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Supplementary Estimates 19/10/15 - Airservices & the BSW

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First impressions from rough notes.

An outbreak of domestic tyranny prevented careful study of the entire session, so we will be obliged to wait for Hansard and the ‘vision’ for details.  From some of the comments received and the parts I did manage to watch, there are some points of interest which will merit further attention.

Sir Gallacher continues to impress, you get the notion that he’s plugged in and switched on; works hard and terrier like, keeps worrying the prey.  I want to watch the ASA session again, I got the impression he was kicking the crap out of ‘em (big job – lots of it to kick) on money matters.   Doughty Joe Bullock was in the ruck and maul, quiet, assuming but no less lethal for that.  Choc frogs for effort.  MTF.

The best bits of the ASA session were towards the end; there’s one small piece which is a must see.  Heff seemed, for the most part to stay out of the scrums, ran the session with a rod of iron with only a few barbed comments made regarding cowardly bastards waiting for their turn and writing nasty notes; someone made a serious error and Heff ain’t forgiving or forgetting; I digress.  Heff pops up with a question about advertising the ASA ‘top job’. MM jumped in to protect the anointed Half-wit.  It was a small passage of play, but Heff left no doubt in my mind that the Merde’k selection was out of the running – when you see the recording – watch carefully – Heff makes his final comment – Merde’k looks down the table at Half-wit, that look says ‘you’re ducked mate’.  The smile on the Heff dial – priceless.   MTF.

CASA – Oliver Slymore Twist, not so laid back and cool this time, the happy-clappy façade slipped a couple of times.  The session is worth a revisit, from my notes, the Montreal excuse was trotted out again, McComic got thrown under the bus and a gaunt, tense Anastasi was very uncomfortable at a line of questions which asked – basically – “are you taking the Mickey out the Senate ?”  This related to Part 145 being turned away and CASA running around the back of it to continue with their version of reform.  NX kicked that one off; as said – need a replay.  Fawcett condescended to pull on a strip and boots; there was a passage of play where he locked horns with Slymore; only an impression and a scribbled note, but some of it seemed ‘rehearsed’ (for wont of better), the chime of probity just a little off beat – need a replay.  Bullock did well again precision kicking.  MTF.

Which only leaves ATSB and a hapless, re bearded Beaker – one texted comment cracked me up – it suggested the beard is used as cover for telling the really big Porkies ("talking through his hairy arse").  Foley did well on MH 370 – he seems to be across the brief and manages to give an impression of honesty.  The session is worth reviewing – Norfolk and Pel-Air were mentioned and the bearded one looked distinctly uncomfortable during that interlude.  MTF.

Only a half baked twiddle; impressions more than solid observations; more to follow I expect. But for the amount of difference it will all make, judging from the complete lack of tangible change so far; maybe MKR is a better program.  At least there you can at least see the result of effort.

Toot toot... ...

Good summary Ferryman, it wasn't a long session but it was obvious there were many subtle inner sanctum allegiances & departmental issues that will no doubt feature in the coming months of the BSW (Bus Stop Wars)...

The following is the committee secretariat summary of the day's proceedings:

Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee

Supplementary Budget Estimates 2015 – 16

Monday, 19 October 2015

Daily summary

The committee met from 9.00am until 10.35pm.
The committee called:

• the department and agencies of the Infrastructure and Regional Development portfolio, commencing with the Corporate Services Division and moving on to the Infrastructure Investment Division, Infrastructure Australia, the Australian Rail Track Corporation, Airservices Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the Aviation and Airports Division, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Office of Transport Security, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Policy and Research Division, the Surface Transport Policy Division, the Local Government and Territories Division, the Western Sydney Unit, the National Capital Authority and the National Transport Commission.

Among other issues, the following matters were discussed:

• current and planned infrastructure projects in states and territories, with a particular focus on matters surrounding the WestConnex and the Perth Freight Link projects;

• the work of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau on the search for MH370; and

• the distribution of ministerial responsibilities within the Infrastructure and Regional Development portfolio in light of the recent ministerial reshuffle.

The Committee set Friday 30 October 2015 as the deadline for senators to submit written Questions on Notice, and Friday 4 December 2015 as the due date for answers to Questions on Notice. 

    
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Update: Hansard now released in full - Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee - 19/10/2015 - Estimates - INFRASTRUCTURE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PORTFOLIO - Airservices Australia

MTF..P2