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.