Where DO they FIND these KNOBS ?




http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2014/08/04/1227013/313726-cacc7632-1ba0-11e4-9498-229fc8e204d4.jpg


The Napthine government has had a second candidate withdraw in less than a week, after the Liberal candidate for Bendigo West stood down following crude comments on social media.

Jack Lyons has withdrawn his candidacy for the marginal seat held by Labor's Maree Edwards over comments on his Facebook page.

Lyons is the son of Bendigo mayor Barry Lyons.

Liberal Party state director Damien Mantach confirmed a Herald Sun report that Mr Lyons had withdrawn his candidacy.

Posts on Facebook from Mr Lyons, including him saying Bendigo was “needing an enema” and labelling its Golden Dragon Museum “ching chong gardens”.

On one post he laughed at African poverty, asking why people lived in mud huts and had to walk “5 miles everyday for water ... why not build the f---ing huts closer to the f---ing water”.
Jack Lyons


http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2014/08/04/1227013/312947-be6bf4a8-1ba0-11e4-9498-229fc8e204d4.jpg

He also posted that a good pick-up line was “Hey, does this rag smell like chloroform to you?”

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/libs-second-candidate-quits-in-disgrace-20140804-3d4pw.html#ixzz39TCqIncV




Where DO they FIND these KNOBS ? (2)


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bt6BdXSCAAAErBT.jpg


Victorian Liberal candidate Aaron Lane, who made crude comments on social media, has resigned as the party's candidate for an upper house seat at November's state election.

A statement from Liberal party State Director Damien Mantach on Friday afternoon said Mr Lane had withdrawn his candidacy before a meeting with the Party’s Administrative Committee.

"The Liberal Party acknowledges that the comments made by Mr Lane on social media are hurtful to many people and are entirely unacceptable,'' Mr Mantach said.

Speaking in Bendigo on Friday morning Dr Napthine said Aaron Lane, who has been preselected for the upper house Western Region, should stand aside.

Mr Lane has been called into Liberal headquarters for a please explain after it was revealed that he had made a series of crude posts on Twitter.

“I believe that it's time for Mr Lane to step down,’’ Dr Napthine said.

"There is no place in my team or in the Coalition team for this sort of behaviour and these sorts of comments."

The Premier said the issue would be dealt with by party administration on Friday afternoon.

Mr Lane, a former Young Liberal president and fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs, has been contacted for comment.

In some tweets, made before his preselection earlier this year, Mr Lane uses the derogatory term “faggots’’ and says: “The problem is (IMO) many homos make their sexuality a defining aspect of their being.’’

He also refers to former Labor leader Simon Crean as "a giant C’’

Another tweet says that “shirts are for faggots’’

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/liberal-candidate-aaron-lane-resigns-after-offensive-tweets-20140801-zz90v.html#ixzz39TGegwtk


Former Liberal candidate Aaron Lane, disowned by his party after homophobic comments on Twitter, has now lost his work at Deakin University.

University spokeswoman Sarah Dolan said Mr Lane had been a casual sessional tutor in law at the university teaching sessions in the first semester of this year.

''The situation is that he has previously worked in a casual role but he won't be employed at Deakin any longer,'' she said.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/deakin-university-dumps-disgraced-liberal-aaron-lane-20140802-zzpg0.html#ixzz39TNJDW4n




Where DO they FIND these KNOBS ? (3)


http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bo2QQkdIQAAGejJ.jpg


Well, it’s happened at last. Liberal MP for Frankston has left the Liberal Party in a manner designed to cause maximum damage, in line with what appears to be his usual mode of operation. Ask his ex-wife. Nah, just kidding. He makes (irony alert) a perfect Liberal MP. The Age today provided a list of his qualifications, which are as follows

    Shaw a member of an extreme evangelical church with very close ties to Watoto Church in Kampala, the epicentre of support for for the Ugandan ‘Kill The Gays’ Bill.

    In his maiden speech he mocked the politically correct acknowledgment of Aborigines as the ”original owners” of this country by granting God that honour.

    April 2011 he wrote to a young gay man, Jakob Quilligan, likening his gayness to a paedophile’s desire to molest children.

    He was charged with assault  in 1992 while he was working as a bouncer in Frankston.

    In August 2011 he was involved in a scuffle with a motorist during a road rage incident.


CONTINUED ...

http://www.thestirrer.com.au/geoff-shaw-pariah-to-minister/ 

“needing an enema” and labelling its Golden Dragon Museum “ching chong gardens”

;D

“5 miles everyday for water ... why not build the f---ing huts closer to the f---ing water”

;D ;D


Hey, does this rag smell like chloroform to you?”


;D ;D ;D

The problem is (IMO) many homos make their sexuality a defining aspect of their being.’’

Too true  :)

King FriYAY II wrote on Aug 5^th, 2014 at 11:16am:

"Hey, does this rag smell like chloroform to you?”

Although claimed to be a "pick up" line for women - it was actually a reference to Ted Baillieu, while he occupied the Premier's Office - sitting on his hands for two years

.




Poor NAPPY !


UNEMPLOYMENT


http://titanstroy.su/assets/images/akcii/7-1.jpg


VICTORIA'S UNEMPLOYMENT



HIGHEST IN AUSTRALIA



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http://th08.deviantart.net/fs70/200H/i/2013/004/f/c/png_blood_drips_5_by_moonglowlilly-d5qeg70.png
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Napthine government makes up ground as polls turn

July 24, 2014

http://images.theage.com.au/2014/06/04/5482966/State10-20140604145549377342-600x400.jpg


The Napthine government has clawed back lost political ground after an aggressive campaign attacking Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews' building union links.

( ... when ALL else fails - drag up trade unions)   

But four months from the November election, the Coalition continues to languish in a losing position, with the latest Age/Nielsen poll showing it trailing Labor 46 per cent to 54 per cent after distributing preferences using stated voting intentions.

If an election were held now the Coalition would probably become the first single-term government in Victoria since 1955, suffering a statewide swing of up to 6 per cent since the 2010 election and the loss of up to six seats.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/napthine-government-makes-up-ground-as-polls-turn-20140723-zw3po.html#ixzz39hoaLBPU

more political garbage..

admins.. please... rid this part of the forum of such drivel. .

True Blue... wrote on Aug 8^th, 2014 at 7:04am:

more political garbage.. admins.. please... rid this part of the forum of such drivel. .

What's wrong sooky, is it to critical of the arse job LNP are doing?

True Blue... wrote on Aug 8^th, 2014 at 7:04am:

more political garbage.. admins.. please... rid this part of the forum of such drivel. .

politics in a politics forum .... what will they think of next? :D :D :D :D :D

Ah well it served one purpose!

I finally figured out what Napthine Alert was, kept seeing it on the bottom of buzzanddidg posts.

I thought it must be some sort of ad for a site for people with poor eyesight to have treatment. (Based on the text size used throughout the posts)

:D

Victorian Libs. and Nats. in Bitter Stoush over Candidate Agreement Breach

June 18, 2014

http://brokenchains.xoom.it/elephantman.jpeg

Victoria’s Deputy Premier Peter Ryan, who has savaged the Liberal Party’s
- decision to mount another three-cornered contest in the new seat of Euroa


THE most senior Victorian Nationals’ MP has savaged the Liberal Party’s decision to mount another three-cornered contest, openly accusing the state administration of breaching the Coalition agreement.

Victorian Deputy Premier Peter Ryan today said the Liberal Party had ignored the facts of the Coalition agreement by running a candidate in the rural state seat of Euroa.

Mr Ryan said the decision was a rerun of the three-cornered contest in the rural federal seat of Mallee, which led to open warfare between the parties.

“Indeed, we have asked the Liberal Party not to stand,’’ he said.

Mr Ryan also said it was a "most unfortunate decision’’ and questioned the need for having an agreement when the Coalition parties were competing against each other.

"The very basis and foundation for having a Coalition agreement is to ensure we don’t see this sort of waste of resources occur,’’ he said.

"We saw this all happen in the recent federal election in the seat of Mallee. And here we go again.’’

His comments are significant because Mr Ryan traditionally falls on the side of playing down any differences between the two parties.


http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/victorias-deputy-premier-peter-ryan-lashes-liberal-party-over-euroa-seat/story-e6frgczx-1229658554578

It's always the Nationals that complain about these contests, not the Liberals. The reason is simple - the Nationals are a lingering irrelevancy and would be doomed to extinction within 10 to 20 years if rural voters had genuine choice from the available conservative parties. Hence the Liberals choose not to stand in a few seats so as to prop up the Nationals.

The Nationals should return the favour by fielding candidates in a few seats that are held by the Liberals, particularly the seats in the Wimmera (south-west Victoria) which have been safe for the Liberals at state and Federal level for many years. Malcolm Fraser held the seat of Wannon for many years, and Denis Napthine currently holds a seat in the same general district (South-West Coast).

* ANOTHER point lost in the news "small-print"




Khaled Sharrouf is an ( ... currently) unmedicated schizophrenic

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2014/08/08/1227018/613843-1383804c-1f01-11e4-b916-593f0283aa25.jpg


This is by NO MEANS an EXCUSE for his actions - but a possible or partial explanation, of some-one who has been let fall through the medical cracks in the Australian health system


http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fWeJSV9d0A4/0.jpg




Hundreds of Victorian community mental health workers have lost their jobs following a Napthine government restructure which some critics fear could lead to an increase in homelessness.

An analysis by the sector's peak body, VICSERV, shows that 380 workers have lost their jobs due to the changes.

The reforms, which came into effect at the start of this month, will cut the number of organisations that deliver community-based mental health services from 45 to 16 as part of a recommissioning process.

VICSERV chief executive Kim Koop said half the clients and staff in the sector were "on the move" and displaced staff were not guaranteed new jobs in successful agencies, which are expected to recruit 372 people.

"It is a workforce we have built up over a long time and now we are losing them all in one swoop." 

Clients had found the changes "very unsettling" because their long-standing relationships with workers had been severed, she said.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/mental-health-job-cuts-in-state-government-restructure-20140811-102vgo.html#ixzz3A84JMt6q

Graphic fat advertisements target Victoria's obesity problem

August 17, 2014


http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/4150492-3x2-940x627.jpg



Graphic "toxic fat" television ads will be splashed across Victoria in a bid to tackle the state's growing obesity problem.

The LiveLighter public education campaign "takes people inside their own bodies, showing the toxic build-up of visceral fat, which can dramatically increase the risk of developing serious health conditions", Cancer Council Victoria says.

Health Minister David Davis likened the ads to those aimed at smoking rates, road safety and skin cancer.



http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/graphic-fat-advertisements-target-victorias-obesity-problem-20140817-10553j.html#ixzz3AjWVYvxR








but WAIT, there's MORE ...




Fat chance of spreading word as jobs muddy the McMessage

August 18, 2014


http://www.fian.hn/v1/media/k2/items/cache/391d45802a606be64095bd7b66c67316_XL.jpg


It seems most fortunate that Victoria’s Health Minister David Davis and Treasurer Michael O’Brien didn’t get their press releases mixed up.

‘‘Would you like jobs with that?’’ inquired Mr O’Brien, creatively heralding McDonald’s announcement of eight new hamburger joints across the state.

    There’s to be a new McDonald’s in Ballarat,
which currently only has four of them.
Ballarat was recently declared
Victoria’s No. 1 destination for frequency of heart attacks.

Meanwhile, Mr Davis was launching a less appetising anti-fat campaign that ‘‘takes people inside their own bodies, showing the toxic build-up of visceral fat’’.

In these pre-election days, with the state government increasingly frantic with the business of trying to save itself, a joint press release covering both these developments would surely have saved time.

‘‘Would you like obesity with that?’’ might, of course, have caused a halfway self-respecting press secretary to suffer an attack of the vapours.

It would have been entertaining, however, and not entirely inaccurate.

Victoria would certainly like jobs with that, thanks.

With the state’s unemployment rate hovering around 7 per cent, youth unemployment in many areas upwards of 20 per cent and manufacturing plants closing faster than you can blink, a job - any job - is the sort of thing a growing number of Victorians, and particularly the harried state government, would like on their menus

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/fat-chance-of-spreading-word-as-jobs-muddy-the-mcmessage-20140818-105cie.html#ixzz3Ajao0ms0

Hey Buzz, how come you're willing to criticise Liberals and Christians for anti-gay comments but you won't criticise Islam for its anti-gay vibe? In fact, you've been a vocal supporter of Islam. What the hell's the go, pal?

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Aug 18^th, 2014 at 9:21pm:

Hey Buzz, how come you're willing to criticise Liberals and Christians for anti-gay comments but you won't criticise Islam for its anti-gay vibe? In fact, you've been a vocal supporter of Islam. What the hell's the go, pal?

Offtopic. This has nothing to do with the Napthine government.

If you want something relevant, try the Galaxy poll that favoured the ALP's policy on level crossings over the controversial East-West link by more than two to one (62%-28%). Or that same poll that has the ALP maintaining the lead over the Coalition that it has held for nearly three years.

Napthine is doomed.

Bam wrote on Aug 18^th, 2014 at 9:49pm:

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Aug 18th, 2014 at 9:21pm: Hey Buzz, how come you're willing to criticise Liberals and Christians for anti-gay comments but you won't criticise Islam for its anti-gay vibe? In fact, you've been a vocal supporter of Islam. What the hell's the go, pal? Offtopic. This has nothing to do with the Napthine government. If you want something relevant, try the Galaxy poll that favoured the ALP's policy on level crossings over the controversial East-West link by more than two to one (62%-28%). Or that same poll that has the ALP maintaining the lead over the Coalition that it has held for nearly three years. Napthine is doomed.

I am going to follow Buzzandj around the forum until I get an answer.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Aug 19^th, 2014 at 8:27am:

Bam wrote on Aug 18th, 2014 at 9:49pm: Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Aug 18th, 2014 at 9:21pm: Hey Buzz, how come you're willing to criticise Liberals and Christians for anti-gay comments but you won't criticise Islam for its anti-gay vibe? In fact, you've been a vocal supporter of Islam. What the hell's the go, pal? Offtopic. This has nothing to do with the Napthine government. If you want something relevant, try the Galaxy poll that favoured the ALP's policy on level crossings over the controversial East-West link by more than two to one (62%-28%). Or that same poll that has the ALP maintaining the lead over the Coalition that it has held for nearly three years. Napthine is doomed. I am going to follow Buzzandj around the forum until I get an answer.

That makes you a stalker.

oooh, quick, call the police!

FAIL
FAIL
FAIL

August 18, 2014

http://www.ptua.org.au/news/2003/nye/FlindersStreet-0220am-TaxiQueue.jpg


Every would-be cabbie in the state who has sat the tough new driver Knowledge test has flunked out since it was introduced in June.

The 100 per cent failure rate has left the industry pondering whether it will have enough drivers to work the hectic Christmas holiday period, given the test must be sat by all drivers with less than five years' experience, as well as industry newcomers.

Applicants have two chances to pass the test, with those who fail both attempts refused accreditation to drive a taxi for the next 12 months.


The test has three modules; geographical knowledge, driver behaviour and a general quiz that includes questions on the road rules and taxi regulations. Applicants must get 85 per cent correct in all three modules, answering 155 questions all up. In all, 234 modules of the test have been attempted since June 30, with just 14 scoring a pass.

The Napthine government introduced the test this year to "weed out" the state's worst cab drivers, those who don't know their way around Melbourne, give poor service and have bad attitudes.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wouldbe-cabbies-hit-a-roadblock-with-knowledge-test-20140818-105gtc.html#ixzz3Aq23tqql

Hey Buzz, how come you're willing to criticise Liberals and Christians for anti-gay comments but you won't criticise Islam for its anti-gay vibe? In fact, you've been a vocal supporter of Islam. What the hell's the go, pal?

buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 19^th, 2014 at 10:07pm:

FAIL FAIL FAIL August 18, 2014 http://www.ptua.org.au/news/2003/nye/FlindersStreet-0220am-TaxiQueue.jpg Every would-be cabbie in the state who has sat the tough new driver Knowledge test has flunked out since it was introduced in June. The 100 per cent failure rate has left the industry pondering whether it will have enough drivers to work the hectic Christmas holiday period, given the test must be sat by all drivers with less than five years' experience, as well as industry newcomers. Applicants have two chances to pass the test, with those who fail both attempts refused accreditation to drive a taxi for the next 12 months. The test has three modules; geographical knowledge, driver behaviour and a general quiz that includes questions on the road rules and taxi regulations. Applicants must get 85 per cent correct in all three modules, answering 155 questions all up. In all, 234 modules of the test have been attempted since June 30, with just 14 scoring a pass. The Napthine government introduced the test this year to "weed out" the state's worst cab drivers, those who don't know their way around Melbourne, give poor service and have bad attitudes. http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wouldbe-cabbies-hit-a-roadblock-with-knowledge-test-20140818-105gtc.html#ixzz3Aq23tqql

My comments are here.

Link.

buzzanddidj wrote on Sep 30^th, 2014 at 7:23pm:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Sep 30th, 2014 at 9:09am: Bam wrote on Sep 30th, 2014 at 9:02am: More Liberal party waste - handing hundreds of millions of dollars to wealthy corporations for doing diddly squat. Do you not realise they only get the compensation if the project doesn't go ahead? Nappy is WELL aware of Labor policy to scrap the project Nappy is WELL aware he's in for a "tar and feathering" come November's state election Nappy is INTENTIONALLY throwing Victoria into a further half billion dollar debt - PURELY for the satisfaction of saying it was incurred on "Labor's watch" An altruistic Nappy would have put the signing off for another two months - till AFTER the election - he STILL, incredibly optimistically, thinks he can win

It's OFFICIAL: Baillieu/Naphine - WORST Victorian Government in a Lifetime

September 29, 2014


http://images.dailylife.com.au/2013/03/07/4090688/art-spooner-620x349.jpg


The Victorian Labor Party retains an election-winning lead over the Napthine government with a new poll showing voters marking the Coalition government hard on its record on jobs and public transport.

The Essential Research poll for September, provided to The Age, shows Labor leading the Coalition 52 per cent to 48 per cent on a two-party preferred basis. Labor's primary vote is 39 per cent, as is the Coalition's. The Greens recorded 11 per cent.

The poll comes just two months before a state election when the Napthine Government, with its slim parliamentary majority, is struggling in most major opinion polls and faces the possibility of being the first one-term government in Victoria since the 1950s.


http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/labor-retains-lead-over-napthine-government-as-job-woes-hurt-coalition-20140928-10mhko.html#ixzz3EsxGM1zh

Howard's "winner" inspires Denis Napthine


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Melbourne's busiest railway stations have been blanketed in bright yellow ads aimed at warning commuters about the heightened risk of terrorism.

Throughout the CBD, from Richmond to Southern Cross stations, dozens of posters and banners, plastered from floor to ceiling, have popped up in the past few days, urging anyone who sees something to say something – by calling triple-0 or the National Security Hotline.

"Be SCARED - be VERY SCARED
DON'T change government NOW"


http://transform.fairfaxregional.com.au/transform/v1/crop/frm/storypad-xg9CJ24URJf7csQxpNfFdd/868e8d9f-86ff-4fdf-aea5-1dd24313154e.jpg/r272_235_3249_2214_w370_h246_fmax.jpg


Victoria Police declined to comment on the advertising campaign, referring calls to the state government.

On platform 14 at Southern Cross Station on Friday evening, many passengers said they had not even noticed the bright yellow sign urging them to "saying something" if they saw something suspicious

The ads began appearing in late September and would be displayed at various outdoor locations including City Loop stations and Richmond station, the spokesman said.

Final costs for the campaign are not expected to be available until next year's annual department report - after the state election, in November


http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/terror-alert-ads-blanket-melbourne-railway-stations-20141010-1149jm.html#ixzz3Fn96OQZS

Quote:

Final costs for the campaign are not expected to be available until next year's annual department report - after the state election, in November

What?????

No tender process??

:)

Denis Napthine - heavy on spin, light on detail


October 7, 2014
Josh Gordon

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/sites/sbs.com.au.news/files/styles/full/public/images/j/b/JBOB_PM_800x600.jpg


After almost four years - and with the unemployment rate hovering at the highest level for 13 years - the state government appears to have jolted to the idea that jobs are a central political issue.

So much so that on Tuesday it released no less than seven separate glossy brochures spruiking what Premier Denis Napthine claimed was the most comprehensive jobs plan in Victoria's history.

It had everything. There was a mini-media lock-up, a colourful logo, a slick video presentation featuring smiling workers, a briefing for dozens of industry representatives, and a swanky luncheon high over Melbourne.

The only thing missing was detail.

Treasurer Michael O'Brien and Dr Napthine claimed the blueprint represented a $33 billion plan that would create 200,000 positions over five years.

But at a press conference that at times seemed to border on the ridiculous, both repeatedly refused to go into detail about which announcements were new, how the plan would affect the bottom line, or where the money would come from.

Many of the announcements also appeared to have been recycled, including $27 billion of future infrastructure projects announced in the May budget, such as the airport rail link (due for completion after 2026), and the second stage of the East West Link.

The government estimates its plan will underpin the creation of an average of 40,000 jobs a year - that's about one-third more than the current rate of jobs growth.

It's probably an achievable target, although past experience suggests we should be cautious when it comes to such predictions.

In May 2011, for example, former state treasurer Kim Wells told Parliament the Coalition government expected employment to grow at an annual rate of 1.75 per cent, equating to between 50,000 and 55,000 jobs a year for the four-year budget period.

As it turned out, employment growth in Victoria has been far lower, with an average of about 30,000 positions a year added.


No amount of glossy brochures are going to save the car industry, or halt the long-term decline of Victoria's manufacturing sector, or protect producers from increasingly fierce competition from foreign producers.

There are some levers at the government's disposal, including providing employment incentives and training, but the government should spare us the spin.

No wonder the public is cynical.

The government is quite entitled to cobble together a list of existing initiatives and call it a jobs plan. It is also entitled to make predictions about how many jobs will be created.

What it is not entitled to do is take people for idiots.


http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-government-jobs-plan-heavy-on-spin-light-on-detail-20141007-10rju4.html#ixzz3Fup8bK4U

Vic ambo pay dispute enters third year


22 Aug 2014


http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/05/22/1226643/199370-frankston-hospital.jpg




Victoria's long-running ambulance pay dispute has just ticked over into its third year, with little sign of any deal soon.

Hundreds of paramedics rallied in Melbourne on Friday before marching through city streets to the state government offices.

Ambulance Employees Association state secretary Steve McGhie told the rally Victorian paramedics were paid up to $20,000 a year less than counterparts in other states.

"All we're asking for is that you be recognised like paramedics in other states and be paid the same, or similar, or better," he said.

He said it was disingenuous for the government to claim the offer was for 12 per cent over three years, because Victorian paramedics had not had a pay rise since 2011.

Mr McGhie said Fair Work Australia had given the union the green light to impose 27 more forms of industrial action, including taking media out with crews, recording data on paper and not electronically, and other administrative bans.

Victorian opposition health spokesman Gavin Jennings told reporters that should Labor win the November 29 election, the matter would be sent to Fair Work Australia to determine a fair pay outcome.

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten told the rally the state government was negligent in letting an industrial dispute drag on for two years.

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/08/22/no-end-sight-vic-ambo-pay-dispute

wrote on Oct 12^th, 2014 at 5:37am:

Dan Andrews just one shot away from power or failure September 24, 2014     Dan Andrews, the self-described "absolute golf-tragic", is at the driving range, having granted himself the luxury of a few minutes to belt some balls at the evening sky to clear his head. Golf, he is fond of telling people, is not dissimilar to politics. You'll never beat golf. You can only do your best, and when you are behind, all you need is one good shot to come back. That's the optimistic way of looking at it. In his darker moments Andrews might equally wonder if he isn't equally one shot away from freezing, giving it all away, hitting the ball off the course. In recent weeks his game has wavered. His opponent, Denis Napthine, has been warning Victorians for months not to trust him, not to risk the state's security and prosperity by voting Labor on November 29.      :-? In these troubling times of terrorism and national security threats, Napthine's ominous predictable warnings about "militant unions" and financial ruin under Labor seems to carry more weight. People are nervous about the ever-present threat posed by terrorism. The enemy is hidden, everywhere and nowhere. More than ever, people desire security, certainty and comfort. This tends to favour political incumbents. But is there not also the hope of something better around the corner? Something fresher, younger? The big question - as always - will be whether voters' natural risk aversion trumps the possible reward of a change. It is a simple enough political equation. Andrews knows he must do more than highlight the government's failings if he is to win. He must offer a credible alternative. Has Andrews done enough? The election is, according to the polls, his to lose. For much of the past four years Andrews has played a consistent, if unspectacular, game. He has spoken a bit about the big issues that matter to Victorians: health, education, jobs and public transport. But he has also avoided making himself a target. Andrews has also had a bit of luck, which he has milked to his strategic advantage. Geoff Shaw's balance of power position in the Parliament, for example, created a damaging and persistent distraction for the government. Andrews exploited this mercilessly, borrowing from Tony Abbott's strategy of ruthless obstructionism. Nor has the outlook for the state economy helped the Coalition's prospects. Since the government came to office, the state's official unemployment rate has risen from 4.9 per cent to almost 7 per cent.      :( Total employment has grown about 110,000 since December 2010, but this nothing to crow about. Over the same period, Victoria's working age population swelled by almost three times that amount. Employment growth hasn't even come close to matching population growth, pushing the unemployment rate to the highest level since the turn of the century.     Then there is Tony Abbott. Labor's focus group research has been showing for months that Prime Minister Abbott is toxic in Victoria cont ... http://www.theage.com.au/comment/dan-andrews-just-one-shot-away-from-power-or-failure-20140924-10l8pw.html#ixzz3FrojPpvR

Looking forward to the November election.  When the good people of Victoria, boot the Napthine liberal government out of power.      :)

Auditor-General says Victoria's heatwave plan inadequate

October 14, 2014 - 5:50PM


http://ramblingsdc.net/Australia/ClimChange/CC_AngrySummer.jpg

Victoria does not have a clear enough statewide plan to protect people from catastrophic heatwaves despite two heat disasters causing more than 500 deaths since 2009, the state Auditor-General has found.

In a damning report on Victoria's preparedness for extreme heat, Auditor-General John Doyle revealed that Victorians were receiving mixed messages about preventing heat-related illnesses this year and that at least four hospitals lost power during the heatwave in January, which killed about 167 people.

The report, Heatwave Management: Reducing the Risk to Public Health, said that despite 374 people losing their lives in the 2009 heatwave that preceded the Black Saturday bushfires, the response this year lacked strategic leadership.

Despite hospital emergency departments being inundated with thousands of people seeking urgent treatment for heat-related illnesses in January, particularly critically ill elderly people, both Dandenong and Casey hospitals lost power when their emergency generators failed, leading to "ongoing issues with air conditioning, water supply, lifts and medical equipment" at Casey in Berwick. Other health services also lost power, including the Ouyen and Manangatang hospitals. 

The potential for power problems also confused health messages to vulnerable people, the report said, leaving some elderly people unsure about whether they should leave their air conditioning on to protect their health or turn it off to conserve energy for other infrastructure.

Furthermore, while Victoria Police was meant to become the leading emergency management agency when there are more than three consecutive days of "heat health alerts" – as there were in January – it did not assume control as expected. 

"While heatwaves are estimated to have contributed to more deaths than any other natural disaster nationally, there are no clear arrangements in place in in Victoria to prepare for and drive the response to heatwaves," the report said.

Mr Doyle called for greater clarity around roles and responsibilities in the management of heatwaves and said although Victoria had a state-level emergency plan for tsunamis, it did not have one for heatwaves

The report also called for more targeted messages to vulnerable groups in the community during heatwaves, more education about the impact of extreme heat to take pressure off emergency services, and action to ensure public health services can manage power failures.

"This is a serious risk given that hospitals care for the state's most vulnerable people, including those susceptible to extreme heat," Mr Doyle said.

"As we head into the 2014-15 summer season, these issues need to be addressed urgently and proactively if Victoria is to be better prepared to respond to heatwaves and adverse impacts on public health are to be minimised."

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/auditorgeneral-says-victorias-heatwave-plan-inadequate-20141014-115zfd.html#ixzz3G6NaPjP0

Armed PSO threatened to kill dog at North Fitzroy station

October 15, 2014


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Chris Drane, his dog Poncho, and friend Tim Durkin were threatened by an armed PSO at Rushall station


Police are investigating a complaint by two Melbourne musicians that a Protective Services Officer threatened to kill their dog while they were walking through a railway station underpass.

The pair, Chris Drane and Tim Durkin of guitar band Cherrywood, allege the officer put his hand on the butt of his gun and threatened to kill Drane's Rhodesian ridgeback, Poncho, after the dog barked at the officer.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon in the pedestrian underpass at Rushall station in Fitzroy North, the two men have alleged in a statement submitted to the Police Conduct Unit of Victoria Police's Professional Standards Command.

The pair allege the threat was made moments after two PSOs stopped them in the underpass because they (Drane and Durkin) were carrying opened beer cans.

The officers told them it was an offence to drink alcohol at a railway station and demanded the two men's personal details. The men said they offered to turn around and leave the underpass, unaware it was part of the station. The underpass is on VicTrack land and is managed by Metro but is not inside the station gates and is commonly used as a public walkway to Merri Creek.

During the exchange the dog barked at the PSOs, and Durkin admits he facetiously said, "That's the way, Poncho."

It was then that the officer made his threat, the men claim.

"At the same moment, the shorter of the two PSOs reached for and placed his hand on his gun, stared me in the eye and said, 'That's a good way to get your dog killed," Drane wrote in a statement he submitted to police on Monday.

"Not only were we both appalled by this statement, but also very fearful for the life of the dog and of our own safety. This was a very excessive reaction to the situation," he wrote.

Drane and Durkin attempted to leave the underpass but the other PSO, who remained calm during the exchange, grabbed Drane's arm and insisted on taking the pair's details.

They relented, gave their information, and were let on their way.

The pair said the incident left them feeling shaken.

"It is concerning to think that people who are supposed to protect the public are actually threatening and scaring them," Drane said.

Victoria Police said on Wednesday that the incident was being investigated.

"The complaint has been acknowledged by the Professional Standards Command and will be assessed and investigated," a spokesman said.

Protective Services Officers have been stationed at Rushall for less than two weeks. It is one of Melbourne's quietest stations, according to patronage data.

The Napthine government has promised to deploy 940 PSOs to patrol Melbourne's 212 stations, plus four regional stations, by November. There are currently 929 officers guarding 156 stations between 6pm and the last train of the night.

Officers must complete a 12-week training course before graduating, which is shorter than the 33-week course required for general police duties

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/armed-pso-threatened-to-kill-dog-at-north-fitzroy-station-dog-owner-claims-20141016-116ipz.html#ixzz3GdCyj4wG

buzzanddidj wrote on Nov 7^th, 2014 at 9:11pm:

adelcrow wrote on Nov 7th, 2014 at 4:48pm: Its going to take Labor a long time to turn these LNP basket case states around. Things could be WORSE - but there's not that much damage to FIX FORTUNATELY, Baillieu and Napthine didn't DO anything Napthine's "big ticket" for Ballarat, is a heli-pad for Ballarat Base Hospital Baillieu promised the SAME THING - in 2010 - if HE was to win government

Napthine Government ministers heckled at Lib launch in Ballarat

12:50 pm, Sunday, 9 November 2014


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All parents of kinder kids will receive $100 cash back, Premier Denis Napthine has promised if he is re-elected in three weeks time.

Launching the Coalition's state election campaign in Ballarat — which was heavy on anti-Labor rhetoric, he painted them as the enemy of country Victoria

Liberal delegates had to run a gauntlet of anti-government protesters as they entered the Ballarat Lodge.

Protesters, in particular from the paramedics and firefighters union, picketed the event and heckled attendees as they entered the building.

http://www.examiner.com.au/story/2562081/just-unbelievable-mans-hour-long-wait-for-ambulance-in-central-ballarat/?cs=2452

"Worst ambulance response time ever" and "can you hold your breath for 23 minutes?" were screamed at arriving delegates, including former Premier Jeff Kennett. Ted Baillieu slipped in through a side door.

Inside Dr Napthine, Mr Ryan, local candidates and Planning Minister Matthew Guy pushed the idea that Labor was bad for Victoria and could not be trusted

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-state-election-2014-coalition-pitches-to-parents-youth-and-regional-victoria-at-campaign-launch-20141109-11jb1b.html#ixzz3Ic4sePBE



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Victorian government ministers have been heckled by protesting paramedics and nurses as they made their way inside the Liberal campaign launch in Ballarat.

Dozens of paramedics and nurses lined up outside the building where Sunday's launch is being held, shouting slogans and carrying placards.

'We save lives, Liberals tell lies,' they chanted.

Health Minister David Davis and Treasurer Michael O'Brien were among those heckled.

The protesters, who accuse the Liberals of breaking health promises, are calling for the ambulance service crisis to be fixed and to deliver 800 promised hospital beds.

Luke Hilakari, Victorian Trades Hall Council Secretary, said the protest marks the pinnacle of the Liberal Party's shortcomings as a first term government.

'We stand here today to remind all Victorians of Premier Napthine's broken promises to our health care system.'

http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/2014/11/09/vic-govt-ministers-heckled-at-lib-launch.html#sthash.NCpKHejD.dpuf

http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/2014/11/09/vic-govt-ministers-heckled-at-lib-launch.html

A day off for football.

Millions on a football stadium in Ballarat.

5689 gazillion schools built for $1.05 each.

A desal plant that just keeps on taking and never gives.

Disastrous Myki ticketing.

Disastrous Nth Sth dust pipe.

And Andrews, the dutiful union hack leading the way for more disaster for Vitoria.

::)

King FriYAY II wrote on Nov 10^th, 2014 at 9:44am:

A day off for football. Nothing lost - petty criticism 5689 gazillion schools built for $1.05 each. ... or just re-open the HUNDREDS of state schools. secondary schools and TAFE colleges boarded up by the Kennett and Baillieu governments Millions on a football stadium in Ballarat. Based on population - DESERVED and LONG OVERDUE A desal plant that just keeps on taking and never gives. That had bipartisan policy and support for ALL FUTURE DROUGHT-PROOFING - not just the LAST drought Disastrous Myki ticketing. With so MANY more 'pros' than 'cons' - Baillieu decided to stick with it Disastrous Nth Sth dust pipe. PURE POLITICS Bailliu REFUSED to re-open the Labor project - even with surpluses created by the Northern Rivers Project - and Melbourne dams at less than 20% And Andrews, the dutiful union hack leading the way for more disaster for Vitoria. Despite Napthine and the Murdoch Press telling you OTHERWISE - Andrews has never held ANY role or position in ANY trade union - nor been a paid up MEMBER of ANY trade union ::)

buzzanddidj wrote on Nov 10^th, 2014 at 10:56am:

King FriYAY II wrote on Nov 10th, 2014 at 9:44am: A day off for football. Nothing lost - petty criticism Nothing lost?? Just billions in productivity - how dumb. 5689 gazillion schools built for $1.05 each. ... or just re-open the HUNDREDS of state schools. secondary schools and TAFE colleges boarded up by the Kennett and Baillieu governments Or the tech schools closed by labor... ::) Millions on a football stadium in Ballarat. Based on population - DESERVED and LONG OVERDUE Football!! Have they even asked the AFL? What a waste when so many go without. A desal plant that just keeps on taking and never gives. That had bipartisan policy and support for ALL FUTURE DROUGHT-PROOFING - not just the LAST drought $$$$$$$$$ and not a single liter ordered Disastrous Myki ticketing. With so MANY more 'pros' than 'cons' - Baillieu decided to stick with it It's been a smacking disaster and you know it Disastrous Nth Sth dust pipe. PURE POLITICS Bailliu REFUSED to re-open the Labor project - even with surpluses created by the Northern Rivers Project - and Melbourne dams at less than 20% Absulote waste of money. Trying to steal water from the country. And Andrews, the dutiful union hack leading the way for more disaster for Vitoria. Despite Napthine and the Murdoch Press telling you OTHERWISE - Andrews has never held ANY role or position in ANY trade union - nor been a paid up MEMBER of ANY trade union ;D ;D He'll be a union boy and you know it ::)

King FriYAY II wrote on Nov 10^th, 2014 at 11:09am:

buzzanddidj wrote on Nov 10th, 2014 at 10:56am: King FriYAY II wrote on Nov 10th, 2014 at 9:44am: And Andrews, the dutiful union hack leading the way for more disaster for Vitoria. Despite Napthine and the Murdoch Press telling you OTHERWISE - Andrews has never held ANY role or position in ANY trade union - nor been a paid up MEMBER of ANY trade union ;D ;D He'll be a union boy and you know it ::)

Give it up, Friyay. Your misrepresentation has been busted, the least you can do is acknowledge it and get on with your life.

Okay...so what wrong with representing the working poor?

Lets hope these union haters refuse every benefit they enjoy that unionists have fought for over the past 100 yrs.

adelcrow wrote on Nov 10^th, 2014 at 5:43pm:

Okay...so what wrong with representing the working poor? Lets hope these union haters refuse every benefit they enjoy that unionists have fought for over the past 100 yrs.

People died to bring us the basic benefits we enjoy today, such as an eight-hour working day, paid annual leave, paid sick leave paid public holidays, etc, including some who were murdered by the state. I don't see many employers putting their lives on the line to stand up for what they want!

Bam wrote on Nov 10^th, 2014 at 5:48pm:

adelcrow wrote on Nov 10th, 2014 at 5:43pm: Okay...so what wrong with representing the working poor? Lets hope these union haters refuse every benefit they enjoy that unionists have fought for over the past 100 yrs. People died to bring us the basic benefits we enjoy today, such as an eight-hour working day, paid annual leave, paid sick leave paid public holidays, etc, including some who were murdered by the state. I don't see many employers putting their lives on the line to stand up for what they want!

Todays Neo Liberals have no idea that the pay, conditions and living standards they enjoy today are purely because of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the union movement.
Its pathetic when these Neo Liberals try and slander those that they owe so much to while also enjoying the fruits of a 100 years of unionist struggle.

buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 5^th, 2014 at 10:53am:

Where DO they FIND these KNOBS ?

Victorian Liberal candidate quits: report

John Varano, the Victorian Liberal candidate for Sydenham, is reported to have quit just as a newspaper was about to reveal dropped assault charges.

Updated 46 minutes ago


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A Liberal candidate in the Victorian election has quit just as a newspaper prepared to reveal he had been charged with assaulting his wife, it's been reported.

John Varano, the Liberal candidate for Sydenham, has denied assaulting his American wife Lorraine in a Pennsylvania carpark in 2007 and has said charges against him were dismissed by a judge, News Corp Australia reported on Sunday.

His wife later decided she did not want to press charges.

Mr Varano said on Saturday that he abhorred violence against women.

"These false allegations were dealt with seven years ago, when all charges against me were dismissed by a judge in a Pennsylvania Court," he said in a statement to the Sunday Herald Sun.

"The allegations refer to an argument I had with my ex-wife in 2007. There was no physical altercation."

Mr Varano's name will remain on the ballot paper as nominations for the poll have closed.

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/11/16/victorian-liberal-candidate-quits-report