Well thank you very much John, ladies and gentleman. I’m delighted to be back at CEDA, and I hope in the remarks I have to make today which are a serious attempt to analyse some of the challenges facing us in the area of water and energy - I can contribute to the reputation of this organisation for thoughtful, considered discussion of issues of long-term national challenge.
I thought I might start by referring to an observation made by the world’s most successful, retired, university dropout, Bill Gates. And he said that most of us over-estimated change in the next two years, but under-estimated it over a period of a decade.
I think that’s probably relevant to the issues I want to address today, because water and energy do represent great challenges and also great opportunities for this country and it’s easy to state the goal of meeting the challenge and optimising the opportunity, but in order to achieve it, I think we have to jump to the three keys which unlock the solutions to those two challenges.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Strengthening Australia's Maritime Security
The consolidation of Defence’s domestic maritime security activities into a single operation will enhance the security of Australia’s offshore maritime areas.
The National Security Committee of Cabinet has authorised the establishment of Operation RESOLUTE to streamline Defence’s contribution to whole-of-government efforts to protect Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The National Security Committee of Cabinet has authorised the establishment of Operation RESOLUTE to streamline Defence’s contribution to whole-of-government efforts to protect Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Rapist out of sight but not out of mind
Article from the Age August 2003
Bilal Skaf's "freak show" in jail is keeping him in the political spotlight, reports Stephen Gibbs.
Bilal Skaf is not so cocky now. The 21-year-old pack rapist who mocked his victims, smiled through his trial and abused his sentencing judge is learning he has no real power in jail.
He is, however, still the centre of public furore. If Skaf thought he would be left to rot quietly for the next four decades, he was wrong. Public scrutiny of his thoughts and actions have, if anything, increased since he was slotted for at least 40 years of a 55-year sentence. His behaviour in prison has made him the star of his own jailhouse "freak show" - and a useful tool for politicians in the debate over law and order.
Bilal Skaf's "freak show" in jail is keeping him in the political spotlight, reports Stephen Gibbs.
Bilal Skaf is not so cocky now. The 21-year-old pack rapist who mocked his victims, smiled through his trial and abused his sentencing judge is learning he has no real power in jail.
He is, however, still the centre of public furore. If Skaf thought he would be left to rot quietly for the next four decades, he was wrong. Public scrutiny of his thoughts and actions have, if anything, increased since he was slotted for at least 40 years of a 55-year sentence. His behaviour in prison has made him the star of his own jailhouse "freak show" - and a useful tool for politicians in the debate over law and order.
Reply to Courier Mail
http://thecouriermail.com.au/extras/blogs/costello/2006/07/as-bad-as-it-gets.html
I appreciate the analysis, but don't entirely agree either. I think that Bush has strong views on how to deal with this situation, but he has a duty to let it pan within international convention: The US is politically charged in the middle east, whatever it does is wrong. The thing is, the UN is not functioning.
It wasn't the end of the world when Hamas won the Palestinian election. Fatah are also a terrorist organisation which prides itself on political horse trading. Thing is, Palestinians voted Hamas in the vain hope that they would not be corrupt like Fatah. Palestinians are neither stupid nor evil, but badly misled. Palestinian moderates have been eliminated over the years by extremists, and so there is, among Palestinian moderates, a circle of silence. The hope was that discipline of engaging in world politics would bring Palestinian politics into mainstream world affairs .. allowing compromise seen in Vietnam, China and India. This might still occur, but the murder and kidnapping of Israeli people has sidelined the hope for now.
Hezbollah wanted this confrontation, and probably thought they would be able to fire more than 300 of an estimated 18,000 rockets given by Iran. Hezbollah made this operation in conjunction with events in Palestine in high summer holiday season .. hoping to inconvenience Lebanese peoples from around the world.
Bush has an ace up his sleeve. Kofi is embarrassed, as Bush noted to Blair. The UN has not participated in the peace process, but behaved as a left leaning lobbyist intent on fighting Bush at politics. The result is poor advice and leadership with regards to Syria who might believe some of their extremist propaganda. Instead, Iraq is flowering, and moderate voices are achieving influential positions in the Arab world. And oil becomes less relivant as it becomes less available. Ten years from now, Kofi will be out of office, the world will be moving on and extremism in the arab world will be contained.
The efforts of Israelis, targetted against extremists that Lebanon still supports tacitly, if not explicitly, is not to punish Lebanese as Hezbollah wants, but to 'defang' Hezbollah. There are still battles to be fought, but the extremists have already lost .. they just don't know it yet.
I appreciate the analysis, but don't entirely agree either. I think that Bush has strong views on how to deal with this situation, but he has a duty to let it pan within international convention: The US is politically charged in the middle east, whatever it does is wrong. The thing is, the UN is not functioning.
It wasn't the end of the world when Hamas won the Palestinian election. Fatah are also a terrorist organisation which prides itself on political horse trading. Thing is, Palestinians voted Hamas in the vain hope that they would not be corrupt like Fatah. Palestinians are neither stupid nor evil, but badly misled. Palestinian moderates have been eliminated over the years by extremists, and so there is, among Palestinian moderates, a circle of silence. The hope was that discipline of engaging in world politics would bring Palestinian politics into mainstream world affairs .. allowing compromise seen in Vietnam, China and India. This might still occur, but the murder and kidnapping of Israeli people has sidelined the hope for now.
Hezbollah wanted this confrontation, and probably thought they would be able to fire more than 300 of an estimated 18,000 rockets given by Iran. Hezbollah made this operation in conjunction with events in Palestine in high summer holiday season .. hoping to inconvenience Lebanese peoples from around the world.
Bush has an ace up his sleeve. Kofi is embarrassed, as Bush noted to Blair. The UN has not participated in the peace process, but behaved as a left leaning lobbyist intent on fighting Bush at politics. The result is poor advice and leadership with regards to Syria who might believe some of their extremist propaganda. Instead, Iraq is flowering, and moderate voices are achieving influential positions in the Arab world. And oil becomes less relivant as it becomes less available. Ten years from now, Kofi will be out of office, the world will be moving on and extremism in the arab world will be contained.
The efforts of Israelis, targetted against extremists that Lebanon still supports tacitly, if not explicitly, is not to punish Lebanese as Hezbollah wants, but to 'defang' Hezbollah. There are still battles to be fought, but the extremists have already lost .. they just don't know it yet.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Costello outlines plan for nation By Johanna Leggatt
FEDERAL Treasurer Peter Costello admits to having a few plans up his sleeve if he ever gets to run the country.
During a grilling on ABC local radio by grade eight students from Cleveland State High school, in Brisbane's bayside, Mr Costello outlined his list of aims for Australia.
"I think there are a lot of things we can do that improve Australia," he said today.
"Making sure there are jobs for people, keeping interest rates low so parents can afford housing, giving better opportunity to our young people.
"I'd like to see our education system be the best education system in the world ... I'd like to see us conserve the environment in a way which would give you the most beautiful place in the world to live in
During a grilling on ABC local radio by grade eight students from Cleveland State High school, in Brisbane's bayside, Mr Costello outlined his list of aims for Australia.
"I think there are a lot of things we can do that improve Australia," he said today.
"Making sure there are jobs for people, keeping interest rates low so parents can afford housing, giving better opportunity to our young people.
"I'd like to see our education system be the best education system in the world ... I'd like to see us conserve the environment in a way which would give you the most beautiful place in the world to live in
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
ALP Slashes nearly 400 bus routes in one month
Bus commuters have had nearly 400 weekly bus services ripped from their timetables by the Labor Government during the past month, Shadow Minister for Transport Barry O’Farrell said today.
“Slashing bus services when the people of Sydney are looking for alternatives to the car flies in the face of common sense,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“Now is the time to be encouraging people to get onto public transport, not ripping nearly 400 weekly services from the bus network,” he said.
“Slashing bus services when the people of Sydney are looking for alternatives to the car flies in the face of common sense,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“Now is the time to be encouraging people to get onto public transport, not ripping nearly 400 weekly services from the bus network,” he said.
New House Construction at Record Low in NSW
Shadow Minister for Housing Greg Aplin said the Iemma Labor Government must immediately adopt the Liberal/Nationals' housing and homebuyer rescue package after figures released today show new home construction at record lows.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 3,662 new home commencements in the March 2006 quarter – the lowest since ABS records began in 1980 and 10% worse than the previous low of 4,078 in March 2001.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 3,662 new home commencements in the March 2006 quarter – the lowest since ABS records began in 1980 and 10% worse than the previous low of 4,078 in March 2001.
The Price of Supporting Hezbollah
At the moment, there is a sustained campaign on the part of the Australian media to blame Israel for the current mid east crisis. It is acknowledged that Hezbollah has acted poorly, but much airtime is devoted to the ferocity and apparent indiscriminate nature of Israel's assault.
Assessing Israeli response highlights UN culpability in this crisis. Lebanese people are not terrorists, but victims of terror. Before Hezbollah was elected to government in Lebanon, Israel would not have taken the actions they now do. Now Israel are correct in claiming that Lebanese government must act to limit Hezbollah activity. The UN has overseen the withdrawal of Syria from Lebanon through a policy of abrogation of responsibility. Hezbollah has popular support in Lebanon, but no terrorist organisation deserves political representation .. in this case, Lebanese are victims.
Side issues include the fact that conservative government has been removed in Israel to satisfy international media demands. My observation is liberals bomb their enemies, conservatives fight them.
Israel is in a difficult position, but behaving understandably. It cannot condone the murder, kidnapping or bombing of its peoples. The UN has offered no alternative.
Meanwhile, UN is counting civilian casualties in Iraq.
Assessing Israeli response highlights UN culpability in this crisis. Lebanese people are not terrorists, but victims of terror. Before Hezbollah was elected to government in Lebanon, Israel would not have taken the actions they now do. Now Israel are correct in claiming that Lebanese government must act to limit Hezbollah activity. The UN has overseen the withdrawal of Syria from Lebanon through a policy of abrogation of responsibility. Hezbollah has popular support in Lebanon, but no terrorist organisation deserves political representation .. in this case, Lebanese are victims.
Side issues include the fact that conservative government has been removed in Israel to satisfy international media demands. My observation is liberals bomb their enemies, conservatives fight them.
Israel is in a difficult position, but behaving understandably. It cannot condone the murder, kidnapping or bombing of its peoples. The UN has offered no alternative.
Meanwhile, UN is counting civilian casualties in Iraq.
Why Johnny Can't Read: Schools Favor Girls
While many reasons are given as to why boys frequently are not reading as well as girls, here is a little known fact:
Home schooled boys show no difference from home schooled girls in literacy achievement.
Ignore, race, gender and socioeconomic background as factors. Modern schooling methods are not catering for boys literacy needs.
Home schooled boys show no difference from home schooled girls in literacy achievement.
Ignore, race, gender and socioeconomic background as factors. Modern schooling methods are not catering for boys literacy needs.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
ALP MP's 'love' for Balding's killers By Janet Fife-Yeomans
NEW South Wales Labor MP Peter Breen has penned a sickening tribute to the killers of Janine Balding in which he talks about his realisation one night "under the stars" that he loved two of them.
The controversial MP, who switched to Labor after being wooed by Premier Morris Iemma to help shore up its Upper House numbers, describes the vicious killers in a new book as having rosy cheeks, pleasant smiles or being hapless.
The controversial MP, who switched to Labor after being wooed by Premier Morris Iemma to help shore up its Upper House numbers, describes the vicious killers in a new book as having rosy cheeks, pleasant smiles or being hapless.
Monday, July 17, 2006
4 corners ABC Broadcasting Bias
How many times is the ABC going to publish anti Lib propaganda? I've just seen this groteque production (4 corners) and I would like to see a reasoned response. I would mention that the NSW Lib high for party numbers corresponded to the end of the Askin decade. That what disgruntled former members might call a faction is unrecognizable with the ALP variety and merely reflects the diversity of support for NSW Libs.
Lost Work from Industrial disputes
Beazley's support for illegal practise hasn't harmed us yet, but he isn't PM at the moment.
Beazley Undermining Authority of AIRC
Recent statements by Kim Beazley have served to seriously undermine the authority of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC).
He has now twice supported unlawful industrial action, contrary to orders of the AIRC:
last week he encouraged members of the MUA to take strike action in relation to the Stolt shipping matter in Hobart (AAP 13/7/06). However, on Monday the AIRC had ruled the industrial action unlawful and ordered a return to work; and
the previous week, he declared the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner should not have taken action on a Perth construction site to prosecute members of the CFMEU for taking unlawful industrial action in breach of an AIRC order that the CFMEU members return to work.
At a time when industrial disputes in Australia are at an all time low*, his support for unlawful industrial action represents a serious threat to the economy.
He has now twice supported unlawful industrial action, contrary to orders of the AIRC:
last week he encouraged members of the MUA to take strike action in relation to the Stolt shipping matter in Hobart (AAP 13/7/06). However, on Monday the AIRC had ruled the industrial action unlawful and ordered a return to work; and
the previous week, he declared the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner should not have taken action on a Perth construction site to prosecute members of the CFMEU for taking unlawful industrial action in breach of an AIRC order that the CFMEU members return to work.
At a time when industrial disputes in Australia are at an all time low*, his support for unlawful industrial action represents a serious threat to the economy.
Debnam & Stoner to Promote Biofuels and Ethanol
NSW Liberal Leader Peter Debnam and NSW Leader of The Nationals Andrew Stoner today announced they would convene a roundtable to promote the use of ethanol in NSW as a way of reducing costs for motorists, cutting emissions of harmful pollutants, and provide a long overdue boost to the agricultural sector.
"Andrew Stoner and I have invited to the roundtable oil companies, ethanol producers, NRMA, scientists, the AMA (NSW), NSW Farmers Association, the Total Environment Centre, and service station organisations," Mr Debnam said.
"Andrew Stoner and I have invited to the roundtable oil companies, ethanol producers, NRMA, scientists, the AMA (NSW), NSW Farmers Association, the Total Environment Centre, and service station organisations," Mr Debnam said.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
New Road Offers Gateway to Optimism
By Combined Forces Command - Afghanistan
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, started a $16 million road project that extends from the center of the Panjshir Valley and will eventually connect the valley to southern markets in Charikar and Kabul . Construction on the 47-kilometer paved road began last June and is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
To supplement the USAID project, the Coalition is using its Commander’s Emergency Reconstruction Program, or CERP, funding to extend the road approximately 20 additional kilometers down the main valley floor at a cost of $2.8 million.
While the physical remoteness of the Panjshir Valley has created a secure, tight-knit society, its ancient seclusion has also served as an economic hindrance; that is, until now. {click on image for details}
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, started a $16 million road project that extends from the center of the Panjshir Valley and will eventually connect the valley to southern markets in Charikar and Kabul . Construction on the 47-kilometer paved road began last June and is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
To supplement the USAID project, the Coalition is using its Commander’s Emergency Reconstruction Program, or CERP, funding to extend the road approximately 20 additional kilometers down the main valley floor at a cost of $2.8 million.
While the physical remoteness of the Panjshir Valley has created a secure, tight-knit society, its ancient seclusion has also served as an economic hindrance; that is, until now. {click on image for details}
Baghdad Fire Fighters Upgrade Capabilities
By Norris Jones Gulf Region Central District US Corps of Engineers
BAGHDAD – Baghdad fire fighters hosted an open house June 10 when the first of eight new fire stations officially opened.
U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard along with Iraqi fire and civil defense representatives participated in the ceremony conducted at Al Ameen Fire Station in East Baghdad.
Speckhard said the event was inspiring “because it’s a symbol of Iraq’s future.” He said fire fighters throughout the world were recognized for their courage, “but I think in Iraq there is a special admiration of your bravery because you’re putting your lives on the line every day to save fellow Iraqis.”
BAGHDAD – Baghdad fire fighters hosted an open house June 10 when the first of eight new fire stations officially opened.
U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard along with Iraqi fire and civil defense representatives participated in the ceremony conducted at Al Ameen Fire Station in East Baghdad.
Speckhard said the event was inspiring “because it’s a symbol of Iraq’s future.” He said fire fighters throughout the world were recognized for their courage, “but I think in Iraq there is a special admiration of your bravery because you’re putting your lives on the line every day to save fellow Iraqis.”
MND-B, Iraqi Government Clean up Baghdad
By SPC Rodney Foliente 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, in coordination with local Iraqi governments, continue their efforts in Operation Baghdad is Beautiful, which is a joint operation aimed at helping to restore and improve Baghdad through the removal of trash, debris and barrier materials.
A recent milestone in the operation occurred Wednesday with the completion of a month long project to clean up the Karada Peninsula.
The Department of Cleaning for the municipality of Karada played a large role in the process and was primarily responsible for cleaning the main streets of the peninsula, said 1st Lt. Jared Miller, a resident of Asheville, N.C., and effects coordinator, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, who has been pivotal in efforts to beautify and revitalize the Karada Peninsula. {click on image for details}
BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, in coordination with local Iraqi governments, continue their efforts in Operation Baghdad is Beautiful, which is a joint operation aimed at helping to restore and improve Baghdad through the removal of trash, debris and barrier materials.
A recent milestone in the operation occurred Wednesday with the completion of a month long project to clean up the Karada Peninsula.
The Department of Cleaning for the municipality of Karada played a large role in the process and was primarily responsible for cleaning the main streets of the peninsula, said 1st Lt. Jared Miller, a resident of Asheville, N.C., and effects coordinator, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, who has been pivotal in efforts to beautify and revitalize the Karada Peninsula. {click on image for details}
Multi-National Division-North Soldiers Provide Water to Iraqi Village
By Sgt Rachel Brune 191st Sustainment Brigade
Q-WEST BASE COMPLEX, Iraq – As 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment nears the end of its tour in Iraq, its subordinate units continue to perform daily operations that have taken the artillery Soldiers off the beaten path of their regular mission.
Second platoon, Battery A recently demonstrated this unique blend of missions with a combined operations cache search, city council visit and well project checkup June 28 in the Ash Shura district of Iraq.
As the sun quickly heated the morning, Soldiers from Battery A and their counterparts from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi Army, descended into the Wadi al Qasab to search for a reported weapons cache.{Click on image for details}
Q-WEST BASE COMPLEX, Iraq – As 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment nears the end of its tour in Iraq, its subordinate units continue to perform daily operations that have taken the artillery Soldiers off the beaten path of their regular mission.
Second platoon, Battery A recently demonstrated this unique blend of missions with a combined operations cache search, city council visit and well project checkup June 28 in the Ash Shura district of Iraq.
As the sun quickly heated the morning, Soldiers from Battery A and their counterparts from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi Army, descended into the Wadi al Qasab to search for a reported weapons cache.{Click on image for details}
101st Medics Distribute Donated Wheelchairs to Iraqi Children
By SGT Rachel Brune 101st Sustainment Brigade
ZIHALILAH, Iraq – Aziz showed up at the Q-West Base Complex Civilian-Military Operations Center with a wide grin and a unique story.
The young boy told Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment and a team from the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion about his family and his siblings, five of whom suffer from a degenerative disease.
Abdul Karim, Bishra, Mahmoud, Ra’ad and Raija Salman, each received a new set of wheels in the form of pediatric wheelchairs donated by charitable organizations in the United States and delivered by the Soldiers June 29 here.
Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids and ROC Wheels provided the 12 pediatric wheelchairs, which the 4-11th Counter Rocket Patrol, medics from the battalion aid station, and the 403rd delivered to the siblings, as well as to another disabled 19-year-old in the neighboring town of Ujbah. {Click on image for details}
ZIHALILAH, Iraq – Aziz showed up at the Q-West Base Complex Civilian-Military Operations Center with a wide grin and a unique story.
The young boy told Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment and a team from the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion about his family and his siblings, five of whom suffer from a degenerative disease.
Abdul Karim, Bishra, Mahmoud, Ra’ad and Raija Salman, each received a new set of wheels in the form of pediatric wheelchairs donated by charitable organizations in the United States and delivered by the Soldiers June 29 here.
Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids and ROC Wheels provided the 12 pediatric wheelchairs, which the 4-11th Counter Rocket Patrol, medics from the battalion aid station, and the 403rd delivered to the siblings, as well as to another disabled 19-year-old in the neighboring town of Ujbah. {Click on image for details}
A family message by Cardinal Pell
LAST weekend, Pope Benedict XVI visited Valencia, an ancient but still beautiful city on Spain's eastern coast, for the Fifth World Meeting of Families.
The visit was important and successful, because Spanish Catholics are under more hostile pressure from President Jose Zapatero's socialist government than at any time since the civil war of the 1930s.
Zapatero's government was elected unexpectedly after the terrorist bombing of Madrid's trains.
Although short on policies, it is anti- Catholic,anti-family, and working strenuously for a thoroughly secular state.
About one and a half million people, most of them young, attended the Saturday-night vigil and the Sunday Mass. Australia sent a delegation of 50 pilgrims.
The visit was important and successful, because Spanish Catholics are under more hostile pressure from President Jose Zapatero's socialist government than at any time since the civil war of the 1930s.
Zapatero's government was elected unexpectedly after the terrorist bombing of Madrid's trains.
Although short on policies, it is anti- Catholic,anti-family, and working strenuously for a thoroughly secular state.
About one and a half million people, most of them young, attended the Saturday-night vigil and the Sunday Mass. Australia sent a delegation of 50 pilgrims.
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