Tag: Australia
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Vale Chrissie Amphlett
It was the early ’80s, and the Cabbage Tree Patch in Wollongong was packed full. Friday night and my brother and I were out to see a band. I drew the short straw and went to get a couple of beers and nearly didn’t make it back. In the end I choose to sip my […]
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The Gonski Masterstroke (Still Confusing Christopher Pyne and Tony Abbott)
A month ago, I wrote a post on Gonski and here’s an update: None of the State Premiers except for Barry O’Farrell have signed up to the Gonski reforms. Recently, Tony Abbott has stated that he is against the reforms. Christopher Pyne’s response is to say to the least, confused. He recently stated O’Farrell was conned although […]
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Asylum Seekers: The Real Story
“Welcome to the People Smuggler Hotline, how can I help you today?” “Hi, I’m wishing to leave my country and emigrate to a more wealthy country.” “We certainly can help you with that! Where were you thinking of travelling to?” “I’m after the country with the best asylum seeker deals.” “You’ve called at the exact […]
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What Does the Ultimately Downsized Government Do?
With the death of Margaret Thatcher, many people have been reflecting upon her legacy. Since her time as Prime Minister of Great Britain, governments of all colours have rolled back their dominance through spending cuts, tax cuts, withdrawal of services, privatisation and/or deregulation. As the GFC and its after effects continue, austerity is the new watch word. […]
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Just Stick to the Stereotype And Everything Will Be Fine (Sorry Heidi Victoria)
Recently here was a twitstorm over Heidi Victoria (the Victorian Minister for Women’s Affairs (Yes that is her real name!)) who made some comments assuming that only women were nurturers. As a man I took some offence and added my two cent’s worth to the discussion with the following: Now it looks like I‘m a feminist. Or […]
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This Prerecorded Message is Having Mood Swings
I live in Melbourne and use public transport. Which means I am exposed to a female voice (I think it’s the same voice) announcing the next stop or train/bus route. I’m sure most people take no notice. Or they find it annoying and ignore it. Not me. I become emotionally involved. My mind tells me […]
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Decriminalising Asylum Seekers
On a regular basis asylum seekers are referred to as illegal. This week a link was drawn between asylum seekers, crime and paedophilia. What is missing from this debate is a means of decriminalising asylum seekers: * After release, asylum seekers would have to wear an electronic tracking tag and report daily to a police […]
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First Gig
It was a quick stop on the way from Melbourne to Sydney. We pulled off the highway near a small country pub. We parked and left the car then entered the pub. Of course, after the long trip most of the party had things to do. Except me. I was transfixed. At the back was […]
Andrew James Whalan 