Full steam GD – Yes, NOW!
Well caught P2; the questions need to be framed and passed along for the next estimates. There is much there for our law makers to consider, not least of all the fitness of Skidmore to continue in his current role.
Despite the rhetoric and assurances that ‘on his watch’, the aberrations of the McCormick era will not be tolerated; despite the ’10 commandments’, despite lip service to the ASRR, promises made to ministers of the crown and much glad handing, the carte blanche gifted to the more venal inspectors is still very much in evidence. The latest iteration published clearly with Skidmore’s full knowledge and approval, or was it? One John Francis McCormick has signed it, in January, year of our lord 2016. WTF.
Cut this up either way: the kinder method would be to accept that an ‘error’ has been made. That of leaving the McCormick moniker on the document was simply an oversight. The obvious inferences are those of total incompetence; or, lack of control. This; as an excuse, does not satisfy any questions. An alteration of this scope requires a full dress parade, head of legal, the boss and any other office wallah who is a ‘stakeholder’ to be party to the changes. Particularly as this is a significant rewording of an existing, despicable policy; changes only made to satisfy the ASRR. Leaving it signed by John Mac opens all kinds of avenues; not least of which begs the question “is this document capable of surviving a court challenge? Did JMac approve the changes made under his John Henry Hancock?, was he aware that he had authorised changes to ‘his’ get out of jail card? Bollocks he did. Would he go to an Estimates and swear that he, and he alone signed off on the changes; Bollocks he would. Cock up or conspiracy? Usually cock up wins; not today children, (sotto voce) but not today. Enough.
The less kind, but probably more accurate explanation (IMO) is that Skidmore, behind the open, smiling, tent revivalist face has allowed, on his watch, a disreputable, dishonourable act to be foisted on industry. An industry so overwhelmed by changes to unique regulation and rising costs has little time to devote to operational compliance, let alone plough through an esoteric document like the ‘Enforcement Manual’; until they wind up in court. It has enough to do without watching the cunning caprices of the back door embuggerance crowd. More than anything seen to date, this duplicitous act typifies the two faces of the current regime. The obscene determination to retain absolute power combined with the ability to bend and shape law, or stated policy to suit the predetermined outcome. This mark you, without having the courage to sign a highly legally suspect document which basically says, “do as you will, we will find a way to make it legal”.
The choice between gutless duplicity or blind incompetence is yours to make. At least McCormick would face up and spit in your eye if challenged on this piece shit; the smiling python simply hides his evil intent behind the façade and the gentle rattle of tambourines.
Either way, it’s a resignation job. A honourable, honest man would correct the error and own up to the words being his own; a decent man would apologise; a real DAS would never, ever allow the situation to develop. Clearly the job of true reform is beyond the Skidmore limited range of capability. The Senate should not be suggesting resignation, but demanding it, for placing the minister in such an embarrassing position.
Steam off thanks GD; but keep the boiler stoked; we are nowhere near done with this.
Selah.
Well caught P2; the questions need to be framed and passed along for the next estimates. There is much there for our law makers to consider, not least of all the fitness of Skidmore to continue in his current role.
Despite the rhetoric and assurances that ‘on his watch’, the aberrations of the McCormick era will not be tolerated; despite the ’10 commandments’, despite lip service to the ASRR, promises made to ministers of the crown and much glad handing, the carte blanche gifted to the more venal inspectors is still very much in evidence. The latest iteration published clearly with Skidmore’s full knowledge and approval, or was it? One John Francis McCormick has signed it, in January, year of our lord 2016. WTF.
Cut this up either way: the kinder method would be to accept that an ‘error’ has been made. That of leaving the McCormick moniker on the document was simply an oversight. The obvious inferences are those of total incompetence; or, lack of control. This; as an excuse, does not satisfy any questions. An alteration of this scope requires a full dress parade, head of legal, the boss and any other office wallah who is a ‘stakeholder’ to be party to the changes. Particularly as this is a significant rewording of an existing, despicable policy; changes only made to satisfy the ASRR. Leaving it signed by John Mac opens all kinds of avenues; not least of which begs the question “is this document capable of surviving a court challenge? Did JMac approve the changes made under his John Henry Hancock?, was he aware that he had authorised changes to ‘his’ get out of jail card? Bollocks he did. Would he go to an Estimates and swear that he, and he alone signed off on the changes; Bollocks he would. Cock up or conspiracy? Usually cock up wins; not today children, (sotto voce) but not today. Enough.
The less kind, but probably more accurate explanation (IMO) is that Skidmore, behind the open, smiling, tent revivalist face has allowed, on his watch, a disreputable, dishonourable act to be foisted on industry. An industry so overwhelmed by changes to unique regulation and rising costs has little time to devote to operational compliance, let alone plough through an esoteric document like the ‘Enforcement Manual’; until they wind up in court. It has enough to do without watching the cunning caprices of the back door embuggerance crowd. More than anything seen to date, this duplicitous act typifies the two faces of the current regime. The obscene determination to retain absolute power combined with the ability to bend and shape law, or stated policy to suit the predetermined outcome. This mark you, without having the courage to sign a highly legally suspect document which basically says, “do as you will, we will find a way to make it legal”.
The choice between gutless duplicity or blind incompetence is yours to make. At least McCormick would face up and spit in your eye if challenged on this piece shit; the smiling python simply hides his evil intent behind the façade and the gentle rattle of tambourines.
Either way, it’s a resignation job. A honourable, honest man would correct the error and own up to the words being his own; a decent man would apologise; a real DAS would never, ever allow the situation to develop. Clearly the job of true reform is beyond the Skidmore limited range of capability. The Senate should not be suggesting resignation, but demanding it, for placing the minister in such an embarrassing position.
Quote:§ "I have nothing with this answer, Hamlet. These words are not
mine." Claudious (a true villain).
Steam off thanks GD; but keep the boiler stoked; we are nowhere near done with this.
Selah.