| MONTHLY NEWS - December 2007 |
| THIS IS PAGE 12 OF DECEMBER 2007 MONTHLY NEWS - MonNewsDEC12 |
TRUE TO FORM
MIKE KAISER was true to form. On Thursday night, the Herald rang Morris Iemma's
controversial right-hand man and chief of staff to ask if the rumour he was going back
to Queensland was true.
"No," he said.
So there were no plans at any time in the future to return to Queensland? "No," he said.
At the time of the call, Mr Kaiser was in Brisbane on his way to meet Queensland's Premier,
Anna Bligh, to seal the deal to be her chief of staff.
Yesterday, he offered the Herald an apology and a chat, provided he was not asked about
issues such as Betfair. The Herald asked him anyway, but Mr Kaiser said he was "not going there".
In other news of Labor's machine staffers ;
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell and Phillip Coorey, Kaiser admits he is going, but 'not going there', Sydney Morning Herald, 8 December 2007 p. [ online ]
MIKE KAISER was true to form. On Thursday night, the Herald rang Morris Iemma's
controversial right-hand man and chief of staff to ask if the rumour he was going back
to Queensland was true.
"No," he said.
So there were no plans at any time in the future to return to Queensland? "No," he said.
At the time of the call, Mr Kaiser was in Brisbane on his way to meet Queensland's Premier,
Anna Bligh, to seal the deal to be her chief of staff.
Yesterday, he offered the Herald an apology and a chat, provided he was not asked about
issues such as Betfair. The Herald asked him anyway, but Mr Kaiser said he was "not going there".
In other news of Labor's machine staffers ;
- Mr Kaiser said he had received an offer from Kevin Rudd to go to Canberra, but instead he wanted to go to Queensland (was Kevin
Rudd drunk when he made that offer ?) - Walt Secord, Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd's communications director for 12 months,will now become chief of staff to federal minister
Justine Elliott. - It is rumoured that Josh Murray, at one time Chief of Staff to John Watkins, is being prepared to once again serve Mr Watkins from his
new position as Chief of Staff to the Premier.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell and Phillip Coorey, Kaiser admits he is going, but 'not going there', Sydney Morning Herald, 8 December 2007 p. [ online ]
BACK ROOM DEALING DELAYS HOLIDAYS
The NSW government cancelled the parliamentary sittings for the week commencing 11 December 2007.
However Labor MP's are being recalled to parliament for a caucus meeting on Monday 10 December 2007.
Apparently, after a series of behind closed door back-room deals - a way of moving forward the sell off of
NSW's electricity assets has been achieved.
This has meant that Deputy Premier, and Left member, John Watkins has had to delay his departure
(originally scheduled for Friday 7 December 2007) until after Monday's meeting, for his "taxpayer-funded trip
with his wife to Rome, Paris and London".
The back-room dealing apparently has involved "Minister for Industrial Relations, John Della Bosca; the Minister
for Energy, Ian Macdonald; the secretary of Unions NSW, John Robertson; and Labor's state secretary, Karl Bitar."
Mr Robertson said on Friday 7 December 2007 : "We're not close to a deal with the Government. No decisions were taken today at admin
committee as no proposal was put on the table."
SO it will be interesting to see if a result is achieved on Monday 10 December 2007 - or whether everyone's holiday plans have been thrown
into turmoil for nought.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell and Brian Robins, Iemma moves closer to power sale, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 December 2007, p. [ online ]
The NSW government cancelled the parliamentary sittings for the week commencing 11 December 2007.
However Labor MP's are being recalled to parliament for a caucus meeting on Monday 10 December 2007.
Apparently, after a series of behind closed door back-room deals - a way of moving forward the sell off of
NSW's electricity assets has been achieved.
This has meant that Deputy Premier, and Left member, John Watkins has had to delay his departure
(originally scheduled for Friday 7 December 2007) until after Monday's meeting, for his "taxpayer-funded trip
with his wife to Rome, Paris and London".
The back-room dealing apparently has involved "Minister for Industrial Relations, John Della Bosca; the Minister
for Energy, Ian Macdonald; the secretary of Unions NSW, John Robertson; and Labor's state secretary, Karl Bitar."
Mr Robertson said on Friday 7 December 2007 : "We're not close to a deal with the Government. No decisions were taken today at admin
committee as no proposal was put on the table."
SO it will be interesting to see if a result is achieved on Monday 10 December 2007 - or whether everyone's holiday plans have been thrown
into turmoil for nought.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell and Brian Robins, Iemma moves closer to power sale, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 December 2007, p. [ online ]
WHO IS SETTING UP WHO - AND WITH WHAT ???
Joe Hildebrand at the Daily Telegraph has a completely different spin on Monday's caucus meeting to the
Sydney Morning Herald.
His thesis is :
never be Premier." according to an un-named senior NSW government minister.
We highly doubt the story about Carmel Tebbutt being recruited to replace John Watkins. We think it's just a "story put out" to spook John
Watkins, who is opposed to a sell-off. Her husband is a federal minister. She has her child to look after. She got caught out telling a "porky"
during the 2007 election campaign ( see Questions about Carmel Tebbutt , News page 10 , www.independent-nsw.com [ HERE ])
The Left faction tends to put principle before personal ambition. On the other hand, the Terrigals faction is built upon the promotion of
personal ambition, and principle is a stranger to the Terrigals faction meetings. If principle ever attended such a meeting, it has been
suggested principle was then so abused he/she refuses to attend again.
We would have thought that the Terrigals would win any caucus ballot - by weight of numbers.
We were surprised when Thursday' s caucus discussion on the electricity sell-off was cancelled. When that happened, we thought it would be
put back on the agenda in February 2008 when parliament sits, and caucus will be together again. We can't help but get the feeling that,
whilst Mr Iemma portrays himself as 'family friendly', his decision to call back caucus from holidays, particularly when Mr Watkins had booked
tickets to go overseas on the Friday, so soon after the abandoned meeting, indicates that deep down he is a nasty and spiteful bit of gear.
SOURCE :
Joe Hildebrand, Iemma's power showdown, Daily Telegraph, 8 December 2007, p. [ online ]
Joe Hildebrand at the Daily Telegraph has a completely different spin on Monday's caucus meeting to the
Sydney Morning Herald.
His thesis is :
- NSW Labor Party president and left-wing electrical trade union boss Bernie Reardon and Mr Iemma are
- "Bernie's campaign is not about electricity, it is about Morris. The politics is . . . they want to get rid of Morris
never be Premier." according to an un-named senior NSW government minister.
- A factional deal is being sewn between leading left and right-wing powerbrokers to roll Deputy Premier John Watkins and bring former
education minister Carmel Tebbutt back to the ministry to replace him. - The proposal Mr Iemma will take to his caucus will be for the sale of the retail sector of the power business - estimated to be worth $3
billion. Sale of generating assets is off the agenda. - In a bid to show strength, Mr Iemma will on Monday force a mandate from his MPs which he will then use to stare down the unions and
push ahead with the sale.He is likely to get the power sale deal through caucus with the help of his majority right faction.
We highly doubt the story about Carmel Tebbutt being recruited to replace John Watkins. We think it's just a "story put out" to spook John
Watkins, who is opposed to a sell-off. Her husband is a federal minister. She has her child to look after. She got caught out telling a "porky"
during the 2007 election campaign ( see Questions about Carmel Tebbutt , News page 10 , www.independent-nsw.com [ HERE ])
The Left faction tends to put principle before personal ambition. On the other hand, the Terrigals faction is built upon the promotion of
personal ambition, and principle is a stranger to the Terrigals faction meetings. If principle ever attended such a meeting, it has been
suggested principle was then so abused he/she refuses to attend again.
We would have thought that the Terrigals would win any caucus ballot - by weight of numbers.
We were surprised when Thursday' s caucus discussion on the electricity sell-off was cancelled. When that happened, we thought it would be
put back on the agenda in February 2008 when parliament sits, and caucus will be together again. We can't help but get the feeling that,
whilst Mr Iemma portrays himself as 'family friendly', his decision to call back caucus from holidays, particularly when Mr Watkins had booked
tickets to go overseas on the Friday, so soon after the abandoned meeting, indicates that deep down he is a nasty and spiteful bit of gear.
SOURCE :
Joe Hildebrand, Iemma's power showdown, Daily Telegraph, 8 December 2007, p. [ online ]
CFMEU CLAIMS 1,000's JOBS AT RISK
We don't know anything about it or understand it, but the "quota"
system (which we understand is a way of apportioning capacity at
Newcastle's overseas coal loader) is directly responsible for job losses
and there are more to come according to Construction, Forestry, Mining
and Energy Union (CFMEU) northern district secretary Grahame Kelly.
Mr Kelly says 22 permanent employees had already lost their job
and a further 44 casual employees would be losing their jobs in the next
few weeks.
It seems the problem is caused by "port block" - a term we just invented
and ripped off from the health industry where the term is access block.
Whilst expressing total ignorance about the subject we assume that :
1. The world coal market is going gangbusters
2. Mining companies are digging coal up as fast as they can to take
advantage of existing high coal prices
3. Coal is being dug up faster than port capacity can move it out of the
country.
4. The "quota" system is designed to apportion port capacity between
"sellers".
If we are correct, then the quota system is not causing the job losses,
but may be determining which company's have to reduce output
production and therefore which company's have to lay off workers.
SOURCE :
Peter Reynolds, Coal jobs will go , Singleton Argus, 7 December 2007 [ online ]
We don't know anything about it or understand it, but the "quota"
system (which we understand is a way of apportioning capacity at
Newcastle's overseas coal loader) is directly responsible for job losses
and there are more to come according to Construction, Forestry, Mining
and Energy Union (CFMEU) northern district secretary Grahame Kelly.
Mr Kelly says 22 permanent employees had already lost their job
and a further 44 casual employees would be losing their jobs in the next
few weeks.
It seems the problem is caused by "port block" - a term we just invented
and ripped off from the health industry where the term is access block.
Whilst expressing total ignorance about the subject we assume that :
1. The world coal market is going gangbusters
2. Mining companies are digging coal up as fast as they can to take
advantage of existing high coal prices
3. Coal is being dug up faster than port capacity can move it out of the
country.
4. The "quota" system is designed to apportion port capacity between
"sellers".
If we are correct, then the quota system is not causing the job losses,
but may be determining which company's have to reduce output
production and therefore which company's have to lay off workers.
SOURCE :
Peter Reynolds, Coal jobs will go , Singleton Argus, 7 December 2007 [ online ]
BY-PASSING THE BOTTLE-NECK
At least one shipment of Hunter Valley coal has been shipped overseas
through Port Kembla this year, and the Port Kembla Coal Terminal,
which has excess capacity, has been holding talks with coal companies
to encourage them to use the Port Kembla facility instead of the Newcastle
port.
It has been claimed the Hunter coal "export bottleneck" is costing coal
companies more than $1 billion a year in lost sales. The industry is
shipping about 20 per cent less than it would, if the transport chain
had enough capacity to meet the demand.
SOURCES :
Ian Kirkwood, Coal bypassing port bottleneck , Newcastle Herald,
8 December 2007 p. [ online ]
Ian Kirkwood, REVEALED: The cost of Hunter's coal export bottleneck
$1bn a year, Newcastle Herald, 4 December 2007 p.1. [ online ]
At least one shipment of Hunter Valley coal has been shipped overseas
through Port Kembla this year, and the Port Kembla Coal Terminal,
which has excess capacity, has been holding talks with coal companies
to encourage them to use the Port Kembla facility instead of the Newcastle
port.
It has been claimed the Hunter coal "export bottleneck" is costing coal
companies more than $1 billion a year in lost sales. The industry is
shipping about 20 per cent less than it would, if the transport chain
had enough capacity to meet the demand.
SOURCES :
Ian Kirkwood, Coal bypassing port bottleneck , Newcastle Herald,
8 December 2007 p. [ online ]
Ian Kirkwood, REVEALED: The cost of Hunter's coal export bottleneck
$1bn a year, Newcastle Herald, 4 December 2007 p.1. [ online ]
NSW HAS BEEN SET UP ???
Everyone was happily surprised when Minister Graham West announced there would be no increase in
poker machine numbers.
Many were very happily shocked when he announced there would in fact be a reduction by 5,000 in the
number of poker machines.
HOWEVER, it has now been claimed that the announcement is merely spin over substance - a result of creative accounting.
The best way of understanding the "numbers" argument is to think in terms of a computer desk-top.
When a file is on the desktop, it can be used.
However, when you no longer have any use for the file you delete it. The computer puts it in the Recycle Bin . You probably gave no
consideration to that when you deleted the file. So far as you were concerned it is "gone" and it can't be used.
However, of course it can be restored to desktop from the Recycle Bin . Alternatively, if you empty the Recycle Bin - it is gone forever from
the computer.
Apparently the 5,000 pokies that Mr West is talking about are not currently in use but in the Recycle Bin. His announcement merely indicates
his intention to press the "empty recycle bin" button, so that the 5,000 poker machines not currently in use, can't be restored to use in the
future.
Spin over substance ? Honesty and transparency in government ? You take your pick.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell , At last, it's a win on the pokies, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 December 2007 p. [ online ]
ABC News, Clubs, pubs divided on pokie cutback, ABC Radio , 7 November 2007 [ online ]
NSW pokie cuts a hoax: opposition, The Age, 7 December 2007 [ online ]
Everyone was happily surprised when Minister Graham West announced there would be no increase in
poker machine numbers.
Many were very happily shocked when he announced there would in fact be a reduction by 5,000 in the
number of poker machines.
HOWEVER, it has now been claimed that the announcement is merely spin over substance - a result of creative accounting.
The best way of understanding the "numbers" argument is to think in terms of a computer desk-top.
When a file is on the desktop, it can be used.
However, when you no longer have any use for the file you delete it. The computer puts it in the Recycle Bin . You probably gave no
consideration to that when you deleted the file. So far as you were concerned it is "gone" and it can't be used.
However, of course it can be restored to desktop from the Recycle Bin . Alternatively, if you empty the Recycle Bin - it is gone forever from
the computer.
Apparently the 5,000 pokies that Mr West is talking about are not currently in use but in the Recycle Bin. His announcement merely indicates
his intention to press the "empty recycle bin" button, so that the 5,000 poker machines not currently in use, can't be restored to use in the
future.
Spin over substance ? Honesty and transparency in government ? You take your pick.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell , At last, it's a win on the pokies, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 December 2007 p. [ online ]
ABC News, Clubs, pubs divided on pokie cutback, ABC Radio , 7 November 2007 [ online ]
NSW pokie cuts a hoax: opposition, The Age, 7 December 2007 [ online ]
WASHINGTON CITY DESIGNED ON MASONIC PRINCIPLES ???
The city of Washington in the District of Columbia in the USA, is the equivalent of Canberra, ACT in Australia.
It is not to be confused with Washington state, on the western coast of the USA, where in our opinion an excellent
election funding disclosure regime is in place.
Washington, DC (originally known as Washington City) was first surveyed in 1791 and construction commenced
in 1792.
Dan Brown , the author of Da Vinci Code, is about to publish a book to be called The Solomon Key , set in the
heart of Washington.
The first US president after whom the city is named, George Washington, was a Mason. So was James Hoban, the architect of the White
House.
Akram Elias, an office holder of Washington's Grand Lodge says that theories that Washington's streets are laid out in conformity with
masonic symbols may be a coincidence, " but there are indications that are difficult to ignore ".
"It's fascinating. If you take an aerial view of Washington, you cannot but see the perfect square and the compass which are the universal
symbols of Freemasonry, meaning rectitude and equality,"
The George Washington monument, a vast brick obelisk has dimensions of 555 feet high by 55 wide (170 metres by 17). Apparently, the
number 5 is said to refer to the traditional five orders of architecture, which in turn relates to the Freemasons' regard for geometry as a
symbol of order, and of "the great geometrician" - the supreme being.
George Washington himself, wearing a masonic apron, in 1793 laid the cornerstone of the Capitol building.
However, Mark Tabbert, author of the book American Freemasons, believes that "The design of the US capital is based more on
neo-classical style, more related to the attempts to create a new republic based on an ancient Roman republican model than anything that
related to freemasons,"
He says that codes and secret signs are Dan Brown's stock-in-trade, and he is nervous about the forthcoming book ; " I don't think he does
very good research,But fiction writers are fiction writers."
Whatever be the truth, one suspects Dan Brown will be laughing all the way to the bank when his book hits the book-stores.
SOURCE :
Virginie Montet, Dan Brown reveals masonic secrets, Brisbane Times, 4 December 2007 [ online ]
The city of Washington in the District of Columbia in the USA, is the equivalent of Canberra, ACT in Australia.
It is not to be confused with Washington state, on the western coast of the USA, where in our opinion an excellent
election funding disclosure regime is in place.
Washington, DC (originally known as Washington City) was first surveyed in 1791 and construction commenced
in 1792.
Dan Brown , the author of Da Vinci Code, is about to publish a book to be called The Solomon Key , set in the
heart of Washington.
The first US president after whom the city is named, George Washington, was a Mason. So was James Hoban, the architect of the White
House.
Akram Elias, an office holder of Washington's Grand Lodge says that theories that Washington's streets are laid out in conformity with
masonic symbols may be a coincidence, " but there are indications that are difficult to ignore ".
"It's fascinating. If you take an aerial view of Washington, you cannot but see the perfect square and the compass which are the universal
symbols of Freemasonry, meaning rectitude and equality,"
The George Washington monument, a vast brick obelisk has dimensions of 555 feet high by 55 wide (170 metres by 17). Apparently, the
number 5 is said to refer to the traditional five orders of architecture, which in turn relates to the Freemasons' regard for geometry as a
symbol of order, and of "the great geometrician" - the supreme being.
George Washington himself, wearing a masonic apron, in 1793 laid the cornerstone of the Capitol building.
However, Mark Tabbert, author of the book American Freemasons, believes that "The design of the US capital is based more on
neo-classical style, more related to the attempts to create a new republic based on an ancient Roman republican model than anything that
related to freemasons,"
He says that codes and secret signs are Dan Brown's stock-in-trade, and he is nervous about the forthcoming book ; " I don't think he does
very good research,But fiction writers are fiction writers."
Whatever be the truth, one suspects Dan Brown will be laughing all the way to the bank when his book hits the book-stores.
SOURCE :
Virginie Montet, Dan Brown reveals masonic secrets, Brisbane Times, 4 December 2007 [ online ]
COMMUNITY CAROLS IN FITZROY GARDENS
On Saturday 8 December 2007 the Churches in the Cross staged an evening of Community Carols.
Members of Churches in the Cross are
St John's Anglican Church - Darlinghurst,
St Canice's Catholic Church - Elizabeth Bay,
St Paul's Lutheran Church - East Sydney,
Woolloomooloo Baptist Fellowship - Woolloomooloo, and
Wayside Chapel - Potts Point.
SCEGGS Darlinghurst's Brass Ensemble provided the music.
For pics of the evening go to our Churches in the Cross - Community Carols 2007 Photos pages [ HERE ].
On Saturday 8 December 2007 the Churches in the Cross staged an evening of Community Carols.
Members of Churches in the Cross are
St John's Anglican Church - Darlinghurst,
St Canice's Catholic Church - Elizabeth Bay,
St Paul's Lutheran Church - East Sydney,
Woolloomooloo Baptist Fellowship - Woolloomooloo, and
Wayside Chapel - Potts Point.
SCEGGS Darlinghurst's Brass Ensemble provided the music.
For pics of the evening go to our Churches in the Cross - Community Carols 2007 Photos pages [ HERE ].
STEVE WHAN MP EXPLAINS ELECTORAL RORTING FEARS
On Thursday 6 December 2007 the member for Bega, Andrew Constance MP raised the issue of a person getting onto the electoral roll at
Queanbeyan, in the state seat of Monaro, although the person did not live in Queanbeyan ( see Has there been an Outbreak of
Queensland style Electoral Roll Rorting in NSW , December 2007 News page 10 - HERE ).
On Friday 7 December 2007 Steve Whan MP gave the following explanation of events :
NOW AS MR WHAN BELIEVES MR CONSTANCE IS NOT FIT TO BE A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, WHAT IS MR WHAN GOING TO DO
ABOUT IT ??
Mr Whan, can be true to his word and move a motion to expel Mr Constance from the parliament.
Mr Whan has little other choice - unless it is acceptable to Mr Whan to sit in parliament with a person who is not fit to be a MP.
His other option is to move some form of censure against Mr Constance - which falls short of his expulsion from parliament.
His third option is to do nothing - which would be indicative that Mr Whan is full of hot-air and not prepared to act in accordance with his own
principles. If Mr Whan chooses this do nothing option , he will have squibbed it.
What ever motion Mr Whan moves - he should succeed - as we expect his mates in the Labor Party will vote along party lines (instead of on
their own consciences after having examined all the facts).
Of course, as history shows , after an expulsion, the expelled member will win a by-election in a mountainslide. So it is unlikely Mr Whan will
move for expulsion (even though he should because he feels Mr Constance is unfit to be a MP). Will he move for some other censure (a
half squib action) or will he do nothing ( a full squib) ?
Time will tell - but we would like to get Betfair odds on a full squib (with double pike and one-half twist).
SOURCES :
NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard, Personal Explanation : Steve Whan, 7 December, 2007 [ online ]
On Thursday 6 December 2007 the member for Bega, Andrew Constance MP raised the issue of a person getting onto the electoral roll at
Queanbeyan, in the state seat of Monaro, although the person did not live in Queanbeyan ( see Has there been an Outbreak of
Queensland style Electoral Roll Rorting in NSW , December 2007 News page 10 - HERE ).
On Friday 7 December 2007 Steve Whan MP gave the following explanation of events :
- In 2006 he was told by Mr Constance that Graeme Shannon, was on the electoral roll at a Queanbeyan address.
- Mr Whan's staffer had offered Mr Shannon a room (flat-mates) at the staffers residence. At that time Mr Shannon was looking to
move to Queanbeyan permanently and needed somewhere to live until he found permanent accommodation of his own. - Mr Shannon changed his enrolment to the staffer's Queanbeyan address (Mr Whan's staffer was unaware he had done so )
- After Mr Whan discussed the matter with his staffer, Mr Shannon was reminded of the electoral laws.
- Mr Shannon then changed his mind about moving to Queanbeyan permanently, and removed his name from the electoral roll and
had it re-instated in the federal electorate of Hume. - Mr Shannon did not exercise a vote in either the 2007 state or 2007 federal elections from the enrolment at the Queanbeyan
address.. - Neither Mr Whan or his staffer was aware of what my Shannon was doing regarding his electoral enrollment until after Mr Constance
had spoken to Mr Whan and the matter had been raised with Mr Shannon. - Mr Whan says Mr Constance has abused the priviledges of the house and is not fit to be a member of parliament.
NOW AS MR WHAN BELIEVES MR CONSTANCE IS NOT FIT TO BE A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, WHAT IS MR WHAN GOING TO DO
ABOUT IT ??
Mr Whan, can be true to his word and move a motion to expel Mr Constance from the parliament.
Mr Whan has little other choice - unless it is acceptable to Mr Whan to sit in parliament with a person who is not fit to be a MP.
His other option is to move some form of censure against Mr Constance - which falls short of his expulsion from parliament.
His third option is to do nothing - which would be indicative that Mr Whan is full of hot-air and not prepared to act in accordance with his own
principles. If Mr Whan chooses this do nothing option , he will have squibbed it.
What ever motion Mr Whan moves - he should succeed - as we expect his mates in the Labor Party will vote along party lines (instead of on
their own consciences after having examined all the facts).
Of course, as history shows , after an expulsion, the expelled member will win a by-election in a mountainslide. So it is unlikely Mr Whan will
move for expulsion (even though he should because he feels Mr Constance is unfit to be a MP). Will he move for some other censure (a
half squib action) or will he do nothing ( a full squib) ?
Time will tell - but we would like to get Betfair odds on a full squib (with double pike and one-half twist).
SOURCES :
NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard, Personal Explanation : Steve Whan, 7 December, 2007 [ online ]
