Tag: Reform

Informed Comment

Sacred Cow: are politicians’ many houses an impediment to property, rental reform? – Michael West

Sacred Cow

In fairness, having dealt with politicians for years, many are hard-working and well intended. Many will vote for the things which are in the public interest, although it may cost them a few pennies.

When it comes to the sacred cow of property, however, it is hard to see real reform because more than 60% of Australians own their own home. So, there is no money in it, and there are no votes in it, and voting against the interests of most of one’s peers makes the whole damn thing harder, as does the reality of voting with the party line. Imagine a politician taking a policy to the party which would affect the personal finances of so many of their peers.

Our elected representatives own a lot of investment properties, 297 which are declared. How does that impact on their decision making?

Source: Sacred Cow: are politicians’ many houses an impediment to property, rental reform? – Michael West

WAR

Reform, say vets who know the horrors of war, yet most politicians say status quo

War powers reform

Gross National Happiness vs Gross National Product,

The senate hearing on War Powers Reform starts today. Of the over 100 submissions made to the government’s “Inquiry into international armed conflict decision making”, the most compelling come from Australian veterans themselves. Zacharias Szumer reports.

Source: Reform, say vets who know the horrors of war, yet most politicians say status quo

Whitlam

Gough Whitlam’s enthusiasm for reform has left a lasting legacy

The Whitlam Government’s economic performance was certainly not perfect, but it deserves a better reputation than it has, writes John Hawkins.

Source: Gough Whitlam’s enthusiasm for reform has left a lasting legacy

ALP Government,

Rex Patrick: Government credibility on the line amid Boyle, McBride whistleblower trials – Michael West

Whistleblower laws, David McBride, Richard Boyle

Relentless prosecution of whistleblowers David McBride and Richard Boyle may damage the credibility of Australia’s government on the world stage, writes Rex Patrick. Whistleblower protection laws need urgent reform.

Source: Rex Patrick: Government credibility on the line amid Boyle, McBride whistleblower trials – Michael West

LNP, LNP Economic Management, LNP Government

“Political Stunt”: how the Budget cash splash means profit to providers over aged care reform – Michael West

https://olddogthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image0-1.jpeg

The Budget cash splash in aged care has rendered the Royal Commission a political stunt as the billions in extra funding are not tied to reform measures or direct care and food for elderly Australians. Dr Sarah Russell reports.

Source: “Political Stunt”: how the Budget cash splash means profit to providers over aged care reform – Michael West

Informed Comment, Uncategorized

Reforming question time: A few less mouths that roar – » The Australian Independent Media Network

My thought for the day

To those who think they can win a debate by being loud and crass. I say be quiet. To those who think they can win with a perceived superior intellect I say be humble. Discourse requires civility in order to produce reasoned outcomes.( John Lord)

via Reforming question time: A few less mouths that roar – » The Australian Independent Media Network

Public/Private, Uncategorized

Reform Calls: private health insurance at the crossroads – Michael West

Reform Calls: private health insurance at the crossroads

via Reform Calls: private health insurance at the crossroads – Michael West

Climate Change

To Those Who Think We Can Reform Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis | The Nation

Greece Wildfires

Our only hope is to stop exploiting the earth—and its people.

via To Those Who Think We Can Reform Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis | The Nation