I have an interview with Natasha Stott Despoja about her speech to parliament re VSU this week! Hurrah! Am looking forward to it muchly. I need to get so much more research and reading done, but will be very interested to see what she has to say about her perspectives on what is to come in the higher ed sector with the new legislation.
Also looking forward to writing up an interview piece I'm really interested in... It's been a quiet phase for writing considering everything else going on.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
VSU anyone?
I know there has been a lot going on lately what with Cronulla etc, but does it seem to anyone else that Howard has managed to pass VSU through pretty much silently? I have to congratulate the man… He really got it right this time. Less than an hour for debate, push it through late in the day, keep it until Friday. Not to mention the fact that it didn’t seem apparent until Friday morning that Family First would, in fact, cross the floor. He rammed it through as late as possible and achieved minimum effect – minimum time spent on it, minimum coverage (given that weekend newspapers never have as much time or space to cover issues and it became old news by Monday), minimum recognition in the wider community.
I have to say, I was so relieved to read this speech by Senator Natasha Stott Despoja. It so clearly captured how I (and I’m sure hundreds of others) feel about what has gone on. Go Stott Despoja!
I have to say, I was so relieved to read this speech by Senator Natasha Stott Despoja. It so clearly captured how I (and I’m sure hundreds of others) feel about what has gone on. Go Stott Despoja!
Friday, December 09, 2005
I'm sorry, was I complaining?
I’m sorry, did I say I wanted a job? It’s Friday… I don’t want it anymore.
Exhaustion took on a new meaning this week.
Exhaustion took on a new meaning this week.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
IR loves you... now you are required by law to love it back.
Have you been feeling too sedate, secure and stuck in the same old rut? Well never fear, new IR laws are here! No more routine, no more 'standard' work agreement, no more boring job security...
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1522588.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1522588.htm
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Death Penalty Parties
I know, I know. Our differences are what make us individual, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I do struggle with some of these comments on The Age's website (posted by random people, not the editorial staff obviously!) in regards to Nguyen's hanging today:
http://blogs.theage.com.au/yoursay/archives/2005/12/van_nguyens_las.html
-----
Both Singapore and Australia Government have done the right thing.
This guy deserves to die regardless. I will pull the lever if I am offered the role.
Life sentence is not an option. People should not pay tax to support anyone who deals with drugs.
In fact, the executioner should make his death as painful as possible for punishing him.
Definitely no compassion for people who tries to make a profit out of making drugs available on the street.
* Posted by: N Y at December 1, 2005 07:52 AM
-----
It's a bit late for anyone in Australia to take the moral high-ground on this issue, after the nation practially cheered as one when Amrozi's death penalty sentence was handed out in Indonesia.
If you commit a crime in a country and you get caught, you must accept the punishment as governed by that country's laws.
I have no sympathy for Nguyen's situation. He knew the risks when he committed the crime he did.
People: get off the grass, blow out your candles, and go about your lives. Nothing will, or should, be done about this.
* Posted by: Dan at December 1, 2005 07:52 AM
-----
I am not sure on what basis people are saying that the death penalty is wrong. Most major religions allow for it regarding serious crimes. If you base your beleifs on Australian laws then that is a shifting commodity for once it was the law here and who says one day it might not be again. Also to base your beleif on our customs must necesitate you to accept other countries and laws for it is there belief it is the right thing. Also those who oppose the death penalty and more harse laws in this country (the do-gooder and bleeding hearts brigade) have more blood on there hands then a executioner ever would have! I.e increase in murders, drug related problems, such as theft, prositition etc, also these same people allow pornography etc, resulting in more serious crimes such as sexual assault, child abuse, rampant divorce etc.. We have made our country what it is, all in all not to bad if you stay away from the scum, but to say Sinapore or any country should accept our "standards" is idiotic. This mentality probably comes from low self esteem some people have requiring them to make make other people see Australias "light?".
* Posted by: Guus at December 1, 2005 07:59 AM
-----
This is after all about a drug crime. Don't impose the lenient and pathetic ways in which this country deal with crime on others. Trying to suggest that Singapore is in some way barbaric only draws attention to the fact that Australia is a country built and inhabited by convicts and their descendants, hence the sympathy for criminals rather than for victims.
* Posted by: Big D at December 1, 2005 08:03 AM
-----
His a drug trafficer, why is everyone supporting a DRUG TRAFFICKER? He knew what he was getting himself into if he was caught. No sympathy here!
* Posted by: Dan at December 1, 2005 08:31 AM
-----
It is so sad, boo-hoo. What emaitional c--p. Justice is being served we should be grateful.
* Posted by: Peter at December 1, 2005 08:32 AM
-----
Writing from abroad and observing from afar, all I can say is this Nguyen guy is getting what he deserves and I hope that all the Asian states hang everybody who traffics in narcotics. Period.
* Posted by: Pavel K at December 1, 2005 08:48 AM
-----
KJ - yes, it solves a lot. One less killer spreading drugs. Serves him right, its not as if he didn't know the risks and even if he didn't, his problem. Not knowing ain't no excuse bud.
* Posted by: Pavel K at December 1, 2005 08:50 AM
-----
Economic Boycott for a Criminal
What a joke! An economic boycott will only hurt Australia and Australian families.
Just imagine - Australian mothers and fathers out of work and their children disadvantaged because of a criminal and drug smuggler. This is the same drug smuggler who was going to gain financially from these drugs while more life threatening or atleast life destroying drugs are on the Australian streets targeted at Australian kids.
Sorry, while unpleasant to think about, I support Singapore's tough stance. I am thinking about the greater good for many of hundreds/thousands of young people. Let him hang!
* Posted by: Andrew M at December 1, 2005 08:56 AM
----
I could keep going and going there were so many more. What shocks me most about these comments is how detached and inhumane we seem to have become.
There are some of these points that I agree with. It's hard to justify our interference in another country's law when we are such hypocrites when it comes to our own (we aren't exactly in the good books with the UN and human rights at the moment). It's also easy to see that drug carriers are taking an educated risk - they are aware of the penalties for their crime.
What I can't agree with, understand or condone is the lack of sympathy for the Nguyen and his family. Sure he did the wrong thing. Sure, you may even believe that he should be put to death... but to have no sympathy? To not feel sad for him that his circumstances led him to making a damn stupid choice? The kid is 25. A stupid choice at age 25 has somehow made us forget that he is human and allowed us to demonise him. Sad for us really.
http://blogs.theage.com.au/yoursay/archives/2005/12/van_nguyens_las.html
-----
Both Singapore and Australia Government have done the right thing.
This guy deserves to die regardless. I will pull the lever if I am offered the role.
Life sentence is not an option. People should not pay tax to support anyone who deals with drugs.
In fact, the executioner should make his death as painful as possible for punishing him.
Definitely no compassion for people who tries to make a profit out of making drugs available on the street.
* Posted by: N Y at December 1, 2005 07:52 AM
-----
It's a bit late for anyone in Australia to take the moral high-ground on this issue, after the nation practially cheered as one when Amrozi's death penalty sentence was handed out in Indonesia.
If you commit a crime in a country and you get caught, you must accept the punishment as governed by that country's laws.
I have no sympathy for Nguyen's situation. He knew the risks when he committed the crime he did.
People: get off the grass, blow out your candles, and go about your lives. Nothing will, or should, be done about this.
* Posted by: Dan at December 1, 2005 07:52 AM
-----
I am not sure on what basis people are saying that the death penalty is wrong. Most major religions allow for it regarding serious crimes. If you base your beleifs on Australian laws then that is a shifting commodity for once it was the law here and who says one day it might not be again. Also to base your beleif on our customs must necesitate you to accept other countries and laws for it is there belief it is the right thing. Also those who oppose the death penalty and more harse laws in this country (the do-gooder and bleeding hearts brigade) have more blood on there hands then a executioner ever would have! I.e increase in murders, drug related problems, such as theft, prositition etc, also these same people allow pornography etc, resulting in more serious crimes such as sexual assault, child abuse, rampant divorce etc.. We have made our country what it is, all in all not to bad if you stay away from the scum, but to say Sinapore or any country should accept our "standards" is idiotic. This mentality probably comes from low self esteem some people have requiring them to make make other people see Australias "light?".
* Posted by: Guus at December 1, 2005 07:59 AM
-----
This is after all about a drug crime. Don't impose the lenient and pathetic ways in which this country deal with crime on others. Trying to suggest that Singapore is in some way barbaric only draws attention to the fact that Australia is a country built and inhabited by convicts and their descendants, hence the sympathy for criminals rather than for victims.
* Posted by: Big D at December 1, 2005 08:03 AM
-----
His a drug trafficer, why is everyone supporting a DRUG TRAFFICKER? He knew what he was getting himself into if he was caught. No sympathy here!
* Posted by: Dan at December 1, 2005 08:31 AM
-----
It is so sad, boo-hoo. What emaitional c--p. Justice is being served we should be grateful.
* Posted by: Peter at December 1, 2005 08:32 AM
-----
Writing from abroad and observing from afar, all I can say is this Nguyen guy is getting what he deserves and I hope that all the Asian states hang everybody who traffics in narcotics. Period.
* Posted by: Pavel K at December 1, 2005 08:48 AM
-----
KJ - yes, it solves a lot. One less killer spreading drugs. Serves him right, its not as if he didn't know the risks and even if he didn't, his problem. Not knowing ain't no excuse bud.
* Posted by: Pavel K at December 1, 2005 08:50 AM
-----
Economic Boycott for a Criminal
What a joke! An economic boycott will only hurt Australia and Australian families.
Just imagine - Australian mothers and fathers out of work and their children disadvantaged because of a criminal and drug smuggler. This is the same drug smuggler who was going to gain financially from these drugs while more life threatening or atleast life destroying drugs are on the Australian streets targeted at Australian kids.
Sorry, while unpleasant to think about, I support Singapore's tough stance. I am thinking about the greater good for many of hundreds/thousands of young people. Let him hang!
* Posted by: Andrew M at December 1, 2005 08:56 AM
----
I could keep going and going there were so many more. What shocks me most about these comments is how detached and inhumane we seem to have become.
There are some of these points that I agree with. It's hard to justify our interference in another country's law when we are such hypocrites when it comes to our own (we aren't exactly in the good books with the UN and human rights at the moment). It's also easy to see that drug carriers are taking an educated risk - they are aware of the penalties for their crime.
What I can't agree with, understand or condone is the lack of sympathy for the Nguyen and his family. Sure he did the wrong thing. Sure, you may even believe that he should be put to death... but to have no sympathy? To not feel sad for him that his circumstances led him to making a damn stupid choice? The kid is 25. A stupid choice at age 25 has somehow made us forget that he is human and allowed us to demonise him. Sad for us really.
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