2002_09_september_press club

Thirty years ago – when I was driving a fruit-delivery truck and was a messenger for the CT — I thought there must be an easier way to put myself through law school at ANU. So as a temporary measure I applied for a full-time position as a cadet journalist on the CT.

I was answering the editor’s array of general knowledge questions reasonably well, until he asked me, “”Where are the Limestone Plains?”

I told him I could not hazard a guess and he politely told me, “”You’re sitting on them.” I thought it would be the world’s shortest journalism career and roared with laughed. “”Well,” he said, “”If you have got a good general knowledge and sense of humour you might make a good journalist. You can start ON SUNDAY with a day off and report to the Chief of Staff on Monday.

The day off was a ploy to all the COS to roster me for 10 days without a real day off.

But in fact, every day was a day off. For 30 years, it has been a hobby every day, a joy not a labour.

So a couple of weeks ago when the new general manager after being in the place for just 2 weeks before giving me and Robert Macklin the flick was at least correct in thinking I was grossly overpaid.

Continue reading “2002_09_september_press club”

2002_09_september_fed interferencel

Territories Minister Wilson Tuckey is upsetting local MLAs, particularly Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and Greens MLA Kerrie Tucker over land releases, roads and the size of the Legislative Assembly.

Tuckey is opposed to increasing the Legislative Assembly from its present 17 members. He is opposed to Planning Minister Simon Corbell’s western option for Gungahlin Drive because it will upset the Australian Institute of Sport.

Stanhope is also upset at Federal intervention over the V8 race – with the National Capital Authority vetoing earlier moves to change its date from mid-winter to improve attendances.
Continue reading “2002_09_september_fed interferencel”