You’re right, and I will.

Different or conflicting messages? SA government wants the mining and its expansion – the Federal government approved it. WA government apparently does not.

Wayne Thompson
Carine Independent Candidate, Election 2008 WA.

It does have to do with marriage and any other family relationships. Yes, of course there can be all sorts of alliances, connections and networks, but we draw the line at the most obvious: family relationships. It’s a matter of propriety, if nothing else.

Does that mean a person is always excluded from working in a public sector area in which a family member has already established themselves? Not necessarily, but the aspirant should have already qualified themselves, independently, obviously, and hopefully in a different field. And Bill Johnston hasn’t. He’s just an ALP insider and married to a sitting member.

I guess that was the most negative thing for Hillary Clinton to overcome – the perception that her nomination was wrapped up because of the powerful Clinton family connections in the party. Similarly, I think the public perception of the Bill Johnston pre-selection, will be that the ALP is showing total contempt for the electorate. It hardly helps the ALP, or politics.

And of course most politicians are egomaniacs concerned for their own advantage – stuff their own party, never mind the electorate. Watcher in Mt Lawley @ 10 complains that our pollies can’t even copy good ideas. Anna, would you like to list the good, original policy ideas this government has come up with?

I am surprised you weren’t more interested in writing about how uranium mining issues affect your own electorate and state. Since you weren’t and from the content of the article, can we assume the Greens will be 2nd preference on your how to vote cards?

FWIW, I don’t find it particularly ironic – Lem’s His Master’s Voice is a good read for some ethical discussion on why Peter Garrett may have chosen to take the job offered.

Garrett changes tune on uranium
SMH – August 28, 2008 – 7:56PM

Peter Garrett used to rock out to anti-nuclear tunes.

Now the federal environment minister has changed his tune, approving a major expansion of Australia’s smallest uranium mine.

The Midnight Oil frontman protested against the nuclear industry in the song “Maralinga”.

“In the wind the ashes fly, the poison crown, the charcoal ground,” he sang.

It seems his dancing days are behind him.

On Thursday, he announced he had given the go-ahead to the major expansion of South Australia’s Beverley mine, the smallest of Australia’s three uranium mines.

The mine, located near the Flinders Ranges 600km from Adelaide, produces 1,500 tonnes of “yellowcake” – uranium oxide – a year.

Australian Conservation Foundation campaigner David Noonan said the mine could now spread its acid and radioactive pollution over 100 square kilometres.

“The pumping of acid into the soil and aquifers will leave behind acid and radioactive wastes in some of the aquifers within the mine lease for many years,” Mr Noonan said.

“It’s actually causing greater environmental impact over a larger area.”

Mr Noonan said the mine worked by pumping sulfuric acid underground, which dissolved the uranium. The solution was then pumped back to the surface.

Mr Garrett’s decision to extend the mine’s lease will not see it produce more uranium but Mr Noonan said a larger area would become polluted by the mine.

The expansion would also allow the mine to stay in production for longer, he said.

Greens senator Scott Ludlam slammed the expansion.

“It is incredibly disappointing to see Peter Garrett of all people allowing such a thing to take place, given the current state of water in Australia and in South Australia in particular,” Senator Ludlam said.

“It should be completely unacceptable in this day and age.”

But Mr Garrett said the environmental impacts had been thoroughly considered.

He had sought advice from scientists from the CSIRO, Geosciences Australia and the government’s Chief Scientist.

“I am satisfied that the tough conditions attached to this approval will ensure the highest standards of environmental management by the mine operator,” Mr Garrett said.

“My decision demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring world’s best practice environmental standards for uranium mining in this country.”

Mr Garrett said mine operator Heathgate Resources would have to implement a rigorous monitoring program to show it was meeting environmental targets.

He had paid particular attention to protecting the quality of groundwater.

“The way in which Heathgate Resources manages mining fluids and the disposal of liquid wastes has been confirmed by the CSIRO and Geoscience Australia as world’s best practice and endorsed by the Chief Scientist,” Mr Garrett said.

The South Australian government had agreed on the environmental conditions attached to the mine’s expansion, he said.

The Australian Uranium Association welcomed Mr Garrett’s decision and said it had been based on a robust scientific assessment.

The association said it was pleasing the scientists had confirmed that Heathgate’s practices were world’s best practice.

Wayne G. Thompson (Independent)
Carine 2008 State Election

What’s your take on the Buswell website ? Offensive, or a Storm in a D cup ?

I also don’t see how it’s strange that people find a connection with those who share their ambition and passion.

“Passion for ideas?! An idea couldn’t get through the egos.”

There’s cynical, then there’s ridiculous.

Passion for ideas?! An idea couldn’t get through the egos.

Disagree about the husband/wife thing in parliament. Maybe Eric met Lil, and Sally met Jon in parliament, but Kate should keep Bill out. Bill is known to the politically-interested through his TV appearances, and I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t grimace with distaste at the mention of his name. Would he stand any chance of being pre-selected if he wasn’t a party/union hack? Surely not. Did Shelley Archer get pre-selected on merit? How about Helen Bullock?

Isn’t the reason the ALP picked up Kingsley in 2005 that Cheryl Edwardes thought she could install her husband there when she retired. People don’t like that stuff for a good reason – it’s unlikely the relative is being chosen on merit.

And just like that, Carps has sent out a release and announced he’s pulled the Truth About Troy site- probably guaranteeing the second night of news coverage about a stock-standard campaign smear website, and reminding punters Troy Buswell exists.

Or am I too cynical about this and the website was genuinely the creation of a rogue element (and authorised by Bill Johnston)

And here is the ABC TV News item in question. But really what a beatup, I don’t seem to recall the federal libs pulling similar websites on Latham & Rudd.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2008/08/28/2349589.htm