| JUNE 2008 Pages - Page 30 |
| THIS IS PAGE 30 OF JUNE 2008 PAGES - JUNE0830 |
PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE
Up until now we have freely discussed the Iguana Joes incident, even though it had been referred to Police,
because we couldn't see it involving the criminal law - but rather it was an issue of abuse of power and
appropriate standards of behaviour.
However, with the sensational claims made by a former staffer to Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal)
it seems highly likely it will become a matter for the criminal courts to adjudicate upon, not in respect of what
happened at the restaurant, but what happened after wards. Thus the less said the better.
As always, Belinda Neal MP is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
However, we just wish to make a comment on something that happened at Iguana Joes.
The ex-staffer, Melissa Batten said that at Iguana Joes Ms Neal was "a bit more than tipsy" but not drunk (whatever "drunk" means).
Dr Judith Perl, a pharmacologist with the NSW Police Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit,says (from my recollection) a person is drunk when they
have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10, although other experts say it is higher.
Professor Graham Starmer of the University of Sydney is recognised as one of Australia's leading pharmacologists.
As a rule of thumb (and not to be relied upon for driving etc), each standard drink (middy of full strength beer, glass of wine) increases the BAC
by 0.02 (although for females it may be 0.03). The human body is only able to remove alcohol from the bloodstream at a maximum rate of 0.02
per hour. Thus if a person had 3 middies of beer in one hour, the BAC at the end of the hour would be 0.06, and if no further drinks were
consumed, at the end of the 2nd hour it would be 0.04, at the end of the 3rd hour 0.02 and at the end of the 4th hour it should be ZERO.
However, these are only rules of thumb and there may be variations at which people expel alcohol from the blood (rarely if ever at a higher rate
than 0.02, but more frequently at a slower rate).
Once I participated in a "controlled drinking binge" - testing BAC by use of a breathalyser along the way. My recollection was that up to a BAC of
0.10 I was "feeling fine", at 0.15 I felt a little affected, but at 0.20 I was well and truly "p***ed". However, others may have observed me differently,
as I may not have been conscious of my real state of sobriety.
SOURCES :
Phillip Coorey & Alexandra Smith , She made me lie , Sydney Morning Herald, 24 June 2008.
Joe Hildebrand and Alison Rehn , AFP will investigate Belinda Neal over Iguana-gate affair, Daily Telegraph, 24 June 2008.
Brad Norington and Matthew Franklin , Belinda Neal 'pressured' staffer Melissa Batten to tell lie , The Australian, 24 June 2008.
Brad Norington , Revised story at odds with Belinda Neal's accounts , The Australian, 24 June 2008.
ABC NEWS, Keelty urged to act on Neal allegations , 23 June 2008.
ABC NEWS, Ex-Neal staffer 'crumbled' over Iguanas account , 23 June 2008.
================================================================================================================
Up until now we have freely discussed the Iguana Joes incident, even though it had been referred to Police,
because we couldn't see it involving the criminal law - but rather it was an issue of abuse of power and
appropriate standards of behaviour.
However, with the sensational claims made by a former staffer to Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal)
it seems highly likely it will become a matter for the criminal courts to adjudicate upon, not in respect of what
happened at the restaurant, but what happened after wards. Thus the less said the better.
As always, Belinda Neal MP is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
However, we just wish to make a comment on something that happened at Iguana Joes.
The ex-staffer, Melissa Batten said that at Iguana Joes Ms Neal was "a bit more than tipsy" but not drunk (whatever "drunk" means).
Dr Judith Perl, a pharmacologist with the NSW Police Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit,says (from my recollection) a person is drunk when they
have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10, although other experts say it is higher.
Professor Graham Starmer of the University of Sydney is recognised as one of Australia's leading pharmacologists.
As a rule of thumb (and not to be relied upon for driving etc), each standard drink (middy of full strength beer, glass of wine) increases the BAC
by 0.02 (although for females it may be 0.03). The human body is only able to remove alcohol from the bloodstream at a maximum rate of 0.02
per hour. Thus if a person had 3 middies of beer in one hour, the BAC at the end of the hour would be 0.06, and if no further drinks were
consumed, at the end of the 2nd hour it would be 0.04, at the end of the 3rd hour 0.02 and at the end of the 4th hour it should be ZERO.
However, these are only rules of thumb and there may be variations at which people expel alcohol from the blood (rarely if ever at a higher rate
than 0.02, but more frequently at a slower rate).
Once I participated in a "controlled drinking binge" - testing BAC by use of a breathalyser along the way. My recollection was that up to a BAC of
0.10 I was "feeling fine", at 0.15 I felt a little affected, but at 0.20 I was well and truly "p***ed". However, others may have observed me differently,
as I may not have been conscious of my real state of sobriety.
SOURCES :
Phillip Coorey & Alexandra Smith , She made me lie , Sydney Morning Herald, 24 June 2008.
Joe Hildebrand and Alison Rehn , AFP will investigate Belinda Neal over Iguana-gate affair, Daily Telegraph, 24 June 2008.
Brad Norington and Matthew Franklin , Belinda Neal 'pressured' staffer Melissa Batten to tell lie , The Australian, 24 June 2008.
Brad Norington , Revised story at odds with Belinda Neal's accounts , The Australian, 24 June 2008.
ABC NEWS, Keelty urged to act on Neal allegations , 23 June 2008.
ABC NEWS, Ex-Neal staffer 'crumbled' over Iguanas account , 23 June 2008.
================================================================================================================
GARY BURNS MAKES RADIO ADVERT
We spoke earlier about the settlement Gary Burns had reached with radio 2UE. We described him as having the Terrier
like qualities of Hetty Johnston. Well, as part of the settlement with radio 2UE the station agreed to run
Bobby Goldsmith Foundation community service advertisements.
Mr Burns is now to "cut the tapes" (as apparently they say in the business) for the advertisements.
SOURCE :
Andrew Drummond , Pillow-biter gay slur by 2UE's Steve Price leads to apology , Daily Telegraph, 24 June 2008.
2UE APOLOGISES , Sydney Star Observer, 18 June 2008.
Harley Dennett , BURNS BOUNCES BACK , Sydney Star Observer, 22 May 2008.
Gary Burns - A Hetty Johnston like Terrier, JUNE 2008 PAGES page 19, www.independent-nsw.com
=================================================================================================================
We spoke earlier about the settlement Gary Burns had reached with radio 2UE. We described him as having the Terrier
like qualities of Hetty Johnston. Well, as part of the settlement with radio 2UE the station agreed to run
Bobby Goldsmith Foundation community service advertisements.
Mr Burns is now to "cut the tapes" (as apparently they say in the business) for the advertisements.
SOURCE :
Andrew Drummond , Pillow-biter gay slur by 2UE's Steve Price leads to apology , Daily Telegraph, 24 June 2008.
2UE APOLOGISES , Sydney Star Observer, 18 June 2008.
Harley Dennett , BURNS BOUNCES BACK , Sydney Star Observer, 22 May 2008.
Gary Burns - A Hetty Johnston like Terrier, JUNE 2008 PAGES page 19, www.independent-nsw.com
=================================================================================================================
LLEYTON HEWITT WINS THRU TO ROUND 2 - JUST
Lleyton Hewitt won his first round match against Robin Haase of the Netherlands in 5 sets
6(4) - 7(7), 6-3, 6-3 , 6(1) - 7(7), 6-2.
IN round 2 he meets Albert Montanes of Spain..
Lleyton won the Wimbledon Championship in 2002.
His Betfair price has reduced to $280.
==================================================================================================================
Lleyton Hewitt won his first round match against Robin Haase of the Netherlands in 5 sets
6(4) - 7(7), 6-3, 6-3 , 6(1) - 7(7), 6-2.
IN round 2 he meets Albert Montanes of Spain..
Lleyton won the Wimbledon Championship in 2002.
His Betfair price has reduced to $280.
==================================================================================================================
"ANIMAL"
Randall Nelson OAM is the President of the Kings Cross Bikers Social and Welfare Club . He is known as "Animal" and
is often to be found with his side-car motor bike parked at the "bikers spot" on Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.
A gentle man (despite his name) he received an OAM in June 2004 for his work with children, the disabled and the elderly .
He is a Vietnam veteran.
He is famous for his saying :
" When we do good, people do not remember it.
When we do bad, people do not forget it "
A bit like politicians really. Politicians are just the bikies of the ballot box.
AT least Animal recognises reality - and finds mechanisms to cope with it.
Politicians on the other hand - continue to spend millions of taxpayers money promoting the good,whilst ignoring the bad, in a spin fest of self
promotion and good news stories. They ought to take a leaf out of Animals book - recognise the reality of Animals famous quote, find
mechanisms to cope with it and save taxpayers a lot of money in the process.
Randall Nelson OAM is the President of the Kings Cross Bikers Social and Welfare Club . He is known as "Animal" and
is often to be found with his side-car motor bike parked at the "bikers spot" on Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.
A gentle man (despite his name) he received an OAM in June 2004 for his work with children, the disabled and the elderly .
He is a Vietnam veteran.
He is famous for his saying :
" When we do good, people do not remember it.
When we do bad, people do not forget it "
A bit like politicians really. Politicians are just the bikies of the ballot box.
AT least Animal recognises reality - and finds mechanisms to cope with it.
Politicians on the other hand - continue to spend millions of taxpayers money promoting the good,whilst ignoring the bad, in a spin fest of self
promotion and good news stories. They ought to take a leaf out of Animals book - recognise the reality of Animals famous quote, find
mechanisms to cope with it and save taxpayers a lot of money in the process.
| DAY 17 An Aussie woman with an equally high recognition factor takes the front page. |
| ETHICS ? - NSW LABOR SAYS 'NO' The NSW parliament on Tuesday 24 June 2008 was the day the NSW government finally came clean on it's attitude to ethics. The government , through parliamentary secretary and wannabe Minister, Steve Whan MP (Monaro) proposed the parliament discuss a motion to congratulate the government on it's campaign against an organisation which is campaigning for the ethical treatment of animals. On the other hand, alternate Premier Barry O'Farrell MP made a strong speech (arguably the best he has ever made) urging the parliament to discuss ethical conduct in government - pointing out that until the foundation stones of ethical conduct of ministers is in place - government could not achieve the things that are necessary to progress the state of NSW. The parliament chose to debate the animal treatment motion (by sheer force of weight of Labor members who supported that topic) and rejected the call to discuss ethics in government). IT was quite apparent Mr Whan had little practical knowledge of the subject of mulesing of sheep. Has he treated a fly blown sheep (caused by Lucilia cuprina ). Would he recognise a maggot (or the difference between the little white ones and the older blackish hairy ones) ? Has he used a pair of blade shears ? Has he dipped the tar-brush into a tin can with wire handle, containing the white liquid with a pervasive smell, and dabbed it on a sheep ? Has he gone home with his skin and his clothes reeking of the smell of the stuff ? It was quite apparent the government was not interested in discussing the possibility of new policies to encourage research etc to find new ways of beating fly-strike. It became blatantly obvious that this was a motion plucked out of the air - not to beat the campaign for the ethical treatment of animals - BUT to defeat a campaign for ethical behaviour by ministers. MAYBE we need to apply some flystrike solution to the NSW government - to treat some of the grubs that have infested it. SOURCES : NSW LA HANSARD , People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Campaign - Pt 1, 24 June 2008. NSW LA HANSARD , The Hon. John Della Bosca, MLC: Iguanas Waterfront Restaurant Incident , 24 June 2008. NSW LA HANSARD , People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Campaign - Pt 2, 24 June 2008. |
AS USEFUL AS A POCKET IN A SINGLET
On Tuesday 24 June 2008 Pemier Morris Iemma was asked a question in parliament about people wanting to make
submissions relating to the Rural Impact Statement into the electricity sell-off, that the government has arranged to be
prepared.
The Premier suggested that the alternate government provide a list of such people to the "people" preparing the RIS - and the
Premier assured such people would be contacted and their views taken on board.
WELL thats all very well - but what about people who want to make a submission off their own bat ?
SO we went looking for information about the RIS - who is preparing it ? where can they be contacted ? where can submissions be sent to ? are
they planning to hold meetings in rural and regional areas so people can make oral submissions and answer questions about their written
submissions ?
We went to the government's electricity sell-off website [ ONLINE ] . As at 24 June, 2008 - nothing, zero, zilch to indicate answers to the questions
above.
What is the NSW government running ? A Sunday afternoon drinks session ? For a government that says electricity is the most important issue
facing NSW and that it is passionate about proceeding with the sell off - it seems a pretty slack way to do things, if they are really interested in
community input
FOR a good article on the electricity self-off "power" intrigue - read : NSW energy privatisation: Labor rats make deal with Liberals .
The article raises another hurdle Morris Iemma must clamber over before September 2008 -
Here, it would be of great use to the campaign if the NSW ALP Administrative Committee applied the big stick to Iemma’s ministerial clique of Labor rats for
flouting party policy. That message should be made crystal clear when Iemma fronts the committee in early July.
AND -
With Iemma and Costa’s surrender to the Coalition, Unions NSW now has to refocus on the industrial and community campaign that was put on the backburner
during the last two months of lobbying ALP MPs. It is critical that planning starts now for a mass protest rally outside the NSW parliament when the September
session begins.
The Sydney Power to the People group is planning for a “Super Saturday” of suburban stalls on August 16 and a monster public meeting against the sell-off on
August 30.
SOURCE :
NSW LA HANSARD , Question :- Electricity Industry Privatisation , 24 June 2008.
NEW !!! - Now see Rural Impact Statement - June 2008 page 34
On Tuesday 24 June 2008 Pemier Morris Iemma was asked a question in parliament about people wanting to make
submissions relating to the Rural Impact Statement into the electricity sell-off, that the government has arranged to be
prepared.
The Premier suggested that the alternate government provide a list of such people to the "people" preparing the RIS - and the
Premier assured such people would be contacted and their views taken on board.
WELL thats all very well - but what about people who want to make a submission off their own bat ?
SO we went looking for information about the RIS - who is preparing it ? where can they be contacted ? where can submissions be sent to ? are
they planning to hold meetings in rural and regional areas so people can make oral submissions and answer questions about their written
submissions ?
We went to the government's electricity sell-off website [ ONLINE ] . As at 24 June, 2008 - nothing, zero, zilch to indicate answers to the questions
above.
What is the NSW government running ? A Sunday afternoon drinks session ? For a government that says electricity is the most important issue
facing NSW and that it is passionate about proceeding with the sell off - it seems a pretty slack way to do things, if they are really interested in
community input
FOR a good article on the electricity self-off "power" intrigue - read : NSW energy privatisation: Labor rats make deal with Liberals .
The article raises another hurdle Morris Iemma must clamber over before September 2008 -
Here, it would be of great use to the campaign if the NSW ALP Administrative Committee applied the big stick to Iemma’s ministerial clique of Labor rats for
flouting party policy. That message should be made crystal clear when Iemma fronts the committee in early July.
AND -
With Iemma and Costa’s surrender to the Coalition, Unions NSW now has to refocus on the industrial and community campaign that was put on the backburner
during the last two months of lobbying ALP MPs. It is critical that planning starts now for a mass protest rally outside the NSW parliament when the September
session begins.
The Sydney Power to the People group is planning for a “Super Saturday” of suburban stalls on August 16 and a monster public meeting against the sell-off on
August 30.
SOURCE :
NSW LA HANSARD , Question :- Electricity Industry Privatisation , 24 June 2008.
NEW !!! - Now see Rural Impact Statement - June 2008 page 34
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TAMWORTH SCHOOL TO COMMENCE IN THE SPRING
According to the Northern Daily Leader a new Bullimbal School is set to be built in the grounds of Tamworth High School, with construction
expected to begin in the Spring.
A development application has been submitted to Tamworth Regional Council.
Local MP, Peter Draper, is reported to be delighted with the progress.
SOURCE :
Simon Chamberlain, Plans in hand for all new Bullimbal School , Northern Daily Leader, 24 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
According to the Northern Daily Leader a new Bullimbal School is set to be built in the grounds of Tamworth High School, with construction
expected to begin in the Spring.
A development application has been submitted to Tamworth Regional Council.
Local MP, Peter Draper, is reported to be delighted with the progress.
SOURCE :
Simon Chamberlain, Plans in hand for all new Bullimbal School , Northern Daily Leader, 24 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
BARRABA WATER "OFF-LINE"
Former Mayor of Barraba (and "corner" (in the middle of the block) store proprietor) and now Councillor of Tamworth Regional Council Shirley
Close, is reported to be upset that TRC has rejected plans to build a $15million pipe-line from Split-Rock Dam to secure the town's water supply.
The pipeline was estimated to cost $3.36 million in 1994 and about $6.6million in 2005.
The town had been suffering a decline until an asbestos mine opened at nearby Woodsreef. IT then enjoyed a resurgence but the asbestos
mine has closed.
Local MP, Peter Draper believes the town has the potential to become a boom town. However he says “If the council does not supply decent
water, they condemn the community to no future prospects” .
According to the Northern Daily Leader :
Barraba Community Development Committee president Bill McKid was “absolutely furious” with the recommendation and said, “no
small town in Australia that close to a dam (like Split Rock) should be without water”.
SOURCE:
Simon Chamberlain, High and dry: No to Barraba pipeline , Northern Daily Leader, 24 June 2008.
Don't say no to a Barraba pipeline: MP , Northern Daily Leader, 26 June 2008.
NSW LA HANSARD , Barraba Water Supply , 25 June 2008.
Simon Chamberlain, Barraba puts up a fight for its water , Northern Daily Leader, 27 June 2008.
ABC NEWS, Tamworth council backs water pipeline plan , 27 June 2007.
Former Mayor of Barraba (and "corner" (in the middle of the block) store proprietor) and now Councillor of Tamworth Regional Council Shirley
Close, is reported to be upset that TRC has rejected plans to build a $15million pipe-line from Split-Rock Dam to secure the town's water supply.
The pipeline was estimated to cost $3.36 million in 1994 and about $6.6million in 2005.
The town had been suffering a decline until an asbestos mine opened at nearby Woodsreef. IT then enjoyed a resurgence but the asbestos
mine has closed.
Local MP, Peter Draper believes the town has the potential to become a boom town. However he says “If the council does not supply decent
water, they condemn the community to no future prospects” .
According to the Northern Daily Leader :
Barraba Community Development Committee president Bill McKid was “absolutely furious” with the recommendation and said, “no
small town in Australia that close to a dam (like Split Rock) should be without water”.
SOURCE:
Simon Chamberlain, High and dry: No to Barraba pipeline , Northern Daily Leader, 24 June 2008.
Don't say no to a Barraba pipeline: MP , Northern Daily Leader, 26 June 2008.
NSW LA HANSARD , Barraba Water Supply , 25 June 2008.
Simon Chamberlain, Barraba puts up a fight for its water , Northern Daily Leader, 27 June 2008.
ABC NEWS, Tamworth council backs water pipeline plan , 27 June 2007.
| DAY 18 Replaced by a dead woman and a dead man still walking. |
| DAY 19 Replaced by a memorial to a much admired lady. |
| DAY 20 Neglected kids snatch the front page |
| JUNE 08 PAGE.... 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ,16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , |
| DAY 21 28/06/08 Pushed off the front page by neglected kids again. |
