isyulli: Gillard

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Selasa, 03 Mei 2011

Teachers Bonus a Waste of Money

There isn't much doubt that the bonus scheme for teachers will not work. Like the mystique of "time and motion" where the claim is made that human productivity is linear and is an increasing curve, it's a pipe dream! Machinery can only be speeded up so much before parts start flying off in all directions and everything shuts down for maintenance. Furthermore, when task are done too quickly a lot of "non-size" rubbish is produced. While output in some industry can be improved, for paper carriers such as teachers this is virtually impossible.

Some teachers are better than others and for the main part this is innate: it is not learned and never can be. The only measurement is the quality of students that are lucky enough to be taught by them. Even then, tying down the factors that do improve matters is not easy to identify. Usually. students have an affinity with a teacher; thus they are prepared to work harder. It is not the teacher who is putting in more effort - it is the student. Testing students to deduce the performance of their teachers will also drive a wedge between teachers and students. Considering only one in ten teachers will benefit from the bonus scheme it is divisive for teachers themselves. Industrial strife is just down the road.

Overall, it is a silly exercise. Why should the Government, the taxpayer, pay more? Will good teachers be paid more for what they are already doing? It seems so. Why single out one sector of employment for a reward that everyone else doesn't get purely because it is motivated by one person, Julia Gillard? Apparently it has to do with good teachers being virtuous people. It is not much use holding out one group as an example if there is no intention to apply it to the whole workforce. Paying good teacher more will not make lesser beings respectful toward them. It will make the average teacher angry. Let's not go back to pet projects like in the Howard and Rudd eras.

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Education

Kamis, 23 September 2010

Tony Abbott Will Not Hurt Labor

Ferocity won't win anything. We now have a conciliatory government. Despite hopes by Tony Abbott to end the governing coalition, this shall not happen. Withdrawing from a legally drawn up agreement to pair speaker and deputy speaker votes shows he is an opportunist. When he thought he would gain government with support of the independents he was all for the agreement. Now he hopes to derail the Government at its first step. If one of the governing independents votes with the opposition on an issue that particular legislation will not get through. That is all it means. Julia Gillard has already given warning that some things will not pass.

A loss by one vote is the same as a loss by fifty votes. During the last government the Opposition with the help of the Greens knocked back the Emissions Trading Scheme. The Government didn't change however. Now the Greens want an EMS at the first opportunity. It's no wonder when they realized how silly it was to end the first scheme. Any scheme is better than none.

The bets are on that Tony Abbott will lose his cool during the first term of government when things do not go his way. How he has held himself together so far is a miracle. He is bound to insult the independents with a personal remark. The independents have a point to prove - this government is theirs and they know it. Tony Abbott will not gain much by insulting Labor parliamentarians. They do not have the real power. With all the compromises Labor will make this will disarm the Opposition. In reality it must attack the independents. This is the only hope of bringing the Government down. The independents will not want this to happen, at just about any cost. They have already thrown away the electorate support they had from nominal Opposition voters.

Tony Abbott will follow in Peter Costello's footsteps and be a prime ministerial contender who could not make the final step. It will be a long time before the next election. With the ongoing frustration other Opposition members could spit the dummy as well. Christopher Pyne was ranting with enjoyment when the Debate was turned down. He was notably drawn and quiet when the election result became clear. And the lady who put the knife in Malcolm Turnbull's back is still there spinning her web - nasty as ever. When Tony Abbot was first made leader and jokes were made in the House about his flirtations with Julia Gillard she did mouth something quite objectionable.

The real mystery is will mister nice guy Joe Hockey ever by prime minister. Now there is someone every mother would like as a son, and probably vote for.

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Minggu, 19 September 2010

An Educated Elite Runs the Labor Party Not Union Leaders

A University educated elite runs the Labor Party. Look at members of Australia's Government and you will not see anyone who learned a trade before entering politics. They are all middle-class professionals despite talking loudly about their working class origins. They are no longer called the "Left". When They hear the word "progressive" they put their hands up. Just like the early Marxists they are university educated elitists who claim to have the answers to society's woes. Interventionist policies in capitalism are the norm, though they willingly partake of the benefits from free markets.

Most do not follow historical leftist beliefs apart from their condemnation of capitalism. They put into practice social "isms" Originating in the US. John Howard may well have said universities are controlled by Labor. For indeed they are. They also make the ABC, SBS and civil service government their own. Most journalists are of the same ilk but their editors restrict their influence.

Why is this so? Though many do originate from the working class, they are freer to indulge in thinking and "knowledgeable" dreaming than their parents. They think the answers are in their minds only. A little knowledge is surely a bad thing. When they don that hat and get that "scroll" they grow wings. Because they believe that the answers lie in cumulative knowledge from the past they force themselves upon us.

Bob Hawke, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard wear their badge firmly stuck to their breasts. They proudly strut with their noses held slightly above the horizontal. One must not be seen as being a member of the working mass. We are born to lead and must show them the way.

These days though people are wise to them. With daily updates about the share markets and analysis of international and national events the general level of knowledge is rising. Their domination of the nation is strong, however, as right wings protagonists keep proclaiming. Sadly they are mocked for telling the truth.

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Jumat, 10 September 2010

Andrew Wilkie Is Mad to Want a Tougher Mining Tax

Andrew Wilkie the Independent who gave his support to the Labor Government is quite mad in trying to force a tougher mining tax on the country. He obviously heard the Green leader Senator Bob Brown say the tax should be higher. But Andrew Wilkie does not do his sums well. The Labor Government can pass legislation without his vote. It has two votes to spare under the Deputy Speaker no vote system. While not supporting the tax in its present form Andrew Wilkie would probably abstain. The problem for Labor is that Tony Windsor has assumed that the mining tax will be reviewed at the tax summit next year. Treasurer Wayne Swan obviously doesn't have a choice. The tax will have to be reviewed.

What hasn't been discussed is whether the mining tax will be passed by the Senate. The Labor Party needs the support of all five Greens the Independent and the Family First Senators to get the new tax through. However, if the tax is held back until next year's tax summit Labor will only need the Greens. Bob Brown could demand a tougher, wider tax. Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor probably won't accept that. While Tony Windsor voiced his support for the tax while making up his mind after the election he would prefer changes that make for a somewhat lighter tax.

Problems surely lay ahead for the current government. Prime Minister Julia Gillard will consult all parties before introducing contentious legislation there is no doubt. She is a natural negotiator, far more so than Tony Abbott. Whether Labor can put up with the ongoing "wishful talking" by the Opposition for the Government to fail is another issue. Since the election some Blogs and newspapers have become emotional when writing about the way the present government came about. Much is being said that will be regretted later. The argument between Bob Brown and the The Australian is a case in point. Surely The Australian editorial about destroying the Greens is pure emotion. The article is clearly wrong in saying that neither Bob Hawke nor Paul Keating would have entered the new governmental alliance. They would have agreed to it out of necessity.

Australia is heading in a new direction. Time will tell if the bush gets more money and the wants of the minority win out over the prerogatives of the majority.

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Kamis, 19 Agustus 2010

Coalition Wins

Election day is here and it looks like a change of government. If both parties get 50 per cent of the vote the Coalition will win because of the "smell" coming from the removal of Kevin Rudd. It may look like a tie, but Labor will lose two or three marginal seats by a handful of votes due to the Rudd knee-jerk action. Indeed, Julia Gillard will become the shortest reigning Prime Minister in Australia's history. This result will see her rethink her future. Personally, I can't see her staying around after the humiliation.

A loss for Labor will be a new beginning. They will have to look for new, younger leaders. When Wayne Swan takes the helm he will be the last of the old school left. Three years on the outer will see the end of him. No one else stands out with potential leadership qualities. Indeed, the Coalition is in the same boat. If Abbott goes who is to lead?

A new Coalition government has an identity problem. Will it stay on the far right after being pushed there by the "old fogies" of the team, or will it move back to the center? Tony Abbot is definitely on the right. He has the attitude of the present British Government: just balance the books; nothing needs to be done; stuff the poor. It won't be long before Abbott gets on with his pet issue - reorganizing industrial relations. Yes, the unions are in for a hard time as changes are made to workplace laws. Promises in an election are just that - promises.

P.S. Pity the NBN was scrapped. It condemns Australia to being a backwater in the world.

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Senin, 19 Juli 2010

Young People Are Too Busy for Religion

Tony Abbot is acting like John Howard and is indicating that social engineering is on the cards. Toward the end of John Howard's "reign" he got a little bit carried away with his power and ignored advice from fellow members of his Coalition. He did things without consulting his cabinet. Kevin Rudd got the power bug very early in his time as prime minister. Support from the people soon wanes when they feel they are not being listened to.

Tony Abbot said the young are "dismissive" of the "fundamental views of our society." He aims to remould them in the "proper" way. However, stopping homosexual behavior is really beyond his capability, as is the prevailing sentiment toward religion. Two thirds of teenagers in the UK do not believe in God. It is probably the same in Australia. Julia Gillard does not believe in God. In a survey of Americans, 53 percent said they would not vote for an atheist candidate for President. Voters in Australia now have a clear choice, an atheist versus a Roman Catholic. Maybe because she is the country's first female prime minister she will make it over the line.

It has not been made into an election issue by Tony Abbot, yet. As the election deadline approaches this could change. The debate could become very hot indeed. The Coalition leader has already alienated the younger generation with unplanned remarks, like his opinion on abortion. Some young people have said they find his walking in public in a bathing costume is offensive. It seems they hold some values that are more to the right than Tony Abbot's. They even used the strine phraseology of "budgie smugglers".

Unfortunately, people don't change. Attempts to rehabilitate prisoners have in large part failed in the past. Perhaps Tony Abbot should leave things there - in the past. For most people today practising a religion is not on. They are too busy.

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Sabtu, 17 Juli 2010

Processing Offshore Is No Answer

What is the point of processing people offshore? This won't solve the problem of refugees choosing to get in a boat and head for Australia. A delay has helped. It has put off some from applying. For them, going home seems to be the only choice.

The goal should be getting the message through to Afghans, Tamils and Africans that Australia will not take over a certain number of refugees each year. Northern European countries are doing this. They are ignoring calls from Mediterranean countries who are being flooded by new arrivals for other nations to take some. Southern countries have certainly got the message even if refugees haven't. The Australian Government should be strong enough even if it upsets the UN to make a yearly refugee limit. After all, this is what used to be done by all countries in regard to people who wanted to stay.

Something new is needed. It is ironic how similar Julia Gillard's Timor solution is to John Howard's Pacific solution. And that didn't work. The number of new arrivals actually increased with temporary visas. Many who were given money to go home returned a year later.

The election is an opportunity for a bold party to say that is enough, and to put up the barriers. When the limit is reached and announced to the world the influx will cease.

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Rabu, 07 Juli 2010

Australians Need Space

Australians like space. The major cities are relatively sparsely populated by world standards yet we still try to shun them to avoid people. Perhaps we are spoiled for space. Australia is the most sparsely populated country after Mongolia. Yes that is a fact. We do not hold the record. Though many still claim it.

Another issue is - What is a city? For world records this can be a problem. An "average" Chinese city would have more people than the whole of Australia. Julia Gillard is aiming to keep our cities small in the near future. But is this still possible in a world seemingly full of refugees? Time will tell if East Timor even accepts the Australian offer of money for making that country the regional refugee processing center.

People don't like things to change too fast. With Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister things seemed to be moving too quickly. He had so much planned and he ignored what most people wanted. Maybe there is a lesson in that for the leader of the Opposition. Voters wanted something done about the apparent flood of refugees and what is would mean for future population density. Julia Gillard has risen to the call and adopted a policy similar to John Howard. If Timor adopts the policy it will give some breathing space to Australians who are quite shocked to find people from strange cultures walking down their street. Australia is a Caucasian land, at the moment. It has taken two centuries for Chinese to be accepted as Ocker Aussies. Australians not only need space. Time is required as well.

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Minggu, 27 Juni 2010

Dump Green, Family First and Independent Senator

As many implied when the Greens did not support the Labor Government's Emissions Trading Scheme: They will live to regret it. This certainly seems to be the case when the new Prime Minister Julia Gillard says an ETS will have to wait until a clear majority of Australians support such a scheme. The Greens acted to block the ETS when they did not get everything they wanted. It was a silly thing to do. After all, any scheme is better than no scheme at all.

Labor bent over backwards to get the Greens to support the policy. The scheme was extremely weak compared to the original plan. But no, the Greens wanted a draconian pollution reduction program in place. Now there will not be an ETS for many years. Even if Julia Gillard calls a double dissolution and wins the next election it seems unlikely that Labor will get control of the upper house. Indeed, the troublesome Family First and Independent could lose their seats to the coalition.

Ironically, the Greens actually did Labor a favor. By killing the ETS more money was there to fatten up government coffers. This took some steam out of the opposition's ongoing complaint about the government deficit.

Australians clearly have a choice at the next election. Either give Labor control of the upper house or forget about ever having an ETS. For a start, the Family First, Independent and Greens could be dumped. This would end the problem of disruptive deadlock on issues. It is not really the opposition that causes legislation to be reviewed constantly. It is those who actually hold the balance of power - the minor parties and Independent.

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Kamis, 13 Mei 2010

Keviin Rudd Will Lose the Next Election

Will the Labour Government mess up the new broadband investment like it has the roof insulation scheme, new housing for Aboriginals and building of new medical clinics? There was no mention of the planned new broadband network in the budget. Worse than this there was a "secret" hit in the budget on those who use liquid gas to run their cars.

The roofing scheme was a disaster. The Government ignored knowledge from New Zealand about installers being electrocuted when putting in foil insulation. Why did they do it? It seems Kevin Rudd just decides to have something done and then delegates. An efficient leader follows through and monitors what he instigates.

Aboriginal housing is another area not monitored. Only a few houses have been built despite millions already spent. And Aboriginals dearly need housing, with many sleeping under the night sky in the outback.

Medical clinics is another problem where a lot has been spent and little has been done. Only two clinics have been constructed. In rural regions people need medical services now. not in two years time.

It looks like Kevin Rudd is about to make history - a party losing office after only one term in government. He has himself to blame. In the last election he promised so much. Yet, he has not performed. The opinion polls show what people perceive is happening. The country is like a ship drifting on the high seas with the captain sleeping off a drinking session below deck. Furthermore, the new tax on mineral companies is a mistake. It will not change the way polls are going. Australians know how important the exportation of ore is to the overall economy. Rather than gaining support people are "ho humming" this tax grab. It is certainly perceived as a tax grab because people do not see mineral companies as rip off merchants. They provide works and help the balance of payments position.

Kevin Rudd can announce that he is hurt by having to postpone the Emissions Trading Scheme, but he chose to put it on ice. The Government could have tried to get it through the Senate again. It seem Kevin Rudd has shot himself in the foot by promising much and delivering little.

Julia Gillard should be preening herself and getting ready. Soon the Labor leadership and possibly control of the country's future could be in her hands. Unfortunately, she will have to spend some time in opposition first.

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