Bass, let's get a new candidate who will listen

 

There is a lot of controversy about our local member Ken Smith. As speaker he appears to have lost support of the parliament. This will be a bonus for Bass residents.

You would think if he was going to hold the parliament to ransom it would be about things that matter to the people who live in his electorate. Not about his own personal agenda. Some of the things that do matter are to us on the Island are ::

A hospital on Phillip Island. He has totally ignored this, refusing to speak to those who are organising rally's,

A secondary school on the island. The federal member has been very supportive but Ken had to many meetings in Melbourne to attend the local interest groups meetings.

A local pool instead of the 45 minutes to go to Wonthaggi which has a smaller population.

Yep resign Ken, so the Parlement can operate and we can have an effective voice in Phillip Island.

 

Ken Smith vs Greg Hunt

I often read, and I'm amazed at the difference of opinion between Ken Smith State government representative currently in power and the speaker of the house and Greg Hunt Federal representative in opposition; in matters regarding Bass. Amazed because they are both in the liberal party!

The environment::

Ken Smith:: Climate change "agnostic"

Greg Smtih:: "Convinced" of the science.

Development Ventnor::

Ken Smith:: Happy for it to go ahead (ignoring locals)

Greg Hunt:: Actively lobbied against it.

24 Medical clinic::

Ken Smith:: From this weeks Phillip Island advertiser didn't think Phillip island needed it.

Greg Hunt:: From this weeks Phillip Island advertiser, actively meeting with locals and is fighting for a 24hr medical clinic.

It is confusing to say the least. All I can hope for is Ken Smith to retire; It would probably be best for the Liberal Party. Then maybe we can get a representative who "represents" people on Phillip Island.

Labor, I lower my head and weep

Since 2007 In which Labor brought in hope with a new government, now all is despair. Rudd quitting the front bench only confirmed that all was not well with the labor government leadership. The public can only see a fractured labor, and who wants that sort of leadership running the country. Its terminal.

Rudd:: In many ways brillant, but can he lead others instead of micro manage, I doubt it. His time is up. Having not sided with any of the Labour factions, once his popularity slipped he was gone. He will never be leader again without factional support.

Gillard :: The lady with the knife. She lost the election, but hobbled together a coalition. Poor popularity. The one who went behind Kevin Rudd's back and stole the leadship. Then broken major promices. The only reason she is in power is because of the 'faceless men'. I think she has done well navigating some of the legislation through parlement. Though integrity has a lot of political captial she has zip.

The only hope for Labor is a new leader. I can only see Stephen Smith. Even then I doubt he could defeat Abbot. I doubt that with the fragile numbers in the house of represenatives that the governement will last 3 months. Shame a really.

 

 

Watch out for those old Libs

 The reason's for the irratic planning decisions by state planning minister Mr Guy is starting to unravel. The Age has discovered a couple of phone calls by former state liberal member Mr Maclellan to presumably pressure him into allowing the change in zoning and allow building. He did so on behalf of 'family friends'....

Mr Maclellan's approaches to Mr Guy's office on behalf of developer and Liberal Party member Jim Hopkins - a family friend of Mr Maclellan's - raise fresh questions for Mr Guy about possible political influence on his decision-making

The article also for the first time reveals the position on the issue of current state members for Bass Mr Ken Smith. He was supportive of the development! I find this strange for a number of reasons

1. There is ample amount of land already for sale on Phillip Island
2.  The cost of land has not really gone up for the last 2-3 years.
   
3. The majority of residents on the island were against developing that corridor
4. The decision overturned Bass councils development planning, which seems reasonable. 

The only person who made sence in the liberal party was Mr Greg Hunt member for Flinders who actually advoctated on behalf of his constituntes to stop the development.

Even though Mr Hunt is across Western Port Bay, he makes good decisions. It makes me wonder; maybe the other liberals Mr Smith and Mr Maclellan are a little to close.

Ventnor planning and the liberals

 The controversies of the backflip of the State liberal planning minister Mr Guy appears to have taken another twist with the developer claiming political interference in the decision. The interference coming from the Federal liberal opposition Mr Hunt who opposed the decision with the majority of the population on Phillip Island. I applause his decision, from the Sydney Morning Herald ::

My job as the local member is to stand up fearlessly for the local community and the local environment."

What I find more interesting is the quietness of Mr Ken Smith who is the liberal state member for Phillip Island. I havn't read anything with his opinion, support of otherwise for the Ventnor development: Maybe I've missed it....

 

Ventnor re-zoning...

Great Article just put up by 'The Age' on the Ventnor re-zone decision by the Balieu government.
It reveals more questions about Mr Mathew Guys initial decision....

On a positive side great that our liberal federal member Greg Hunt lobbied against the decision. Representing people in his electorate.

But what is more of a concern is how quite Ken Smith liberal state member and Speaker of the house has been. I haven't heard him speak at all on the topic.....

Phillip Island hospital

I read in the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser December 15th, 2010 our local state MP say

"As far as Warley hospital 'we are not going back'"

Interesting considering I never heard him say this as explicitly during the state election campaign!

It is even stranger just prior to the federal campaign our local federal representative was in front of 'Warley' pledging money to reopen it! This was in his 'Flinders News'

My conclusion is that the liberals have to start working together and getting policy consensus.
The good news is that Mr Smith in the Advertiser is pushing for a 24 hr emergency medical facility on the island. This is a good step. My only concern is that it will be attached to Phillip Island Medical Group. PIMG the  only real option on the island, where even if you are a local, during holiday seasons you can't make an appointment, you have to ring up that morning and there is no bulk billing.

Bass, Ken Smith, Victorian Election 2010

Image via Wikipedia

It was a bit of a surprise to me that our local liberal Ken Smith is going to be the speaker of the next parliament in Victoria.

Although it was a bit a disappointment that he is rather phobic to technology.  From the ABC::

Mr Smith was firm when asked if he would like to see a crackdown on MPs using Facebook and Twitter while in the Parliament.
"Yeah I would," he said.

Com'on Ken, get with it, like you colleagues Greg Hunt who also represents us federally, dripping us with his pearls of wisdom and government stuff ups (A bit predictable really). Occasionaly revealing that he is a human ::

Thank you @latikabourke and others for birthday wishes. Big thank you to my wife for the chocolate cake delivered here. Staff v. happy too!

So Ken, let a few tweets through, just to see that you lot are working and are human....

Bass, Victoria election 2010

Ken Smith easily won the seat of Bass for the liberals. Results from the Victorian Electoral commission::

LONERGAN, Gerry ALP  29.07% SMITH, Ken Liberal  56.96% RANKINE, Neil Greens  10.61%

It was a big win to Ken Smith. It was also worth noting that the Greens actually increased there vote from the last Victorian Election. The big looser was Labour.

Victoiran Election:: Bass a political backwater

I've never lived in an area where services and infrastructure are so poor. I've written about the health issues on Phillip Island before::

It would be the largest town in the state without a proper medial coverage.
(Phillip Island has a population 7000,  in 2001, Wanthaggi has a hospital 6500 in 2001, Koorumbura a population 4500 has a hospital. In summer the population can be 50000 with all the tourists).

It makes me wonder why this is the case and one of the answers that seems to come up is that we live in a liberal strong hold. The liberals are the only one who make any promises of any infrastructure because labour has given up on these sort of seats.  I don't blame labour either. Why would you set aside any money for a region if you don't get any return.
When I lived in Bendigo,  a swinging seat, there where always new things on the go. A new police station, a new hospital. Money was promised everywhere from both sides of politics.

The other odd thing about Phillip Island is that the population estimates are 40,000 to 60,000 in Summer. Been conservative the council rates would be for 30,000 people. Yet the infrastructure is on barely for 10,000 people.

So In many ways I see the only way to get out of the rut that the electorates of Bass and Flinders is in is to get an independent or at least for the Labour vote to get to a whisker of winning.

Here is my short list of infurstucture which needs to take place::

Better medical system::
Hospital with at least a medical/surgical emergency ward
A bulk billing GP clinic that is opened at least 5 days a week
Secondary College
Gass on the island
Swimming pool. (We have the Ocean but no where to teach kids to swim)

Related articles

• Vic opposition outbids govt on hospital (news.theage.com.au)

Victorian Election 2010 , Bass

I'm in the seat of Bass, I think the main issue is health. Considering it has the largest population in the electorate it is strange their is no adequate hospital or 24hr medial coverage.  It would be the largest town in the state without a proper medial coverage.
(Phillip Island has a polutaltion 7000,  in 2001, Wanthaggi has a hospital 6500 in 2001, Koorumbura a population 4500 has a hospital. In summer the population can be 50000 with all the tourists).
The only other issues is a swimming pool for kids to at least learn to swim and also a secondary college which is been talked about in Anderson.
Otherwise for me their is no other aspects that are a strong concern.

I suspect that the labour party has conceded the seat already so wont be making any promises in the area. Yet Metropolitan creep is occurring in Pakenham which might alter the results.

Here are some of my thoughts on the candidates and some information from the ABC's website::

:: Liberals Ken Smith

Aged 65, Smith worked for two decades as a self-employed plumbing contractor, and later served as Executive Officer of the Master Plumbers Association. Smith also served on Hastings Shire Council 1982-88. He was elected MLC for South Eastern province in 1988, and re-elected in 1996. At the 2002 election, he chose to contest the lower house seat of Bass, winning the seat for the Liberal Party from former Independent MP Susan Davies. A former Government then Opposition whip in the Legislative Council, Smith served on the Liberal Party frontbench from 2002 to 2008, but was not included on the formation of a new Coalition Shadow Ministry.

Some thoughts::


Ken appears to be a hard worker. His sign-age is all over the place. He is often advising to be meet down the main street or other important community gathering. Has replyed to my letters regarding the health care on the island, and appears to realise this is a real community concern.
Have meet him at Churchill island when he set up his tent. But he seemed to be talking more to tourists concerned about not allowing their dogs off the lead when at the beach. (So what I'm sick of avoiding dog shit all over the beach, keep them well and truly on the lead I say)
Aged 65, I'd be thinking about my trip around Australia rather than my whining electorate.

Also interesting Smith put up a private members bill on Euthanasia.

n 2008 Smith put forward a Private Member's Bill that would allow euthanasia in Victoria. The bill was similar to the Dying With Dignity Act in Oregon in the United States, and generated considerable controversy. The bill was defeated in the Victorian Legislative Council. ^[1]
 
I would have expected this legislation from the Greens!

Greens :: Neil Rankin

Rankine has lived in Wonthaggi for 25 years and has spent much of his career in science education and running a small engineering firm. These days he is a stay at home parent while his wife works as a local GP.

Some thoughts::


Has been at a few things around the traps. The aboriginal flag raising for one, which I was at. Signs have been around. Seems to be putting in a good effort.


Labor :: Gerry Longergan

Lonergan was born and bred in Korumburra and first joined the Labor Party in 1996 to support a colleague. He is a retired teacher, lives in Inverloch, and has been President of the Labor Party's Wonthaggi-Bass branch for ten years. This is his first election.

Haven't seen him or his sign-age. At least we have a local as opposed to the candidate from the Federal election.

desal disaster

Bit of action down our way with the 'desal' according to the ABC::

A small group of protesters parked a caravan across a road this morning, preventing construction workers from entering part of the site.
The protesters are calling on the Government to release the full cost of desalination project.

I've got to say I think there where better ways than the desal route which the government took.
Coming off tank water you forget and don't monitor your water the same way. I'm actually surprised at the difference in connection costs rather than actual consumption cost. If it was the other way around I'm sure you would find a difference in how people consumed water.
Also had a friend who has resigned from the 'desal' he said Victorians are in for a big suprise because everything is running behind time and their have been lots of resignations.

It will be interesting the 'Libs' policy on the desal as the election looms. Water policy will be an important issue.

Related articles

• Money Pours Into Desalination Projects Despite Concerns (environment.change.org)
• Vic desal plant to cost $18 billion: AG (news.theage.com.au)
• Massive cost for desal plant revealed (news.theage.com.au)
• Desal plant a $570m-a-year drain (theage.com.au)

Polls, Polls

Results from the latest Roy Morgan face to face poll carried out 3 and 4th of October::

If a Federal election were held now the ALP would retain Government according to the latest Face-to-Face Morgan Poll.

The ALP primary vote is 44% (up 3.5%), well ahead of the L-NP 38.5% (down 2.5%). Support for the minor parties shows the Greens 12% (down 1%) and Others/ Independents 5.5% (unchanged).

The Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating is 125.5pts (down 2.5pts), with 53.5% (unchanged) of Australians confident that Australia is ‘heading in the right direction,’ compared to 28% (up 2.5%) that say Australia is ‘heading in the wrong direction.’ The latest weekly Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating for the weekend of October 2/3, 2010, was 122.9 (up 1.5pts).

Some thoughts::

::This poll was prior to Tony Abbots gaff about wanting to sleep rather than visit the troops in Afgahanastan. Bad news for coalition, and no excuses.
::Tony who was more reconcillitory during the election appears to be back in his 'oppose everything', head kicker self. I don't think the Australian public will be to keen on this.
::Tony now after all the election publicity where Australians got to know him will now be more recognised and scrutinised. Double standards which you could get away with as a minister will be watched and remember now with the bigger profile.

Prediction::

If Tony dosn't change his ways been a 'wrecker' will  stick:
Turnbull opposition mates will start to gather momentum.
For things to change Tony needs to genuinely  start to be a bit more diplomatic. Make some genuine middle ground moves.

Related articles

• Federal Labor support in WA lifts (news.theage.com.au)

The real reason Tony Dosn't want to go to Afganastan...

Tony Abbott tells us that he didn't want to be Jet lagged when he got to Europe. That is his spin...

From the Herald Sun

Mr Abbott revealed he did not travel with Prime Minster Julia Gillard to see troops in Afghanistan because it would have made him too tired to meet with the British Conservative Party leader, David Cameron in Britain.

Well this is another 'opposoition for opposition sake. The old mongrel Tony.

The real reason he he dosn't want to go because he would have been seen with Julia. It would have looked as if he as on the same page as Julia.

This time it has backfired...

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• Abbott forgoes troops for sleep (heraldsun.com.au)
• Gillard makes Afghanistan visit (heraldsun.com.au)

Greg Hunt should shout me beer!

Just had my first editing experience with the wikipedia fixing up Greg Hunts entry. Very easy!

Changed the reference http://greghunt.org, which appeared to be a domain squatter or something, to what I think is the proper reference http://greghunt.com.au/Pages/AboutGreg/biography.aspx.

I think Greg should shout me a beer next time he is in Cowes for that!

Look me in the eye Tony...

Image by MystifyMe Concert Photography™ via Flickr

Interesting how the liberals but probably more significantly Tony Abbott has gone back on his word regarding the speakers role.

Its pretty blatant. To me it just shows his driven nature to get into power.
It would appear his tactic is for the current government to be in as a precarious position as possible. Then for his party to have another go at winning an election as soon as possible.

For me especially in the Church I have always remembered the words 'Character over Anointing'.
I think it can be applied to politics. That's why I like Malcolm Turnbull. Even though he stuck to his principles over the emissions trading deal, and lost. In the long term he gained a lot of respect.

Tony Tony, read a bit of Shakespeare, your going down a slippery slope.

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election 2010 :: roundup

Well exciting times, just a brief summary of my thoughts::


-The sex party polled better than family first! (What does this say?)
-A hung parliament, no political party gets to push their legislation down our throats without proper review.
-Flinders: for the locals Greg Hunt gave young Francis Ventura a flogging. The Greens like most seats increased their percentage at the expencsive of Labor
-Broadband is still an issue with the independents who hold the balance of power. There is hope for an NBN.

Related articles by Zemanta

• "Hung Parliament in Australian Election" and related posts (rogerpielkejr.blogspot.com)
• 80,000 uncounted votes in four doubtful seats (theage.com.au)
• Hung parliament looking likely (news.theage.com.au)

Election 2010:: Flinders a no brainer

If you are a swinging voter then I think Labor party has made the choice easiser for you to choose in Flinders. Especially if you believe that the candidate should represent you.

Its very hard for me to vote in the house of 'representatives' someone who puts their address down as in 'Southbank' 
Poor Francis, the Labor Party bunny.

Anyway I think Greg Hunt deserves to win in Flinders, he's worked hard, made connections in local community groups. Answered my emails. He's worked hard.

Thank goodness their is a Senate though.
Their is no way I feel comfortable with Tony Abbott. One of the most conservative politicians in the parliament. I don't mind moderate left or right, but Tony is way over on the right. I've watch this prodigy of Howard's for a long time. He's got the potential to be Australia's answer to George W Bush.

The Greens are the only way in the Senate to 'Keep the bastards honest', to flog an old Democrat's saying.

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• ALP candidate withdraws comments: report (news.theage.com.au)
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Election 2010:: leaflets

It seems that labor has forgoten us in Flinders::

no leaflets at all from labor in Cowes
1 leaflets from 'The other' Bob Brown, Greens
4 leaflets from Liberal Greg Hunt

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Election 2010: What is happening in Flinders

After been in other electorates which are marginal I'm amazed at the lack lustre performance by candidates in Flinders . I've not received any information from any of the candidates regarding how if their government would affect local issues!

What is alarming is the Labor candidate. All that I can gather is from Anthony Green's site on the ABC 

Mr Ventura is a Youth Ambassador with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and was previously a Youth Reference Group Member on the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVIC).

There's not much information on Mr Venturas blog. Any content has mysteriously disappeared including his opinion on the Australian Flag, I actually thought his stuff on the Human Rights was really good. Its a pity to see it down.

As a voter there are numerous questions which I think are important for the Mr Ventura the local Labour candidate.

Does he live here or at Melbourne University?
Dose he know local issues? The car ferry at Cowes for example?

At this stage I'm highly sceptical.

Lets see what the next few weeks brings....