Tamworth Hospital in the next four years is just that – planning.
IN RESPONSE the editorial team of the Northern Daily Leader has written :
YOU couldn’t be blamed for thinking the current NSW Government is so untrustworthy that if the Premier’s Department put out a
press release saying the sun was going to come up tomorrow you’d want to get up early just to make sure.
Yesterday’s NSW State Infrastructure Strategy makes it very clear what this Government is willing to say it will do in order to win an
election or, in our case, to keep The Nationals out of the local seat. It is a very different story to what it will actually do.
SURELY Peter Draper MP is aware of the old adage : If you sleep with dogs - you are bound to get fleas .
AND surely he remembers the Spit Bridge in Manly. Yet he continues to accept whatever NSW Labor and it's ministerial staffers tell him as the
rolled gold truth. By doing so he is letting the electorate of Tamworth, and himself, down.
SOURCE :
David Ellery, Four-year plan for a three-year deadline , Northern Daily Leader, 12 June 2008.
Editorial, Iemma hospital promise a lie , Northern Daily Leader, 12 June 2008.
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PAULINE - KICKING UP A STORM
It seems long after she left the "political scene" Pauline Hanson remains a news worthy item with the Central West Daily running an article on her
just because she visited the town of Orange.
In her day Ms Hanson stirred strong emotions, both pro and con.
Yet those emotions were based on her political views. They did not relate to her behaviour as a member of society. Discussion of political ideas
is healthy. A society that is not prepared to discuss "issues" , and to point out the strength of "good" policy and the "folly" of bad policy - is one
that will not survive.
Ms Hanson stands in stark contrast to the Witch of Woy Woy.
The Witch has evoked strong emotions, not about her policies but about her behaviour, which is seemingly incompatible with a civilised and
democratic society. Interestingly, unlike Pauline Hanson, she has very few supporters who are prepared to passionately support her. The vast
majority of Australians view the behaviour of the Witch of Woy Woy with disgust.
Therein lies the difference between the two.
SOURCE :
Janice Harris, Pauline walks the talk , Central Western Daily, 12 June 2008.
================================================================================================================
It seems long after she left the "political scene" Pauline Hanson remains a news worthy item with the Central West Daily running an article on her
just because she visited the town of Orange.
In her day Ms Hanson stirred strong emotions, both pro and con.
Yet those emotions were based on her political views. They did not relate to her behaviour as a member of society. Discussion of political ideas
is healthy. A society that is not prepared to discuss "issues" , and to point out the strength of "good" policy and the "folly" of bad policy - is one
that will not survive.
Ms Hanson stands in stark contrast to the Witch of Woy Woy.
The Witch has evoked strong emotions, not about her policies but about her behaviour, which is seemingly incompatible with a civilised and
democratic society. Interestingly, unlike Pauline Hanson, she has very few supporters who are prepared to passionately support her. The vast
majority of Australians view the behaviour of the Witch of Woy Woy with disgust.
Therein lies the difference between the two.
SOURCE :
Janice Harris, Pauline walks the talk , Central Western Daily, 12 June 2008.
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SITUATION AT UNE IS "TOPSY TURVY"
Deputy Chancellor of the University of New England, Dr James Harris has described the dispute between
Chancellor John Cassidy and Vice-Chancellor Alan Pettigrew as having "grown topsy turvy".
Former Chief Justice of NSW (1974-1988), Sir Laurence Street, has been appointed to mediate a solution.
Sir Laurence retired from the bench in 1988 and in 1989 commenced a business as a commercial mediator and
Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Sir Laurence, had impeccable breeding to be a NSW Chief Justice. His father, Sir Kenneth Whistler Street was Chief Justice of NSW
(1950-1960), and as was his grandfather, Sir Philip Whistler Street (1925-1933). His mother,Jessie Street, is acclaimed for her work in women's
rights, social justice, aboriginal affairs and peace.
Sir Laurence is held in high regard by the NSW legal profession and noted for being a very hard-working Chief Justice. People have reported
seeing him, being driven home late at night, with a reading light switched on working on papers.
IT would be fair to say his services do not come at discount prices - $550 per hour or $5,500 per 8 hour day.
SOURCE :
Bernard Lane , Laurence Street called in to resolve UNE crisis , The Australian,12 June 2008.
Harriet Alexander , Former judge to advise uni on dispute , Sydney Morning Herald, 13 July 2008
Related reading :
Jessie Street, Australian Dictionary of Biography, website online .
'Red Jessie' : Jessie Street , Uncommon Lives , website online .
=================================================================================================================
Deputy Chancellor of the University of New England, Dr James Harris has described the dispute between
Chancellor John Cassidy and Vice-Chancellor Alan Pettigrew as having "grown topsy turvy".
Former Chief Justice of NSW (1974-1988), Sir Laurence Street, has been appointed to mediate a solution.
Sir Laurence retired from the bench in 1988 and in 1989 commenced a business as a commercial mediator and
Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Sir Laurence, had impeccable breeding to be a NSW Chief Justice. His father, Sir Kenneth Whistler Street was Chief Justice of NSW
(1950-1960), and as was his grandfather, Sir Philip Whistler Street (1925-1933). His mother,Jessie Street, is acclaimed for her work in women's
rights, social justice, aboriginal affairs and peace.
Sir Laurence is held in high regard by the NSW legal profession and noted for being a very hard-working Chief Justice. People have reported
seeing him, being driven home late at night, with a reading light switched on working on papers.
IT would be fair to say his services do not come at discount prices - $550 per hour or $5,500 per 8 hour day.
SOURCE :
Bernard Lane , Laurence Street called in to resolve UNE crisis , The Australian,12 June 2008.
Harriet Alexander , Former judge to advise uni on dispute , Sydney Morning Herald, 13 July 2008
Related reading :
Jessie Street, Australian Dictionary of Biography, website online .
'Red Jessie' : Jessie Street , Uncommon Lives , website online .
=================================================================================================================
NSW POLICE MUST PAY COMPENSATION
A NSW community member who sued NSW Police seeking compensation arising out of an incident in 2001.
He claimed Police had committed the civil wrongs of trespass and false imprisonment.
In the NSW District Court he was awarded $418,265 in damages.
The Police appealed to the NSW Court of Appeal who determined that the police had not committed any wrongs, and
set aside the order that the Police pay compensation, so the community member was without recourse for the wrongs he perceived had been
committed against him.
The community member appealed to the High Court of Australia. The High Court has ruled NSW Police acted wrongfully. The High Court ruled
that NSW Police must pay compensation to the victim. The amount of that compensation is to be re-assessed.
Mr Brett Walker SC appeared for the community member in the High Court.
SO once again, NSW Police have been found to have behaved badly. NSW Police Minister David Campbell MP, who seemingly believes NSW
Police are incapable of doing wrong, needs to take heed.
SOURCES :
Tim Dick , The day police just went too far , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
Kuru v State of New South Wales (S649/2007) , Date heard: 17 April 2008 , Gleeson CJ, Gummow, Kirby, Hayne and Heydon JJ.,
Judgment : 12 June 2008.
Kuru v State of New South Wales [2008] HCATrans 152 (17 April 2008)
Kuru v State of New South Wales [2008] HCA 26 (12 June 2008) .
STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES v KURU [2007] NSWCA 141 .
=================================================================================================================
A NSW community member who sued NSW Police seeking compensation arising out of an incident in 2001.
He claimed Police had committed the civil wrongs of trespass and false imprisonment.
In the NSW District Court he was awarded $418,265 in damages.
The Police appealed to the NSW Court of Appeal who determined that the police had not committed any wrongs, and
set aside the order that the Police pay compensation, so the community member was without recourse for the wrongs he perceived had been
committed against him.
The community member appealed to the High Court of Australia. The High Court has ruled NSW Police acted wrongfully. The High Court ruled
that NSW Police must pay compensation to the victim. The amount of that compensation is to be re-assessed.
Mr Brett Walker SC appeared for the community member in the High Court.
SO once again, NSW Police have been found to have behaved badly. NSW Police Minister David Campbell MP, who seemingly believes NSW
Police are incapable of doing wrong, needs to take heed.
SOURCES :
Tim Dick , The day police just went too far , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June 2008.
Kuru v State of New South Wales (S649/2007) , Date heard: 17 April 2008 , Gleeson CJ, Gummow, Kirby, Hayne and Heydon JJ.,
Judgment : 12 June 2008.
Kuru v State of New South Wales [2008] HCATrans 152 (17 April 2008)
Kuru v State of New South Wales [2008] HCA 26 (12 June 2008) .
STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES v KURU [2007] NSWCA 141 .
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