Limited Options.
Sandy - “But then Aussies seem enamored with the puerile idea that all will be solved by appointing yet another independent ‘umpire’ for just about any political or social problem area.”
Point of order Mr Chairman – Not certain that “Aussies' have much say , let alone an 'appetite' for the 'un elected' being masters of their fate. The populace votes for a government – once that government is in operation; there is no further input of any significance as to who gets to execute the stated policy and precious little control of how. Aviation provides a 'classic' example; how long has it been since a Minister (of any stripe) has weighed in, 'directed' and followed through on any 'change' requested by industry? Or, even positively supported a Senate inquiry report? Look back to the Pel-Air debacle; what was it 60 odd 'recommendations' – millions of dollars- Ministerial impact = zero.
IMO, this land is not 'run' by the elected government, it is run by the bureaucrats without let or hindrance by the elected representatives. Ministers eschew all responsibility and follow meekly along behind edicts and whims of the department heads. Can you, for one minute imagine King hauling Spence into the office and 'suggesting' serious changes to the 'direction' and performance of CASA? Unthinkable; its far more likely that Spence would tell the Minister how its got to be, demand full support and get it. No matter how 'bizarre', outlandish or contrary to industry expertise, opinion or requirements. There are countless examples of exactly this system at work – the 'rice bowl' protection racket rolls along, unchecked, year after year.
But, don't just believe me; do the research, check the facts – then take a look at the industry – the results writ large and clear. Read the Senate inquiry and Estimates pages; all there, faithfully reported on Hansard. Then check to see the last time a Minister actually sat down with industry representatives; a rare event. An even rarer event is one where a Minister actually instructed a department to ring the changes demanded. The results are clearly writ in the demise of a once flourishing industry; right down to training apprentices, all the way up to the current mess domestic regional public transport is mired in. Pathetic, self serving and cowardly are words that spring to mind whenever matters Ministerial are mentioned. - I always look for a bucket before reading; automatic response anticipated.
Toot – toot...
Sandy - “But then Aussies seem enamored with the puerile idea that all will be solved by appointing yet another independent ‘umpire’ for just about any political or social problem area.”
Point of order Mr Chairman – Not certain that “Aussies' have much say , let alone an 'appetite' for the 'un elected' being masters of their fate. The populace votes for a government – once that government is in operation; there is no further input of any significance as to who gets to execute the stated policy and precious little control of how. Aviation provides a 'classic' example; how long has it been since a Minister (of any stripe) has weighed in, 'directed' and followed through on any 'change' requested by industry? Or, even positively supported a Senate inquiry report? Look back to the Pel-Air debacle; what was it 60 odd 'recommendations' – millions of dollars- Ministerial impact = zero.
IMO, this land is not 'run' by the elected government, it is run by the bureaucrats without let or hindrance by the elected representatives. Ministers eschew all responsibility and follow meekly along behind edicts and whims of the department heads. Can you, for one minute imagine King hauling Spence into the office and 'suggesting' serious changes to the 'direction' and performance of CASA? Unthinkable; its far more likely that Spence would tell the Minister how its got to be, demand full support and get it. No matter how 'bizarre', outlandish or contrary to industry expertise, opinion or requirements. There are countless examples of exactly this system at work – the 'rice bowl' protection racket rolls along, unchecked, year after year.
But, don't just believe me; do the research, check the facts – then take a look at the industry – the results writ large and clear. Read the Senate inquiry and Estimates pages; all there, faithfully reported on Hansard. Then check to see the last time a Minister actually sat down with industry representatives; a rare event. An even rarer event is one where a Minister actually instructed a department to ring the changes demanded. The results are clearly writ in the demise of a once flourishing industry; right down to training apprentices, all the way up to the current mess domestic regional public transport is mired in. Pathetic, self serving and cowardly are words that spring to mind whenever matters Ministerial are mentioned. - I always look for a bucket before reading; automatic response anticipated.
Toot – toot...