RaymondPierreL3

Retired Australian who voted YES (He, Him) #Writing to become an #author of #Fiction. Among my interests are #Renewables #MartialArts #TaiJi #QiGong #PhilosophyOfMind #Spiritualism #Metaphysics and all ‘big’ questions (and #auspol, of course)   The banner reads #Democracy not Monarchy and the avatar is a Qigong practioner in front of the I-Ching symbols. I can also be read on:  https://raymondpierreleonard.wordpress.com/ A 'star' can mean ‘I see you’ or simply ‘thank you’. 

Ack: Currently living on Wiradjuri land
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2026-07-29T11:29:12Z

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Last Notes

2026-05-24 08:46:25 UTC

Here is Prof Richard. ‘S latest post in
His ‘musings’ are not frivoloius and they are worth taking note of. Here, he agrees with Paul Krugman on the #AIBubble and its #DataCenterBoom with an intertesting note on #Software.
“His [Paul Frugman] concern, and I think it was a reasonable one, was that there is no evidence at all that what is now happening as a result of the current AI boom will create anything of lasting value. We do not know whether the hardware being built in the form of data centres will prove sustainable. Already, 20% of all electricity in Ireland is being used to power data centres. This makes no sense, and replication on this scale appears impossible.
Likewise, when we look at the software and related IT, the potential rate of advance in technology in this sector is so great, if it lives up to its promise, that everything being created now will be of little use in only two or three years' time.”
Read more here
https://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2026/05/24/should-we-live-in-fear-of-ai/
##GenAI #AISlop #DataCenterEnergyConsumption #DataCenterWaterConsumption #Economics #FinancialBubble

2026-04-29 02:58:40 UTC

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That’s a big red flag for me. As soon as I come across ‘mandated’, in this case, in terms of a universally enforced single mode of production in an economic model, I see #NationalSocialism and #Fascism and I tend to switch off. Sry. If this is really your opinion I don’t wish to engage further.

2026-04-29 02:21:58 UTC

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There is one economic model that might fit your thinking, I remember seeing someone tooting about it a while back, darned if I can remember whom though or what it was called. The word ‘commons’ keeps coming to mind and I recall thinking at the time that this was a #Zombie economic model, an old system dressed up as new.
Of note though is that common ownership is already there in the public sphere. All public assets and services are commonly owned and failry democratic in operations (Unions rep are present in most Department management levels — I certainly participated and was very active in Defence). I would not expect any common ownership in private assets though the shareholder model does and that represents a restricted type of common ownership. I’d also contend that there is a level of democracy in annual general shareholders meetings as well.
Workers’ Coops work where the workers (including management) are the only shareholders of the means of production in a capitalist system. This is not new. There are working enterprises structured this way in the UK I believe. That these are not widely implemented speaks to issues and problems (though I’m ignorant of the specific cases or causes). A Communist system does no implement this in any way since everything belongs to the State as it does in a truly fascist system. Socialism is a many faceted beast and might have pockets of workers’ Coops but it would not exclude private enterprises either. All of these have been tried in part or in full and economic history is riddled with their remains. Unlike other economic models, Capitalist systems have been structured and shown to work using the whole gammut of possible structures, from #Slavery to privately owned empires. The same could not be said of other historical economic systems. In my view, the greater the diversity of structures the more likely it is to be a successful economic model as a whole and the greater the benefit to society in the aggregate.
If you can point me to economists proposing new models I’d really appreciate it (ommiting MMT ‘cause I know about that one already). Thank you for the conversation.
#Capitalism #Communism #Socialism #WorkersCoOp #MMT #Fascism #DemocracyInTheWorkplace #Unionism #Commons

2026-04-28 05:15:57 UTC

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For all that is wrong (and cursory glances reveal there is a lot wrong here) with #capitalism these days of unhinged #neoliberal laisser-faire, I personally don’t wish for its demise.
An uncompromising realignment of capitalism with emphasis on the #GreaterGood and #SocialResponsibilities, yes, by all means let’s. But an abandonment of capitalism requires something other to take its place to ‘guide’ our economy, vital to our society’s welfare. I for one cannot see what that ‘Other’ is, nor can any of the current crop of #Economists. Some form of #PrivateOwnership will have to survive at least IMO.

2026-04-28 03:56:30 UTC

So, this is the #tRump #Envoy to Australia, replacing a #Kennedy. The contrast could not be starker.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/28/trump-picks-former-republican-congressman-to-be-ambassador-to-australia-after-17-month-vacancy
#USAmbassador #AusPol

2026-04-27 09:45:53 UTC

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That sounds yummy Heather. I’ve used fetta in pasta dishes before, but not halloumi…food for thought :))

2026-04-27 08:42:16 UTC

Just so you know what it’s like for a vegetarian to be surrounded by carnivores… at this time of the evening most of my neighbours are cooking their meals and on pleasant days that mostly means BBQ. All I can smell is the air reeking with the stink of cows. Unpleasant to say the least. My only alterntive is to shut up the house and spray some kind of deodoriser. SHame about the balmy night…
I’m easy and neighbours should cook/eat whatever they like, it’s no skin of my nose, but my nose insists.
#Vegetarianism #TrialsAndTribulations

2026-04-22 01:38:57 UTC

Prof Yannis Varoukakis is, if anything, controvertial but also a great communicator and explainer of all things economics. I’ve always enjoyed reading him. In this case however, Varoufakis appears alarmist and the frightening thing about it all is that the scenario he unfolds in his article is very possible, too close to probable to ignore.
“Unlike Adam Smith or John Stuart Mill—who fretted over precisely when markets might fail—neoliberals declared the market infallible. Even when Wall Street cratered our economies, they insisted that mortal intervention would only make things worse. That suited the financiers perfectly. But that era is over.
A new form of capital is ascending: cloud capital—networked algorithmic machines that grant their owners remarkable powers to modify our behaviour. And just as financiers needed neoliberalism, today’s tech lords need a new ideology to legitimise their rule. I call it techlordism.”
Read more:
https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260422-palantir-and-the-new-order-neoliberalism-is-dead-say-hello-to-techlordism
#Techlordism #Varoufakis #Technocracy #TechBros #Palantir #Thiel #economics #PostNeoLiberalism

2026-04-12 03:11:49 UTC

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Wouldn’t take a genius to make a business out of btty swap stations, just as he #fosilfuel industry did with petrol stations. All we need is national btty unit standards… #AlboPM #ChrisBowen

2026-04-10 06:04:22 UTC

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Maybe. Although I think McBride’s case is a separate matter. That case was ‘messy’ and there were some doubts as to his original intention for squirreling away classified docs, etc…
Whistleblower protection laws do need to be strenghtened, I agree. As to exactly how that is done, I’ll leave it to legal eagles.

2026-04-10 04:47:45 UTC

A well thought out article on the standards we should all expect from our incredible #ADF. I fully support #AndrewWilkie and his view on the #BRS case and the Australian justice system.
#AusPol #WarCrimes #PresumptionOfInnocence
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/09/ben-roberts-smith-public-figures-intervention-ntwnfb

2026-03-26 23:10:01 UTC

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Not that Turnbull has no axe to grind…

2026-03-25 07:24:14 UTC

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Been retired for about 13 years now and settled in Wagga ‘cause houses were unaffordable in Canberra. You?

2026-03-25 06:34:33 UTC

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Just joined it (even though I am still a member of the CPSU).

2026-03-25 00:50:39 UTC

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Now there’s an alternative to Labor Party membership :))

2026-03-24 22:43:43 UTC

Pasting this in full because it’s easier than pointing to a ‘time slot’ in a live blog. But this is good news everyone. Finally have major parties acknowledging climate denial propaganda machine. Source :07.42 AEDT The Point — Live blog
“Climate information committee reports back
The Peter Whish-Wilson led inquiry into climate integrity information (also known as the mis/disinformation inquiry) tabled its report late last night.
This inquiry was primarily intended to raise education and awareness on this critical matter, and start a national conversation on what needs to be done to improve transparency and accountability around false, misleading, and deceptive information that has for years challenged science and undermined climate action in Australia.
Evidence was provided that a ‘denial machine’ has deliberately obstructed climate and energy policy for decades in Australia. This ‘denial machine’ has included conservative think tanks, law firms, PR firms, consultancies, third-party campaign groups and some conservative media outlets.
For those who care about a safe climate future, this is deeply concerning.
This is a complex issue and requires a comprehensive set of solutions to address it, and the Greens are pleased with a number of recommendations made by the Committee to improve climate information integrity.
There was a majority report that the Greens, Liberal and Labor MPs on the committee managed to come to, including 21 recommendations, including exploring “funding models for independent monitoring support (for example, via an Australian Internet Observatory) to track hidden digital influence ecosystems and provide independent transparency and accountability of platforms”.
#ClimateChange #ClimateChangeDenials #AusPol #ParliamentaryInquiry

2026-03-24 02:13:56 UTC

[Edited to correct quoted source]
Well, what do you know… corporate #Grifters are at it again. #Greedflation is lining up to bat again.
“New analysis of the national accounts reveals that all of the increase in inflation in the latter half of 2025 was due to increased profits, rather than inflationary pressures from a tight labour market or rising labour costs (Source Greg Jericho & David Richardson — Tue 24 Mar 2026 10.00 The Point)
Read more:
https://thepoint.com.au/news/260324-profit-push-is-back-the-increase-in-inflation-is-due-to-profits
#AusPol #economics #Inflation #Employment #Wages

2026-03-23 21:39:56 UTC

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Edited. Thanks.

2026-03-23 02:28:57 UTC

WIll #AlboPM respond? Will he listen? Will he mend his political tactics ways?
“
2 hours ago 11.13 AEDT
The POint — Live
Crossbenchers unite on 25% export tax
It’s a full media press court for the crossbench (and Australia Institute) press conference calling for a 25% flat tax on gas exports.
The issue isn’t new – but the interest is. There has been a growing desire from Australian voters for a tax on gas exports, but when One Nation jumped on board (after their own supporters started calling for it) it has really pushed the issue onto the national stage (amazing that it is still the voices calling for something which determine media interest, but here we are). It has also been part of the union priority list for this term since the government’s re-election. This hasn’t happened overnight.
The crossbench has been on board for sometime – and now they are uniting to make those calls louder. And as someone who has covered quite a few crossbench press conferences, it is unusual to see the entire media pack in front of them, taking it seriously.
Andrew Wilkie says if the government had put on a gas tax when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent energy prices skyrocketing a few years ago, it would have collected more than $60bn in revenue since then.
That is what is driving this – how to solve the cost of living crisis.
Zali Steggall says it is one of the ways they solve it, and that Australia needs to stop letting gas companies walk away from profit that belongs to Australians.” (Australia Institute — The Point Live)

2026-03-22 04:43:52 UTC

It’s not the first in Australia, daylsford in Victoria comes to mind, but it’s an energy solution that IMO ought to be replicated in as many place as are removed from main transmission lines. There is also the notion of independence from the vagaries of corporate energy suppliers pricing.
It’s such a good thing which can only help to reduce fossil fuel consumption and its attendent pollution.
“11.23 AEDT [today] — NSW town flips switch on Australia’s first community-owned solar farm and battery
Australia’s first community co-op solar farm and battery has officially opened in Goulburn, New South Wales.
The project, a 1.4-megawatt solar farm with a 4MWh battery, is owned by 288 investors, 80% of whom are from the region’s community. Andrew Bray, the chair of the Goulburn Community Energy Co-operative, said it was the culmination of 12 years of hard work by the community.
The powerful thing is these members now have a stake in a renewable energy power plant rather than leaving the clean energy market to large national and international interests. It is a great step in true benefit sharing.
The co-op ownership structure means that each investor has one vote, regardless of the size of their shareholding. As well as financial returns for investors, Bray said a portion of annual profits would be directed to a community fund to address energy poverty in the area.
Edison Zhou, the group director of Australia and New Zealand for Trinasolar Asia Pacific, which supplied the solar modules and energy storage, said: ‘Community energy projects like this one show what is possible when local determination meets the right technology and the right partners. We are proud that Trinasolar’s solar modules, tracker and storage solutions could play a part in making it a reality, demonstrating that advanced clean‑energy technology is no longer just for large-scale developers, it is accessible to communities too.’
The solar farm is completing final commissioning and is expected to be fully connected to the grid within weeks” (Source: The Gardian Live)
#Renewables #CommunityOwned #TaxTheRich

2026-03-20 23:44:03 UTC

This so good, I couldn’t help but toot it. I never learned sign language but I applaud this school for making it available to students.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-21/auslan-proves-popular-at-canberra-school/106479324
#AUSLAN

2026-03-01 03:25:04 UTC

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Tim models himself (knowingly or not) on the demented raving #tRump. Tim Wilson spruiks lies, mistruths, untruths, disfinformation and misinformation if he thinks it will get him what he wants and in that he is as a narcissist as his role model is. Shame on msm for giving him airtime.

2026-02-28 09:51:55 UTC

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what is it with Labor (Australia) and Labour (UK) and their vitriolic hatred of the Greens? Instead of lashing out at a party which welcomes the disaffected labor lefties, why don’t they come off their neoliberalist centre-right position and get back to the roots of Labor/Labour — traitors to the workers’ cause this bunch of revisionists.
#Labor #Labour #UK #Australia
#Greens

2026-02-19 07:12:00 UTC

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Don’t know about the UK, but previous Australian govt policies (esp. the Job Ready Graduate program) does much to undo the successes of Arts faculties (where languages are taught) with massive cost increases for degrees. The program promotes STEMS subject by radically cutting funding for the Arts and massively increasing funding for STEM subjects esp engineering and medicine. This was a neoliberal policy that has so far not been curtailed by our current Labor govt.
By the by, the policy was/is a total failure. Students seek to study in the field they have an interest in and not the ‘cheapest’ degree structures. The resulting numbers have shown a very modest increase in STEMS and a decrease in non-STEMS enrolments.
Politicians (as well as business persons) should be kept out out of University boards and councils. Ministers ought to worry about education budgets and leave the running of a Universtity to those better educated to do so IMO. It’s academic, not corporate.
#TertiaryEducation

2026-02-15 09:08:57 UTC

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Flawed mindset of neoliberal economic dogma which cannot countenance the idea of education being a social good that repays investments over time through taxes (is this what you mean by hypothecated taxes?).

2026-02-12 02:00:03 UTC

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The Ukrainian Ambassador rightly pointed out in his latest National Press Club address that he who controls the narrative creates the new truth (or words to that effect). This is what #Minns and the NSW #PoliceCommissioner have been doing, using innuendoes, misinformation and hypotheticals to justify police violence. Amplified by a compliant media, those lies are becoming truths for many ‘voters’ (which is what it’s all about — pity about making political mileage out of the unfortunate dead!).
At times like these it would make any sane person feel like a bloody revolution to ‘clear out the swamp’. I guess I’ll just wait for my next time at the urns instead. :(
#PoliceViolence #NSW #Minns #Antifa #AntiZionism
#ServeTheWarrants you cowards!

2026-02-11 07:32:55 UTC

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Good eggs the Pococks…

2026-02-04 04:55:14 UTC

The figures are stark. GenAI slop is severely impacting the #CreativeArts and particularly the #writingcommunity
" 86% of authors say GenAI has already reduced their earnings
72% of authors say job opportunities have already been cut
57% of authors say their career is no longer sustainable
43% of literary translators and 37% of SoA illustrators saw earnings fall due to GenAI
26% of illustrators and 36% of literary translators report cancelled or redirected commissions "
This is a report on the UK state of affairs, but it could equally be representative of what is happening here in Australia.
Read more:
https://societyofauthors.org/2026/01/30/brave-new-world/
#GenAISlop

2026-01-15 22:55:47 UTC

I want to talk about something that has been brought to the fore of my mind by something that Cory Doctorow has recently published ; happiness, optimism and hope. In particular optimism because it made me step back and consider his proposition in order to reassess my own understanding of a word I’ve often used in the past to describe one of the characteristics of my persona.
‘Optimism […] is a toxin to be avoided. Optimism is a subgenre of fatalism, the belief that things will get better no matter what we do. It’s just the obverse of pessimism. Both are ways of denying human agency. To be an optimist is to be a passenger of history, along for the ride, with no hope of changing course.’
It is the words ‘human agency’ which first spiked my interest of course. And all of a sudden an answer to a one question that has been on my mind for some time was delivered to me. The world is turning to shit because it has to in order to deliver a better world. In a world where I despair for want of a politically active electorate willing – because we all can – to sort the hay from the chaff on a routine basis and inured to propaganda, all I see around me are angry people, too busy to make ends meet (a relative as well as a subjective reconciliation of financial and social dues and rights) all the while gobbling up whatever mis/dis-information is force-fed onto them; nothing is going to change without some major upheavals. People are not going to wake up from the nightmare until they are scared out of their wits. Shocked awake and gasping for breath, heart thumping in the chest and all senses primed for fight or flight responses. Only then will people sit up and take note of what is happening. In other words, human agency being what it is, if a better world is to be built, the old one must writhe in pain and lash out in frustration as it burns itself out of existence. That is the explanation for what I see around the world today. It is both a sad and painful sight and a harbinger of better things to be, therein lies hope.
‘Hope […] That’s the stuff. Hope is the belief that if we change the world for the better, even by just a little, that we will ascend a new gradient towards a better future, and as we rise up to that curve, new terrain will be revealed to us that we couldn’t see from our lower vantage-point. It’s not necessary -- nor even possible – to see a course from here to the world you want to live in. You can get there is a stepwise fashion, one beneficial change at a time.’
Tying up loose ends… Upon reflection, it is not true that I am an optimist, or ever was one. What I can say now with some confidence is that I am full of hope, have always been. Thank you
@npub1fdr…lvhs
https://pluralistic.net/2026/15/how-the-light-gets-in/
#Pluralistic

2025-12-13 07:54:23 UTC

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Freeking govt pouring public funds into private enterprise for energy cost releifs… and this after our treasures let it be known that everyday janes and joes will. Have to do without next year… what a sad excuse of a #labor party. I’m done, I’m resigning my membership as of next renewal.
#FedUp #CostOfLiving #Grifters #StateCapture #JobForMates #MoneyForTheRich #CapitalismGoneMad #GenAIBubble #Rorts #Corruption #Lobbyists #NeoLiberalism #MarketMayhems #Usury #TaxEvaders #EconomicLeeches #EntittledGits #AntiSocialRiffRaff #HadAGutFull #AusPol #AlboPM

2025-12-04 01:46:59 UTC

Maria Strømme - Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 35, Regementsvägen 1, Uppsala 751 03, Sweden — on #Metaphysics #Consciousness #TheoryOfTheMind #CreativePrinciple #Intention #QuantumFieldTheory
A testable theory of consciousness, now that’s really exiting.
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/adv/article/15/11/115319/3372193/Universal-consciousness-as-foundational-field-A

2025-11-27 22:21:55 UTC

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You know, I’m thinking here that the idea of ‘testing’ new policies before enacting full legislation might not be a bad thing at all — Sen Andrew Leigh here in Australia is a champion of the idea. Kit flying is a weakening tactic when it fails, but announcing legislation allow ‘testing’ or ‘trialing’ proposed policies would be a win-win whatevere their outcomes.

2025-11-21 02:37:08 UTC

"Time for global oversight of organoid work
Brain-organoid researchers are calling for global oversight as lab-grown mini-brains become increasingly complex and countries reduce reliance on animal models. Once primitive cell clusters, neural organoids can now mimic aspects of human brain development and disease — and even integrate into animal brains — prompting concerns over donor consent, animal welfare and the possibility of emerging sentience. “What does it mean if human cells are causing gains in animals’ abilities?” says bioethicist Insoo Hyun. “Currently, we’re not set up to deal with that.” The call to action was signed by 17 scientists across five countries."
There was nothing I could add to the above, except to say: This Is A Really Big Deal.
#Sentience #Organoids #BrainOrganoids #RegulatingOrganoidUse #Biology #Ethics #Philosophy #Morals
Reference: https://nature.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?

2025-11-20 07:26:16 UTC

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Don’t forget that there is heaftly anount of funds being cross-invested in all things GenIA and datacentres. From the little I have read or know about (very little), this is what makes the #AIBubble so dangerous, non-bank loans, cross-investments within the AI Markets and the #AssetBubble that data centres represent when GenAI fails to deliver the golden eggs. So, I wouldn’t discount NVidea’s exposure.

2025-11-14 01:41:10 UTC

This is an off-the-wall thing. And I'm tooting it because... questions.
I am reading a book about Paulo Cuelho in which the author is recounting Coelho’s conversation with three young readers about youth’s despairing moments, one of the readers interjects: ‘Philosophically you’re very Hegelian.’ And Coelho replies: ‘I am.’
Well, that just floors me right there.
While I am not unfamiliar with Hegel, or Heidegger, or Sartre, or Camus or Plato, or whomever I have read so far, I am damned if I could quote any of them let alone confess that my thinking is along the lines of some of these philosophers.
I just don’t know. I cannot recall what it is I have read as other writers (people in general) do. I find it unimaginable that something one reads stays indelibly etched in some part of the brain to be regurgitated on demand. That remains, for me, an impossibility.
My brain just doesn’t work that way. I get an overall ‘feeling’ (I have no other words for it) about what I read and that memory stays but cannot be verbalised. Rote learning is possible, I’ll grant that – I must, based on what I have seen – but as to how or why it is that most people can to varying degrees perform this feat is incomprehensible to me. The brain is constructed to be an evolving archive of patterns. It is constantly ‘flashing’ its memory 'circuits' with new sensor information, and at night the subconscious takes over and amps up or re-wires the brain as it purges.
So, in this context, those regurgitating text verbatim must have a very weak performing subconscious and are mainly ruled by their consciousness awake and asleep. Do they dream much? And if so, what kind of dreams do they have? Do they have lucid dreams? And if so, what are those about? Questions, questions, questions. I have nothing but questions.
#Questions #PhilosophyOfMind #Philosophy #Writing #WritingCommunity

2025-11-10 10:09:04 UTC

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This is sad news indeed. It is a well known fact that aside from traveling to experience other cultures, learning a foreign language (at any age) is akin to eating brain food. As well as broadening the student’s mind, it also alters brain structures (neurological pathways) leading to some interesting benefits. Cutting languages is shortsighted and stupid IMO.

2025-11-09 23:57:06 UTC

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Those opposed to #NativeTitle claims beg the question:
If us ‘colonials’ are happy to live and work on land that is presumably ‘owned’ by the ‘Crown’ or the ‘Commonwealth’ (Stolen land in origin), what possible difference would it make to ‘us’ if it were Native Titled land? Both of these concepts are subject to the modern Laws of AUstralia anyway. Case in point: the ACT’s land legislation ensures the land cannot be ‘owned’ by households or corporations, yet it is a thriving society.
I suggest we all put out fears out there and face them for the hubris that they are and engage in a mutually acceptable way (E.g. #Treaties) to give back all the #StolenLand on this continent to its traditional owners in one form or another and settle this once and for all. We’ll all be very surprised of how generous the original land stewards can be.
I won’t entertain anything but ‘constructive’ comments on this toots. All else is utter BS.
#IVotedYes #AusPol

2025-11-07 09:31:07 UTC

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Here is an interesting essay from David Roche talking about #Bubbles and their inevitable collapse.
https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/a-crash-is-coming/

2025-11-05 10:30:45 UTC

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Profit taking?

2025-11-03 23:51:17 UTC

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Although I’m talking about many decades ago, I once believed the lies about welfare fraud — it does occur, but it’s occurence is lost in the overwhelming numbers who do the right thing and deserve support. I believed it until I experienced what it was like to look for work and the mental stress it caused over a long period. I was lucky to escape the downward spiral — manly due to some exceptional people who came into my life. And while I refused to collect benefits (for some illogical idealism), most cannot because they have a family to support and have to pay for basic human needs (shelter, food, health, and a sense of purpose).
Bring on Universal Basic Income I say and do away with the hypocracy of bureaucratic benefit systems altogether. This is about the greater social good after all.
#UBI #UnemploymentBenefits #SocialSafetyNet

2025-11-03 22:47:49 UTC

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Well then I’ve got no clue as to what’s going on with my set up. I might just try a clean install next week when I’ve calmed down.
Thanks for the info though.

2025-11-03 11:18:37 UTC

Does anyone know if #Linux #Mint supports #HDMI output? If so, how is it enabled? If not, is there a work round?
I am using a notebook with Win10 to stream video to the TV via HDMI and i want to get off microsoft and install Mint.
Much obliged for any solutions, comments, advice, etc.
Pse boost for reach.. tks

2025-10-12 23:05:37 UTC

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I guess it’s hard to shake off Thacherism in the UK… still, doing the same thing over and over again expecting different outcomes is certifiable. Why can’t the electorate see that?

2025-10-10 06:36:20 UTC

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Lots of similar issues here in Aus. The common denominators are the rise of #Managerialism in university governance and the insane notion that better universities are built on the application of defunct economic theory (neoliberalism) and #corporate management practices to education institutions. This folly knows no bounds.
#TertiarySector #UK #Australia #Education #AusPol

2025-09-27 01:29:16 UTC

AND, while on the subject of education institutions — were we not? Have a read of Jane Caro here reminding us that our society is not egalitarian at all and has a full on class warfare problem in education in our hands.
“The inequity is more profound than simply money. The “level playing field” quoted above is about much more than dollars and cents. What Australia has done over the past quarter century is create two parallel, publicly funded education systems: one with all the rights and one with all the responsibilities. Private schools can be public when it comes to the handing out of public money but private when it comes to everything else. They can charge any fees they choose. They can open schools wherever they like and refuse to open, or choose to close them, whenever they like. They can hire and fire whomever they like, because they have a statutory exemption to the Anti-Discrimination Act, and fight hard not only to hang on to it but to extend it via religious freedom bills. They can refuse to enrol and choose to expel whomever they like – or more pertinently, don’t like. They can also, if they want to, teach creationism and actively discourage girls from going to university – with the help of taxpayers.”
I urge you to read the article. And then get loud on social media because the whole thing sucks…
#AusPol #Education #SchoolFunding #PrivateVersusPublicSchools #PrivateSchools #PublicShools #JasonClareMP #AlboPM
Read more:
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topic/2025/09/27/the-segregation-crisis-schools-funding

2025-09-13 11:47:29 UTC

Amy Remeikis powerful piece has been taken down but because it is so powerful I’m tooting a link to it. If you believe that life is for every individual, then do yourself a favour and read it too
https://archive.md/2025.09.12-175455/https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/us-news/2025/09/12/charlie-kirk-dead
#Kirk

2025-09-08 05:57:19 UTC

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The only carbon capture systems currently working are a continuation of fossil fuel extraction operations where it is pumped back into the well or stratum (though not all of it) to extract yet more fossil fuel. Every other carbon capture projects are abject failures and remain likely to stay that way.
Fossil Fuel extractive industries are not so stupid as to take carbon capture seriously given their raison d’etre is to make money, and not to invest in impossible and unprofitable schemes. Ah! Capitalism eh? Who’d have it?

2025-09-08 01:17:45 UTC

Zoe Daniel in the Guardian writes:
“…we can hardly expect reasoned community conversations to bridge divides when our leaders can’t even have those constructive discussions. Until they can, there’ll be a trust gap.”
While it is true that there is a ‘trust gap’, it is important to remember that elected officials reflect the dominant values and morals of their electorate. It’s the old: ‘you get the govt you deserve’ seen in the proper perspective. To wish an elected govt to be a role-model for the society it represents surely is to put the cart before the horse.
The thinking person’s view ought to be to recognise ourselves in the Parliamentary stouches and ask why are we behaving thusly and what can be done to correct our collective behaviour, thoughts, and actions to achieve a more harmonious society.
#AusPol #ContemporaryPolitics #CollectiveBehaviour #Politics #Society #Opinion #Activism #Morals #Ethics #Rhetoric #Parliament #Democracy #Humanism #ZoeDaniel #TheGuardian
read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/07/division-exposed-by-march-for-australia-test-for-politicians-they-failed-it-put-nation-last-ntwnfb

2025-09-07 10:43:12 UTC

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“Benefits’ is often used by the right to denigrade ‘social services’ in order to ‘sell them off’. But social services are the reason societies elect govts in the first place — to look after the commonwealth. Do away with public services and you really don’t need a govt, we’d all be looking after ourselves in our individual cave thank you. This seems to indicate that the ‘right’ are troglodites wishing to go back to pre-historical times.

2025-09-05 01:32:19 UTC

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The #UK political scene looks all too much like #Australian politics a year ago or so, especially the splitting factionalism of the #LNP (Liberal-National Party) coalition, now set to remain in opposition for several terms IMO, and a #Labor party that has shifted to occupy centre-right political ground. Resulting in a disenfranchised Labor-left and member exodus to the Greens (in terms of voting preferences), while the Greens themselves still have a tough time breaking through the ‘cross-bench’ ceiling in the Senate to become a major force among the two-party duopoly. The good news is that the Australian electorate firmly rejected #Trumpism at the last election, thank goodness.
One of the downsides of Labor’s new term in office is that it has now latched on to a successful strategy for holding on to govt while only succeding in wasting their Lower House (super?) majority with a timid legislative agenda.
While progressives left and right of the political divide are clamering for change, Labor isn’t keen to rock that boat. The left is muzzled for now… The right, pushed out by Labor’s encroachment on their turf, with far less ground to cover aside from #racism #stupidity and #fascism, is all too ready to jump further right in order to appear relevant to a dwindling minority of the electorate.
They say that change is good, but nothing has really changed besides the goalposts. It may be that the UK will surprise and take a different route… time will tell.
#AusPol #UKPol

2025-09-04 06:20:24 UTC

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There is only one logical solution to the troubles in public education (incl the #TertiarySector) and that is approprite and adequate funding from the govt. Largess in this sector (along with #health, #housing and #care — and #UBI if bold enough) may have an impact on the economy but can readily be controlled through #Tax reform. That is why we have govt in the first place. Otherwise it’s every person for themselves in the surrounding chaos (this would warm the cockles of Libertarians and SovereignCitizens everywhere)..
Good gracious, this is turning out to be a dark kind of day with me…

2025-09-04 05:56:25 UTC

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The last para quoted, for me, accurately reflects the current situation, dare I say it, world wide… if it is too much to ask the patient to get up from their bed (let’s one repeats a famous miracle) and smite the fascists, yet again, into oblivion, then only another global war will bring about the rise of a fairer civilisation should enough of the world be left to allow it.
A less pessimistic solution would be for the progressive, left centre and right, to grow some and make a stand here and now.

2025-09-04 05:43:21 UTC

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As I see it, there are two important elements to the likelyhood of civil war in the US. One is the fact that the US is awash with guns. And the second is the States’ right of secession backed up by their National Guard units.
Both of these elements will play a major part in any events brought about by the continued dismantling of the US Constitution and its Courts.

2025-09-04 05:28:56 UTC

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It is unfortunate that when a society is hurting from the abuses of right wing policies, it looks to blame their circumstances on ‘Others’. It’s also a shame that the electorate is so easily manipulated to distort their discontent into fear and hatred for any “Other’ pointed to them by those seeking to remain in power.
WIth the shifting of the ‘norms’ and ‘acceptable’ political policies to the right generally, it is more important than ever for the real ‘left’ to be vocal about the state of domestic politics which is totally responsible for current economic ills.
#UKPol #ItsJustaShiftToTheRight
#InUnity #Antifa

2025-08-29 01:02:59 UTC

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Remember not to get your coffee at #Starbucks. The inequity in remuneration of staff v CEO is eye watering… CEO=6,666 times the median Starbuck worker’s pay.

2025-08-24 10:08:46 UTC

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Else, bring everyone up to the same standard with appropriate funding of all education sectors to ensure free education up to first uni degree for all. Wouldn’t that be something? Investing in the next generation (which will — according to the data — put more back into the economy than they took out) ?

2025-08-24 09:35:08 UTC

#Amy at her best:
"I am going to hold your hand while I say this – and billionaires are not your friend and cannot be trusted to work for the collective good. In fact, it is a failure of regulation that has created billionaires in the first place. They shouldn’t exist. That they do is proof of market failure."
As govts get sucked into #TechBros ponzie schemes, I am hoping the adults in the room will somehow avert the coming bust.
Read more
https://news.thenewdaily.com.au/c/1H8IAou6Z2yfTVf7dfq948scg7Kf

2025-08-22 05:44:17 UTC

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A quick Q: Who makes these trucks and where?

2025-08-10 01:44:18 UTC

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From what I’ve read over the years, Hamas was/is a pawn in Israeli foreign policy. Hamas was funded by a Golf State with cash funnelled through Netanyahu govt as a bulwark against 2-States solutions (by encouraging Palestinian Authority V Hamas conflict - divide and conquer). What is happening now is a result of insidious and murderous policies of a Zionist Leader drunk on power.

2025-08-07 01:23:29 UTC

Here, Elena Rossini explains Why and How she is purging #BigTech out of her life. While she readily admits she is not totally free of it, she has gone a long way. She has a blog where she talks about her journey to #Freedom from #Technofeudalism and calls out the hypocracy of some #TechWriters along the way。
“I watched a brilliant TED Talk by journalist Carole Cadwalladr about the broligarchy titled “this is what the digital coup looks like.” Shortly thereafter I discovered that Cadwalladr is using Substack (the Nazi-friendly newsletter platform funded by the broligarchs at A16Z) for her blog; her social media platform of choice is Bluesky (funded by crypto bros at Blockchain Capital). Sadly Cadwalladr has no social profiles on the Fediverse and isn’t using - as far as I know - any FOSS platforms to publish her reporting. This feels incredibly incongruous.”
It’s well worth a read. And for those still ‘fenced in’ by commercial social platforms, she offers hope and some ways to ditch them.
Personally, My tie to #TechBros #oligarchy is Gmail (though not for much longer as I am mostly migrated off). Otherwise, I’m on Signal and an Australian hosted mail server (until that one starts getting ideas I won’t agree with). My blog is about to transfer to a platform based in Australia for less $$ (of @npub1y5c…y986 fame - I’m gettting there Shlee!) and getting off WordPress hosting (I’ll be using a #cpanel equiv #EnhanceDotNet.). My #Microsoft days are numbered with #LinuxMint on my other laptop ready to take over very soon. I’m still tied to Apple with my iPad (tooting away on it atm). My mobile is an old & cheap #Android device. My browser is #LibreWolf. My mail client is #Thunderbird .
Best thing that ever happened to me was to find out about the #Fediverse. I’ve never looked back from this, only forward.
I’m not going to lie, there is a cost to bear. I have lost digital links to all my friends and family (some overseas). But I’ve managed to keep those closest to me via other means (Face-to-face, phone calls, SMS, emails and Signal for those using it). Bottom line is, If am I going to #Rage against #TechBros, I should walk the talk as Elena Rossini is doing. So should you IMO.
#FOSS #Mastodon #Fediverse #cpanel
For Australian hosting See: https://fedicloud.au/
Read more:
https://news.elenarossini.com/technofeudalism-disclosing-my-tech-stack/

2025-07-20 02:26:25 UTC

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Is there a limit to the number of times a ‘vote of on confidence’ can take place? Are we about to find out?

2025-07-11 12:21:41 UTC

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Blackberries before they ripen?

2025-07-11 12:00:30 UTC

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Ok. That’s your take and you have a right to it.
For myself, I can’t get past violence. I’m violence averse. I can’t stand seeing it, reading about it, or even hearing about it. But faced with it (in whatever form) I can’t stiffle feeling sorry for the one suffering it, not matter the circumstances… that’s just the way I’m wired. It doesn’t mean forgiveness. And crimes must be accounted for. But violence? You have to ask what prompts the person to resort to violence when given a chance to bring a perpetrator to justice. Why do what you condemn other people for doing in the first place? I just don’t get it.

2025-07-11 11:43:30 UTC

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Gaddafi’s end was brutal and sadistic. One might argue he got what he deserved, but no one with an once of empathy would see it as anything but cruel and inhuman. The killers are as culpable as their victim was. If it is true Putin did run the video of gaddafi’s demise on loop, his fears are well founded… Still, I would not wish such an ignoble death on my enemies.

2025-07-11 06:58:46 UTC

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It’s conspirational of any economist to suggest there is a causative link between wage growth and inflation (the old and tired wage-inflation spiral) when the evidence clearly shows that corporate greed (increased profit margins) was the culprit all along.
#Greedflation

2025-06-30 00:48:06 UTC

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hahaha
The performance of the TE IWI KIWI HAKA is to prepare for battle. But that is a New Zealand thing, not Australian. We are close neighbours and ‘cousins across the ditch’ if you like, but New Zealand a separate island country. Lol.
Also, from what I read, it’s hotter in the northern hemisphere (at lower latitudes) than it is in coastal Australia where most of the cities are.

2025-06-29 05:09:01 UTC

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More questions… thinking of immigrating to Australia?
To qualify for a Commonwealth pension your financial Assets are assessed. If below a set amount you automatically qualify for the old age pension (This is increased pretty much in line with Consumer Price Index twice yearly as is the pension received if one qualifies). The aim of the govt, as previously stated is to move retirees from old age pension (an unfunded govt expenditure) to managed superannuations (funded from regulated investments).
Australia has an exemplary social support system. It was the first country to introduce universal sufferage, 40 hour week, basic wage, and many other socially progressive policies. We also have the best electoral system in the world, preferential proportional voting and an independent electoral commission. Elections federal, states and territories run elections every three years.
The only thing left to do is to change the constitution to include some kind of First Nations representation mechanism and to change the State to a Republic in order to get rid of State Governors and Governor General (British Crown left-overs). But that’s hard to do in Australia because the electorate is wary of Govts wishing to change anything in that document. so if the proposed change(s) is not well understood, it gets nowhere (right wing media has a lot to do with this of course).
Another long toot. Got to stop this…

2025-06-29 00:59:53 UTC

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You’re asking questions about an Australian system which is unlike most retirement systems in the world.
No, there is no ‘separate’ contribution to the Commonwealth aged pension system as such. It is funded from ‘consolidated revenue’ (all the taxes the govt collects which go into this big money bucket from which the govt draws to fund their budget (This is a watered down version of complex accounting systems though).
Our compulsory superannuation system requires a minimum 5% contribution from salary (which can be increase up to 10% voluntarily) as well as an 18% (of salary) contributiuon from employers. All contributions from salary and payroll to the superannuation scheme is taxed at 15% (half the marginal tax rate).
The superannuation funds are tightly regulated. The biggest ones are managed by union or trades Industries (some take a profit, some don’t). While contribution to a superannuation fund is compulsory, we are free to choose which fund to contribute to and we can change funds along the way (there are choices, you can even set up a self-managed super fund of your own).
There is legislation currently tabled in the Parliament to remove the tax concession (half marginal tax rebate) from the earnings an individual makes from the invested super (a fund management function) if the balance is above $3Million AUD (details are complicated and I’m not a tax expert, nor will I be affected by this tax regime change, so I won;t go into it)
Bottom line is that with AUD$3M invested in a super fund, a couple can live very comfortably for the rest of their lives here in the ‘lucky country’.
Sorry this is a long toot. It’s a complex matter to explain to a non-citizen.
Cheers

2025-06-28 06:58:47 UTC

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In this thread (an Australian thread) the context was about our compulsory superannuation system which was designed to relieve pressure on our commonwealth pension systems. A forced retirement savings if you will.
The thread began because some people (usually those with a lot of money and access to superannuation tax consultants) are using the system to run a business and/or set up an inheritance scheme while benefiting from considerable tax concessions, neither of which is in line with the ‘intent’ of the scheme — to provide a source of income in retirement and replace the old age pension (there are many reason why this is a good policy here in Australia). I suspect that the govt will soon push through legislation to restrict superannuation schemes to its original intent.
I hope that clarifies some of the discussions in this thread and some of the opinions expressed.

2025-06-28 06:30:30 UTC

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You are making a whole lot of assumptions here in this toot. I just hope it is not aimed at anyone here.
Otherwise, I take your point.

2025-06-28 01:49:39 UTC

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I’m not in favour of inheritence at all (history is full of examples to show how badly it turns out in the end — for lots of reasons). Helping your kids while you’re still alive is parenting at its best. And if done with care, the best for the kids as well — speaking from experience. Kids have to live their own lives, make their own future, own their experiences, make their own decisions with strength and confidence so they can live with the consequences. Inheritance does nothing to ensure these lessons are learned. IMO

2025-06-10 00:25:20 UTC

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You might want to wear trailbike armour underneath all of that as well.

2025-05-31 11:32:18 UTC

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Does the #Goldstein community even know what it wants from govt? Electoral indications are it doesn’t. It just seems anti-Labor, anti-Greens and pro-Liberals. But given the mixed, often contradictory, political signals from the #LNP, it must be some kind of conflicted ‘fatal attraction’.

2025-05-12 04:17:26 UTC

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Your example of how the preferential voting system works could mislead the reader. It is not the last person’s preference that is counted but the preferences numbered by each voters who voted for the last person to come first. Have I confused them even more. If someone has an interest in how the counting and assignment of preferences work, they are advised to go to the source at AEC.gov.au for the official description.
#AusPol #AustralianElectoralCommission #AEC #PreferencialVotingSystem

2025-05-10 23:47:05 UTC

“Just two days ago, JD #vance said the U.S. would stay out of this fight. But now, the #Trump team rushed in to claim credit for stopping the war. #Rubio called it a big win for peace and praised #Modi and #Sharif for choosing talks over bombs.
But here’s the truth: #India’s government later made it clear — the #ceasefire was arranged directly with Pakistan, not through the U.S. This flat-out contradicts Trump and Rubio’s claims. Once again, they lie about everything, even in a global crisis. And the shelling started again within hours. If this is Trump’s idea of “peace,” the world has every reason to worry.”
https://polinews.org/india-publicly-humiliates-trump-and-rubio-appears-to-deny-their-ceasefire-claims-in-front-of-the-world/

2025-05-06 08:47:49 UTC

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I think it’s the initial cost which put prospective buyers off. Face with the high price tag, they can’t see the lower costs of ownership more than make up for it over the life of the batteries/vehicle. We need some sort of ‘CHOICE’ campaign to hammer the point home to make a difference. IMO
#EV #ICE #EVvsICE

2025-05-04 01:17:11 UTC

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Agreed, though unlikely to occur.
Maybe if Union m’ship went through the roof, it might generate enough electoral funding for Labor to forgo any other. Again, unlikely.
The only other way is through Electoral Reforms, but here we’ve seen the current duopoly system entrenched further with the wrong political funding policies.
Sry. No hope anywhere. Not even on the horizon. It is what it is and the voters need to sort it out because no one else will.
#AusPol

2025-05-04 00:57:40 UTC

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I get that frustration feeling… been experiencing it since Abbott got the job. LOL

2025-05-04 00:45:14 UTC

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Well Paul, I’m not going to call out your opinion. It has merit because it brings another perpective to the discussion. I agree we need leadership in politics which is what we have (otherwise there wouldn’t be such argy bargy when parties select their leaders). Maybe the current crop of leadership do not suit our respective requirements, be that as it may, but the electorate has spoken. That fact ought to guardrail our discussion I would think.
Yes the future belongs to the younger generation and it is well represented by the Greens, some Teal Independents and let’s face it the left-wing of politics. But even here, their votes did not grow the Green in Parliament this time around, nor did it prop up left-wing radicalism. Hence I can only conclude that, for now, those ‘younger’ generations are making due with Labor. They could do worse.
#AusPol #AusElection25 #GenZ #Millenials #GenX

2025-05-04 00:30:29 UTC

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Oh but I think #AlboPM does have it in him. It’s just that it doesn’t fit into his current electoral strategy which is to seek a third term. In a sense, it is quite sad that for Labor to hold on to govt long enough to make a difference it has to convince the electorate that it is not like the Labor of the early 70s. All of that because the majority of Australian voters are Conservative by very nature. That’s the way it is. Even the Hawke/Keating era was neoliberal in its policies.
Hence for Labor to have any chance to govern, it must be timid and centre right looking (Labor’s previous leader proved that much).
#AusPol

2025-05-02 06:33:40 UTC

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Austerity is a blunt tool looking for a suitable job (there are none). It solves nothing and only increases inequity and inequality. We need to get off this ‘trickle down, economic BS and treat the economy as people not GDP or Debt numbers. Economics should be about all of a society not just the top 10% (or is that shrinking to 5% these days?).

2025-05-01 07:48:40 UTC

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It’s all wrapped up in ‘managerialism’ currently seen as the way to run universities (borrowing from Prof #Quiggin) which in my mind is just extending the debunked #neoliberal economic theory to a sector in which it ‘cannot’ logically apply.
#TertiaryEducation is Not a Business, it is a public responsibility, a govt duty to the society they purportedly represent. Politicians of all stripes have the hardest time to imagine any system which is not in some way directed by neoliberalism’s false dogma. They seem blind to other possibilities, struck dumb when offered alternative systems, and nailed in place by their economic biases.
What can I say, electorates the world over have been hoodwinked for so long they can no longer apply objective judgement at the polling booths.
I despair…

2025-05-01 07:11:26 UTC

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SImilar story in Australia where the tertiary sector was modelled on the UK minor universities model.
Prof John Quiggin (UQ) wrote a paper on the issues facing Australian Universities and suggested the Californian model as a way forward:
https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/reforming-university-governance-in-australia/

2025-04-24 00:47:43 UTC

The tag line was interesting and, like everyone else with #Win10 on older (still serviceable) equipment, I’m looking to milk my current setups for all its worth. Having read it, it seems it is easier to switch to a #Linux version (#LinuxMint for me) and get to know it like I know #MS. Must say that pissing off #TechBro software is a hoot.
https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/22/windows_10_ltsc/

2025-04-14 06:26:46 UTC

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It's an international problem. However, thinking that educational institutions ought to pay their way is an oxymoron. Education, properly described, is the cradle of a better society and its cost ought to solely be a public responsiblilty. One can let private education institution look out for themselves in whichever way 'elitists' choose to fund/run them but they should not receive public funding.
#Health, #education, #shelter and #utilities are public responsiblilites period. They ought not to be in private hands.

2025-04-08 08:06:34 UTC

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The Santana classics (too many to list here) still move me like no other. Not only does my body physically synchronise, the mind is flooded with happy memories as well.

2025-04-06 03:08:44 UTC

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, deputy leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for higher education spoke out against the latest #Dutton #LNP electioneering fluff (you cannot call brainfarts a policy) and managed to shame #Labor ‘s inaction on #SocialHousing for good measure:
“The facts are clear, we’ve seen the evidence: international students are not the cause of skyrocketing rents or unaffordable housing. That responsibility lies squarely with successive governments who have refused to build enough public housing and prioritised lining the pockets of wealthy property investors.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/06/australia-election-2025-live-labor-albanese-battery-cost-of-living-coalition-dutton-education-nsw-qld-vic?

2025-03-27 07:00:36 UTC

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If you (in Britain) make enough noise, maybe your govt will get the message… maybe. I hope so for your collective sake’s.

2025-03-22 07:20:50 UTC

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Read between the lines.
Though Japan is planning to deploy long range missiles closer to Taiwan, it is ‘hosting’ security and economic dialogue with China (its obvious threat) and Korea (its estranged yet enduring anti-authoritarian partner). Something they have not done before off their own bat.
This is also occuring without US representation and China is, of course, obliging.
If you cannot see the diplomatic shift, then take a course… lol

2025-03-22 06:56:48 UTC

“America's position in the global hierarchy isn't guaranteed.
It can be lost with stunning rapidity when an economically illiterate con artist and a cadre of ideologues are drunk at the wheel.”
Source: https://www.theindex.media/the-new-world-order-is-here-and-america-isnt-part-of-it/
So the good ol’ US of A is getting the finger from every border, Canada, Mexico, Europe across the Atlantic and Japan/Korea across the Pacific. All that is required now to complete the isolation is for Australia and ASEAN to close ranks with Japan and there we have it, the end of Pax-Americana.

2025-03-20 07:07:41 UTC

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#Forecasting (economics) is fraught with inaccuracies (as they must be in an irrational world) and yet, it is a vital task in setting #budgets, an ungrateful task. The problem lies not with the frail forecasts but with the decisions based on over optimistic outcomes and a desire to achieve, politically speaking, what few other govt have.
I relate it to #project management planning phases with spend lines and timings - very few (if any at all depending on the sector concerned) live up to their painstakingly put together Gantt charts.
And therein lies the lessons that govts seem clueless about.

2025-03-06 07:03:05 UTC

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Portends of war?

2025-03-02 02:49:00 UTC

I take issue with most of what the #ABC pushes out these days. I can’t help it. Everytime I read a piece, hear a reportage, in every single instance I pick up a reluctance to pat the Labor govt on the back for the things they get right. It’s not exactly an all out offensive, but I get the feeling #OurABC is not impartial to this country’s political machinations and tend to put the #Opposition in a good light when compared to their somewhat dimmer look at #Labor.
Here is an example:
“Some households shouldered a huge amount of the burden of the national fight against inflation and their contribution can be counted in real dollars that were taken away from them by higher interest rates (monetary policy) and higher taxation (fiscal policy). To see the politicians taking "credit" for that financial impost would be infuriating.
There's also the matter of the significant deterioration in the real value of people's wages. By the time the Albanese government came to power in May 2022, the impact of high inflation meant our wages were already buying less than they could buy in 2014. The RBA says that problem could take years to fix.” Source https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-02/why-isnt-the-government-boasting-inflation-saul-eslake/104993774
“Higher taxation”, excuse me? Where did the reporter pull that one from? #Coalition talking point? #BlunderingAngus speaking notes? Cherry picking for the rotten fruit amongst a bountiful harvest?
As for wages, why is it that the fact these have started to move up for the first time in more than a decade? 15% increases in some well deserving cases. No, of course not. Let’s pick on the fact that purchasing power is still well below inflation…mmmmm, I wonder why that is. [sarc]
#GiveMeBackMyABC #Auspol

2025-03-01 03:10:41 UTC

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Given Russia’s depleted arsenal and reduced capacity to replace lost equipment, a united #EU effort to give #Ukraine what it needs is in my view (besides turning the conflict into an EU proxy-war) enough to defeat Russia militarily and push its troops (and proxies) all the way back to the Ukrainian borders agreed to in 1991.
And it’s about time it did.
All thanks to the #TangerineBaby and his cohort of bumpkins for the burgeoning of a #UnitedEurope. Let’s not kick the #US out of #NATO, let’s just ignore it for the time being.
#SlavaUkraini

2025-02-28 00:28:01 UTC

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Yay, congrats…

2025-02-27 21:36:01 UTC

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Good gracious… you can’t let the US get anywhere near health systems, they’re so jealous of any passibly working systems they are compelled to destroy them completely (after stripping assets and bleeding State support dry) before scarping off. Why would the UK even consider the idea?

2025-02-27 07:00:23 UTC

A plea for #TaxReform long overdue, if I’ve ever read one. Rod Campbell writes in The Conversation:
“Scrapping the capital gains tax discount, getting rid of discretionary trusts, placing more limits on the types of assets that can be held in self-managed super funds, and increasing tax rates on people with big super balances would reduce the ability of the wealthy to avoid paying tax.
It is hard to reform tax loopholes because most people don’t understand them and the people who do understand them reap the biggest benefits from them.”
In other words, it’s about time we got the pig’s snouts out of the public trough. These tax #loopholes are a form of #StateTheft and a mechanism for distributing wealth to the wealthiest, thereby increasing #inequity in our society. #Grifters are everywhere you look, some blatantly so, many others look like mum & pop, but these people enjoy profits at the cost of those who struggle to make ends meet.
#auspol

2025-02-19 07:28:34 UTC

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Let’s be specific here… Let’s blame ‘grifters’ of all generations. I can’t see an ex-miner #boomer being responsible for this #neoliberaism quackery, nor an ex-factory boomer being responsible for #globalisation and #deregulation of markets. Those boomers responsible for the origins of the economic catastrophe we are living with had plenty of disposable income when the Chicago School of Economics produced their shit theories.
/end_of_rant

2025-02-16 00:00:51 UTC

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It’s he end of something. Been feeling this coming in since before Covid epidemic hit us. Never been able to put my finger in it though. Is it an economic upheaval (death #capitalism), an global environmental catastrophe (#climate tipping point), WW3 (internal and external #conflicts by force of arms), a #technology revolution (The Spike), a new #globalorder, or a universal #spiritual (non religious) awakening? Or any combinations of the above.
Just please let it not be a #ZombieApocalypse i’m too old to wield a sword.

2025-01-31 08:11:13 UTC

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will the UK ever recover from this monumental mistake?