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NOTHING THAT A FREEZER FULL OF FOTO'S WON'T FIX
IT is difficult to find anyone who has come out to defend Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal).
The best defenders have said to date on her behalf is they believe media reports are exaggerated.
Of course the raising of the issue of "sexism" has not resulted in a knock-out punch to staunch the flow of
revelations about Ms Neal - but has at least got people questioning the real basis of their "dislike" of her.
On balance, most people have concluded that their opinion is not a result of sexism, but an abhorrence
of her behaviour and attitudes.
Before this episode plays out completely, it is likely Ms Neal will have a freezer full of photographs..
Some comments from Power couple politics NSW style and the alleged disciplinary double standard , at Larvatus Prodeo :
Belinda Neal’s formative political experiences were as a law student and a Labor Right student politician at Sydney University and in the Australian Union of
Students, in a context where the Labor Right saw everything to the left of itself as the main enemy, and the Liberals and National Civic Council as actual or
potential allies. I have commented elsewhere on this phenomenon and its consequences under the rubric “from little finks big finks grow”.
After graduation she worked for the Federated Ironworkers Association (a bastion of the anti-communist Right in the labour movement, now merged into the
Australian Workers Union) and then practiced law for seven years before entering parliament for the first time as a Senator.
In other words there is nothing in her formative political years which can be expected to produce any kind of sensitivity or sympathy towards ordinary working
people such as the club employees who had to deal with her alleged behaviour and her alleged threats to their employment. And, continuing with the “from little
finks” theme, this is a trajectory which she shares with several members of the current NSW Labor Government.
( The From Little Finks ... article is available ONLINE )
She’s been active in politics (not just student politics) since the early 80s. She has not changed one little bit. It’s kind of weird. Usually people do change between
the ages of 18 and 45.
Not one iota of feminist sympathy should be given to Belinda Neal..........I do feel sorry for John Della Bosca.
Bullying in the workplace, bullying at the watering hole, bullying in the school ground; violence against women, “robust debate” (abuse); ah it’s a fine old story is it
not?
Ms Neal’s problems derive from an almost perfect track record of high handed disdain for the hoi polloi. This is typical of the so called ‘realistic Right’ in the ALP,
who, to a person, disdain any empathy at all for anyone, who is not rich, not powerful and who doesn’t automatically genuflect at the latest manifestation of
conventional thinking on just about every subject.
Her colleagues are critical, because there is plenty to be critical about. I for one am not prepared to waste any sympathy at all for a woman whose whole careeer
has been built on who she knows, rather than what she can contribute, and whose trademark epithet where she comes from, is ‘Don’t you know who I am’. She
regards people giving up their time to get her elected as nothing less than her due. Della is one thing, she is simply a ‘thing’.
“Interesting observation that Della got off pretty lightly in comparison with Belinda.”
He is a shambolic, (almost) likeable, character, the human face (albeit with looks of acne scars) of the NSW Right.
She is as likeable as a funnel web spider.
Therein lies the explanation for the different treatments.
She is an extraordiarly divisive character amongst local Labor branch members. Many branch members have experienced a lot worse
than the alleged behaviour at Iguana Joes. Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard to their credit are the first in the party to actually call her bluff
and give her the carpetting many believed she deserved years ago.
No redeeming features at all. As someone said today “pity the counsellor.”
John & Belinda were political animals from an early age. Both joined the ALP at 17 years of age – he in 1973 in Sydney and she in 1980
(perhaps in Orange where she attended high school). He was active in student politics in the mid-1970’s at UNSW whilst completing a
BA. She was active in student politics at Sydney University in the early 1980s whilst completing an LLB.
I read somewhere that they married in about 1987. Their paths probably started to cross from the early 1980s given their respective
involvement in the NSW ALP - he became State Organizer from 1983; she became a NSW State Conference Delegate in the same year.
His first job was Research Assistant to Senator Sibraa 1976-1979. He then went to a position with the Transport Officers Federation.
After that he held just about every job in the organizational wing of the ALP in NSW including as General Secretary from 1990 – 1999. He
was elected to the NSW Legislative Council in 1999. He became Special Minister of State & Assistant Treasurer about two weeks after
the election. Clearly, he was on some sort of a fast track in the political wing but based on a long apprenticeship in the Party.
Post university, Belinda worked as a Union Officer with the Federated Iron Workers Union from 1986 – 87 and then practised as a
solicitor from 1987 – 1994. She was elected as an Alderman with Gosford City Council from 1992-1994. She was appointed to the Senate
in 1994 following the resignation of Senator Sibraa. From 1996 – 1998 she held several Shadow portfolios. She resigned from the Senate
in 1998 to contest the seat of Robertson. She was unsuccessful in the General Election of 1998 but won the seat in the 2007 General
Election. She has an impressive list of participation in parliamentary committees including Senate Standing, House of Representatives
Standing, Joint Standing, Joint Statutory and Joint Select Committees and Senate Estimate Committee D. She is obviously prepared to
put in the hard yards.
I have no doubt that she would enhance her impressive credentials with the addition of a Certificate in Anger Management.
PERHAPS IT IS UNFAIR THAT BELINDA NEAL HAS BEEN SINGLED OUT FOR RIDICULE, WHEN HER BEHAVIOUR IS SIMPLY A MANIFESTATION
OF AND SYMBOLIC OF THE CULTURE OF THE DOMINANT TERRIGALS IN NSW.
PERHAPS WE SHOULD NOW BE TURNING OUR ATTENTION TO THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM.
MORE REVELATIONS :
Brooke Newstead & Clare Masters , Neighbours have vivid memories of Della Bosca and Neal , Daily Telegraph , 13 June 2008.
HUMOUR : Chris Henning , A bear in there, and stories as well , Sydney Morning Herald, 13 June 2008.
ABUSE OF POWER : Sue Dunlevy, Blog, Political hubris betrays Belinda , Daily Telegraph, 12 June 2008.
APOLOGY PENNED BY DELLA BOSCA : Alexandra Smith & Andrew Clennell , Dear me: Della penned Iguanas apology , Sydney Morning
Herald, 13 June 2008.
LOCAL ALP - NOT HAPPY BELINDA : Ean Higgins , Labor official turns on Belinda Neal , The Australian, 13 June 2008.
LABOR SPINNERS PULLED THE WRONG REIN :Andrew Clennell , Iemma's stance looks laughable Sydney Morning Herald, 13 June 2008.
======================================================================================================
IT is difficult to find anyone who has come out to defend Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal).
The best defenders have said to date on her behalf is they believe media reports are exaggerated.
Of course the raising of the issue of "sexism" has not resulted in a knock-out punch to staunch the flow of
revelations about Ms Neal - but has at least got people questioning the real basis of their "dislike" of her.
On balance, most people have concluded that their opinion is not a result of sexism, but an abhorrence
of her behaviour and attitudes.
Before this episode plays out completely, it is likely Ms Neal will have a freezer full of photographs..
Some comments from Power couple politics NSW style and the alleged disciplinary double standard , at Larvatus Prodeo :
Belinda Neal’s formative political experiences were as a law student and a Labor Right student politician at Sydney University and in the Australian Union of
Students, in a context where the Labor Right saw everything to the left of itself as the main enemy, and the Liberals and National Civic Council as actual or
potential allies. I have commented elsewhere on this phenomenon and its consequences under the rubric “from little finks big finks grow”.
After graduation she worked for the Federated Ironworkers Association (a bastion of the anti-communist Right in the labour movement, now merged into the
Australian Workers Union) and then practiced law for seven years before entering parliament for the first time as a Senator.
In other words there is nothing in her formative political years which can be expected to produce any kind of sensitivity or sympathy towards ordinary working
people such as the club employees who had to deal with her alleged behaviour and her alleged threats to their employment. And, continuing with the “from little
finks” theme, this is a trajectory which she shares with several members of the current NSW Labor Government.
( The From Little Finks ... article is available ONLINE )
She’s been active in politics (not just student politics) since the early 80s. She has not changed one little bit. It’s kind of weird. Usually people do change between
the ages of 18 and 45.
Not one iota of feminist sympathy should be given to Belinda Neal..........I do feel sorry for John Della Bosca.
Bullying in the workplace, bullying at the watering hole, bullying in the school ground; violence against women, “robust debate” (abuse); ah it’s a fine old story is it
not?
Ms Neal’s problems derive from an almost perfect track record of high handed disdain for the hoi polloi. This is typical of the so called ‘realistic Right’ in the ALP,
who, to a person, disdain any empathy at all for anyone, who is not rich, not powerful and who doesn’t automatically genuflect at the latest manifestation of
conventional thinking on just about every subject.
Her colleagues are critical, because there is plenty to be critical about. I for one am not prepared to waste any sympathy at all for a woman whose whole careeer
has been built on who she knows, rather than what she can contribute, and whose trademark epithet where she comes from, is ‘Don’t you know who I am’. She
regards people giving up their time to get her elected as nothing less than her due. Della is one thing, she is simply a ‘thing’.
“Interesting observation that Della got off pretty lightly in comparison with Belinda.”
He is a shambolic, (almost) likeable, character, the human face (albeit with looks of acne scars) of the NSW Right.
She is as likeable as a funnel web spider.
Therein lies the explanation for the different treatments.
She is an extraordiarly divisive character amongst local Labor branch members. Many branch members have experienced a lot worse
than the alleged behaviour at Iguana Joes. Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard to their credit are the first in the party to actually call her bluff
and give her the carpetting many believed she deserved years ago.
No redeeming features at all. As someone said today “pity the counsellor.”
John & Belinda were political animals from an early age. Both joined the ALP at 17 years of age – he in 1973 in Sydney and she in 1980
(perhaps in Orange where she attended high school). He was active in student politics in the mid-1970’s at UNSW whilst completing a
BA. She was active in student politics at Sydney University in the early 1980s whilst completing an LLB.
I read somewhere that they married in about 1987. Their paths probably started to cross from the early 1980s given their respective
involvement in the NSW ALP - he became State Organizer from 1983; she became a NSW State Conference Delegate in the same year.
His first job was Research Assistant to Senator Sibraa 1976-1979. He then went to a position with the Transport Officers Federation.
After that he held just about every job in the organizational wing of the ALP in NSW including as General Secretary from 1990 – 1999. He
was elected to the NSW Legislative Council in 1999. He became Special Minister of State & Assistant Treasurer about two weeks after
the election. Clearly, he was on some sort of a fast track in the political wing but based on a long apprenticeship in the Party.
Post university, Belinda worked as a Union Officer with the Federated Iron Workers Union from 1986 – 87 and then practised as a
solicitor from 1987 – 1994. She was elected as an Alderman with Gosford City Council from 1992-1994. She was appointed to the Senate
in 1994 following the resignation of Senator Sibraa. From 1996 – 1998 she held several Shadow portfolios. She resigned from the Senate
in 1998 to contest the seat of Robertson. She was unsuccessful in the General Election of 1998 but won the seat in the 2007 General
Election. She has an impressive list of participation in parliamentary committees including Senate Standing, House of Representatives
Standing, Joint Standing, Joint Statutory and Joint Select Committees and Senate Estimate Committee D. She is obviously prepared to
put in the hard yards.
I have no doubt that she would enhance her impressive credentials with the addition of a Certificate in Anger Management.
PERHAPS IT IS UNFAIR THAT BELINDA NEAL HAS BEEN SINGLED OUT FOR RIDICULE, WHEN HER BEHAVIOUR IS SIMPLY A MANIFESTATION
OF AND SYMBOLIC OF THE CULTURE OF THE DOMINANT TERRIGALS IN NSW.
PERHAPS WE SHOULD NOW BE TURNING OUR ATTENTION TO THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM.
MORE REVELATIONS :
Brooke Newstead & Clare Masters , Neighbours have vivid memories of Della Bosca and Neal , Daily Telegraph , 13 June 2008.
HUMOUR : Chris Henning , A bear in there, and stories as well , Sydney Morning Herald, 13 June 2008.
ABUSE OF POWER : Sue Dunlevy, Blog, Political hubris betrays Belinda , Daily Telegraph, 12 June 2008.
APOLOGY PENNED BY DELLA BOSCA : Alexandra Smith & Andrew Clennell , Dear me: Della penned Iguanas apology , Sydney Morning
Herald, 13 June 2008.
LOCAL ALP - NOT HAPPY BELINDA : Ean Higgins , Labor official turns on Belinda Neal , The Australian, 13 June 2008.
LABOR SPINNERS PULLED THE WRONG REIN :Andrew Clennell , Iemma's stance looks laughable Sydney Morning Herald, 13 June 2008.
======================================================================================================
NSW GOVERNMENT IS LEAKING
NSW Labor is leaking with un-named sources within the party of government telling the Daily Telegraph :
"People are starting to talk about Tebbutt or Watkins again. In the context of what's going on at the
moment nothing's out of the question."
However :
Other senior figures said discussions had not yet reached the party leadership level and Mr Iemma's grip on the leadership remains
strong.
WHATEVER is the true state of play, what must be concerning to Iemma and his team of Costa, Obeid and Tripodi is that the party is leaking.
OF course Richard Torbay MP (Northern Tablelands) may say (because he doesn't apparently understand journalistic ethics) "Whose agenda is
the Daily Telegraph pushing" and hoping readers will infer that the story is a figment of the journalists imagination, just as he did when Alex Mitchell
wrote a story, a month out from the 2007 election, which quoted an un-named Independent as saying a deal would be pursued between the
Independents and Mr Iemma whereby, inter-alia Mr Torbay, would be offered the Speakership of the NSW Parliament. Of course, Mr Torbay has
himself been suspected of being an un-named source to journalists, when pursuing his own political agenda.
SOURCE :
Joe Hildebrand & Kara Lawrence , Rebel MPs planning to oust Morris Iemma , Daily Telegraph, 13 June 2004.
Editorial, Dining out on weak Iemma , Daily Telegraph, 13 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
NSW Labor is leaking with un-named sources within the party of government telling the Daily Telegraph :
"People are starting to talk about Tebbutt or Watkins again. In the context of what's going on at the
moment nothing's out of the question."
However :
Other senior figures said discussions had not yet reached the party leadership level and Mr Iemma's grip on the leadership remains
strong.
WHATEVER is the true state of play, what must be concerning to Iemma and his team of Costa, Obeid and Tripodi is that the party is leaking.
OF course Richard Torbay MP (Northern Tablelands) may say (because he doesn't apparently understand journalistic ethics) "Whose agenda is
the Daily Telegraph pushing" and hoping readers will infer that the story is a figment of the journalists imagination, just as he did when Alex Mitchell
wrote a story, a month out from the 2007 election, which quoted an un-named Independent as saying a deal would be pursued between the
Independents and Mr Iemma whereby, inter-alia Mr Torbay, would be offered the Speakership of the NSW Parliament. Of course, Mr Torbay has
himself been suspected of being an un-named source to journalists, when pursuing his own political agenda.
SOURCE :
Joe Hildebrand & Kara Lawrence , Rebel MPs planning to oust Morris Iemma , Daily Telegraph, 13 June 2004.
Editorial, Dining out on weak Iemma , Daily Telegraph, 13 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
TONY ABBOTT DIDN'T GET THE JOKE
Tony Abbott MP has a blog thingo on the Daily Telegraph website.
Beryl of Melbourne wrote on 5 June 2008 :
Tony,
Is it true that Kevin Rudd’s cat Jasper dines on premium pet food? As pensioners my Husband and I can only afford to eat the home brand.
Mr Abbott staidly replied :
I wish I could say that this is another example of regal extravagance in the Lodge but, no, I don’t have any reason to think that this is true.
I’m sure the Rudd pets have the normal “dog’s life”
OH DEAR - apparently straight over Tony's head.
===================================================================================================================
Tony Abbott MP has a blog thingo on the Daily Telegraph website.
Beryl of Melbourne wrote on 5 June 2008 :
Tony,
Is it true that Kevin Rudd’s cat Jasper dines on premium pet food? As pensioners my Husband and I can only afford to eat the home brand.
Mr Abbott staidly replied :
I wish I could say that this is another example of regal extravagance in the Lodge but, no, I don’t have any reason to think that this is true.
I’m sure the Rudd pets have the normal “dog’s life”
OH DEAR - apparently straight over Tony's head.
===================================================================================================================
PECULIAR MEDIA RELEASE
According to Harriet Alexander of the Sydney Morning Herald, staff of the University of New England issued a statement which said :
"Dr Torbay expressed serious concern about the level of misinformation, damaging and personal statements that are being made. He informed
the committee that Sir Laurence Street, QC, who has an impeccable reputation, is impartial and has a strong interest in the University of New
England, would be available to provide this advice."
I find it strange that Sir Laurence should be referred to as "Sir Laurence Street, QC", simply because it does not seem to sit right. True, he is a
Queen's Counsel, and his official title is "The Honourable Sir Laurence Street, AC, KCMG, QC", but I must say I cannot recall him being referred
to in that manner before.
To refer to Sir Laurence as a "QC" seems somehow not to adequately reflect his standing in the legal community, particularly as a former NSW
Supreme Court Justice and indeed Chief Justice.
Of course, Sir Laurence holds numerous degrees. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Sydney, and has been honoured
with numerous honorary degrees, including, Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Sydney (1984), Honorary Doctor of Laws, Macquarie University
(1989), Honorary Doctor of Economics, University of New England (1996), and Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Technology, Sydney (1998).
Mr Torbay was honoured by the University of New England in 2007 with the award of Doctor of the University (Hon.D.Univ.).
The only official announcement by the Chancellor of the award that I have been able to find is that on 3 October 2007. However, on 5 July 2007
Mr Torbay himself issued a media release announcing the degree was to be awarded to him.
There is no settled protocol for the use of the title Dr by the recipient of an honorary doctorate,and it is subject to varying views. Indeed the UNE
internal procedures provides no firm answer stating that :
Recipients of honorary degrees from the University will be entitled to wear at all occasions calling for the use of academic dress, the academic
gown depicted by their award, in addition to using the relevant letters of the award behind their title.
My own view is that an honorary doctorate does not entitle the holder to the use of the title Dr, but in internal communications within the University
that awarded it, a person can be described as "Dr X" as a short hand way of writing "X, Doctor of Y".
However others say the title is available - and it's use depends upon the personal preference of the recipient of the honorary award.
Whether, it was on the basis of the alternative view the staff of UNE described Mr Torbay as "Dr Torbay", or whether they adopt the first view, but
considered the statement an internal document for use within the University, is not known.
SOURCES :
Harriet Alexander , Former judge to advise uni on dispute , Sydney Morning Herald, 13 June 2008.
UNE to confer honour on Torbay , Northern Daily Leader, 6 July 2007
Praise Indeed, Monthly News July 2007 page 8, www.independent-nsw.com
Call for quality candidates for UNE Chancellor election , Armidale Express, 4 June 2008
Rebecca Richardson, Professors want Pettigrew to stay on as Vice-Chancellor , Armidale Express, 11 Jue 2008.
Rebecca Belt, QC to help sort out UNE dispute , Northern Daily Leader, 13 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
According to Harriet Alexander of the Sydney Morning Herald, staff of the University of New England issued a statement which said :
"Dr Torbay expressed serious concern about the level of misinformation, damaging and personal statements that are being made. He informed
the committee that Sir Laurence Street, QC, who has an impeccable reputation, is impartial and has a strong interest in the University of New
England, would be available to provide this advice."
I find it strange that Sir Laurence should be referred to as "Sir Laurence Street, QC", simply because it does not seem to sit right. True, he is a
Queen's Counsel, and his official title is "The Honourable Sir Laurence Street, AC, KCMG, QC", but I must say I cannot recall him being referred
to in that manner before.
To refer to Sir Laurence as a "QC" seems somehow not to adequately reflect his standing in the legal community, particularly as a former NSW
Supreme Court Justice and indeed Chief Justice.
Of course, Sir Laurence holds numerous degrees. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Sydney, and has been honoured
with numerous honorary degrees, including, Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Sydney (1984), Honorary Doctor of Laws, Macquarie University
(1989), Honorary Doctor of Economics, University of New England (1996), and Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Technology, Sydney (1998).
Mr Torbay was honoured by the University of New England in 2007 with the award of Doctor of the University (Hon.D.Univ.).
The only official announcement by the Chancellor of the award that I have been able to find is that on 3 October 2007. However, on 5 July 2007
Mr Torbay himself issued a media release announcing the degree was to be awarded to him.
There is no settled protocol for the use of the title Dr by the recipient of an honorary doctorate,and it is subject to varying views. Indeed the UNE
internal procedures provides no firm answer stating that :
Recipients of honorary degrees from the University will be entitled to wear at all occasions calling for the use of academic dress, the academic
gown depicted by their award, in addition to using the relevant letters of the award behind their title.
My own view is that an honorary doctorate does not entitle the holder to the use of the title Dr, but in internal communications within the University
that awarded it, a person can be described as "Dr X" as a short hand way of writing "X, Doctor of Y".
However others say the title is available - and it's use depends upon the personal preference of the recipient of the honorary award.
Whether, it was on the basis of the alternative view the staff of UNE described Mr Torbay as "Dr Torbay", or whether they adopt the first view, but
considered the statement an internal document for use within the University, is not known.
SOURCES :
Harriet Alexander , Former judge to advise uni on dispute , Sydney Morning Herald, 13 June 2008.
UNE to confer honour on Torbay , Northern Daily Leader, 6 July 2007
Praise Indeed, Monthly News July 2007 page 8, www.independent-nsw.com
Call for quality candidates for UNE Chancellor election , Armidale Express, 4 June 2008
Rebecca Richardson, Professors want Pettigrew to stay on as Vice-Chancellor , Armidale Express, 11 Jue 2008.
Rebecca Belt, QC to help sort out UNE dispute , Northern Daily Leader, 13 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
TOP COP STAYS INSIDE
Mark Standen, an Assistant Director of the NSW Crime Commission, who has been charged with conspiracy to import
a precursor to "ice", with an estimated resultant street value of a staggering $120 million, has been refused bail in the
Central Local Court at a hearing on 13 June 2008.
The homes of his brother and father were offered as surety. However, the magistrate considered the risk of "flight" too high.
It is not known whether a bail application will be made to the Supreme Court at this stage. The case has been adjourned until 6 August 2008.
The Charter of the State Crime Commission "... is to combat illegal drug trafficking, and organised and other crime, in New South Wales."
The Management Committee of the State Crime Commission is presided over by the Minister for Police, David Campbell MP (Kiera) , the NSW
Commissioner of Police, Andrew Scipione, the Chairman of the Board of the Australian Crime Commission, Max Keelty and Commissioner Philip
Bradley.
The Annual Report of the State Crime Commission for 2006-2007 says :
There has also been an increase in the availability of amphetamine precursors, often imported on a large scale. The importation and sale
of precursor chemicals can also be very profitable, without the sellers needing to become involved with the actual production of the final
illicit drug product. In many clandestine laboratories located during the year, imported precursors were being converted into
amphetamines.
SOURCES :
ABC News, Standen refused bail , ABC Radio, 13 June 2008.
NSW Crime Commission website online.
Les Kennedy , Standen may have cash stash, say police , Sydney Morning Herald, 16 June 2008.
===================================================================================================================
Mark Standen, an Assistant Director of the NSW Crime Commission, who has been charged with conspiracy to import
a precursor to "ice", with an estimated resultant street value of a staggering $120 million, has been refused bail in the
Central Local Court at a hearing on 13 June 2008.
The homes of his brother and father were offered as surety. However, the magistrate considered the risk of "flight" too high.
It is not known whether a bail application will be made to the Supreme Court at this stage. The case has been adjourned until 6 August 2008.
The Charter of the State Crime Commission "... is to combat illegal drug trafficking, and organised and other crime, in New South Wales."
The Management Committee of the State Crime Commission is presided over by the Minister for Police, David Campbell MP (Kiera) , the NSW
Commissioner of Police, Andrew Scipione, the Chairman of the Board of the Australian Crime Commission, Max Keelty and Commissioner Philip
Bradley.
The Annual Report of the State Crime Commission for 2006-2007 says :
There has also been an increase in the availability of amphetamine precursors, often imported on a large scale. The importation and sale
of precursor chemicals can also be very profitable, without the sellers needing to become involved with the actual production of the final
illicit drug product. In many clandestine laboratories located during the year, imported precursors were being converted into
amphetamines.
SOURCES :
ABC News, Standen refused bail , ABC Radio, 13 June 2008.
NSW Crime Commission website online.
Les Kennedy , Standen may have cash stash, say police , Sydney Morning Herald, 16 June 2008.
===================================================================================================================
SPECIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO CHILD PROTECTION - Extension of Reporting Date
On 5 June 2008, NSW Community Services Minister Kevin Greene, announced that the reporting date for the Special Commission of
Inquiry into Child Protection was extended to 30 September 2008.
The Inquiry was established on 7 December 2007 with a report date of 30 June 2008. However, former Justice James Wood, who was appointed as
Commissioner, requested an extension of time to complete the work.
The Commissioner has conducted further hearings at Toomelah, a village east of Boggabilla, and at Boggabilla, a township on the NSW border
with Queensland, near Goondiwindi.
Toomelah was the subject of a Report and investigation conducted by the then Justice Marcus Einfield, in the late 1980's. He had recommended
material improvements to the village, including it's water supply.
Justice James Wood, was of course the Commissioner of the Royal Commission into the New South Wales Police Service (1994-1997), which
examined systemic and entrenched corruption within NSW Police and looked into alleged pedophile activities.
IT has been claimed flamboyant and controversial Campbelltown solicitor John Marsden, left instructions that a prayer of forgiveness be said at his
funeral for those he believed had treated him unfairly, including Commissioner James Wood and Franca Arena MLC. Mr Marsden died in Turkey in
2006. In his last mobile phone message to Steven Chaytor,the then Labor MP for Macquarie Fields, Mr Marsden said: "Hi. Well, life's not that
good at the moment. Howard let us down, there's no protection of human rights and civil liberties. He just follows the leader, follows Bush all the
time. Bob Carr gave us 10 years, no infrastructure, no action, nothing. However, there is hope for Australia. Pray for Australia. Don't pray for
America, it's a waste of time. Ring me back, my mobile is on all the time. Good luck, God bless." (*)
On Channel 7 screened a story that alleged Mr Marsden was a pedophile. The then Premier of NSW, John Fahey, who was a former business
colleague of Mr Marsden believed the programme would cost his party government (**). John Fahey lost the March 1995 election to Bob Carr.. Mr
Marsden sued for defamation, and after the longest running defamation case in Australian history was awarded $584,863.88. Channel 7 appealed
and the NSW Court of Appeal ordered a re-trial on the question of the correct amount of damages. No re-trial was held as the case was settled on
'confidential terms'.The defamation case is said to have cost Channel 7 - $9 million.
SOURCES :
Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection website online .
Lack of informants hampers police in truckstop inquiries , Northern Daily Leader, 2 June 2008
ABC News, Child protection inquiry begins second hearings , ABC Radio, 11 June 2008.
ABC News, Aboriginal women live in fear, inquiry hears , ABC Radio, 11 June 2008.
ABC News, Dept 'trying to stop schoolkids abusing others' , ABC Radio, 12 June 2008.
ABC News, Children 'sexually abusing classmates' in remote NSW , ABC Radio, 12 June 2008.
Aurora Daniels, Toomelah woman says help sought for years , Northern Daily Leader, 13 June 2008.
(*) Alex Mitchell, Marsden's flamboyant funeral splits city's elite, Sun Herald, 28 May 2006. p. 7.
(**) Barrister `disgusting'; Illawarra Mercury. 7: December, 1999. p. 4.
Marsden v Amalgamated Television Services Pty Ltd [2001] NSWSC 510 [ online ]
7.30 Report , Marsden wins defamation case against Channel 7 , ABC TV, 27 June 2001.
Richard Ackland , Fibs, yes, but not enough for it to count , Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 2003.
.
On 5 June 2008, NSW Community Services Minister Kevin Greene, announced that the reporting date for the Special Commission of
Inquiry into Child Protection was extended to 30 September 2008.
The Inquiry was established on 7 December 2007 with a report date of 30 June 2008. However, former Justice James Wood, who was appointed as
Commissioner, requested an extension of time to complete the work.
The Commissioner has conducted further hearings at Toomelah, a village east of Boggabilla, and at Boggabilla, a township on the NSW border
with Queensland, near Goondiwindi.
Toomelah was the subject of a Report and investigation conducted by the then Justice Marcus Einfield, in the late 1980's. He had recommended
material improvements to the village, including it's water supply.
Justice James Wood, was of course the Commissioner of the Royal Commission into the New South Wales Police Service (1994-1997), which
examined systemic and entrenched corruption within NSW Police and looked into alleged pedophile activities.
IT has been claimed flamboyant and controversial Campbelltown solicitor John Marsden, left instructions that a prayer of forgiveness be said at his
funeral for those he believed had treated him unfairly, including Commissioner James Wood and Franca Arena MLC. Mr Marsden died in Turkey in
2006. In his last mobile phone message to Steven Chaytor,the then Labor MP for Macquarie Fields, Mr Marsden said: "Hi. Well, life's not that
good at the moment. Howard let us down, there's no protection of human rights and civil liberties. He just follows the leader, follows Bush all the
time. Bob Carr gave us 10 years, no infrastructure, no action, nothing. However, there is hope for Australia. Pray for Australia. Don't pray for
America, it's a waste of time. Ring me back, my mobile is on all the time. Good luck, God bless." (*)
On Channel 7 screened a story that alleged Mr Marsden was a pedophile. The then Premier of NSW, John Fahey, who was a former business
colleague of Mr Marsden believed the programme would cost his party government (**). John Fahey lost the March 1995 election to Bob Carr.. Mr
Marsden sued for defamation, and after the longest running defamation case in Australian history was awarded $584,863.88. Channel 7 appealed
and the NSW Court of Appeal ordered a re-trial on the question of the correct amount of damages. No re-trial was held as the case was settled on
'confidential terms'.The defamation case is said to have cost Channel 7 - $9 million.
SOURCES :
Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection website online .
Lack of informants hampers police in truckstop inquiries , Northern Daily Leader, 2 June 2008
ABC News, Child protection inquiry begins second hearings , ABC Radio, 11 June 2008.
ABC News, Aboriginal women live in fear, inquiry hears , ABC Radio, 11 June 2008.
ABC News, Dept 'trying to stop schoolkids abusing others' , ABC Radio, 12 June 2008.
ABC News, Children 'sexually abusing classmates' in remote NSW , ABC Radio, 12 June 2008.
Aurora Daniels, Toomelah woman says help sought for years , Northern Daily Leader, 13 June 2008.
(*) Alex Mitchell, Marsden's flamboyant funeral splits city's elite, Sun Herald, 28 May 2006. p. 7.
(**) Barrister `disgusting'; Illawarra Mercury. 7: December, 1999. p. 4.
Marsden v Amalgamated Television Services Pty Ltd [2001] NSWSC 510 [ online ]
7.30 Report , Marsden wins defamation case against Channel 7 , ABC TV, 27 June 2001.
Richard Ackland , Fibs, yes, but not enough for it to count , Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 2003.
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