[Kharon]

Second Edition.

Having gotten the 'mild' irritation with the 'CASA briefing' off my chest, there were some other matters of interest which could stand a little scrutiny, worthy of mention. 



There was nothing but praise for the latest AMROBA newsletter. Ken Cannane providing not only a detailed, accurate analysis of the deep hole the Australian aviation administration has dug for the industry; a hole they fully intend to keep excavating; despite the clearly defined ways and means of repair being provided. The News letter provides the Minister with the quality of advice he should be receiving, not the pap he's being fed. There is no comparison possible between the expert advice of AMROBA and the Kool-Aide fuelled dribble Spence insulted the intelligence of not only the Minister, but the entire aviation sector.




DPM Joyce on the other hand is off to a good start; for me the best part is allowing the Moorabin developers a little more time to reconsider their 'master plan' and delay mixed with the potential of ministerial involvement spells trouble for the 'big money' interests. They cannot just 'park' the money earmarked, that must keep earning at profit level if fiscal balance is to be maintained. Another bright spot was the approval of funding for regional hub aerodromes upgrade. This shows a true understanding of just how important the regional centres are; good air services to and quality facilities at airports are an essential element in development for these important regional hubs. Bravo minister and thank you. 



About the only person not happy with the new minister was Each-way Hitch; well on his way to becoming irrelevant. In a trite, snide little article he calls 'pork barrel' because Joyce announced funding for his own regional airports first. Shock - horror a politician meeting his promises to his electorate - there should be a lot more of it. Then a day or so later - the entire package for regional hubs is announced; Hitch caught with his pants down - will he publish some humble pie? I doubt it.

One mystery has caught the attention of the BRB; that of the MIA McDonald inquiry. That inquiry seems to have been extinguished, despite the fire and brimstone of the first rounds. There was a feint hope that a report would be produced in time to set a pathway for the new head of the Aviation administration - nope. A few invested considerable time, money and energy in laying out the facts to the McDoolittle inquiry, patiently awaiting 'something' positive to emerge in the public arena. Nada, zilch, zip, nuttin. To ask what the hell happened to that is a fair question. Maybe its a surprise. I'll take your bets now.........

I note that there has been a new boss for the ATSB announced. After 'Beaker' followed by the hooded canary there is every chance the new chum will shine; not too big an ask after the lack-lustre Hood's puerile efforts. We shall no doubt see; and wish the new Commissioner all the best - he'll need it.

That just about covers it all - the duplicity of Spence has stolen the thunder this week; many still in a state of mild shock. No one expected a dramatic change, can't happen in a well run bureaucracy, but subtle positive change was hoped for; indeed, even prayed for by those with some belief in the gods remaining. The call to put the Spence' picture on the dart board was defeated, but by a very slim margin. Open season declared.

"Good gentle youth, tempt not a desperate man." William Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet


Selah.-.