The True Meaning of Christmas - Augusta Margaret River style

Did you see the Augusta-Margaret River Mail last week?
They have made the decision that they will move away from that old fashioned idea that Christmas has something to do with Christianity and the birth of Jesus. This year was a recognition that ALL our leaders are under government control. Previously we had church and community leaders who would send a message at Christmas, today we have government regulated and paid leaders only.
A small change to reflect a secular society?
Perhaps, but doesn't Augusta-Margaret River have any community organisations that are not government paid, controlled by government legislation?
And remember that it's the small changes that are felt less - we are in a 'frog in the pot' situation.

Happy New Year.

Just go to the beach (as John Ralston Saul would say) and enjoy life - the government is in control. 

Trust them.

International Anti-Corruption Day, 9th December 2015

Did you know it was International Anti-Corruption Day, 9^th December 2015

In time for International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2015, the Western Australian Corruption and Crime Commissioner, John McKechnie QC, speaks about the main corruption themes and the risks corruption presents for social orderliness in the public and private sectors.

https://youtu.be/XvpJe6mSrcs

Was that $30 million a good buy?

Back in 1992 a Royal Commission report was published giving details of exactly how easily the premier of WA, Brian Burke and his cronies had pocketed $600+ million from the public purse.
The Royal Commission cost the public $30 million and made recommendations as to what could be done to stop such corruption in the future, such as this one;

Does your local government appear on the Watch List?

An interesting list of local governments that the Department of Local Government would be watching if they ever undertook any scrutiny. 

Although scrutiny appears to be a rather pointless exercise unless some action occurs if there are problems identified. Currently any action is so pedestrian as to be disrespectful to the public. Consider the case of James Trail.

Abuse - what do we accept as reasonable?

Those of you who know me understand how keenly I support democracy. I believe in the sentiments expressed by the late Paddy O'Brien, that democracy is a precious thing we must nurture and care for. We have travelled a long way as a society since the days when psychological abuse went unrecognised. If a person was not bloodied, bruised, and physically broken then society would not accept that they had suffered harm. 

Today we understand much more about ourselves. 

But do we recognise how abuse can be perpetrated against communities and society?

Scrutiny?

While most of us were at Remembrance Day services Ben and Colin were having a knock-about in parliament.

Congratulations to Graham Edwards

Former WA and Federal politician Graham Edwards has been honoured as Seniors Australian of the Year. Very well deserved award for a man who brought democracy a step closer to Western Australia back in 1984.

Graham Edwards brought democracy to those people living in Western Australia who did not own any land or property.