Turned to writing at 60, reckon that'll do for the next 30 years, then I'll become a musician - after that, who knows, maybe a wizard...
Carbon Capture project risks asbestos contamination in Manning Valley
Residents of the Manning Valley in NSW are raising concerns about foreign-owned companies’ plans to extract serpentine ore for carbon capture and storage, risking the release of asbestos dust. Kim Wingerei reports. Although it is early days, the potential scale of a...
The dearth of Brunswick (roadworks)
Men in hi-viz clothing standing around a roadworks site doing very little is an all too common sight. This is the story of a small roadworks project in idyllic Brunswick in northern New South Wales and the apparent wastage that explains why the country is going broke.
Politics is devoid of leadership
It is easy to criticise Malcolm Turnbull for his lack of leadership. I do it often. Even more so because he is the indirect reason I decided to become an Australian citizen.
But what the debacle of same sex marriage has demonstrated more than anything, is that to be a leader of a political party is not just difficult, but almost impossible.
The mere notion of leadership in politics has become a contradiction in terms.
Four year fixed terms is just the start!
Bill Shorten’s suggestion of a fixed term of four years for parliament is music to my ears. But it is just one of many changes required to restore faith in democracy. Limited tenure is another, equally important reform.
Constitutional Ethics
The resignation of two senators because they found themselves not to be qualified for election, raises (at least) two very interesting issues. The need for constitutional reform, and the paucity of defined standards to which we hold our politicians accountable.
Good service is hard to find!
“The problem is never the problem, it is failure to deal with the problem that becomes the problem.”
Great customer service is rare, and it is all about good leadership!
Changing our world – one story at a time
I make no excuses for being an idealist. I am an advocate for change, and all change starts with the idea that something can be done better or differently. It is only when we change that we can grow, and see a world we never knew.
Political Donations – the Scourge of Democracy
Donations (or favours of any kind) fundamentally undermines the democratic decision making process. The immutability of our elected representative is the linchpin on which the integrity of the system is based. Without that the system becomes corrupt. Banning political donations is the first step to repairing democracy.
Time to Set Democracy Free!
Party politics is ruining our Democracy. It is time to dismantle the partisan model and consider other ways of enabling the people to rule and find leaders that will lead, not just meekly follow the latest opinion polls.
The party is dead. Long live democracy.
Politics as we know it is dead and politicians are failing in their duty as the custodians of democracy. Democratic reform is long overdue.