Minister Stitt: Its time to end native forest logging now OPEN LETTER

Letter to Minister Stitt, Victorian Minister for the Environment.  You can send a similar letter to Minister Stitt here

Save Falls Creek cross country skiing area

The proposal to clear the road during winter from Windy Corner to the ANARE shed at Rocky Valley will destroy cross country skiing access and amenity. The existing snow-covered road provides access to cross country skiers and snow shoe users free of wheeled vehicles. 

This access route provides a quiet, scenic and sheltered route for cross country skiers and snow shoe users to access and use the XC trail network including the Nordic Bowl. The route is wide enough to accommodate many skiers.

The road that Falls Creek resort wants to keep cleared all Winter.

Current users of this area are cross country skiers of all ages and abilities, snow shoe users and XC racers who train there regularly and compete in events such as the Kangaroo Hoppet.

Clearing the road to create additional carparks will prevent current users from skiing on it and put spoil down the slopes above and below it. Road traffic would destroy the serenity of the current XC ski area including the Nordic bowl. This will ruin the cross country ski experience and amenity at Falls Creek, which is the main reason our family visits the resort. 

On our last visit our daughter skied on the lifts for 4 days, I skied on the lifts for one day and cross country for 4 days. We used the Windy Corner shelter and cafe every day.

The proposal to provide new XC facilities close to or next to Rocky Valley dam is ill-considered. This area gets significantly more adverse weather than the sheltered Nordic Bowl, XC trails and currently uncleared road. Frequent adverse weather at or close to the dam includes very strong winds, a much higher chill factor and poor visibility.

If this proposal proceeds we will be unlikely to visit Falls Creek again in winter.  Windy Corner and the existing XC trails are the main reason our family visits Falls Creek.

I recommend improving bus services to Falls Creek as an alternative to providing more parking for private cars. This would provide increased access for more visitors without further damaging the alpine environment and experience that people come to Falls Creek for.

You can provide your feedback on this proposal (closing Sunday 18 Sep 2022) here.

The section of road they want to keep cleared in Winter

Sking down to Nordic Bowl

Nordic Bowl

ANARE shed

Windy Corner car park, the road stops here in Winter

Additional information

• Save Falls Creek xc 
• Save Falls Creek XC, Facebook
• Plans revealed for Falls Creek Lakeside Development project, Mountain Journal 
• Development Proposal for the Lakeside Precinct at Falls Creek – Implications for Cross Country Skiing, Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club Inc. 

Peter Dutton's track record

Peter Dutton MP has the front running to become the Liberal National opposition leader in the federal government. 

It is worth remembering some of his recent political history, Peter Dutton:

• Refused to commit to aiming for a 1.5% limit on climate warming at the Pacific Island Form in PNG, where he was heard to joke about island nations with "waves lapping at your door"
• Boycotted the Apology to the Stolen Generations
• Claimed Victorians were scared to go out because of African Gangs
• Blamed Laa Chol's death on "Sudanese Gangs", contrary to Victoria Police advice
• Accused Ali France, who is an amputee, of leveraging her disability for political gain
• Referred to Murugappan children as "Anchor Babies"
• Claimed refugees [medivac'd from detention] will cause locals to be "displaced from those services"
• Referred Bruce Pascoe to AFP claiming he lied about indigenous identity
• Called journalist Samantha Maiden a "mad f***ing witch" in a text message
• Described Brittany Higgins rape allegation as "She said, He said"
• Claimed women are using rape and abortion claims as a ploy to get to Australia
• Used SLAPP suits to silence critics (Shane Bazzi)
• Marked Anzac Day 2022 by invoking the spectre of Nazi Germany and declaring that Australia can only preserve peace by preparing for war.

*Credit to Helen Smart for this list.

There are now media attempts to portray him as a nice family guy to soften is reputation as a hard right political warrior, a hard-line border protection minister and, more recently, a China hawk beating the drums of war.

It will be interesting to see how he goes as opposition leader.

See also

• Election 2022 results: Peter Dutton battles to reform image as Coalition faces three difficult years 
• Peter Dutton marks Anzac Day by again comparing China and Russia to Nazi Germany before World War II - ABC News
• Dictator Dutton’s Disdain for Democracy: Part 1, Building the Surveillance State

Independent candidates partly funded by Climate 200 reset representational democracy

Climate 200 is a ​​community crowdfunded initiative established in 2019 to support pro-climate, pro-integrity, and pro-gender equity candidates.

Climate 200 is not a party. It does not start campaigns, select candidates, speak for candidates, dictate policies, or have members.

Climate did not prelect any of the above candidates, control them, or dictate any policy matters.

They simply give strong community campaigns a leg up with funding and support.

The following candidates were partly funded by Climate 200 during the 2022 Australian Federal election:

 Alex Dyson, Independent candidate for Wannon

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

Allegra Spender, Independent candidate for Wentworth - ELECTED

• NSW, Liberal incumbent

Andrew Wilkie. Independent MP for Clark  - ELECTED

• TAS, Independent seeking re-election

Caz Heise, Independent candidate for Cowper

• NSW, National incumbent

Claire Ferres Miles, Independent candidate for Casey

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

David Pocock. Independent candidate for ACT Senate  - ELECTED

• ACT Senate

Despi O’Connor, Independent candidate for Flinders

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

Dr Monique Ryan, Independent candidate for Kooyong  - ELECTED

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

Dr Sophie Scamps, Independent candidate for Mackellar  - ELECTED

• NSW, Liberal incumbent

Georgia Steele, Independent candidate for Hughes

• NSW, UAP incumbent

Dr Hanabeth Luke, Independent candidate for Page

• NSW, National incumbent

Helen Haines, Independent member for Indi  - ELECTED

• VIC, Independent seeking re-election

Jo Dyer, Independent candidate for Boothby

• SA, Liberal incumbent

Kate Chaney, Independent candidate for Curtin  - ELECTED

• WA, Liberal incumbent

Kate Hook, Independent candidate for Calare

• NSW, National incumbent

Kim Rubenstein, Independent candidate for ACT Senate

• ACT Senate

Kylea Tink, Independent candidate for North Sydney  - ELECTED

• NSW, Liberal incumbent

Leanne Minshulll, Independent candidate for TAS Senate

• TAS, Senate

Nicolette Boele, Independent candidate for Bradfield

• NSW, Liberal incumbent

Rebekha Sharkie, Independent member for Mayo  - ELECTED

• SA, Independent seeking re-election

Zali Steggall, Independent MP for Warringah  - ELECTED

• NSW, Independent seeking re-election

Zoe Daniel, Independent candidate for Goldstein  - ELECTED

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

See also 

• Climate 200 - Wikipedia 

Dr Monique Ryan will be a strong independent voice for Kooyong if she is elected

I got involved in politics are working on campaigns to protect Victoria's native forests.  Elections presented an opportunity to get change for the better.  However, we were not able to "make Australia woodchip free in 1993"...

I joined the Greens and was the Greens candidate for Kooyong in 2001, 2004 and 2007 running against Petro Georgiou, a decent and friendly man who showed great compassion to refugees.

I resigned from the Greens in 2011. All political parties carry baggage and pollute democracy. MPs  mostly represent their party as their first priority rather than their constituents.

I ran as an independent (unsuccessfully) for the state seat of Burwood in the 2014 Victorian election.

People mostly join political parties because the believe in something and want to effect change. I was focussed on protecting forests, the environment, climate change and transitioning to renewable energy. 

However, I found myself diverted into lengthy often toxic state and national council meetings. My energy was diverted into internal battles over policy, priorities and pre-selection. All political parties also engage in branch stacking.

When I send emails to Josh Frydenberg asking him to represent my views in the federal parliament he refuses to do so.  Instead I get a spiel from him on what "their policy" is. He has also blocked me on Twitter without any explanation. He's just not a good representative for me and many others.

I am volunteering for Monique Ryan's campaign for Kooyong because I  believe she will be the best person to represent Kooyong in the federal parliament.

Vote 1 Monique Ryan. Remember to number EVERY square.

We want a Federal representative who takes the time to listen, and act and represent us on the important issues - including climate change, an anti-corruption commission, decent treatment of refugees and protection of our environment.

The campaigns such as Monique Ryan in Kooyong, Zoe Daniel in Goldstein, Allegra Spender in Wentworth and other "teal" seats are fantastic and inspiring. 

Thousands of people are engaged and active.

Democracy has been restored to citizens, breaking the shackles of party politics.

Simon Holmes a Court has provided funding for many of these campaigns via the Climate 200 with no strings attached. This has enabled local independent campaigns to compete against well-funded political party campaigns.

One of the great things about Dr Monique Ryan's campaign is meeting new people from all walks of life and getting out and about door knocking, riding bikes and visiting cafes.

Over 2,000 volunteers are united in a common goal - to get Dr Ryan elected in Kooyong.

This is the first time in Kooyong's history that there has been a real contest for the seat. 

This might be the only chance we get, let's make it happen!

See also

• Independent candidates funded by Climate 200 reset representational democracy 
• Monique Ryan will be a great member of parliament for Kooyong. Ignore Liberal dirty tricks! 

Monique Ryan will be a great member of parliament for Kooyong. Ignore Liberal dirty tricks!

With the long 6 week election campaign drawing to a close there is a buzz in the air in Kooyong.

Monique Ryan, the genuine independent for Kooyong, now has a team of over 2000 volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life.  

Josh Frydenberg covets the seat of Kooyong and is desperate to cling to office.

While Frydenberg still has his nose in front (don't believe the polls) he has ramped up familiar dirty tricks.

If the Liberals polling tells them this isn't working they go dirty

• The Liberal Dirt Unit trawls for something they think discredits the other candidate.
• Ramp up attacks via media
• Distribute attack leaflets to all letterboxes (at taxpayers expense!)
• Other Liberal MPs amplify attacks

If they feel REALLY threatened they escalate

• Deface or pull down opponent corflute posters (several hundred of Monique Ryan's have been stolen or damaged)
• Put up anonymous "attack corflutes" attempting to discredit all independents (new!)
• Ramp up personal attacks via friendly media and social media (ads)
• Prime Minister Morrison and ministers amplify attacks
• Attempt get corflute poster banned on residents property (Tim Wilson in Goldstein, )
• Attempt to restrict number of volunteers at polling booths (Kooyong, unsuccessful)
• Lean on the local council to restrict permits for A frames while distributing flyers

They might even get REALLY dirty

• Try to insert someone into opponent's campaign (or try to bribe someone to defect)
• Abuse other candidates and their supporters in public
• Attempt to provoke a confrontation to discredit their opponent and amplify it via media
• Paint over of Monique Ryan's murals! 

Dr Ryan's campaign is positive

Dr Monique Ryan and all her supporters are committed to an honest and positive campaign that includes:

• Community engagement via forums, street walks, bike rides etc
• Door knocking - the entire electorate of Kooyong has now been visited!
• Transparent declared funding 
• Over 2,000 local volunteers
• No dirty tricks

Volunteers pizza night

Door knocking team

Monique Ryan also debated Frydenberg and proved she will be a great representative for Kooyong if she is elected. Here is the debate in full.

Monique Ryan vs Josh Frydenberg's how to vote cards in Kooyong

How to vote cards are a window into candidate leanings and possible political deals.

Monique Ryan, the community independent candidate for Kooyong, has published the How to Vote instructions below.

• The order of candidates shown is the order on the ballot that voters will use
• Monique Ryan asks people to vote 1 for her
• Then voters select other candidates according to THEIR choice (values alignment, policies etc.)
• This is the best for democracy.

Josh Frydenberg is the incumbent Liberal member of parliament for Kooyong.

His How to Vote is below, with annotations.

Frydenberg has directed preferences to the following candidates:

• 2. Liberal Democrats (right wing)
• 3. Derryn Hinch (Justice) - centrist
• 4. UAP (Clive Palmer, right wing)
• 5. Australian Values Party (right wing)
• 6. Dummy candidate for Frydenberg (fake independent)
• 7. Animal justice
• 8. One Nation (Pauline Hanson, right wing)

Ahead of the following progressive candidate and community independent Monique Ryan:

• 9. Peter Lynch (Labor, progressive)
• 10. Piers Mitcham (Greens, progressive)
• 11 Monique Ryan (Independent)

This indicates possible preference deals between the Liberals, Justice, Liberal Democrats, UAP, AVP and possibly One Nation.

Frydenberg's preferences will not be distributed but they do indicate his political leanings to the right.

When voting:

Make sure you number EVERY square 1 to 11 to ensure your vote is valid.

There will be two ballot papers - House of Reps (green, 11 candidates) and Senate (big, white).

Patricia Karvelas interview with Josh Frydenberg on Radio National 29 Apr 2022

Text [from Twitter thread here]

Recording: http://ab.co/3F2CH1Q Kooyong content starts at 1:10:15

Poster of Frydenberg in Brunswick

Frydenberg with coal in parliament

Notes on his dubious statements and some outright lies follow.

JF:  "I am facing .. somebody who is no more than a slogan, or a board or a banner."

• derogatory, dismissive, disrespectful
• Dr Monique Ryan ran the neurology department at the Royal Children’s Hospital until recently.

PK: "Why undermine her and use this kind of language?"

JF:  "just because you may have had a professional occupation doesn't mean you will bring to the table detailed policies that will enhance the parliament or the local seat"

• Non answer

PK: "Monique Ryan said the party with the most ambitious climate change policy and the toughest integrity commission she would make a deal with [if minority govt].  Isn't the onus on you to create those conditions?"

JF: Non answer, diversion 

PK: "Do you see yourself as as moderate?" 

JF: "I see myself as having progressive views, moderate views on number of issues ..."

"I supported Same Sex Marriage." 

• Lie = he voted against it theyvoteforyou.org.au  
• Josh Frydenberg voted consistently against same-sex marriage equality

JF: "I was one of the strongest advocates for net zero by 2050 ... We have a detailed costed plan to get there"

• Lie. Morrison's "plan" is a pamphlet with no details and many questionable assumptions. 

PK: "Why are you preferencing One Nation over this independent if you are a moderate?"

JK: 'Well because firstly my preferences aren't going to make any difference in the seat because .." [interrupted]

PK: "But the symbolism matters"

JF: "Well no, it doesn't. Because in my seat its going to come down to me and the independent because the Labor party and the Greens, you can barely find a sign for them, are in bed with the so-called independent."

• Lie. There is no conspiracy.

PK: "So if you are progressive/moderate what do you make of embattled Liberal candidate Katherine Deves?"

JF: "Historical analogies with the Holocaust are largely inappropriate. Her [Deves'] comments are inappropriate and unacceptable."

• Morrison endorses her

In summary, Frydenberg: 

• Won't use Monique Ryan's name (disrespectful) 
• Says Dr Ryan is a "fake independent" (a lie)
• Alleges conspiracy between others against him
• Doesn't provide any compelling example of being an effective "moderate"

I have caught COVID-19, its not "mild"

I recently caught COVID-19, here is a log of how this has unfolded. I am triplex vaxxed - 2 Astrazeneca and one Pfizer.

Sun 27 March 2022: Midnight Oil concert

I attended Midnight Oil's last ever concert in Melbourne. I am a long term fan. I wore a cloth mask some of the time. Lots of people were there, very few were wearing masks.  Three other friends who attended have not caught COVID.

Mon 28 March 2022: Slight throat tickle

I noticed a slight tickle in my throat but thought it was due to my singing at the concert

Tue 29 March 2022: Cough developed

The slight tickle became a dry cough, sneezing and some mucus discharge (like a cold)

Wed 30 March 2022: Negative RAT

Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) have a negative test. I was thinking it was likely I just have a cold. Cough, sneezing persisting.  RAT results are NOT reliable.

Thu 31 March 2022: PCR test (day 1 iso)

I got a drive through PCR test with my daughter . Cough, sneezing persisting, throat getting a bit sore and a slight headache. No fever, aches or pains.

Fri 1 April 2022: COVID-19 positive (day 2 iso)

PCR positive test result notified by SMS, but my daughter was negative. 7 day isolation at home commenced

• Cough, sneezing persisting
• Throat getting very sore
• Headache persisting. 
• Coughing up some grey and yellow phlegm, its in my lungs but I don't have shortness of breath. 
• No fever, aches or pains (other than throat). Haven't checked sense of smell.  
• Temperature and breathing normal.

Downloaded the Melbourne Uni CovidCare app to track my symptoms and condition.

Staying in the master bedroom alone, isolated from my partner and daughter. Wearing an N95 mask when I occasionally leave the bedroom.

Sat 2 April 2022: Very sore throat, still coughing phlegm (day 3 iso)

• Got up during the night with a very sore throat to take some Disprin. Have also been taking some Nurofen occasionally to reduce symptoms.
• Nose still very runny, it hurts to cough. Throat very sore. Lots of phlegm in lungs
• Feeling cold, I normally sleep warm to hot.
• Temperature and breathing normal.

Still no fever, aches or pains (other than throat), loss of sense of smell or shortness of breath.

This disease it NOT mild. Its worse than a common cold. 

Sun 3 April 2022: Feeling groggy, throat feeling better, still coughing some phlegm (day 4 iso)

• Felt groggy yesterday. It's hard being restricted to some rooms in the house. I can't imagine what 10 years incarceration that refugees in Australia must be like.
• Took some Disprin and Nurofen during the day.
• Sore throat has improved, less coughing, but still some phlegm in my lungs.
• Feel cold in bed, usually I get too hot.  Still no fever.

Mon 4 April 2022: Still feeling groggy in the morning, feeling better (day 5 iso)

• Throat no longer sore
• Runny nose gone
• Some mucus phlegm but its reduced
• Reduced coughing, lungs feel OK
• Feeling warm now (after feeling colder than usual)
• Still no fever
• Temperature and breathing normal.

My partner and daughter are now have symptoms and have gone for a PCR test today.

Tue 5 April 2022: Feeling better (day 6 iso) but partner and daughter positive

• Reduced coughing, lungs feel OK, very little phlegm now
• Temperature and breathing normal

However, my partner and daughter both tested positive today.

My partner has a sore throat.

My daughter is lethargic, has lost her sense of taste and has a fever.

Wed 6 April 2022: Feeling OK (day 7 iso, last day)

• Still a slight tickle in my throat but otherwise good.
• Temperature and breathing normal

My partner had a very sore throat last night (similar to what I experienced)

My daughter is still feeling quite ill.

Thu 7 April 2022: Out of iso, feeling OK

• Still a slight tickle in my throat. Occasional cough.
• Temperature and breathing normal

Partner improving, isolating

Daughter still in the grip of it, isolating

Did some shopping, wore a mask.

Fri 8 April 2022: Bike ride, feeling OK

• Still a slight tickle in my throat. Very occasional cough.
• Bike ride into the city went well.  Lungs a bit sore when making an effort.

Partner improving, isolating

Daughter still in the grip of it, isolating

Tue 3 May 2022: Still some side effects.

I have felt almost back to normal, but there as some lingering issues:

• If I exercise hard and breath fast my lungs hurt - must be still some inflammation
• I get fatigued and need 2-3 hours sleep after exercise (stand up paddle board, bike rides etc.)
• I still get a dry cough some mornings for a short period.

Prevention is better than cure - its sensible to take steps to avoid catching COVID.

Links

• Advice on managing COVID from home visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidcare 
• For children, visit www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Coronavirus_COVID-19/
• Call 000 if you have difficulty breathing or chest pain. 
• Call 000 if your child is struggling to breathe, looks very sick and becomes pale and drowsy or lips are blue in colour.
• For more languages: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translations or call 1300 651 160 for an interpreter

Build bike paths in Kooyong not car parks

The recent announcement by Josh Frydenberg (Age 3/3/22) to abandon his ill-considered $65 million funding for railway station car parks in Kooyong is welcome. 

These very expensive "car parks for votes" would have increased traffic congestion and pollution in local streets.

This allocation of funds, which has become known as Carpark Rorts, has been criticised by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) for not being effective or merit-based,

Many local residents oppose these car parks for the following reasons:

• Increased traffic congestion to and around the carparks - up to 800 additional cars per day - with increased pollution from carbon emissions
• Reduced safety due to increased traffic in suburban streets
• Limited parking spaces for locals - most spaces would be occupied all day
• No provision in draft plans for bicycle parking - one car parking space can provide parking for ten bicycles
• Use of council land some distance from the railway stations, instead of using existing railway station carparks

To date, no federal funds have been allocated for building safe cycling infrastructure.

The $65 million would be much better spent building the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail strategic cycling corridor to provide safe, healthy, car-free, climate-friendly pedestrian and bike transport through the Kooyong electorate. 

Every trip on a bike is one less car on the roads.

Liddiard St car park (proposed)

Wattle Valley Road car park (proposed)

Protest signs in Liddiard St

Protest sign in Liddiard St

Protest flyer

Site of proposed car park in Liddiard St

Protest sign in Wattle Valley Road

Existing car park off Wattle Valley Road

Existing Canterbury Station car park

Location of proposed Liddiard St car park

Location of  proposed Wattle Valley Rd car park

COVID vaccine saves lives - maybe yours

 On 14 April 2021 in Victoria the COVID-19 update reported:

• 11 people died yesterday
• 706 people are in hospital
• 147 people in ICU
• 100 people are on a ventilator

• 98% of people with #COVID19 in ICU in Victoria are not vaccinated 
• 90% of people with #COVID19 in hospital in Victoria are not fully vaccinated
• 90 % of people with new positive COVD-19 cases were not vaccinated

COVID-19 is ten times more deadly than the flu

If you haven't been vaccinated yet please consider doing so - it may save your life 

Bike crash Wattle Park - dangerous holes dug in path

I went for a local ride through Wattle Park with my daughter on Wednesday afternoon 15 Sep 21 at 4pm.  A hole was dug out of the track and sticks placed in it, I slowed down as I went around it. 

 

Hole on approach with sticks in it.

Then I came to a small log jump that I have gone over many times.  The location is here.

Approach to log jump

I went over the log at about 10km/h ready for the flat landing but a 1m wide deep hole had been dug behind the log. This hole was not visible on the approach.

Hole dug behind the log

Hole dug behind the log

After going over the log my front wheel dropped into the hole and I went over the handlebars, I landed on my head and right wrist and was injured.

I walked up to the carpark where my wife picked me up and drove to hospital. 

In hospital emergency

A cat scan showed I have a fracture in my T3 vertebrae luckily not near the spinal cord.

An x-ray showed a serious fracture of my right metacarpal bone that required surgery and a wire to stabilise.

I was lucky - landing on my head could have damaged my spinal chord resulting in death or quadriplegia

This extremely dangerous track modification could have resulted in death or permanent injury. There has been at least one other crash there. It has been reported to police and Parks Victoria who will remove the hazards. Last time I checked it was still there.

Be careful during lockdown, watch out for obstacles and dangerous behaviour. Don't do things that endanger others.

Australian federal election 2022 - consider who you vote for

The next federal election in Australia is approaching. The date is not set - it will be called at the discretion of Scott Morrison, the incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal - National Party Coalition government. He will do this when he thinks he has the best chance of winning.

When will the election be held?

The first date for a normal house and half-Senate election was 7 August 2021 but that date has passed.

The last date for a normal house and half-Senate election is 21 May 2022. This date gives six weeks to complete the complex Senate count and allows Senators to be declared elected and start their terms on 1 July 2022. A mid-May election would be announced in early April 2022.

See: When can the Next Federal Election be Held? – Antony Green's Election Blog

Possible election dates are:

2022: February 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26 (with SA election moved), April 2, 9, May 21 as earlier dates overlap Easter and Anzac day

It is now likely the election will be in either March, April or May 2022

Morrison Government election campaign strategy

Strengths - issues they will attempt to campaign on.

• "Morrison the saviour" - leading Australia out of COVID-19 lockdowns, chastising the Labor states (VIC, QLD, WA) for "causing harm by draconian lockdowns".   See this thread from @aarondodd for more information.

• "Sound economic management" - providing financial measures to get Australia through the finanicial impacts of lockdown.

• Coal votes - keep promoting coal for "baseload power" and the importance of jobs associated with coal mining and profits from coal exports

• Border security - keep refugees detained in offshore gulags to "deter refugees arriving by boats"

• Defence and national security - publicly criticise China about the origins of COVID, human rights, occupation of islands in South China Sea. Keep speculating about possible war with China. Strengthen alliance and "military cooperation" with the United States, Indonesia and India.

Also read Great Scott: the grand narrative of Scott Morrison

Attacks - on other parties and candidates.

• "Labor are incompetent" - Labor is held hostage by Unions and will wreck the economy
• "Independents are stooges" - for other political parties
• "Greens are dangerous radicals" - with extreme left policies that will ruin Australia

Weaknesses - they will attempt to protect against

• Climate change - The Morrison government has set no long term or short term targets for reducing carbon emissions. They claim that "technology solutions" will be effective but there is no evidence that they will. They are still spending money on implausible "carbon capture and storage" projects.

• Great Barrier Reef - in peril from climate change, but the LNP successfully lobbied to stop the reef being listed as "endangered" by UNESCO

• COVID-19 responses 
• Vaccine delays: Failure to get enough appropriate vaccines in time and severe delays in getting the population vaccinated. Orders for Pfizer vaccines delayed for 6 months
• Vaccine politics: Reallocating Pfizer from Labor states to Sydney
• Vaccination campaign: Very poor public campaigns to encourage vaccination
• No quarantines: No provision of safe quarantine facilities - a Federal government responsibility
• Aged care deaths: 700+ deaths in federally regulated aged care homes from COVID-19, and no COVID-19 management plan for them
• Stranded Aussies: Morrison's failure to get home 40,000+ Australians stranded overseas for 18+ months

• Corruption - sport rorts, car park rorts, Great Barrier Reef foundation donation, electoral donations from fossil fuel companies [link]

• Treatment of women and sexual violence
• no action taken on alleged rape of Brittany Higgins in parliament building on 22 March 2019
• Morrison says he was not informed of the alleged rape until 15 February 2021. The Gaetjens inquiry about who in the Prime Minister's Office knew what and when has not been completed and will not be releases (its a cover up).
• Morrison Govt voted against 49 of the 55 recommendations made in the landmark Respect@Work report
• Morrison Govt held  "Women's Safety Summit" in early September 2021 which was a talkfest to "hear from women" - but not enact any new legislation.

Murdoch's Newscorp

 The Murdoch press provide propaganda to support the Morrison government.

Independents are making a stand

Several independent community-based grass roots candidates are running on platform of climate action, integrity and better treatment of women. Candidates include:

• Dr Monique Ryan, Kooyong 
• Zoe Daniel, Goldstein
• Aleggra Spender, Wentworth
• Dr Sophie Scamps, Mackeller
• Kylea Tink, North Sydney
• Zali Steggall, Warringah (re-contesting, won seat from Tony Abbott)

For a video see: The Project (@theprojecttv) December 20, 2021

Some things to consider when voting

• How has your local MP voted in parliament? Find out here: They Vote For You — How does your MP vote? 
• How do candidate's policies and statements align with your values?
• For candidates in political parties - how does their party's policies and statements align with your values
• What are candidate policies and statements on climate change, social justice, peace and environment, health, education and other things that matter to you?
• How have candidates contributed to public health response measures for COVID-19?
• The honesty, integrity, accountability and competence of each candidate.

This upcoming election will have a huge impact on Australia's and the world's future. Use your vote wisely.

Links

• As Scott Morrison feels the heat, Labor and Anthony Albanese must swing into gear 
• Morrison is gearing up for an election based on "freedom". Thread by @AaronDodd 
• Too late now, but ‘let it rip’ might prove tricky for Scott Morrison come election time, Hugh Riminton, The Guardian

COVID-19 Delta, vaccination and children

Some links on COVID-19 Delta and children    

• Indonesia’s Covid disaster: Delta variant killing 150 children a week – Channel 4 News 
• Is the delta variant more dangerous for children? A growing number of kids are very sick - NBC News 
• Australia should have seen the Delta COVID variant coming, but it has exposed our serious weakness - ABC News 
• Children with covid can get very ill, as I have seen in my hospital - The Washington Post 
• Coronavirus outbreak and kids - Harvard Health 
• How to protect children under 12 from Covid-19, according to Fauci - CNN 

Submission to Climate Change Bill 2020

To the House Standing Committee on the Energy and Environment regarding the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 and Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2020

Via email: Environment.Reps@aph.gov.au. 

 

Dear Committee Secretariat,

I am a resident of Surrey Hills in Melbourne. We renovated our house in 2001 to improve its energy efficiency and we added solar panels and a battery system. I feel very strongly that climate change must be tackled as the primary threat confronting our country and a safe climate across Earth.

The Climate Change 2020 Bill put forward by Zali Steggall is a genuine attempt to break the political deadlock that has thwarted meaningful action to tackle climate change in Australia across 3 decades.

The Bill is an authentic proposal to build a legal and policy framework for national action on climate and energy policy.

 

The bill proposes to legislate a national net zero emissions target by 2050 and set five yearly emissions budgets and emissions reduction plans, consistent with limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

I consider this to be bare minimum policy settings for establishing a safe climate. I consider that a target for net zero emissions by 2030 would be more likely to secure a safe climate.

The guiding principles for decision makers in the Bill will ensure decisions are efficient, effective and equitable, informed, risk-based and integrated and fiscally responsible.

In addition, provision is made in the Bill for fair employment transition for workers, industries or regions affected, community engagement and self-determination, and national and international cooperation.

I support this Bill for the following reasons:

• Reducing carbon emissions is vital for restoring a safe climate. Setting a target for net zero emissions and progressive targets to achieve this is essential.
• The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events including bushfires, floods, cyclones and droughts, is having a major negative impact on Australia and elsewhere.
• There are opportunities to develop new technologies in energy efficient, electric vehicles and renewable energy and to provide employment opportunities in a new clean energy economy.
• Informed decision-making based on science will provide the best policy and programs for achieving a safe climate.
• Community consultation and engagement is essential for involving all Australians in the roadmap and actions towards net zero emissions.
• International cooperation is necessary to ensure there is consistent and effective global action on climate change.
• Development and implementation of emission reduction plans is essential.
• The Climate Change Commission in the Bill will provide appropriate oversight and information and advice on climate action and emission reductions.
• Establishment of a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Climate Adaptation and Mitigation will provide oversight and information on adaptation and mitigation measures.

I respectfully request that the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 be endorsed by the Australian Parliament.


Yours sincerely,



Peter Campbell

<Name and address supplied>

Links

• Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 and Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2020 – Parliament of Australia 
• Making a submission to a Committee inquiry – Parliament of Australia 

Swiss referendums in 2009 make for healthy democracy and some action on climate change

In Switzerland, they are holding referendums right now. These have been mostly initiated by citizens.

Two are federal, 6 are canton level, and in Geneva there are two commune ones, bringing the total to ten.

One Canton referendum caught my attention. The proposal is to offer rebates to people who buy new cars with better than 120 g CO2/km, no effect on those in the range 120 to 250, and an extra levy to those that produce greater than 250.

How refreshing it would be to vote for a referendum such as this - that has potential to provide real incentives for people to reduce their carbon emissions.

Currently in Australia, such a referendum is impossible. For healthy democracy I think we need the ability to hold referendums like this now.

So we need a referendum to change the Australian Constitution to make citizen-initiated referendums possible.

Some photos of billboards for the referendums

EV in London