Heads I win; Tails you loose. 
I have often wondered why a 'no interest' loan rather than a 'gift' system is not considered. A thing like a town dam, water treatment plant and up graded sewage system for example is a 'not for profit' essential item, which costs a truck load. The Kickinatinalong town council know it is a needed infrastructure upgrade, but haven't got a prayer of raising that kind of money through rates etc. A bank would not look at it – no return, no income – and nothing that can be repossessed against the loan. So, it seems perfectly reasonable that an application to the Government for a 'loan' on terms which can be met would benefit the town and keep the taxpayer dollars on an even keel. Long term – sure, but in the way of 'improving' the nation, it seems to be a good investment by the nation, in the nation.
Sandy - “A far better argument about government handouts would be to advocate a much lower taxation regime and minimise or eradicate handouts altogether.”
Handouts to me seem open to all manner of ugly possibilities. No one is saying that there are shady back room deals done; but, the possibility is there. This is particularly likely to be suspected when 'secrecy' surrounds the process. There will always be a suspicion when 'clarity' and accountability are denied the inquirer. This is 'public money' – one should be able to go to the library; take out a copy of the 'meeting' in question and see, writ clear – Kickatinalong Council – 20 million over 20 years; infrastructure upgrade – approved by Smith, Jones and Whatshisname, details on page two.
“The finance department has withheld the details of the 112 projects not recommended for funding — including their total value — on the grounds that they "contain the outcome of Cabinet deliberations".
“It has also withheld the names of the other ministers who sat on the ministerial panel along with Mr McCormack”...
The statements above could, (justifiably) cast 'reasonable doubt' – while there is probably no call to doubt the integrity of those involved or the process – it does detract from the overall good intentions. Politicians need votes to stay on the gravy train; gifted money buys the influence and publicity needed to acquire those votes.
Drought and floods are a regular visitors to Australia; management of water is essential to the national well being. Anything to do with that management, by government should be made public – in the national interest. Clear, accurate and, much like Caesar's wife; must be seen to be above suspicion.
“This expression is a complete sentence by itself. It has been interpreted in several different ways, but most often it means that people associated with public figures cannot do anything that would shame that public figure.”
L'esposa de Cèsar no només ha de ser honrada, sinó semblar-ho.
Toot – toot (two bob's worth of steam).
I have often wondered why a 'no interest' loan rather than a 'gift' system is not considered. A thing like a town dam, water treatment plant and up graded sewage system for example is a 'not for profit' essential item, which costs a truck load. The Kickinatinalong town council know it is a needed infrastructure upgrade, but haven't got a prayer of raising that kind of money through rates etc. A bank would not look at it – no return, no income – and nothing that can be repossessed against the loan. So, it seems perfectly reasonable that an application to the Government for a 'loan' on terms which can be met would benefit the town and keep the taxpayer dollars on an even keel. Long term – sure, but in the way of 'improving' the nation, it seems to be a good investment by the nation, in the nation.
Sandy - “A far better argument about government handouts would be to advocate a much lower taxation regime and minimise or eradicate handouts altogether.”
Handouts to me seem open to all manner of ugly possibilities. No one is saying that there are shady back room deals done; but, the possibility is there. This is particularly likely to be suspected when 'secrecy' surrounds the process. There will always be a suspicion when 'clarity' and accountability are denied the inquirer. This is 'public money' – one should be able to go to the library; take out a copy of the 'meeting' in question and see, writ clear – Kickatinalong Council – 20 million over 20 years; infrastructure upgrade – approved by Smith, Jones and Whatshisname, details on page two.
“The finance department has withheld the details of the 112 projects not recommended for funding — including their total value — on the grounds that they "contain the outcome of Cabinet deliberations".
“It has also withheld the names of the other ministers who sat on the ministerial panel along with Mr McCormack”...
The statements above could, (justifiably) cast 'reasonable doubt' – while there is probably no call to doubt the integrity of those involved or the process – it does detract from the overall good intentions. Politicians need votes to stay on the gravy train; gifted money buys the influence and publicity needed to acquire those votes.
Drought and floods are a regular visitors to Australia; management of water is essential to the national well being. Anything to do with that management, by government should be made public – in the national interest. Clear, accurate and, much like Caesar's wife; must be seen to be above suspicion.
“This expression is a complete sentence by itself. It has been interpreted in several different ways, but most often it means that people associated with public figures cannot do anything that would shame that public figure.”
L'esposa de Cèsar no només ha de ser honrada, sinó semblar-ho.
Toot – toot (two bob's worth of steam).