[Kharon]

Of dead horses:--and the flogging thereof.

What with one thing and another; the SBG has been neglected for a while now.  The simple reason is that given the 'state' of Australia and the 'political' landscape  the game just ain't worth the candle. The 'spiritual, economic and 'political' landscape exclude any chance of the aviation industry achieving the desperately needed 'reforms' and 'deep' changes required to bring it out of what is, essentially, a 'third world' status. From ICAO compliance in spirit and intent down to industry employment and on to 'engineering' there is a requirement, reflected in 'revenue', employment, operational and facility standards for some serious attention. In short, it's a pig's ear, an expensive, counterproductive one to boot.

“Bandits and governments 'ave so much in common that they might be interchangeable anywhere in the world...”

Looking back at erstwhile 'Ministers' and 'Estimates' sessions, although we may have railed and 'taken the Mickey' they were at least 'visible' and (at very least) seen to be 'involved' even if mostly inutile. The current, incumbent minuscule seems to have acquired Harry Potter's invisibility cloak. Estimates gives you a clue; a wall of public 'servants' from several 'departments' facing down the under briefed 'committee' members. Senators Outnumbered, out gunned and not even fully across the questions they ask. Honestly, its like watching a couple of kids in a 'tinny' trying to pinch the harbor bridge with Mum's old clothes line.



Yet, it seems we must forgive and forget, (lump it) for a while at least, given the current global ructions. Aviation must just get on with what they can and, temporarily abandon any hope ICAO rules and pulling the agencies into gear. The downside of this hiatus is while politicians wring their hands, worry and work on the next election; they become even more dependent on 'agencies' which will gain more 'power' and independence from 'scrutiny'. The bastion of 'take that question on notice' built by the masters of obfuscation, will continue to repel the badly briefed and the disinterested. Should you not believe current 'Estimates' a WOFTAM, then watch a few episodes and watch the Sterle performance his 'attitude and approach'; says it all really. Until the entire aviation industry, from Qantas down to Joe blogs and his one man show, all, collectively raise merry Hell (politely and properly) in a Royal Commission; speak as one to the 'fundamentals, then, just as the good lady of Shalott said;

The mirror crack'd from side to side;
"The curse is come upon me," etc....

Yet, there are still some things which can make you smile all day; 'on request' I made a 'double decked' pencil box for a mate's young niece Old style, sliding lid and a pivot. All I had in the shelves of 'about' the right thickness was some aged, very plain Celery Top Pine (Phyllocladus aspleniifolius). The thing worked just fine, but while functional, it was at best 'plain'. It returned to the stable last evening – beautifully painted, by hand, bright and light, with our flag, native creatures, birds and trees. Couldn't tell you why it made me so happy; but it did.

Judging by the fur bearing faces staring at me, seems about the right time to be out of doors; “Away then” and off they go, me plodding along behind, smiling mu fool head off.

Selah..