[Kharon]

Democracy? Why bother.

It’s a sad state of affairs when a couple of ‘honest’ hard working Senators get told to piss off – again by the ‘crats.  CASA do it regularly, it’s the default setting for ATSB and now the ASA seem to be untouchable.  We could save a shed load by getting shot of the Senate; or, conversely we could ensure the Senate has some real teeth and horsepower.  For some reason the safety watchdog outfits seem to be immune from censure or criticism and despite some serious questions and implications, feel able to ignore it all.  Business as usual.  It’s a long drawn out goalless draw, the public servant defenders never getting beyond their 25 yard line, concentrating on defence only; the Senate crew mounting attack after attack only to be beaten by a solid line of defenders, not even a penalty shootout to look forward to, which would at least bring the farce to an end.

An attack is mounted:-

The Senate committee’s chairman, the Liberals’ Bill Heffernan, and the deputy chair, Labor’s Glenn Sterle, have publicly called for the government to commit to not making an appointment to the CEO’s position until the report is tabled and considered, though making clear this is not to make any implication against any individual.

A signed confession:-

Mr Harfield was Airservices executive general manager for ¬future service delivery from July 2013 to August 2015 in which role, he says on his LinkedIn profile, he had “accountability for the leadership, acquisition and delivery” of OneSKY’’ and was its “Senior Responsible Owner”.

The defence swings into action and the referee ignores the foul.  No penalty awarded. 

A spokeswoman for Mr Chester declined the opportunity to provide the assurances sought by Senator Heffernan and Senator Sterle.

Stalemate.  Perhaps the cheerleaders at half time will provide some value for money.

Toot toot.