A Systems Approach

Now we know that the shire had a systems failure that allowed James Trail to spend $170,000 without authorisation. We know Gary Evershed did not notice the $170,000 back in 2008 when he was paid to undertake his well publicised due diligence.

Spent Rates, Spent Conviction

James Trail had moved on before he faced the magistrates to answer the charges brought against him as a result of his behaviour when he was CEO of Augusta-Margaret River and Kalamunda . After Kalamunda dismissed him he created JT Professional Services and shifted from being directly involved in local government, as a CEO, to being a local government consultant.

Strange times in the Wild West

Not since we read of Richard Lewis having his car tampered with and Julien Grill and Brian Burke’s brother Terry killing people with their motor cars and avoiding any legal redress have events in government taken such a strange turn.

Shock headline!

Was there a note of surprise in Sandy Powell’s headline last week, “Council Votes in favour of residents”? Why would that be? Council are elected to represent residents and so favouring us should surely be expected?

Trust

For years there have been news stories decrying the appalling acts of violence by the Taliban against health workers engaged in polio vaccination programmes. These attacks have resulted in an increase in polio cases, most notably in Pakistan.

CCC v Cowboys?

When public money is spent on investigations and reports by Commissioners, and the Corruption and Crime Commission investigating problems with local government activities do we get good value? Or will the cowboys always win?

Organised Crime?

Is there corporate crime in government?

Could it happen here?

His Sister?

'But Anne Lake could be his sister, for all we know?'

It was said more as a joke than a serious suggestion. But my sense of humour can get me into trouble, in this case a light hearted comment intended to do no more than offer a fresh perspective on what has been the talk around town actually sparked something of a flame.

The Hand of God

Those of us who older will remember Diego Maradona and his comment on the hand of God, which was really something of a joke; but maybe also contains a grain of wisdom for how we live. What Diego said was; 

'A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God'.

What Price Democracy?

Where is the difference between the 500 Club, that Mr Middleton manages for WA Liberals, and the Eightbyfive fund that benefited the NSW Liberals, or the fund that Joe Hockey is trying to explain away today?

Procedural Fairness?

What does procedural fairness mean to you?

Do you believe that we should all be treated fairly and that justice should be balanced so that rich or poor we all receive justice?

Does Language Matter?

Does the size of our vocabulary, our capacity to parse, our ability to comprehend the many meanings that can be resolved from any given phrase in the English language matter?

Think Local

Sadly some mischievous troublemaker has directed my attention to a report tabled in State parliament. This report purports to shed some light on the Gourmet Escape Event.

Too Big to Fail?

Maybe I was unfair to the Gourmet Escape, maybe Eventscorp just had a bit of bad luck and Tourism WA is a winning corporation making the most of our money. Maybe.

AMR Inc?

Back in 2003 Michael Hale was announcing his success at getting permission for a resort at Cowaramup. At that time he was fronting a group called Augusta Enterprises.

CEO Quits

Here's an interesting story, and there might possibly be some shreds of similarity with events at this shire. A CEO who is reluctant to explain himself to the ratepayers. Financial information that is difficult, and in some cases just impossible to obtain. And unpleasant communications with individual residents who express concern or ask questions the authority figures don't want to answer.

I've got an answer!

This is just what I needed. Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but I have got an answer, albeit a bit of a hand knitted and dropped a few stitches sort of fluffy thing. The sort of answer that Brian Burke might be proud of. All the right words, just not necessarily in the right order.

The Great Gourmet Escape Scam

Was the AMRTimes joking last Friday?

They published what must surely be a spoof article about the Gourmet Escape and the difficulties surrounding it. Difficulty in obtaining financial information? Surely not?

Bottom of the Harbour

These schemes were popular in the 1970s and early 1980s in Australia, and nowhere more so than in Western Australia and Victoria. Such schemes enabled scoundrels to accumulate vast wealth legally by exploiting a loophole in the taxation law.

The Shire does not speak for all

Does the shire needs to reconsider its relationship with the Horgan Family.