Only the naive would ever argue against the proposition that local government should be a politically free zone.  The statement itself is a contradiction in terms because our Constitution provides for a three tiered government structure – Federal, State and Local.

Politics is defined as the theory and practice of government. It defines the interrelationships between the people, groups, or organizations in a particular area of life especially insofar as they involve power and influence or conflict.

Debate about politics in local government is often intertwined with arguments about whether we are over-governed.  Some argue that State and Local Governments should be abolished and replaced by a system of regional governments.  All have pros and cons but I would argue that the closer government is to the communities they have to serve the more effective they will be. (more…)

If we are dinkum in our desire to say sorry for past wrongs, we should acknowledge one group we will forever be indebted to whilst we have control of our national destiny. I refer to our war veterans. There is no greater sacrifice a person can make for their country than to give their life in defence of our democratic freedom and ideals. Those who do should be honoured above all others.

The Australian War Memorial is the custodian of our military history. The Returned Services League is the custodian of our national day of remembrance. Legacy ensures the torch of remembrance will never be extinguished. Many other ex-service organisations contribute to the memory of their members, and the ongoing welfare of surviving veterans and their dependents. (more…)

Small business owners dread the day they might get a knock on their door from union thugs who now run NSW.  They will be shocked when they discover that any union thug can demand entry onto their premises and go through their books.  They can initiate legal action if they discover any anomalies, which is very easy to do under the draconian Occupational Health and Safety laws unions have engineered through their Parliamentary lackeys in Macquarie Street,

Targeted small business owners do not stand a chance because the NSW Labor Party has reversed the onus of proof against them.  This means they are guilty the minute a union thug finds one or more anomalies.  They then have to defend the charges against the might of union funded industrial lawyers.  To add insult to injury half the amount of the inevitable fine goes directly to their own union coffers to fund these thugs. (more…)

Midsummer in my hometown of Orbost on the Snowy River was not a pleasant time. Dog-days with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees outside the house and up to 50 degrees inside were the norm.  The only way to keep cool was to sprawl on our lino floor with a small fan working overtime.

We would often be shaken out of our slumber on a Sunday by the jingle-clacking of rosary beads as two ‘Brown Joey’s’ (Sisters of the order of St Joseph) appeared at our door to see if Mum and Dad could help with a small donation of anything to help the new people who had just arrived in town. (more…)

‘Stop firing’ screamed the Afghan interpreter metres away from a suspected Taliban leader as he emptied his magazine towards a small band of Australian commandos. As the walls exploded the insurgent responded by clipping on a fresh magazine and unloading it at them.  The Australians returned fire and lobbed a grenade into the dark room.  The firing ceased.  As they crept into the room they noticed a sight that will haunt them forever.  The suspected Taliban leader lay dead amongst a human shield comprising women and children.

Three of the commandos in the raid, doing what they were sent to do by the Australian government, now face charges of manslaughter.  These young men have been double-crossed by our political leaders who have exposed them to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

Membership of the world court is a gold plated pass to the finer things in life for the international legal fraternity.  First class travel, 5-star hotels, fine cuisine and vintage wine are standard fare for the elite in the justice system.  The court provides a forum for eminent legal minds from Australia, Albania, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Romania, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Tajikistan and others to discuss a new world order for law and justice.    (more…)