Tackling Market Power in the COVID-19 Era
Tackling market power in the COVID-19 era. Mr Rod Sims, Chair National Press Club, 21 October 2020 Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra on ‘Market power in the COVID-19 era’, ACCC Chair Rod Sims said it was crucial
Budget Reliance on Tax Cuts a Gamble
By Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, ACOSS. The Budget leaves millions of people stranded, giving the least to people who already have the least, and giving the most to those who have more. We should have given the most to people
It’s a Fine Mess You’ve Got Us Into
It seems to be everyone’s fault – maybe we should start over. NSW Ports Pty Ltd agrees with the ACCC that the Port of Newcastle container penalty is illegal under the “Competition and Consumer Act 2010” (CCA). NSW Ports is
Government Senators Insult Chinese Witnesses at Inquiry
Abetz questions Wesa Chau’s allegiance to Australia. By Wesa Chau¹ Like any Australian, I fulfilled my democratic rights and obligations by volunteering and participating in a Senate inquiry into issues facing diaspora communities in Australia. Image CofA Senate Inquiry (generic)
Federal Budget: the Lost Opportunity
Opportunity Lost: Covid-19 and the Budget. The many problems in our society exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the response to it have been largely ignored by the Federal Government’s budget. Residential Aged Care has been ignored. Aging in the
New Rules for Fire Risk Management
NSW Farmers welcomes simplified rules for landholders in managing fire risk on their properties. They include greater and clearer powers for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner to ensure appropriate vegetation clearing on public lands. NSW Farmers members have
Meanwhile…
Voyage of the Forsaken
In the terror of this moment, as a rancorous ocean violently lashed our frail craft and vented torment upon us, it seemed an eternity since Carrie and I exchanged farewells on that sunny southern shore. I feared the vessel would
Unclouded Thinking
When in The Cloud, do as the Angels do. Often enough a media release arrives in Throsby’s spam-encrusted inbox that he really wants to publish as a news item but can’t quite make head nor tale of it. Our beloved
Newy Monopoly Delights Region’s Poor
While well-to-do queue for the latest iPhone or Tesla car, a localised board game gives hope to the region’s poor. Monopoly – a century ago known as “The Landlord’s Game – gloatingly instructed the hoi-polloi as to how, and from
Merewether Makeover
Llewellyn Street Merewether will get new street furniture and shade trees to protect the delicate skin and sensitivities of the city’s more consequential townsfolk. The $3 million Lewellyn Street enhancement borrows design elements from the nearby Bathers Way –
Just Sayin’
Improper Use of Disinfectants. Due to recent speculation and social media activity, RB (the makers of Lysol and Dettol) has been asked whether internal administration of disinfectants may be appropriate for investigation or use as a treatment for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Chocolate Slump Unforgivable COVID19 Fail
Global chocolate consumption ‘melts’ on back of COVID-19 . With COVID-19 restrictions around the world limiting impulse purchasing and decreasing consumer confidence, global chocolate consumption has fallen significantly over recent months, according to a new report by agribusiness banking specialist
When PR-speak Overwhelms News
The editor spends more time than he has hammering press releases into something resembling informative. You know, something like news. Delight at getting an item about the Air Cranes fighting bushfires became despair at the gushing, almost cloying, brochure-speak. Accompanied
Ocean Baths out to Lease?
Redevelopment of Newcastle Ocean Baths pavilion and car park underway. The paint is peeling off the walls and door frames. The toilets stink. Homeless people camp under the archways. A greasy takeaway sells overpriced ham-and-cheese rolls.” Thus spake former Waverly
Post-Truth Teapot
What’s this silliness of “memes” and “#hashtags” swirling through social media in ever decreasing circles? I’m older than most of you – well, all of you – and have seen myriad headlines and multitudinous news in my time. On social
Anything But a Curate’s Egg
Throsby likes nothing better than 1.) eggs Benedict for brekky, and 2.) good news from research funded by the partisans it favours. In this case it’s about eggs – which is a nice change from ongoing research that modest alcohol
No Cruise Terminal for You, Newcastle.
Infrastructure NSW has withdrawn the $12.7 million funding for a cruise terminal project in Newcastle port. Port of Newcastle was working on the project on behalf of the NSW Government on the basis of “providing a facility that meets the
Gladys, the Trams Were Lovely, But What If…?
Tram Trains What if light rail cars had used the existing but opened and beautified heavy rail to Newcastle Station – much like the Hunter Street tramway – and the heavy trains stopped at, say, Hamilton (Interchange!)? And the light