Bucolic v Ominous.
Canavan and McKenzie, both seem to groping their way through a thick fog; the same miasma as previous Senators been lost in, when it comes to matters aeronautical. Perfectly understandable, the artificial fog is thick, cloying and there's precious little in the way of 'guidance'. Groping their weary way through the murk, constantly stumbling into unseen trees, ditches, thorns, traps and piles of Kool – Aide generated excrement. They could probably be aided by some of their mates, outside the swamp lighting a candle or even offering to carry some of the load. Alas, it is a story we have witnessed unfold many times; this reenactment of the Hansel and Gretel tale, except the witch wins every time.
Motive is always a key element to any story; why were the innocents out in the forest in the first place? It is a grim, dark, treacherous place decidedly not for children alone. So what is the purpose in McKenzie and Canavan wandering about in there, groping about in the vague hope of finding what, exactly?
The guardians of this forest have lived deep within it forever; they know every track, tree , swamp and dead end; can find their way round it almost blindfold; move the track, change the signs and create a fetid, confounding fog whenever it pleases. So we must ask, once again, what is the object of all this thrashing around?
To navigate the swamp, successfully a map, a spotlight and solid advice is required minimum equipment. That 'equipment' is readily and freely available; all faithfully recorded on the Hansard, in history and in the minds of folk who have traveled the road before them. Any sensible, careful study of the history will reveal the hidden paths, cunning traps and every 'dead-end' gambit. Perhaps a close study of the last Estimates foray into 'Slots' could provide clues. No great intellectual leaps required; just a quiet moment or two to read the submissions from Qantas and Virgin. Perhaps a translation would assist.
The Qantas statement reflects a bucolic approach; very comfortable within their ability to co-exist with the burgeoning bureaucratic rule of the nation; the fundamental mindset being closely aligned, cozy within the relationship and structured much the same.
The Virgin statement shows a very different 'approach' – they see the ominous signs of further departmental 'make work' through even more 'reporting and ever deepening 'interference' in matters which do not – in real terms – concern them. More controls, more penalties and ever more control over an 'independent' business.
Should the good Senators wish to free of the swamp and it's dangers, they must, absolutely, understand the complexities of actually operating 'air services'. It is, truly, a seriously complex task to actually get an aircraft 'off blocks' – on time. To manage to keep a schedule for a day is almost remarkable; to run flawlessly, for a seven day is as close to mission impossible as you can get. Planning and system integrity and good crew always strive to meet targets – however:-remember............
“No Plan survives first contact with the enemy.” This quote has been variously attributed to Helmuth von Moltke, Carl von Clausewitz, Dwight D Eisenhower, and others. Or significantly less prosaically “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” - Mike Tyson.
Best bet; bring in some 'outside' assistance – independent, capable and finite; before this debacle becomes lost in the great mists of the Canberra swamp.
Toot – toot...
Canavan and McKenzie, both seem to groping their way through a thick fog; the same miasma as previous Senators been lost in, when it comes to matters aeronautical. Perfectly understandable, the artificial fog is thick, cloying and there's precious little in the way of 'guidance'. Groping their weary way through the murk, constantly stumbling into unseen trees, ditches, thorns, traps and piles of Kool – Aide generated excrement. They could probably be aided by some of their mates, outside the swamp lighting a candle or even offering to carry some of the load. Alas, it is a story we have witnessed unfold many times; this reenactment of the Hansel and Gretel tale, except the witch wins every time.
Motive is always a key element to any story; why were the innocents out in the forest in the first place? It is a grim, dark, treacherous place decidedly not for children alone. So what is the purpose in McKenzie and Canavan wandering about in there, groping about in the vague hope of finding what, exactly?
The guardians of this forest have lived deep within it forever; they know every track, tree , swamp and dead end; can find their way round it almost blindfold; move the track, change the signs and create a fetid, confounding fog whenever it pleases. So we must ask, once again, what is the object of all this thrashing around?
To navigate the swamp, successfully a map, a spotlight and solid advice is required minimum equipment. That 'equipment' is readily and freely available; all faithfully recorded on the Hansard, in history and in the minds of folk who have traveled the road before them. Any sensible, careful study of the history will reveal the hidden paths, cunning traps and every 'dead-end' gambit. Perhaps a close study of the last Estimates foray into 'Slots' could provide clues. No great intellectual leaps required; just a quiet moment or two to read the submissions from Qantas and Virgin. Perhaps a translation would assist.
The Qantas statement reflects a bucolic approach; very comfortable within their ability to co-exist with the burgeoning bureaucratic rule of the nation; the fundamental mindset being closely aligned, cozy within the relationship and structured much the same.
The Virgin statement shows a very different 'approach' – they see the ominous signs of further departmental 'make work' through even more 'reporting and ever deepening 'interference' in matters which do not – in real terms – concern them. More controls, more penalties and ever more control over an 'independent' business.
Should the good Senators wish to free of the swamp and it's dangers, they must, absolutely, understand the complexities of actually operating 'air services'. It is, truly, a seriously complex task to actually get an aircraft 'off blocks' – on time. To manage to keep a schedule for a day is almost remarkable; to run flawlessly, for a seven day is as close to mission impossible as you can get. Planning and system integrity and good crew always strive to meet targets – however:-remember............
“No Plan survives first contact with the enemy.” This quote has been variously attributed to Helmuth von Moltke, Carl von Clausewitz, Dwight D Eisenhower, and others. Or significantly less prosaically “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” - Mike Tyson.
Best bet; bring in some 'outside' assistance – independent, capable and finite; before this debacle becomes lost in the great mists of the Canberra swamp.
Toot – toot...