The latest fortnightly Essential Research poll, which is presumably the last of the year, features the pollster’s monthly-or-so leadership ratings: Scott Morrison is down four on approval to 62%, his weakest result since April, and up three on disapproval to 28%; Anthony Albanese is up three on approval to 43% and down four on disapproval to 29%; and Morrison’s lead as preferred prime minister is at 50-24, narrowing from 53-24.
As it does at the end of every year, the pollster asked respondents if they felt it had been a good or a bad year for various actors, which produces appropriately extraordinary results, particularly so for the Australian economy (a net rating of minus 47%), small business (minus 43%) and “the average Australian” (minus 32%). However, the minus 7% result for “Australian politics in general” was quite a lot better than any recorded over the previous seven years.
Respondents were also asked if Australia’s relationships with various foreign players should become more or less closer, or remain the same. This produces a notably negative result for China, with 49% wanting a less close relationship, 15% more close and 20% the same. Closer relationships are generally desired with, in descending order, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Sixty-two per cent considered Australia “the innocent victim of Chinese assertion in restricting trade on certain products, but a non-trivial 38% felt Australia had “made itself a target by publicly criticising the Chinese government”. Fifty-six per cent felt Scott Morrison was right to demand an apology from the Chinese government over the recent Twitter spat, leaving 44% of respondents (the smart ones) favouring the alternative that he “should have let the issue be handled
through diplomatic channels”.
A question on the federal government’s proposed workplace relations reforms finds 52% expecting they will favour employers and businesses, 17% that they will favour employees, and 31% that they will strike a balance between the two. The poll was conducted Wednesday to Monday from a sample of 1071.
Well, I didn’t know that but Australia exports Coal to Brazil. Not much but maybe we could offer them a discount on the stuff that’s sitting off China with nowhere to go?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-16/will-other-countries-replace-china-buying-australian-coal/12985956
*sarcasm emoji* (for those who think I’m serious.
Morning all. So the Future Fund has “invested” $3 billion in building the Adani mines’ rail line?? My taxes at work for a corrupt Indian billionaire. So great 🙁
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-16/will-other-countries-replace-china-buying-australian-coal/12985956
Even if climate change didn’t exist as an issue this stinks. Conflicts of interest, no parliamentary scrutiny, and investing in an industry that is dying whether we like it or not. This makes the Future Fund a Slush Fund. Shame Peter Costello.
And so much for all that BS that market forces would decide on the Adani mine. Markets dumped Adani so they are using public money to keep it afloat.
A surprising prosecution and no precise detail of what the helicopter company’s failing may be
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/15/white-island-whakaari-volcano-ardern-urged-to-help-rescue-pilots-facing-charges
This article highlights the grim prospects for finding replacement markets for Australia’s coal exports recently banned from China. It also highlights what a terrible investment it is to give $3 billion of “Future Fund” money to Adani.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-16/will-other-countries-replace-china-buying-australian-coal/12985956
As I have said here before, the only way Adani will employ people is by unemploying miners in other existing mining areas like the Bowen Basin and Hunter Valley. Maybe now, finally, the selfish and self-deluded among miners who vote LNP will realise their political “representatives” have sold them out. Fools.
You know, the only thing that will stop Australian Coalition governments from doing naff all about stopping Coal Mining and even less about contributing meaningful action to the global effort to fight Climate Change, is if we become pariahs, both at the tourist and government level.
I hope that happens to the smug bastards and their supporters, sooner rather than later. More egg on the faces of CoalMo and Co., please!
Yay! I haz Edit function! 😀
The inevitable post settlement argument re legal costs
From Lawyerly
“ Robodebt class action has warned a judge he will have a ‘dispute on its hands’ if the government presses an argument that law firm Gordon Legal is not entitled to some of its legal fees — an argument the court was told would put the Commonwealth in breach of the settlement deed.”
Typical Liberal government action after the fires. Making large business a priority when individuals are suffering devastating losses. I suppose they imagine happiness and comfort will trickle down from Anthony Pratt.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/16/anthony-pratts-visy-wins-10m-from-australias-bushfire-recovery-fund
Perhaps Simon Birmingham needs to be reminded that Morrison running his mouth in the media started all this.
https://www.theage.com.au/world/asia/unacceptable-australia-accuses-china-of-diplomacy-by-media-over-coal-ban-20201215-p56nk7.html
C@t
Your recapture of Edit function seems to be the only cheerful note of the day. Dare I ask how it happened?
frednksays:
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 7:25 am
ScoMo + Trump.
Socrates says:
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 7:11 am
This article highlights the grim prospects for finding replacement markets for Australia’s coal exports recently banned from China. It also highlights what a terrible investment it is to give $3 billion of “Future Fund” money to Adani.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-16/will-other-countries-replace-china-buying-australian-coal/12985956
It is not the first and it probable won’t be the last time Australia builts a railway line to nowhere.
When it comes to investment decisions the Liberals are proving to be pretty dam incompetent.
the Adani future fund investment is 3 million not 3 billion, according to the abc article
All this highlights the dire predicament Australia now faces in that they prefer a Morrison LNP.
The voters all living the high life on the back of Labor’s universal health care, compulsory superannuation, broad education reforms, high average wages and equal opportunity for women.
Yet the Australian voters continue to favour the inequality experts, the tax avoiders, the rorters, the elitists, the climate change denialists, the wage supressors, the superannuation limiters, the barricaders of free education and lifestyle descriminators.
A list of the political bolters, most notably Costello, Robb and numerous National Party deputy PMs says everything which is needed.
If you’re inclined to blame Australia present predicament on Albanese, the Unions or errant past Labor politicans you are part of the misinformation brigade allowing ths current clown to masquerade as a leader.
Australia’s major political parties, brought to you by fossil fuels!
February 2020
https://www.marketforces.org.au/politicaldonations2020/
Every year, Australian governments and their departments spend billions of dollars of your money so that more coal, gas and oil can be extracted and burned. Favourable decisions include:
tax-based subsidies
direct contributions
concessional loans from public financial institutions
lax environmental laws and approvals for disastrous projects.
Meanwhile, drought and extreme temperatures are fast becoming the new normal.
So how has the fossil fuel industry come to enjoy such a cosy relationship with our politicians? A trawl of the latest political donations data, released on 3 February, offers some clues.
—
Fossil fuel donations up 48%
In 2018-19, fossil fuel companies donated $1,897,379 to the ALP, Liberal and National parties. This was up 48% from $1,277,933 in 2017-18 ($968,343 in 2016-17, $1.03 million in 2015-16).
Palaszczuk’s secret royalties deal amounts to $270m loan to Adani, TAI says
https://reneweconomy.com.au/palaszczuks-secret-royalties-deal-amounts-to-270m-loan-to-adani-tai-says-56538/
A secret royalty deal struck between the Queensland government and coal miner Adani Australia is set to deliver millions in concessions and what amount to cheap loans, despite the Palaszczuk government committing not to subsidise the massive Carmichael coal mine.
Are/is Essential planning to release their Clayton’s 2pp William?
Good morning Dawn Patrollers. All is well after yesterday’s hiatus.
Rob Harris and Shane Wright tell us that Josh Frydenberg has thrown his support behind a proposed inquiry that will grill financial regulators and banks over plans to pull back on lending or insuring mining projects because of climate change. The parliamentary probe will be chaired by none other than Coalition climate sceptic George Christensen. What a circus!
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/frydenberg-backs-probe-into-banks-not-lending-due-to-climate-risks-20201215-p56noo.html
According to Eryk Bagshaw and Mike Foley, the Morrison government will use China’s indefinite ban on Australian coal to accuse Beijing of skirting its climate change commitments, as it responds to a major trade strike on Australia’s second largest export.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/bad-outcome-australia-to-use-coal-strike-to-challenge-china-on-emissions-20201215-p56nph.html
Fruit and vegetable pickers will no longer be legally allowed to be paid below award wages if a claim by the Australian Workers Union to put a floor under piecework rates is approved, writes Nick Bonyhady.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/union-applies-to-change-pay-rules-for-fruit-pickers-to-ensure-minimum-wage-20201215-p56nk5.html
Cait Kelly tells us how a German woman has told how she couldn’t afford to eat while being paid less than the price of a cup of coffee thanks to a minimum-wage loophole on Australian farms.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2020/12/16/farms-piece-rates-australia/
Ross Gittins calls for employment laws that will stop making working lives a misery. This is a worthwhile article.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/the-change-that-s-really-needed-to-employment-laws-stop-making-working-lives-a-misery-20201215-p56nkl.html
Shaun Carney is also unimpressed with the proposed workplace legislation, saying that in a time when politics is all too often an exercise in marketing, it had been too much to hope for.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/federal-ir-bill-just-tinkering-around-the-edges-20201215-p56not.html
Why the Morrison government’s ‘double-dipping’ gambit fails the pub test.
https://theconversation.com/why-the-morrison-governments-double-dipping-gambit-fails-the-pub-test-152016
Chief executives from more than fifty leading companies have looked to the future and seen the need for microeconomic reform.
https://www.afr.com/chanticleer/business-chiefs-call-out-10-vital-reforms-20201215-p56no1
When one-third of casuals work full-time hours, almost 60% have been with their employer for more than a year, and more than half cannot choose the days they work, is the “flexibility” of a casual job really for the benefit of employees? Professor David Peetz reports.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/bad-gig-industrial-relations-reform-bill-delivers-flexibility-for-employers/
A strident Michael Pascoe declares that our watchpuppies have been compromised all over again.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2020/12/16/regulators-compromised-rba-pascoe/
Paul Bongiorno reckons Scott Morrison’s COVID luck won’t last if Australia burns.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2020/12/15/scott-morrisons-covid-luck-wont-last-if-australia-burns/
Joel Gibson writes that there is a time bomb of bad debt ticking away in thousands of Australian households that could go off as early as March, as government support payments expire. That could send ripples through the entire economy, he says.
https://www.smh.com.au/money/borrowing/bad-debt-time-bomb-ready-to-explode-20201214-p56nav.html
Charlotte Grieve outlines the changes that are coming for superannuation in 2021.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/take-note-your-super-will-radically-change-in-2021-20201214-p56n6c.html
Greg Combet complains that the “Your Super, Your Future” package is designed by financial sector lobbyists – inside and outside Parliament – to handcuff industry funds and give for-profit retail funds an easier run.
https://www.afr.com/wealth/superannuation/government-stacking-deck-for-dud-funds-20201215-p56nie
Former franchisees and executives at Retail Food Group have slammed the company as being “unethical and greedy”, as the food retailer faces its first regulatory action over its poor treatment of store owners. Adele Ferguson and Sarah Danckert chronicle the woes of the franchisees badly treated.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/greedy-and-unethical-franchisees-welcome-accc-action-on-rfg-20201215-p56njy.html
Recycling and telecommunications will need more investment after the pandemic but demand for public transport has dropped, Infrastructure Australia says.
https://www.afr.com/companies/infrastructure/pandemic-forces-rethink-of-public-transport-waste-health-services-20201215-p56nko
Ian Hickie is the co-director, health and policy at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and is extremely critical of the Morrison government’s response to the mental health crisis. He invokes the “Yes Minister” label.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/no-this-is-not-an-episode-of-yes-minister-it-s-the-morrison-government-s-response-to-the-mental-health-crisis-20201214-p56ngb.html
The Morrison government’s handling of a difficult 2020 raises the bar for next year. Opines Peter Lewis.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2020/dec/15/the-morrison-governments-handling-of-a-difficult-2020-raises-the-bar-for-next-year
Tom Rabe explains how NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has accused the Liberal Party of poaching Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams from the Nationals, reigniting an internal war within the coalition.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/we-are-betrayed-deputy-premier-reignites-coalition-war-accuses-libs-of-poaching-member-20201215-p56nok.html
An extra 10,000 home care packages, at a cost of $850 million, will be funded by the federal government as it expands its response to the Aged Care Royal Commission. Shane Wright says the lift in spending will be a feature of the mid-year update that will show a fall in the expected budget deficit.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/extra-1-billion-for-aged-care-but-budget-still-faces-record-debt-and-deficit-20201215-p56npg.html
And Michelle Grattan thinks Morrison likely to elevate aged care to cabinet. Surely not the useless Colbeck!
https://theconversation.com/morrison-likely-to-elevate-aged-care-to-cabinet-as-government-boosts-its-funding-by-1-billion-152090
Bill Hare says that the Morrison government subsidising dirty fuel amid the climate crisis beggars belief.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/16/the-morrison-government-subsidising-dirty-fuel-amid-the-climate-crisis-beggars-belief
Nigel Gladstone reports that NSW police officers claim they are being forced out of their careers by their bosses’ misuse of the internal complaints system that is fostering a culture of bullying and harassment. He does not paint a pretty picture.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/toxic-force-police-claim-bosses-use-complaints-to-target-them-20201130-p56j7n.html
Tens of thousands of people in coastal areas of northern NSW have been urged to remain alert for thunderstorms that could dump heavy rain and cause flash flooding in coming days.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-lot-of-rain-to-go-somewhere-up-to-1000-properties-preparing-to-evacuate-in-northern-nsw-20201215-p56nhe.html
And beach communities along the coast from northern NSW to southern Queensland are assessing the damage from a “generational” erosion event with the prospect of more storms and high tides ahead.
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/coastal-regions-assess-erosion-damage-wary-of-more-perfect-storms-20201215-p56nnn.html
Yet another Sydney council is on the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Would you believe that property developers are involved?
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/height-of-arrogance-councillors-under-icac-probe-urged-to-stand-aside-20201215-p56nn7.html
Bianca Hall reveals that Australians’ love of home-delivered food and online shopping during COVID-19 lockdowns has generated an alarming 20 per cent increase in household rubbish, placing extra pressure on a sector already struggling to adapt to Chinese import bans on waste.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/australians-urged-to-ditch-rubbish-habits-picked-up-in-lockdown-20201215-p56nkm.html
A smartphone app can officially be used as a contraceptive tool by Australians after becoming the first to be approved by the nation’s drug and medical device watchdog, in a move that has health experts wary. What could possibly go wrong?
https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/digital-contraceptive-gets-approval-by-australian-health-authorities-20201215-p56nj0.html
Private insurer CGU has walked away from its 30-year working relationship with Victoria’s WorkSafe workers’ compensation scheme. The move throws into uncertainty the jobs of about 300 workers who must wait to see a “succession plan” which CGU has sent to WorkSafe for its approval by mid-January, writes Noel Towell.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/another-blow-to-worksafe-as-key-private-partner-walks-away-20201215-p56np0.html
According to the AFR’s John Kehoe, Josh Frydenberg is working on an overhaul of the corporate watchdog’s structure, ahead of a shake-up next year that is likely to include fewer full-time commissioners and help businesses understand who is in charge of regulating their activities.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/treasurer-plots-asic-shakeout-20201215-p56nj4
Sunday’s final ABC ‘Insiders’ program for the year showed again why the flagship current affairs program has fallen short in 2020. Alan Austin says it ended the year in harness with News Corp – spruiking the failing Coalition.
https://independentaustralia.net/business/business-display/insiders-ends-year-in-harness-with-news-corp–spruiking-the-failing-coalition,14620
The most comprehensive review of the Medicare Benefits Schedule ever conducted found the system has failed to keep pace with advances in surgical techniques, medical discoveries and new treatments. The finding comes from the final report from the MBS taskforce. The five-year review is the largest examination of Medicare since the system was introduced in 1984, explains Rachel Clun.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/medicare-needs-to-adapt-and-evolve-to-cope-with-complex-health-needs-20201215-p56nk9.html
The property giant Lendlease will offer to repair or buy back up to 841 homes in a western Sydney estate built on landfill and dubbed the sinking suburb.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/15/western-sydney-lendlease-to-buy-back-up-to-841-homes-at-jordan-springs-east-site
Three Adelaide McDonald’s are at the centre of a Federal Court battle over paid downtime that could have nationwide implications.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/landmark-federal-court-lawsuit-from-sda-claims-frewville-mount-barker-and-felixstow-mcdonalds-workers-denied-paid-water-breaks/news-story/9a290a836e6f40752618e4d77a21b702
A surge of capital inflows has pushed China’s currency to two-year highs, threatening its economic recovery and potentially forcing Beijing to manipulate the yuan, explains Stephen Bartholomeusz.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/china-might-prove-trump-right-forced-to-manipulate-its-currency-after-all-20201215-p56nl2.html
A move by Ireland’s data regulator’s in August to halt the transatlantic transfer of Facebook customer data threatened “devastating” and “irreversible” consequences for its business, a lawyer representing the US company says.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7057321/irish-ruling-devastating-for-facebook/?cs=14232
After a year of reports, submissions and public inquiries – and much posturing on all sides – the Government has finally delivered the draft legislation designed to bring Google and Facebook to heel. But who is holding the leash? Kim Wingerei reports.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/google-and-facebook-draft-laws-yes-a-tawdry-government-mates-deal-for-news-and-nine/
Matthew Knott says that Australian diagnostics company Ellume has won approval from US regulators to sell the first rapid at-home COVID-19 tests that don’t require a prescription. The article has no mention of what it might cost users.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/australian-firm-receives-fda-approval-for-breakthrough-covid-test-20201216-p56nt5.html
This article in the AFR says it will cost over $40 a test.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/britain-s-relaxed-christmas-restrictions-will-kill-many-experts-20201215-p56nsm
Viruses adapt, it seems, and Marina Hyde says it is a tragedy that Tory cabinet ministers don’t.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/15/virus-tory-cabinet-ministers-government-christmas
The SMH editorial says that Trump has run out of places to hide from his defeat.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/trump-has-run-out-of-places-to-hide-from-his-defeat-20201215-p56nou.html
Donald Trump is preparing to pull out another wild card in a last ditch effort to sabotage the US election result. And it’s going to leave Vice President Mike Pence in a painful position, explains Samantha Dick.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/us-news/us-election/2020/12/15/trump-biden-pence-election/
William Barr’s exit is bad news for Trump’s hopes of an 11th-hour pardoning spree, writes Lloyd Green.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/15/william-barr-exit-bad-news-donald-trump-post-presidency-pardons
An Israeli court has decided that time has run out for multiple “Arsehole of the Week” nominee, accused paedophile Malka Leifer, who is now all set for extradition to Australia. I know it is frowned upon at PB to make remarks about a woman’s appearance, but I post this photo instead of commenting.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/israel-supreme-court-clears-ways-for-accused-paedophile-malka-leifer-s-extradition-20201215-p56nsa.html
Cartoon Corner
David Pope
Cathy Wilcox
John Shakespeare
Matt Golding
Glen Le Lievre
Mark Knight
John Spooner
Fiona Katauskas
Simon Letch
Andrew Dyson
From the US
shellbell says:
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 7:08 am
A surprising prosecution and no precise detail of what the helicopter company’s failing may be’
Perhaps they took tourists onto the island before the eruption?
That said, it is a serious strategic economic issue for NZ which rakes in a lot of money from high risk tourism.
Morning all.
Thanks BK and glad all is well in BK-Land.
And it’s good to see Boerwar back again. You have been missed and I hope you’ve been well.
A judge in New York on Tuesday rejected President Donald Trump’s claim of attorney-client privilege that could have shielded documents from the New York Attorney General’s office.
The Trump Organization was given until Friday to turn over documents from the engineer of its Seven Springs Estate, a property in Westchester County being investigated by Attorney General Tish James over how it was valued by the organization while seeking tax benefits from New York state.
At issue is whether the property’s conservation easement is legitimate. The president’s son, Eric, sat for a deposition. James’ office is looking into whether an improper valuation let the Trump Organization take a $21 million tax deduction.
The Trump Organization had argued the engineer’s documents were privileged because they helped lawyers value the property, but Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that none of those documents met the standard of confidentiality.
What happens with our understanding of China’s behaviour if we take it that the end point of everything Xi does is (a) to maintain and increase personal power and (b) to capture Taiwan through military action?
There is not a single thing that I am aware of that contradicts either of these.
And almost everything that we can observe fits neatly with both.
We know that Xi will do anything to increase his personal power.
We know that whether that is his purpose, Xi is systematically improving his military and also systematically reducing other risks with respect to an invasion of Taiwan.
That leaves three really important questions for Cubby House Dad:
(1) What level of risk is Xi prepared to take to launch an invasion against Taiwan?
(2) What is Australia’s scope of action?
(3) What is Australia’s position?
More generally, why has Essential not asked a question on whether voters think it is a good idea for Morrison’s staff to be packed with China Hawks?
Socrates
“So the Future Fund has “invested” $3 billion in building the Adani mines’ rail line??”
I can’t see that mentioned in the article.
Where did that come from?
I seriously hope it is not true, and just some speculation.
Thank you, BK.
Now that Trump is a done deal by 20 January, cartoonists will now have to work harder.
But ironists and satirists will have something real to do.
boerwar
All of the charges relate to action/inaction before the eruption . None relate to actions after the eruption or any shortcuts taken in rescue efforts.
Over 100,000 elderly Australians are waiting for home care packages st this moment.
The “ extra” 10,000 packages being sprouted by Morrison will do nothing to reduce the waiting times as more join the list over coming months with a significant number of these “ extra” packages not being funded until next financial year.
BTW, good to see Boerwar up and running again.
Quoll
Fossil fuel donations up 48%
In 2018-19, fossil fuel companies donated $1,897,379 to the ALP, Liberal and National parties. This was up 48% from $1,277,933 in 2017-18 ($968,343 in 2016-17, $1.03 million in 2015-16).
————-
So called “donations” by companies that profit from the decisions of those they give their loot to and then claim it as a legitimate deduction on taxation (so cheating the public both coming and going) is corruption pure and simple. No ifs, no buts.
Good morning and thanks BK for the Dawn Patrol.
Looks like the Morrison government really doesn’t care if Cormann gets the OECD job or not.
Today’s stories – $3m Future Fund money to Adani and Christensen to head an inquiry designed to punish lenders taking global warming into account when financing investments – are unlikely to help his candidacy.
Socrates
The amount is 3 million, a tiny drop towards the massive cost of building the rail line.
That’s only for research.
The government wouldn’t dare use future fund to build a rail line for a project supporting an industry that is on it’s way out.
Here’s the article.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-16/future-fund-invests-millions-in-adani-project/12984734
I’m having a little trouble with this.
Was Tehan really a diplomat? My memory says that Mark Vaile made a pig’s breakfast of a trade deal with the US. If Tehan was his advisor, doesn’t bode well for the future.
And Michaelia for education? Hope she doesn’t encourage elocution lessons.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/15/dan-tehan-tipped-to-take-over-trade-while-michaelia-cash-could-get-education-in-morrison-reshuffle?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
lizzie @ #32 Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 – 8:59 am
It’s not just Melbourne. Granny dumping season has been a feature of my professional life for nearly 40 years. Relevant rules from Shem’s House of God (the medical equivalent of the original MASH): (1) GOMERS don’t die, (5) Placement comes first, (8) They can always hurt you more, and (13) The delivery of good medical care is to do as much nothing as possible.
lizzie
Great “stuff” on twitter; verified or not.The Grandma dumping story fits in well with the Gummints funding of 10% of needed aged care packages.
The following item had me a little excited until I realised that the dude pictured wasn’t being jailed for 30 (count ’em slowly) years. Damn – back to dreaming.
Consolation for the down at heart
rhwombat
Dog dumping before going away on holidays at Christmas is, I believe, very common and shameful, but granny-dumping is inhumane. All the hype about Happy Family Christmases is so fake.
I once knew someone who’d worked at Whyalla Hospital in the ’80s. The Children’s ward would fill up mysteriously on Friday nights and empty on Sunday evenings. It took a while before admin realised the hospital was being used as a baby sitting service.
From BK’s big read-a-thon comes this timely reminder
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2020/12/15/scott-morrisons-covid-luck-wont-last-if-australia-burns/
C@t
How did you fix your edit function?
Did I tell you I’m learning the piano?
I’m the one on the left –
https://youtu.be/wrXh8_Lp178
lizzie @ #37 Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 – 9:35 am
On a contrary note, it can be quite humane as we can usually use the opportunity to sort out appropriate alternatives – and the kindness of strangers, particularly at this time of the year, is (often) more genuine than the alternative. Dogs often help.
Rakali @ #28 Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 – 8:07 am
God damn right. I am so tired of the BS that defends this stuff. Freedom of expression crap. No influence rubbish. And the donations are just the tip of the corruption iceberg. If companies and political parties believe their own BS about how donations are legit then they can pass laws allowing ONLY anonymous donations. And watch it dry up. And pass laws allowing big company execs to have free access to the highest level of politicians and civil servants – via anonymous letters only redacted to remove any connection to the writer or… have all correspondence and meetings fully minuted, documented and made public.
And while I am here…. finally there is a change in the market where farm workers can demand fair pay for uprooting themselves from home and going out to harsh conditions to work long hours picking fruit/veg. Finally a situation where the worker has an upper hand in a market that is normally dominated by the employer. Now watch as the governing party of small government and free markets intervene to correct this egregious market failure.
The significance of this was a bit under-rated in BK’s links..
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/britain-s-relaxed-christmas-restrictions-will-kill-many-experts-20201215-p56nsm
The usefulness of rapid tests is still being misunderstood by Australian authorities.
Granny dumping?
Homelessness?
Nowhere for the domestic bashed to hide?
Get Loving Cubby Daddy to build them a cubby!
rhwombat
Heard last week about an old lady who lost her husband and her pet dog in the same week at the beginning of our lockdown. She was sinking into deep depression until she found an older dog to rehome, but now is bright and happy and looking forward to Christmas. Dogs are magical companions sometimes.
Love this ad….especially the end bit……lol
https://twitter.com/ReverendWarnock/status/1331326729739243527
SK
‘Now watch as the governing party of small government and free markets intervene to correct this egregious market failure.’
In relation to Ag Visa ScrewForce, spot on.
We are in very uncharted waters if the impact of vaccination on COVID transmission is being over-estimated, with assumptions like this:
“I don’t want to be afraid anymore, and I don’t want to have that risk of taking it home to my own family and my own friends.”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-16/us-covid-vaccine-rollout-ramps-up-as-second-shot-looms/12988302
Simon Katich @ #43 Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 – 6:46 am
Yep, but surely it’s an issue for any publicly listed company.
Aren’t they required to make financial decisions for the benefit of the company and shareholders?
If they argue that political donations bring no benefit to their company, how are they then justified in making them?