| JUNE 2008 Pages - Page 20 |
| THIS IS PAGE 20 OF JUNE 2008 PAGES - JUNE0820 |
IEMMA's F***ED
It doesn't matter from which angle you slice it and dice it, Premier Morris Iemma is f***ed.
According to Adam Walters, the Channel 9 political reporter :
..(he) placed himself in the line of heavy sniper fire.
There's not just one gunman in a tree taking aim at Iemma. The sharp shooters are everywhere — to the Left,
in his own Right, Labor's Sussex Street blockhouse, the ranks of the Prime Minister's closest advisers,
the Unions NSW bunker, the Government's backbench, activists embedded within the media, and of course the Opposition.
16 June 2008.
AND by washing his hands of the electricity sell-off and putting it in the sole lap of Michael Costa - he has just made himself look ridiculous.
FURTHER his belated standing down of John Della Bosca - has left him looking like a bumbling imbecile.
Our "people meter" Chris - reckons it was unfair (although he has a
different view of Ms Neal).
IT seems Morris Iemma enjoys being "done slowly".
12 months ago we said Iemma was a captive of the Terrigals, and had failed
to get himself lieutenants in all sections of his party. One unprincipled
decision to satisfy the greed of the Terrigals might be forgiven, but he has
piled one such decision upon another. By surrounding himself with
sycophants seeking self promotion, he has not received frank and fearless
advice. Strangely,these same people are now prepared to leave Iemma
standing like a shag on a rock.
IF Iemma truly believes in the Labor Party (and assuming he has not just
used it as a vehicle for his own purposes) he will cut and run - resign -
before parliament resumes in September 2008, and give his replacement (whoever that might be) sufficient time to establish his/her credentials to
lead Labor to victory in 2011. The new leader needs a long period of time because of the amount of damage Iemma has inflicted to date, and to
prevent further damage being done. The new leader does not need a bigger mess to clean up. The bottom line is the new leader could not do a
worse job than Iemma.
see :
ABC News , Iemma's power deal exposes 'weak leadership' , ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
ABC News, Power privatisation timetable on track: Costa , ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
ABC News, NSW Opposition cagey over power sell-off ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
Alex Mitchell, The Beginning of the End , New Matilda , 16 June 2008. (an excellent analysis).
=================================================================================================================
It doesn't matter from which angle you slice it and dice it, Premier Morris Iemma is f***ed.
According to Adam Walters, the Channel 9 political reporter :
..(he) placed himself in the line of heavy sniper fire.
There's not just one gunman in a tree taking aim at Iemma. The sharp shooters are everywhere — to the Left,
in his own Right, Labor's Sussex Street blockhouse, the ranks of the Prime Minister's closest advisers,
the Unions NSW bunker, the Government's backbench, activists embedded within the media, and of course the Opposition.
16 June 2008.
AND by washing his hands of the electricity sell-off and putting it in the sole lap of Michael Costa - he has just made himself look ridiculous.
FURTHER his belated standing down of John Della Bosca - has left him looking like a bumbling imbecile.
Our "people meter" Chris - reckons it was unfair (although he has a
different view of Ms Neal).
IT seems Morris Iemma enjoys being "done slowly".
12 months ago we said Iemma was a captive of the Terrigals, and had failed
to get himself lieutenants in all sections of his party. One unprincipled
decision to satisfy the greed of the Terrigals might be forgiven, but he has
piled one such decision upon another. By surrounding himself with
sycophants seeking self promotion, he has not received frank and fearless
advice. Strangely,these same people are now prepared to leave Iemma
standing like a shag on a rock.
IF Iemma truly believes in the Labor Party (and assuming he has not just
used it as a vehicle for his own purposes) he will cut and run - resign -
before parliament resumes in September 2008, and give his replacement (whoever that might be) sufficient time to establish his/her credentials to
lead Labor to victory in 2011. The new leader needs a long period of time because of the amount of damage Iemma has inflicted to date, and to
prevent further damage being done. The new leader does not need a bigger mess to clean up. The bottom line is the new leader could not do a
worse job than Iemma.
see :
ABC News , Iemma's power deal exposes 'weak leadership' , ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
ABC News, Power privatisation timetable on track: Costa , ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
ABC News, NSW Opposition cagey over power sell-off ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
Alex Mitchell, The Beginning of the End , New Matilda , 16 June 2008. (an excellent analysis).
=================================================================================================================
THE SWAYING OF THE RUSHES :
We spoke last year about the movement of public opinion from one side to another - like the swaying of
the rushes in a changing wind.
After 8 days on the front pages of the newspapers, the rushes may be starting to move in the direction
of an upright position for Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal).
This is seen in the articles by Annabel Crabb, No tantrums, no kicks: Ms Demure leaves her seat quietly ,
Sydney Morning Herald, 17 June 2008 and The Australian's - Cool it on iguanas , 16 June 2008.
However, it would seem almost impossible for the rushes to sway to the other side of the vertical - to the
"quiet, shy and attractive" schoolgirl of Tracey Prisk's - MP Neal’s Orange cricket days , Central Western Daily, 15 June 2008.
The old saying "no pain, no gain" seems highly relevant. Ms Neal has gone from being a virtual unknown in her electorate (Do you know who I
am ?), to a household name throughout Australia.
Whether a reputation as a witch (your child will be a demon), a practitioner of voodoo (photos in the freezer), a head-kicker (soccer field incident),
a serial husband abuser (neighbours setting up deck-chairs to settle in for a night's entertainment), a foul-mouthed trooper (too many incidents
to single any out), an abuser of power (I'll get the police to close you down) and a threat to worker's livelihoods (sack him) will enhance her
standing at the ballot box, is a decision for the good people of Robertson on the central coast of NSW.
see : ABC NEWS, Neal 'will lose preselection over Iguanas scandal' , Abc Radio, 16 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
We spoke last year about the movement of public opinion from one side to another - like the swaying of
the rushes in a changing wind.
After 8 days on the front pages of the newspapers, the rushes may be starting to move in the direction
of an upright position for Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal).
This is seen in the articles by Annabel Crabb, No tantrums, no kicks: Ms Demure leaves her seat quietly ,
Sydney Morning Herald, 17 June 2008 and The Australian's - Cool it on iguanas , 16 June 2008.
However, it would seem almost impossible for the rushes to sway to the other side of the vertical - to the
"quiet, shy and attractive" schoolgirl of Tracey Prisk's - MP Neal’s Orange cricket days , Central Western Daily, 15 June 2008.
The old saying "no pain, no gain" seems highly relevant. Ms Neal has gone from being a virtual unknown in her electorate (Do you know who I
am ?), to a household name throughout Australia.
Whether a reputation as a witch (your child will be a demon), a practitioner of voodoo (photos in the freezer), a head-kicker (soccer field incident),
a serial husband abuser (neighbours setting up deck-chairs to settle in for a night's entertainment), a foul-mouthed trooper (too many incidents
to single any out), an abuser of power (I'll get the police to close you down) and a threat to worker's livelihoods (sack him) will enhance her
standing at the ballot box, is a decision for the good people of Robertson on the central coast of NSW.
see : ABC NEWS, Neal 'will lose preselection over Iguanas scandal' , Abc Radio, 16 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
WACKA "GOES OFF"
Soon (1 July 2008) to be NSW Senator John Williams (known as "Wacka" to distinguish him from
John Williams MP (Murray Darling)) has no sooner announced the setting up of an office in the
north-western town of Inverell, than he has come out of the starting gates with a front page splash.
He doesn't give a rats about a forth-coming report which considers whether the Liberals
and Nationals should enter a marriage of convenience.
He told the Inverell Times :
“It is a federal report and I won’t have anything to do with it. I think this issue is dead and
buried. Now the Liberals need to get on with doing their job and we need to get on with
doing ours.
At the last (March 2007) .....state elections the Nationals have gained more seats compared
with the Independents who have lost a third of theirs...."
SO it looks like a case of sit down, buckle up and hold on for the ride as the "wrath of the north"
wings into Canberra.
How long the flight will last before Wacka faces the electors again is unknown, PM Rudd is
"itching" for a double dissolution and it might be sooner than anyone thinks.
SOURCE :
Amy Slessor, Amalgamation plan rejected , Inverell Times, 17 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
Soon (1 July 2008) to be NSW Senator John Williams (known as "Wacka" to distinguish him from
John Williams MP (Murray Darling)) has no sooner announced the setting up of an office in the
north-western town of Inverell, than he has come out of the starting gates with a front page splash.
He doesn't give a rats about a forth-coming report which considers whether the Liberals
and Nationals should enter a marriage of convenience.
He told the Inverell Times :
“It is a federal report and I won’t have anything to do with it. I think this issue is dead and
buried. Now the Liberals need to get on with doing their job and we need to get on with
doing ours.
At the last (March 2007) .....state elections the Nationals have gained more seats compared
with the Independents who have lost a third of theirs...."
SO it looks like a case of sit down, buckle up and hold on for the ride as the "wrath of the north"
wings into Canberra.
How long the flight will last before Wacka faces the electors again is unknown, PM Rudd is
"itching" for a double dissolution and it might be sooner than anyone thinks.
SOURCE :
Amy Slessor, Amalgamation plan rejected , Inverell Times, 17 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
IEMMA & COSTA - YOU HAVE BEEN SET UP !!!
What fools they really are !!!
Do they really think that whatever the Auditor-General's report says - the alternate government won't
find something in it to justify blocking Iemma's and Costa's sell-off plans ?
WHAT about the other 4 conditions set by the alternate government ?
We haven't heard about Morris Iemma ordering a Rural Impact Statement to be prepared and presented to the parliament in September 2008.
IT seems the Lights are Going Out on Morris Iemma's premiership.
=================================================================================================================
What fools they really are !!!
Do they really think that whatever the Auditor-General's report says - the alternate government won't
find something in it to justify blocking Iemma's and Costa's sell-off plans ?
WHAT about the other 4 conditions set by the alternate government ?
We haven't heard about Morris Iemma ordering a Rural Impact Statement to be prepared and presented to the parliament in September 2008.
IT seems the Lights are Going Out on Morris Iemma's premiership.
=================================================================================================================
ANOTHER LABOR FLIP-FLOP
Under the leadership of Premier Morris Iemma NSW Labor doesn't know where it has come from or where it is going.
In another flip-flop it has ordered that a booklet on drugs be withdrawn from schools.
DON'T worry there won't be any minister taking responsibility for the stuff up.
Some public servant will be disciplined or sacked - in normal NSW Labor style.
SOURCES :
NSW News, NSW dept ordered to review school drug leaflet , ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
Under the leadership of Premier Morris Iemma NSW Labor doesn't know where it has come from or where it is going.
In another flip-flop it has ordered that a booklet on drugs be withdrawn from schools.
DON'T worry there won't be any minister taking responsibility for the stuff up.
Some public servant will be disciplined or sacked - in normal NSW Labor style.
SOURCES :
NSW News, NSW dept ordered to review school drug leaflet , ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
FULL COUNCIL SORTS OUT TERMS OF REFERENCE 'BUN-FIGHT'
The Council of the University of New England has sorted out the terms of reference "bun-fight", which had
erupted following a Standing Committee meeting which had drafted the original terms of reference, in order to sort out
the bun-fight between the University's Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor.
The resolution passed by the UNE Council at it's 16 June 2008 meeting was ;
The UNE Council appoint Sir Laurence Street QC to:
1. Provide a clear determination of the roles of the chancellor and vice-chancellor, both specifically under the current circumstances and in
general;
2. Establish a performance appraisal framework for the vice-chancellor for the future; and
3. Provide an independent performance appraisal of the vice-chancellor now.
We are not sure why the 3rd section was worded as it was . Did they expect Sir Laurence would provide a "biased performance appraisal", unless
the word "independent" was inserted in the resolution ?
IT was this 3rd section that was the disputed item of the terms of reference.
Standing Committee member Professor Magner said:
"I would have protested vehemently against (Sir Laurence advising on Professor Pettigrew's performance appraisal) if it had been proposed.
"It was not proposed. I might have lost but I would have been heard. "
As it turned out she lost in the full council anyway. The 3rd section was carried by a "clear majority".
SOURCES :
Rebecca Belt, Leadership crisis: QC to sort dispute , Northern Daily Leader, 17 June 2008.
Bernard Lane , Division over UNE mediator appointment , The Australian, 13 June 2008.
Harriet Alexander , Former judge to advise uni on dispute , Sydney Morning Herald, 13 June 2008.
ABC News, Committee to search for new UNE chancellor , ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
Rebecca Richardson, Tensions ease on the hill , Armidale Express, 18 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
The Council of the University of New England has sorted out the terms of reference "bun-fight", which had
erupted following a Standing Committee meeting which had drafted the original terms of reference, in order to sort out
the bun-fight between the University's Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor.
The resolution passed by the UNE Council at it's 16 June 2008 meeting was ;
The UNE Council appoint Sir Laurence Street QC to:
1. Provide a clear determination of the roles of the chancellor and vice-chancellor, both specifically under the current circumstances and in
general;
2. Establish a performance appraisal framework for the vice-chancellor for the future; and
3. Provide an independent performance appraisal of the vice-chancellor now.
We are not sure why the 3rd section was worded as it was . Did they expect Sir Laurence would provide a "biased performance appraisal", unless
the word "independent" was inserted in the resolution ?
IT was this 3rd section that was the disputed item of the terms of reference.
Standing Committee member Professor Magner said:
"I would have protested vehemently against (Sir Laurence advising on Professor Pettigrew's performance appraisal) if it had been proposed.
"It was not proposed. I might have lost but I would have been heard. "
As it turned out she lost in the full council anyway. The 3rd section was carried by a "clear majority".
SOURCES :
Rebecca Belt, Leadership crisis: QC to sort dispute , Northern Daily Leader, 17 June 2008.
Bernard Lane , Division over UNE mediator appointment , The Australian, 13 June 2008.
Harriet Alexander , Former judge to advise uni on dispute , Sydney Morning Herald, 13 June 2008.
ABC News, Committee to search for new UNE chancellor , ABC Radio, 17 June 2008.
Rebecca Richardson, Tensions ease on the hill , Armidale Express, 18 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
IEMMA HAS 1 VOTE IN LEADERSHIP BALLOT
Even though Gerard Martin MP (Bathurst) represents a power electorate and says he will cross the floor to vote against
Morris Iemma's electricity sell-off, he told the Western Advocate he will vote for Morris Iemma in a leadership ballot.
IT is difficult to understand Mr Martin's thought process.
First, he has no hope of becoming a Minister. There are far too many apprentice Terrigals, in front of him in the line
for ministerial appointments.
Second, it is unlikely Mr Martin will contest the 2011 election (he will most likely go out to pasture at that election). So possibly he doesn't care
what happens to NSW Labor. By supporting Iemma, he is ensuring Labor's defeat in 2011.
Third, by keeping Iemma in the Premier's chair he is ensuring the electricity sell-off debate doesn't go away and is keeping in place a dithering
leader - who rules by patronage not principle.
ANYWAY - I am sure Mr Martin has some reason for supporting Iemma - but it is difficult to fathom out what it is.
He told the newspaper "I’ve got a good relationship with the premier" - but that isn't a satisfactory explanation. Mr Martin probably has a good
relationship with his dog too - but does he want his pooch to be premier ?
SOURCE :
Miriam Siers, Martin happy to keep Iemma in the top job , Western Advocate, 17 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
Even though Gerard Martin MP (Bathurst) represents a power electorate and says he will cross the floor to vote against
Morris Iemma's electricity sell-off, he told the Western Advocate he will vote for Morris Iemma in a leadership ballot.
IT is difficult to understand Mr Martin's thought process.
First, he has no hope of becoming a Minister. There are far too many apprentice Terrigals, in front of him in the line
for ministerial appointments.
Second, it is unlikely Mr Martin will contest the 2011 election (he will most likely go out to pasture at that election). So possibly he doesn't care
what happens to NSW Labor. By supporting Iemma, he is ensuring Labor's defeat in 2011.
Third, by keeping Iemma in the Premier's chair he is ensuring the electricity sell-off debate doesn't go away and is keeping in place a dithering
leader - who rules by patronage not principle.
ANYWAY - I am sure Mr Martin has some reason for supporting Iemma - but it is difficult to fathom out what it is.
He told the newspaper "I’ve got a good relationship with the premier" - but that isn't a satisfactory explanation. Mr Martin probably has a good
relationship with his dog too - but does he want his pooch to be premier ?
SOURCE :
Miriam Siers, Martin happy to keep Iemma in the top job , Western Advocate, 17 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
TRUNKEY CREEK DONUTS
A man who did "donuts", with a blood alcohol reading of 0.075, in a 4WD at
a camping ground near Trunkey Creek about 6pm on 14 April 2008 had the
charge against him dismissed , under the provisions of
section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 ,
in Bathurst Local Court.
The man's legal counsel sought an outright dismissal, rather than a conditional
dismissal , because the man's religious beliefs prevented him entering into a bond
with anyone other than persons he takes holy communion with.
The man is a member of the Exclusive Brethren sect.
SOURCES :
Bond doesn’t match beliefs , Western Advocate, 17 June 2008.
Trunkey Creek,MAY 2008 PAGES page 6, www.independent-nsw.com.
=====================================6============================================================================
A man who did "donuts", with a blood alcohol reading of 0.075, in a 4WD at
a camping ground near Trunkey Creek about 6pm on 14 April 2008 had the
charge against him dismissed , under the provisions of
section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 ,
in Bathurst Local Court.
The man's legal counsel sought an outright dismissal, rather than a conditional
dismissal , because the man's religious beliefs prevented him entering into a bond
with anyone other than persons he takes holy communion with.
The man is a member of the Exclusive Brethren sect.
SOURCES :
Bond doesn’t match beliefs , Western Advocate, 17 June 2008.
Trunkey Creek,MAY 2008 PAGES page 6, www.independent-nsw.com.
=====================================6============================================================================
BITS & PIECES
100 years of Masonary at Cessnock : Cessnock Masons celebrate 100 years ,Cessnock Advertiser , 11 June 2008.
Hard times - more Illawarra Hotels on market : Alex Arnold, More Illawarra hotels hit the market , Illawarra Mercury, 17 June 2008.
AK4 and Owen Gun stolen : Jodie Minus , Thieves steal RSL club guns , Illawarra Mercury, 17 June 2008.
Orange Council candidates : Bevan Shields, Power leading the charge for council , Central Western Daily, 17 June 2008.
100 years of Masonary at Cessnock : Cessnock Masons celebrate 100 years ,Cessnock Advertiser , 11 June 2008.
Hard times - more Illawarra Hotels on market : Alex Arnold, More Illawarra hotels hit the market , Illawarra Mercury, 17 June 2008.
AK4 and Owen Gun stolen : Jodie Minus , Thieves steal RSL club guns , Illawarra Mercury, 17 June 2008.
Orange Council candidates : Bevan Shields, Power leading the charge for council , Central Western Daily, 17 June 2008.
NSW LABOR IS ROTTEN TO THE CORE
IT is hard not to feel pity for Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal).
AFTER all,she was brought up in Labor's school of 'whatever it takes'. She followed the moral code .
YOU can hardly blame her doing that. She is the bunny, the one to be found out.
BUT as usual, NSW Labor will hang her out to dry (now that she has been found out).
WHILE the media were following leads on Ms Neal's behaviour, many of which were provided by Labor
sources, the cover-up of statutory declarations was taking place. How much did the Premier's office
know about the preparation of statutory declarations ? How thorough was it in ensuring
stat decs were made by all people present ?
WHAT was the extent of the Premier's office knowledge of the number of stat decs ?
NO doubt Belinda Neal will be hung out to dry - merely for following the 'moral code'.
The ruling faction of NSW Labor "smells" as if it is rotten to the core .
IT makes one feel ill on the stomach. HOW far has the code of the "whatever it takes" infested the whole of the NSW Labor Party ? How far does
it's tentacles reach into our democratic institutions ?
HOW many incidences of 'what ever it takes' behaviour remain undiscovered ?
HOW many incidences are waiting to be uncovered ?
Once again we see pressure placed upon workers by this culture. Just like Gillian Sneddon, who suffered from stress caused by the conflict
between what she knew was 'right' and what she was required to do, a staffer to Ms Neal has resigned.
IT is not whether the information contained in the stat decs kept secret would have or do make a difference. WHAT is appalling is that they were
with-held.
SOURCE :
Dylan Welch, Alexandra Smith & Andrew Clennell , Iguanas witness cover-up , Sydney Morning Herald, 18 June 2008.
Brooke Newstead & Joe Hildebrand , Belinda Neal's electoral officer Melissa Batten quits , Daily Telegraphs, 18 June 2008.
Phillip Coorey , Neal sent to committee for demon child taunt , Sydney Morning Herald, 18 June 2008.
ABC NEWS, Behave well or face consequences, Smith says , ABC Radio, 18 June 2008.
Michelle Grattan & Annabel Stafford , Neal silent over diners' statements , Age , 18 June 2008.
IT is hard not to feel pity for Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal).
AFTER all,she was brought up in Labor's school of 'whatever it takes'. She followed the moral code .
YOU can hardly blame her doing that. She is the bunny, the one to be found out.
BUT as usual, NSW Labor will hang her out to dry (now that she has been found out).
WHILE the media were following leads on Ms Neal's behaviour, many of which were provided by Labor
sources, the cover-up of statutory declarations was taking place. How much did the Premier's office
know about the preparation of statutory declarations ? How thorough was it in ensuring
stat decs were made by all people present ?
WHAT was the extent of the Premier's office knowledge of the number of stat decs ?
NO doubt Belinda Neal will be hung out to dry - merely for following the 'moral code'.
The ruling faction of NSW Labor "smells" as if it is rotten to the core .
IT makes one feel ill on the stomach. HOW far has the code of the "whatever it takes" infested the whole of the NSW Labor Party ? How far does
it's tentacles reach into our democratic institutions ?
HOW many incidences of 'what ever it takes' behaviour remain undiscovered ?
HOW many incidences are waiting to be uncovered ?
Once again we see pressure placed upon workers by this culture. Just like Gillian Sneddon, who suffered from stress caused by the conflict
between what she knew was 'right' and what she was required to do, a staffer to Ms Neal has resigned.
IT is not whether the information contained in the stat decs kept secret would have or do make a difference. WHAT is appalling is that they were
with-held.
SOURCE :
Dylan Welch, Alexandra Smith & Andrew Clennell , Iguanas witness cover-up , Sydney Morning Herald, 18 June 2008.
Brooke Newstead & Joe Hildebrand , Belinda Neal's electoral officer Melissa Batten quits , Daily Telegraphs, 18 June 2008.
Phillip Coorey , Neal sent to committee for demon child taunt , Sydney Morning Herald, 18 June 2008.
ABC NEWS, Behave well or face consequences, Smith says , ABC Radio, 18 June 2008.
Michelle Grattan & Annabel Stafford , Neal silent over diners' statements , Age , 18 June 2008.
