THAT’S progress. I was reflecting on this phrase – often uttered sarcastically – as the Apple iPhone 5 refused to charge on the same day as Noel Pearson listed in his Whitlam memorial speech the impressive list of that government’s achievements. Continue reading “On the nature of progress and values”
Debate must be mature and included GST
THE GST haunts Australian politicians. But they continue to talk about it. Prime Minister Tony Abbott was at it again this week seeking a “mature” debate about the federation, of which the GST must be a part. Continue reading “Debate must be mature and included GST”
Govt should invest more in Tax Office
IT SHOULD not need a Senate committee investigation to expose Australia’s corporate tax avoiders. That is why you have an Australian Taxation Office. But over the past few years the ATO has come under a lot of strain with foolish staff cuts. Continue reading “Govt should invest more in Tax Office”
Make subs in Australia or forget the whole project
THE news this week that Indonesia is to buy submarines from South Korea with a view to eventually importing enough technology to start building their own in the near future must be quite depressing for the Australian Defence Force. Continue reading “Make subs in Australia or forget the whole project”
Hockey caught by Honest John Howard’s law
TREASURER Joe Hockey has been caught out – by John Howard no less. In 1998 the Howard Government passed the Charter of Budget Honesty Act. It required the Department of Finance to publish a “Final Budget Outcome” by 30 September each year. Continue reading “Hockey caught by Honest John Howard’s law”
Abbott joins wrong international effort
THERE’S nothing like an external threat to ginger up support for a government. It happened this week after Tony Abbott’s speech to Parliament and the United Nations. His approval rating shot up six points. The voters, of course, are irrational. But smart politicians recognise voters’ irrationality and you can hardly blame them for playing the national security card. But do not mistake it for leadership. Continue reading “Abbott joins wrong international effort”
High Court says no to indefinite refugee detention
THE High Court has put a bit of a dent in John Howard’s 2001 election slogan: “We decide who comes here, and the circumstances in which they come.” Last week, the court overturned action of the Minister for Immigration which would have blocked a stateless refugee’s chance at applying for a visa. Continue reading “High Court says no to indefinite refugee detention”
Scaremongers on Scottish independence meet match
THE scaremongers on Scottish independence have met their match. Also electricity companies quietly change pricing to counteract solar.
I WONDER if the Prime Minister of an independent Scotland will be as witty as former New Zealand Prime Minister Robert “Piggy” Muldoon when bands of Scottish unemployed move across the border to pick up higher unemployment benefits in a more prosperous England. Continue reading “Scaremongers on Scottish independence meet match”
‘Independent’ inquiries go up in smoke
ANOTHER week, another shift towards great inequality in Australia. Another week and another “independent” inquiry delivers precisely the recommendations that the government expected and wanted from the people it appointed to the inquiry. Former Reserve Bank board member Dick Warburton’s review of the Renewable Energy Target was a classic example of the political adage “never have an inquiry unless you know the result” and the best way to know the result is to pick the right person to head the inquiry.
ANOTHER week, another shift towards great inequality in Australia. Another week and another “independent” inquiry delivers precisely the recommendations that the government expected and wanted from the people it appointed to the inquiry. Former Reserve Bank board member Dick Warburton’s review of the Renewable Energy Target was a classic example of the political adage “never have an inquiry unless you know the result” and the best way to know the result is to pick the right person to head the inquiry. Continue reading “‘Independent’ inquiries go up in smoke”
Two things Abbott has done well
A READER challenged me last week to find just one good thing Tony Abbott and his government has done. I have to confess that it is a big challenge. It came after last week’s column lambasting Abbott for bringing us “Team Australia”. Continue reading “Two things Abbott has done well”