Monday, February 25, 2008

Treasury " Don't spend money.

 
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I think I'm going to scream if I hear one more interest group (intended pun) apply pressure to the government to not spend money. I don't have any problems understanding the economic rationale, however, that shouldn't be the overwhelming consideration.

In Victoria we have seen a government too paralysed, by fear, to spend money, and when they do it is on the basis of public private partnerships.

Now, I have a fundamental problem with this. My argument is simple, but I think it should only need to be relatively simple.

It is as follows. Traditionally, we paid taxes, to the government, in order that the government would spend the money in ways that would benefit the community. Now, we didn't always agree with every cent of expenditure, however, overall most people, I assume, would agree that generally we were better off as a result of this.

Now, we pay taxes, however, it would appear that the government is too scared to spend the money and therefore decides to hold onto the money. Then, when we really need something, it engages a private public partnership to complete whatever project.

Therefore, we now pay twice, plus a margin sufficient to provide the private part of the transaction an adequate profit to justify their involvement.

Maybe, this is why government expenditure causes inflation.
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Sunday, February 24, 2008

Kevin and Brian

 
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What is it that Brian has that so many Labor Policians, including the current Prime Minister, have wanted to get their hands on.

It's clear Kevin wouldn't normally associate with Brian, but it's equally evident that he did in the run up to putting together his leadership run.

And if Brian is trully an Arfur Daly, then what has he got to help protect his back. Please god, let it be a juicy scandal, just like the ones they get in the UK and America. You know the sort of thing I mean, a politican being found in a nun's habit, handcuffed to a bed, whips etc.

All we get are phone calls and missed dinners.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Brendan gives John his bat back

 
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It is almost sad, John Howard's great legacy, at least intended legacy, received the same fate many in the work force faced. Consigned to the waste bin, thankfully before the recession starts.

Workchoices wasn't really a problem while employers continued to demand more labour, and employment rates continued to soar. The real danger was when the economy softened.

But, we don't have to worry about that. We have a safety net now. Don't we?
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Sunday, February 17, 2008

Arise Sir John

 
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I almost gagged when I heard the Queen might knight John Howard.

Then, I thought, if ever there was someone in Australia the Queen, would, should, select it is John Howard.

He has been her most loyal supporter, and has shown skill in defending her crown, as all good knights should. Who could ever forget his brilliant managment of the referendum, so skillfully drafted it could never be passed.

Arise Sir John.
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Sorry Day 13 February 2008


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It is a great day. I have to admit, that at first, I didn't get it. I thought sorry day was just that.

However, I think I was wrong.

This is Kevin's inauguration. His chance to change the world, inspire the world, remember "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask......".

I think he sees this as the moment, the moment his Camelot starts.
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Sunday, February 10, 2008

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Sorry

 
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Brendan gets on board, finally. Who the hell is advising him. This was a battle he would never win, too many members of his own party can see it is the right thing to do. Still, he's only interim leader. The real leader is waiting in the wings, but more about that later.

The good thing is we all agree, sorry doesn't have to be the hardest word.
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