Hangman Jury

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I was thinking today how lucky we are to live in a country like Australia.

Australia is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but there are some things we can always rely on, well nearly always. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty for example, and, at the end of the process of determining guilt or innocence, a punishment is only handed down upon guilt being found beyond reasonable doubt.

Some of you may have seen my posts last week on the serious questions that remain unanswered relating to the HSU saga, if not, here are links to part one, and part two. It is fair to say that I have received all types of correspondence, as has Independent Australia, since publishing these posts. However, it is interesting to note, not one person has disputed any of the findings.

I did, however, want to take the opportunity to clear up a couple of misconceptions, and clarify a couple of points.

Firstly, I did approach some main stream media before doing the story myself. I am not going to name media outlets, however I will say in their defense that one of the major issues was time. My source had work commitments and it was unlikely that a story, that in part relied on access to that informant, was going to be put together for broadcast or publication before Craig Thomson’s speech on Monday. In addition to that, the person in question was not entirely comfortable fronting the media, given their situation.

There are however, those who have said that due to the story not coming from a mainstream media source it is therefore unreliable. That is only a matter of opinion, in fact, those who followed the links in the story would notice they led to official documents, as well as mainstream media sources. So my posts are only as reliable as their sources….

There are those who say that bloggers, and publications like Independent Australia, do not have the accountability of those in the mainstream media, and do not have as much to risk. To this argument, I would say “What utter crap”. The notion of somebody taking on a journalist, or columnist that has the backing of News Ltd, or Fairfax and their legal team, and their millions of dollars, quicker than they would run the risk of taking on me, with a pocketful of change, or Independent Australia, in a defamation suit is, quite frankly, an insult to the intelligence.

Comin’ Under Fire

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In what can be described as an “action packed” lead up to the long awaited speech to be given in parliament on Monday by embattled MP Craig Thomson, today came the confirmation of a “knockout blow”

Some of you may have read my report on the tangled web surrounding the Health Services Union HSU, Fair Work Australia, and the Coalition that was published here on Wednesday, it is fair to say more information is coming to light.

The big news is that Michael Lawler, the Vice President of Fair Work Australia, has today been distanced from these issues.

I contacted Fair Work Australia today after anonymous sources informed me that he had been stood down. Initially I spoke to Michael’s PA, who informed me she knew nothing, only that he was not in the office all day.

I again contacted FWA as rumors persisted. late this afternoon I was contacted by FWA’s Communications Manager, Judy Hughes who informed me that Michael was on “Long Leave”. Not Long Service Leave, Sick Leave, or Holidays, “Long Leave”.

She would not expand on this, citing “privacy reasons”, however based on my earlier conversations with both her and Michael’s PA, I was left with the impression that this decision had been taken rather suddenly. I was also left wondering who actually made the decision, as when I asked Judy if Michael had chosen to go on leave, I was told that Judy”did not have that information”.

Reasons for his “Long Leave” are, as yet, unclear — however questions are being raised as to whether it is connected with the HSU investigation in which his partner Kathy Jackson was the Union “whistleblower”. Questions have been raised about Lawler’s relationship with Tony Abbott, and how this may have had an influence on any investigations taking place in FWA which involved Craig Thomson.

The Fair Work Australia investigations findings were also dealt a heavy blow yesterday when the Australian Electoral Commission AEC, found that the vast majority of Union funds used in Craig Thomson’s election campaign had been appropriately disclosed. This has taken the sting out of the tail of both the FWA Investigation, and the Coalitions accusations and calls for Thomson’s vote to be considered “tainted”.

I Think I Smell A Rat

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Slippery does not begin to describe the goings on in relation to some of the antics of our Federal politicians of late, however, many may be surprised at which side of politics I am referring to.

The James Ashby and Peter Slipper sexual harassment saga looks dodgier by the minute… even Barnaby Joyce thinks so…

Many of the allegations by Ashby seem to centre around events in a hotel, which begs the question, “What was he doing in a hotel room with someone who was allegedly sexually harassing him?” That does seem a wee bit odd/stupid/leading/entrapping to me.

Then we have The Liberals and their ever-changing stories… Mal Brough, he knew nothing of it and didn’t meet with Ashby… Turns out he met with Ashby, offered advice, suggested legal action… in short, in it up to his neck. When you consider that Brough is the guy looking to be preselected in Slippers seat for the Liberals, it is odd that the words “Conflict Of Interest” didn’t occur to him… or maybe they did.

Mal Brough learns to back pedal

Then there is Christopher Pyne… similar story, he had “No specific knowledge”, and didn’t really have anything to do with Ashby. As it turns out, they met several times in the month prior to Ashby’s legal claims, and went out drinking together. Then Mr Pyne told us he didn’t request Mr Ashby’s mobile phone number, as he would have no need for it, and anybody suggesting otherwise was speculating. Lo and behold, shortly afterwards an email was leaked to the press from Christopher Pyne to Mr Slippers office requesting Mr Ashby’s details. Hmmm

Christopher Pyne has ‘no specific knowledge” of misleading the press just the day before

Christopher Pyne could have saved himself the trouble, and asked Julie Bishop for his details, as Mr Ashby was already in contact with her office. Turns out though, Julie Bishop was unaware, or had forgotten all this, even misread his emails apparently. I think the words Julie was looking for but misplaced were “No Specific Knowledge”….

Try Not To Breathe

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Bernie Banton spent his last few agonizing breaths fighting for their rights, this week the NSW Coalition kicked them and their families in the guts. Damn hard too.

They are the workers suffering and dying from the effects of asbestos, which leads to some particularly nasty and painful conditions.

Those who are unlucky enough to have this condition have a long, undignified, and agonizing death to look forward to. Their families will have to deal with watching their loved ones suffer excruciating pain with each breath, and know that there is nothing that can be done for them. This truly is a disease you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy, it is beyond horrific.

The company who gave us this deadly product was James Hardie, and the government at the time of the legal battles for compensation was the Howard Liberal Government.

As I mentioned, Bernie Banton was the man James Hardie hadn’t counted on. Bernie spent what were his final years fighting those whom he saw as the bastards who refused to help those suffering. Those bastards were the Directors of James Hardie, and Tony Abbott, who was then Health Minister. Tony Abbott did not want sufferers to have access to medication that was subsidised, and James Hardie didn’t want to be held liable for the serious problems that they had caused.

In a true David and Goliath battle, Bernie won on both counts, gaining compensation guarantees and access to subsidised medication.

The Face Of Courage, Bernie Banton

Then, like a war criminal fleeing for Switzerland, James Hardie moved its headquarters overseas in a bid to avoid the compensation payments, under the Coalitions watch.

Here in NSW, victims of this awful condition have received yet another awful blow, at the hands of a heartless Coalition government.

Divine Intervention

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We all love being told what to do, don’t we?

Same sex couples love being told they are not normal and can’t marry. Asylum seekers love being told they are human scum by a vile opposition leader and his motley crew. Climate scientists love to be told they are tin foil hat wearing freaks, especially by those with no idea like Barnaby Joyce and Alan Jones. And us, well, we like to be told we are stupid for thinking things like this are important….

Well, maybe not…

Imagine being told then what you can and can’t spend your money on. I’m not talking about illegal things like drugs or guns, I’m talking about your groceries, and what you spend when you go out.

When The Coalition, under John Howard, initiated The Northern Territory National Emergency Response, better known as The Interventon, it caused outrage, both here in Australia, and abroad.

I am not going to go into the first intervention, as to be honest, I am not an expert, and there is plenty of material online about it for those interested.

I do not pretend to understand the first thing about the issues facing Indigenous Australians, so I won’t delve into that area. All I really know is that too many have delved into it before knowing little more than I do, and made a mess of it.

What I do want to talk about, is the “Stronger Futures” legislation that is due to be passed through the Senate soon. Many are referring to this as The Intervention Part 2….

What the “Stronger Futures” policy is about is income management. Government approval on how your money is spent.

Here is a brief rundown on how it all works….

SOS

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I am without a doubt a political geek, no sense in denying it…

My favourite shows are Q&A, 7 30, 4 Corners, Media Watch, and Lateline. If I want fiction and comedy, I’ll watch “In The Thick Of It”…. like I said, political geek…

Monday nights are my big night, all 5 of these shows are on. I can just stretch out on the couch with some trackie daks on, and make myself comfy.

What I like about Q&A is that no matter which way you lean politically, the guests are usually good, and each get a fair hearing, even obnoxious ones like Mirabella, Brandis and O’Dwyer.

What has dismayed me this season, is the number of musical guests that play a song at the end of the show. Has the channel 10 board of directors suddenly taken over the ABC?

This week we had Kate Miller-Heidke. Yeah she has a good voice but so what? She seemed to know nothing or little about the issues being discussed, nor did she seem to have any interest in any of them. The most meaningful thing she said all night was when asked about the panels discussion on banks and mortgage rates she mumbled, “I just tuned out for a little while but…”. Great stuff, interesting perpective…

Clearly she was only there to advertise her latest album on a channel that doesn’t allow advertising.

I am reasonably sure most people watch Q&A for the discussion and to see panellists who want to be involved with the audience and the discussion. The time allocated to her could have been given to more discussion, and her seat could have been given to someone who may have actually given a toss….

I have yet to meet someone who says they are looking forward to seeing what performance is at the end of Q&A. Do you know why? Nobody cares about the performances….

If people want to see performances there must be about a million crappy shows like The Voice, Australian Idol, Australia Lacks Talent, etc to choose from…

This is not the first time this has happened either, there have been a few performances this year.

What is coming next? Are we going to see Tony booted out and the show hosted by Rove, or Kyle Sandilands?

Please understand, I am not having a shot at any of the performers, or their talent. Q&A is true reality television, and I’m just trying to vote the performers off….

I hope the producers of Q&A hear my plea, and I hope they hear it before Young Talent Time includes political discussion between songs.

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Here’s A Liitle Something For Ya

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Just for the sake of it, I thought I would take my serious hat off for a moment or two…

The title of this post is the title of a Beastie Boys track. For those who were unaware, Adam Yauch, MCA of the Beastie Boys died yesterday from cancer. An influential band, and one of my favourites, he will be sorely missed.

I am a bit of a music nut, and I thought that I would share with you what I thought were the funniest/cleverest album titles ever….

The albums listed, although some are rather brilliant, are not all albums I would recommend buying. I take no responsibility for any dud purchases….

Please feel free to suggest other titles that I may have forgotten or been unaware of…

Yours Truly, Angry Mob – Kaiser Chiefs
A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About – Modest Mouse
Great Trucking Songs Of The Renaissance – TISM (This Is Serious Mum)
You Can Tune A Piano But You Can’t Tuna Fish – REO Speedwagon
Liquor In The Front, Poker In The Rear – Reverend Horton Heat (hmm…)
Break Like The Wind – Spinal Tap
What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits – Doobie Brothers
How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can’t Even Smile Today – Suicidal Tendencies
More Songs About Buildings And Food – Talking Heads
Your Funeral, My Trial – Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold – Atmosphere
Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I’m Not – Arctic Monkeys
Drunk On The Popes Blood – The Birthday Party
Songs To Fan The Flames Of Discontent – The Refused

And my all time favourite…
The Unbearable Lightness Of Being A Dickhead – Mr Floppy

Hope you liked them too

RIP Adam

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Highway To Hell

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I was wondering last night what the lowest of the low is when it comes to crime. Is it murder? Rape? Abduction? Maybe some think drug distribution…

For my money, and it seems to be the most common answer, a paedophile is the lowest of the low. Even in jail, these vermin are considered to be the vilest of scum by other prisoners.

Even worse, is when that paedophile also happens to be a repeat offending Catholic Priest. Despite Tony Abbott saying that the Catholic Church should not be singled out in any enquiry into child sexual abuse, the problem within the Catholic Church, in particular, seems to be in plague proportions.

Earlier this week, after 30 years, that’s right 30 years of ducking and diving and hiding behind the church, Catholic Priest Finian Egan was finally charged with 17 offenses related to the sexual abuse of at least 4 children between 1972 and 1987. There at Ryde Police Station to greet him as he was charged, were two of his victims, glad to see this piece of crap finally being held to account for his deeds.

I don’t feel any sorrow for this poor excuse for a human. I don’t care how old he is now, it is great to see everyone turn their backs on him for what he has done. Filthy paedophiles like this quickly find themselves without a friend in the world. At least that’s what I thought…..

Tainted Love

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Is it just me, or has Federal Parliament turned into a bad reality TV show?

No matter what you think of her timing on her actions, Julia Gillard was right to have Peter Slipper stand down, and Craig Thompson suspend his ALP membership.

Craig Thomson moving to the cross benches may have been overdue, however, everybody thought the matter would have been resolved a long time ago, hence the delay.

But if Craig Thompson was overdue, how late was the Peter Slipper action? If everything coming to light now is true, the Liberal Party should have suspended him over a decade ago… Peter Slipper is only in Parliament because he stood in his seat as a Liberal candidate, and was pre-selected nine times as a Liberal. Nine times??? That makes him one of Liberals longest serving MP’s.

Tony Abbott seems to believe that MP’s facing civil action, or have been charged and are awaiting trial, or even those under investigation but haven’t been charged with anything, should stand down and not be allowed to vote. But only when it suits him…

Craig Thomson has yet to be charged with anything. In fact, he has been investigated 3 separate times, including by the NSW Police, and found to not have a case to answer. Anyhow, professional investigators like Abbott, Brandis, and Pyne would clearly know better than the NSW Police Force. The Three Stooges revisited….

Anyway, Abbott says that now Thomson sits on the cross bench, his vote is “tainted”. Now that the Prime Minister has done what the Coalition have been calling for, Mr Thomson’s electorate should not be represented in Parliament according to Abbott. It seems the Coalition thinks that we should discard the rules, and make them up as we go along to suit Abbott.

MP’s actually charged with theft and assault seem to be OK though. Abbott was happy for Liberal MP Mary Jo Fisher to vote whilst up on multiple charges after shoplifting and attacking a security guard.

Mary Jo Fisher outside court

Another startling case of selective memory, or plain hypocrisy is the voting rights of Peter Slipper, former Liberal MP.

Some of you may remember in December 2009 Tony Abbott stabbed the Liberal Party Leader Malcolm Turnbull in the back. Abbott challenged Turnbull for the leadership and won, by one vote, one measly vote. So what? You may well ask…

Well, guess who Peter Slipper voted for?

Both Sides Of The Gun

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It was 4am on Saturday21st April. The busy streets of Kings Cross in Sydney were full of the usual crowds out for a good night.

What happened next would be the talk of Sydney for the next week.

I won’t go into all the details, as I’m sure most of you know them already.

The short story is a carload of teenagers in a stolen car were driving down Bayswater Rd, the main street of Kings Cross, however, not only were they driving down the street, but also down the crowded footpath, hitting pedestrians. The end result of this chaos was that the police opened fire on the vehicle, seriously wounding the driver and front seat passenger, almost killing the driver in fact, then dragging the other passengers from the vehicle and arresting them, using what video footage shows to be rather excessive force. Adding to the controversy, the almost fatally wounded driver was 14 years old, and indigenous.

Bullet holes in the stolen cars windscreen

There has been a lot of talk of blame since, which is’ I suppose expected considering the circumstances. However, it is expected that those in positions of authority would not point the finger of blame, police and politicians would wait until investigations were undertaken before laying blame upon someone.

Enter NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell.