[Kharon]

Senate Estimates -

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;” etc. etc......Along with a wry smile,  a shake of my old wooden head greets the news of yet another gab-a-thon – full of sound and fury, signifying nada. For all the hours and dollars invested, I have yet to see / hear any result from these often farcical mini drama's achieve any semblance of significant 'change'. Let me explain.


In the beginning, a truck delivered a bundle of expensive timber, in the form of long, wide, thick 'planks', rough sawn. Each was hand planed to give a 'face' and a square edge. From there, using hand saws the rough 'blanks' were cut into rough 'size' billets. Each was then hand planed to the required size (plus a bit 'for Mum'). Joints and rebates made the assembly. It took a tick under 60 hours to get to a final sanding and assembly. In short; a design was made, a plan produced and the 'work' – soup to nuts – finished tidy, made to last with no need for 'tinkering about the edges. On budget, on time and a happy client. A world of difference to the Estimates pantomime; a show I for one, will not be watching. (Stock picture above - copied)...

“This whole book is but a draught—nay, but the draught of a draught. Oh, Time, Strength, Cash, and Patience!”

For over a decade, in the hope of elected 'government' taking on the incredible non elected agencies and achieving the reforms and 'logic' offered by industry experts has seen time and money (lots and lots of) wasted. There are those who firmly believe that the reason for this is that it suits the elected to have an escape clause - “Oh, they are the experts and we are not” which is unmitigated Bollocks. Estimates Senators do have access to 'real' industry experts and sage advice. So what is actually achieved? Alas....the 'system' works seamlessly, wastefully and of little value to industry or the tax paying public - However-here is a question the 'Senators' may seek an answer to:- 

“70th training incident that the ATSB has investigated in the last 10 years”, if that’s not an eye watering statistic I don’t know what is." (courtesy PPrune).

“Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.”

For an example – one may waste a portion of the allotted lifespan and read the answers to the 'Questions-on Notice'. These days, one may easily study a decade's worth of 'Kool-Aid' induced, artfully crafted 'answers' to significant questions. There are hours and hours of Senators asking questions they don't fully understand and waiting months for the written return answer; not, mark you that a follow up question is never, ever raised -Then -  “no time left” is the fateful exit line.  Seriously; the cost of this fiasco and the results of the 'inquiry' are so far removed from stark reality as to beggar imagination.

“I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.”

So, Estimates will not grace my computer screen; not this time or ever again. For as the Bard eloquently expressed it

"It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing."

Selah.

PS>. Why do dogs go deaf when its bath day? Can't find one victim, DT will not be happy,