Dear Wayne Swan, our Federal Treasurer, our Mr Budget.
I might not be a beancounter or the sharpest tool in the shed, but I got our household budget down pat. You see, when we get into a bit of strife we just tighten the old belt and defer the weekends up the river, switch from lamb to bangers, drag out the home brew kit, whatever. If things get real bad we cut down on time spent at the pub, like leaving before midnight. And we don't buy the kids anything for Christmas.
Now let me give this a bit of a go here.
As of tomorrow, 13 May, Australia, the land of Skippy, Vegemite and the world's best beer COOPERS, will be 58 BILLION SMACKERS in the hole.
TOO EASY!!!!
The 25 to 30 billion for defence for the next 12 months? Send all the sappers, the wing jocks, look, even the regimental mascots off on paid holidays. Like, 12 months of holidays. Stick all the tanks and the other stuff into some big shed in the middle of the Simpson Desert.
BINGO.........30 billion you don't have to worry about. And because the whole box & dice is shut down, probably another 10 billion back into the old skyrocket.
And don't go worrying about any invasions. Trust me, it won't happen! Countries invade countries only to snaffle someone else's goodies. Never, ever has there been a Beer War! Boer War yes, Beer war no.
Nearly there.
Go follow Western Australia's example and DUMP THAT FLEET OF FANCY CARS you got there in Canberra. Send the drivers home, on a holiday, for 12 months. Yep, equality, don't ya love it? Catch a cab, help an ailing industry out. Nope, bugger it. See if you can stitch up K-Mart or Target for some free bicycles. Give them a grant or something. BINGO!!
Transfer funding away from those arty farty places and into PUBS. Yep, that's where the votes are mate. In the great Aussie pub. Get the price of a pint down to where it was in 1972, nope 1952. Let's get Aussies out & about and back into three-deep shouts at the local. Then sit back and watch gambling turnover blast into orbit with your popularity in supersonic tow. And honestly the hospitals will love ya for it.....they get a great, big chomp out of the gambling pie in every state. Go for it Swannie!!!! BINGO!!
Why stop there. I was in your Parlie House a few months ago watching you dudes in action. I couldn't help but notice all those smartly uniformed staffers running your little messages around the room and delivering glasses of water. Holidays, send them all home for 12 months, on full pay. BINGO!!
Get off your lazy backsides and get your own bloody water!!!!
I think I'm nearly there.
No more overseas junkets...... GOOGLE IT for heaven's sakes!!!! Get yourself a Twitter account and Tweet away.
And Prime Minister Kev doesn't need that big fat plane to flit around in.
MOTHBALLS!!!! I think someone is doing Canberra to Sydney for a fiver inclusive of peanuts. Oh, but they charge extra for the hairdryer.
That's it mate. Take my advice and Wednesday morning you will be the most popular polie in Australia. The World. The only country on this economy-ravaged planet with a surplus. You'll be swamped by offers from all over the globe and maybe even further afield. Melmac, Twilight Zone, the Orion Nebula, who knows...the sky will not be your limit. Get your bags packed and standby for blast-off.
And one last thing, be a true blue fair dinkum Aussie and give the Pensioners 150 bucks a week extra. You can afford it on the Rob 'Robbo' McKibbin Budget.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
More on South Australian Politicians Travel Reports
OK. I know I should not pluck bits & pieces from reams of reports for fear of presenting words out of context. Nevertheless......
I was under the impression that our honourable elected members embark on overseas trips with a view to bringing back something that will enrich our community.
Here are more snippets from the Attorney-General's (Mick Atkinson) report on his 2008 romp in the northern hemisphere:
I was under the impression that our honourable elected members embark on overseas trips with a view to bringing back something that will enrich our community.
Here are more snippets from the Attorney-General's (Mick Atkinson) report on his 2008 romp in the northern hemisphere:
- Surveillance means........using a surveillance device.
- CCTV is a powerful crime fighting tool
- Community justice is about courts engaging with the local community
- Poland celebrates its national day on 3 May each year
- The delegation visited the birthplace of Pope John Paul II
Give me a break! Is this all fair dinkum?
Mick, are you absolutely positively sure that a surveillance device is used for surveillance? Can we have May 3 as a new public holiday?
Sounds like a job for moi. Let me see. From the Honourable Rob 'Robbo' McKibbin's USA travel report 2009:
- Donald Duck is not real
- The plonk on the plane was from South Australia
- Americans use a lot of petrol
- John Olsen says gudday
- There are 14 Irish Pubs in Denver
And I haven't started on one of the most bizarre reports I have read yet, courtesy of another Honourable Member who jaunted upaways to the UK. Here's a snippet:
'.....research has shown that kids dont like to be told off......'
Well bugger me!
http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/Members/HouseofAssembly/TravelReports/
Workplace Bullying in the South Australian Government. Why we need an ICAC
I made my first complaint back in March of 2000. It wasn't a big deal at the time. Little did I know it was the start of a very long arduous trek.
I was still complaining by the time I resigned in September of 2008. During that period, and the word is now getting monotonous, I COMPLAINED all the way up to the Premier, Mike Rann. In fact, here is a piece of the ladder I was compelled to climb:
Public Trustee management, where it all began
Attorney-General Department
Equal Opportunity Commission
State Ombudsman
Workplace Services
Commissioner for Public Employment
Equal Opportunity Tribunal, District Court
http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/sa/SAEOT/2004/1.html?query=mckibbin
After the 2004 Court Case, the victimisation intensified in retaliation for hanging out the washing in public. The people responsible for that treatment have now moved on to other fertile pastures.
I am certain had my subsequent complaints concerning the ongoing victimisation been made against a junior member of staff, the wheels of justice would have squashed all asunder on the way to my desk. My complaints were levelled at the very top of the tree. These senior people were protected all the way to the lolly shop!
Why does South Australia need an ICAC? Well, check out the ladder.
In thinking about the inactions of my employer during those years, it was incredulous to see how quickly management pounced on me when I appeared on the Today Tonight current affairs show last year. Within a couple of weeks I received a letter stating I may be in breach of the Act and that an investigation in to my actions had commenced.
I think that says it all.
As fas as any vindication goes, yep...the bully finally copped a punishment, a Parliamentary Inquiry is still current, and I don't have a bloody job.
Whistleblowing, a career without reward!
I was still complaining by the time I resigned in September of 2008. During that period, and the word is now getting monotonous, I COMPLAINED all the way up to the Premier, Mike Rann. In fact, here is a piece of the ladder I was compelled to climb:
Public Trustee management, where it all began
Attorney-General Department
Equal Opportunity Commission
State Ombudsman
Workplace Services
Commissioner for Public Employment
Equal Opportunity Tribunal, District Court
http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/sa/SAEOT/2004/1.html?query=mckibbin
The Attorney-General, Mick Atkinson
The Premier, Mike Rann
Oh yes, my Union, the Public Service Association.
After the 2004 Court Case, the victimisation intensified in retaliation for hanging out the washing in public. The people responsible for that treatment have now moved on to other fertile pastures.
I am certain had my subsequent complaints concerning the ongoing victimisation been made against a junior member of staff, the wheels of justice would have squashed all asunder on the way to my desk. My complaints were levelled at the very top of the tree. These senior people were protected all the way to the lolly shop!
Why does South Australia need an ICAC? Well, check out the ladder.
In thinking about the inactions of my employer during those years, it was incredulous to see how quickly management pounced on me when I appeared on the Today Tonight current affairs show last year. Within a couple of weeks I received a letter stating I may be in breach of the Act and that an investigation in to my actions had commenced.
I think that says it all.
As fas as any vindication goes, yep...the bully finally copped a punishment, a Parliamentary Inquiry is still current, and I don't have a bloody job.
Whistleblowing, a career without reward!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Denver Holiday Pics
Pics around Denver. Twenty bucks for the basketball seats. The 'Unsinkable' Molly Brown's pad. And Denver's Parlie House. Immaculate and breathtaking inside. Makes ours look like the Pie Cart! Been in our Parlie House lately? It's disgusting.
Strange though. On the day we did the Denver Parlie tour, McDonald's was in one of the main rooms dishing out free meals to the polies and to the staff.
Buffalo Bill's Grave
Last month holidayed in the USA and stayed in Denver Colorado for a week. What a beautiful place, from the Rocky Mountains to the Irish Pub next door to our hotel. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza located just off the longest Mall I have ever seen. With no-fare 'trolleys' constantly rolling both directions every few minutes, seeing the lot is a breeze. One of my favourites is called Johnny Rockets. It's like stepping onto the set of Arnolds in Happy Days. Burgers were great and the hot dancing chicks doin it to Stayin' Alive were a fixer-upper for the hangover. Went to the basketball one night to watch the Denver Nuggets play the New York something or others. It was out of control....that's a phrase I picked up from the kids. I think it means brilliant.
Here's a pic of Buffalo Bill's Grave.
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT - TRAVEL REPORTS
Ever wondered what our elected members get up to when away on an overseas junket? Look no further than the Parliamentary website.
http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/Members/HouseofAssembly/TravelReports/
Travel reports dating back to 2002. From Tom Koutsantonis's epic 2-page report detailing his month in Greece, to the Attorney-General's tome weighing in at a hefty 50Mb.
To whet your appetite.
April of 2008, our Attorney-General visited the United Kingdom, Poland and Turkey. And he wasn't on his lonesome. Included in the 'Delegation ' were the Honourable Dennis Hood MLC, the Member for Bright Miss Chloe Fox, and the Member for Norwood Miss Vini Ciccarello. Also tagging along was the AG's Chief of Staff, Mr Peter Louca.
Here's a couple of eyeball-opening gems from that report:
''....Charlton Athletic ( a football club in England ) marked its 100th birthday on 9 June, 2005 with the unveiling of the Sam Bartram statue. Charlton is set to start a new campaign with 17,500 season-ticket holders behind them as they attempt to bounce back to the Premier League....'
'...the key aim of the counter-terrorism strategy is to reduce the risk we face from international terrorism so that people can go about their business freely and safely...'
Mick, I could have told you that one for nuffin!
And from Tom Koutsantonis:
'...Thanked the Greek Government for the honour of awarding Premier Mike Rann with
the Order of the Phoenix, the highest civilian award that can be bestowed on any
civilian Greek or Foreigner...'
I'm a bit short of words for that revelation!
http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/Members/HouseofAssembly/TravelReports/
Travel reports dating back to 2002. From Tom Koutsantonis's epic 2-page report detailing his month in Greece, to the Attorney-General's tome weighing in at a hefty 50Mb.
To whet your appetite.
April of 2008, our Attorney-General visited the United Kingdom, Poland and Turkey. And he wasn't on his lonesome. Included in the 'Delegation ' were the Honourable Dennis Hood MLC, the Member for Bright Miss Chloe Fox, and the Member for Norwood Miss Vini Ciccarello. Also tagging along was the AG's Chief of Staff, Mr Peter Louca.
Here's a couple of eyeball-opening gems from that report:
''....Charlton Athletic ( a football club in England ) marked its 100th birthday on 9 June, 2005 with the unveiling of the Sam Bartram statue. Charlton is set to start a new campaign with 17,500 season-ticket holders behind them as they attempt to bounce back to the Premier League....'
'...the key aim of the counter-terrorism strategy is to reduce the risk we face from international terrorism so that people can go about their business freely and safely...'
Mick, I could have told you that one for nuffin!
And from Tom Koutsantonis:
'...Thanked the Greek Government for the honour of awarding Premier Mike Rann with
the Order of the Phoenix, the highest civilian award that can be bestowed on any
civilian Greek or Foreigner...'
I'm a bit short of words for that revelation!
Friday, May 8, 2009
ICAC FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Again The Advertiser, in its Editorial this morning, has echoed the call for an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for the state of South Australia. And it appears there is only one person who does not agree......The Premier, Mr Mike Rann. As he puts it, it would lead to '....a lawyer's picnic...'
Well, picnic or no picnic, we better crank out the hampers as it will happen, and sooner than later. Why? One word springs to mind. Overwhelming.
The past 12 months has seen a flurry of events that would be perfect for a picnic by the river. Apart from the various Parliamentary Inquiries currently swamping staff at Parliament House, one in particular with its roots firmly implanted in workplace bullying and corruption allegations, the Office of the Public Trustee Inquiry, there now is the constantly unfolding South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC) drama.
As reported by the media this week, there will be two Inquiries into the SAJC. One conducted behind closed doors (in secret) by the Independent Gambling Authority as it invokes its Royal Commission-like powers. The other, in Parliament House on North Terrace courtesy of the Upper House. At least the Parliamentary Inquiry will be out there in the public spotlight.
But, like the mess I found myself in, these unfolding dramas, sometimes spread across months or even years, scream out for what is missing. A more direct route to addressing the issues.
In my case, it took me years to work my way through a labyrinth of bureaucracy. Had there been an ICAC, I doubt I would have lost nine years of my life.
I mentioned the Upper House. Our illustrious leader has inferred many times that he would like to see the Upper House go floating down some creek. Maybe past the growing numbers of picnickers. Wonder why!
Well, picnic or no picnic, we better crank out the hampers as it will happen, and sooner than later. Why? One word springs to mind. Overwhelming.
The past 12 months has seen a flurry of events that would be perfect for a picnic by the river. Apart from the various Parliamentary Inquiries currently swamping staff at Parliament House, one in particular with its roots firmly implanted in workplace bullying and corruption allegations, the Office of the Public Trustee Inquiry, there now is the constantly unfolding South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC) drama.
As reported by the media this week, there will be two Inquiries into the SAJC. One conducted behind closed doors (in secret) by the Independent Gambling Authority as it invokes its Royal Commission-like powers. The other, in Parliament House on North Terrace courtesy of the Upper House. At least the Parliamentary Inquiry will be out there in the public spotlight.
But, like the mess I found myself in, these unfolding dramas, sometimes spread across months or even years, scream out for what is missing. A more direct route to addressing the issues.
In my case, it took me years to work my way through a labyrinth of bureaucracy. Had there been an ICAC, I doubt I would have lost nine years of my life.
I mentioned the Upper House. Our illustrious leader has inferred many times that he would like to see the Upper House go floating down some creek. Maybe past the growing numbers of picnickers. Wonder why!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Workplace Bullying
Welcome to my first post. Will be a short one whilst I get my head around Blogging.
Back in March of 2000 I reported something I didn't like about my workplace. Nine years ago. Since then, I have been to hell and almost back. Sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and corruption. Nine years of my life in constant conflict, but surviving. Equal Opportunities Commission, Ombudsman, Police, Internal Hearings, and now a Parliamentary Inquiry into the department where I used to work. Then there was and still is the toll on my health. Today ? No job, no career, but now helping others in distress. In Posts to come maybe by me sharing my experiences will help you sail through the stormy waters of whistleblowing, harassment, and corrupt people.
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