Sunday 22nd of December 2024
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bazza's kingdom...

bazza's realm...

 

The reference to the lands policy was the recent decision against ringfencing prime agricultural land from mining while forcing miners to face scientific panels to gain approval to mine such areas.

Fiona Simson, the chief executive of the National Farmers Federation, said farmers were disappointed with the government's first big decision on agriculture. ''The government has been high on promise, high on consultation, high on visibility, low on delivery,'' she said.

Mr O'Farrell declined to be interviewed but a key adviser, the Liberal powerbroker Michael Photios, said the state could expect ''a far more assertive Barry O'Farrell'' in the second year.

''It will be a year of more substantial reform to replace a year of restructure and rehabilitation,'' Mr Photios said, tipping a ''bolder budget'' by the Treasurer, Mike Baird.

While he has signalled his support for extended light rail, Mr O'Farrell has scrapped plans for the Epping-Parramatta rail link, and refused to commit to motorway projects such as the M4-East extension.

http://m.smh.com.au/nsw/barrys-year-of-ruling-modestly-20120317-1vc56.html?page=2

he does not like bicycle pumps...

SYDNEY Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she would be forced to relinquish her state seat if made to choose between her two jobs.

Her announcement follows state cabinet's decision to introduce new laws banning MPs from running for local councils.

"If I am unable to continue to represent the people in the state seat of Sydney after the Local Government elections it will not be out of any desire of mine it will be because I will be forced out of the parliament by Premier O'Farrell and his majority," she said.

"Even though before the election there was no indication this was on the agenda.

"If I'm out of parliament I will be forced out by Premier Barry O'Farrell no one else."

She said Mr O'Farrell’s proposal was part of a campaign against her.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/premier-barry-ofarrells-s-new-law-will-force-lord-mayor-clovermoore-to-have-less/story-e6freuzi-1226297530297

liberal with the pork...

 

''I know Craig is and always has been a Liberal. And I know he brings to the party the experience and background that makes him the best opportunity for us to win Reid and get rid of a government in Canberra that is actually worse than Whitlam.''

Although it is common for senior politicians to endorse candidates, the letter offended Robert Balzola, a member of the right faction, the president of the Liberals Five Dock branch, and a preselector in last night's ballot.

On Tuesday, he fired off a lengthy letter to the Premier demanding he respond within three hours.

''You will appreciate that preselection ballots must be a transparent and fair process,'' he said.

''The direct preference of the Premier in your governmental capacity and upon your executive letterhead expressing favour of one candidate over the others may constitute undue influence, hence impede an impartial outcome of the preselection ballot in Reid.''

 



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/official-slams-ofarrell-for-endorsement-letter-20120321-1vkbe.html#ixzz1pmsJvX4I

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The truly offfending bit in this letter is to refer to the Gillard government as worse than Whitlam's... Whitlam (Labor) did far more good for this country in two years than Johnnee Rattus Howard (liberal - conservative) did in 11 years.... Meanwhile the Gillard government (in Canberra) is doing far better than the rest of the world — to the great annoyance of the Liberals (conservatives) who hate to have their noses rubbed in it or would like to place their grubby hands on the loot. 

on yer bike, sort of...

The New South Wales Government is considering introducing distance-based tolling across a range of major Sydney roads, including some that are currently free.

Per-kilometre tolling is already used on Sydney's M7 motorway.

The idea of switching to distance-based tolling was first raised earlier this year in a Commission of Audit report by former Sydney Water chief Kerry Schott.

The Government is now holding forums to discuss its long-term Transport Master Plan.

A discussion paper for the plan looks at road pricing and distance-based tolling, and also discusses charging on some parts of the road network that are currently untolled.

The ideas have alarmed Opposition Leader John Robertson, who says it will force up the cost of living for people in Sydney's west.

"One year since the election and finally we're getting a glimpse of Barry O'Farrell's plan to beat the traffic problems in Sydney, and that is to make tolls so expensive that no-one can afford to drive any more," Mr Robertson said.

"Barry O'Farrell was elected on a promise to reduce the cost of living, but one year on he's hatching a plan that's going to cost motorists more.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-22/per-kilometre-tolling-considered-for-sydney/3905704

down-over the rainbow...

Barry O'Farrell's office is beginning to look like the type of rainbow family favoured by Angelina Jolie. No sooner had the Premier appointed former Joe Tripodi aide and Sun-Herald journalist, Lisa Mullins, as his chief spin doctor than he has poached the president of the press gallery, Mark Tobin. The well-liked ABC journalist will increase the number of media advisers to four, a clear sign the casino scandal, the drive-by shootings and the second airport kerfuffle have begun to take a toll on the Premier. 

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/naked-eye-20120421-1xdku.html#ixzz1sjDzZCUY

see toon at top...