I'm find it unbelievable how government continually waste money. Mr McGinty thought nothing of spending approximately $280,000 on brochures, being sent to households in the metro areas to sing his own praises. There are those that have named it "election propaganda" which most would agree with, the people have received nothing but a continued failure to improve our health system.
Mr McGinty also commented that the money came from the Health Department budget, when will politicians realise that we aren't interested in paying for their spin. Money in the Health budget should be spent on rectifying existing problems, Mr McGinty's main objective should be to seeing that people receive the treatment needed and to cut the waiting lists. The health system has been failing the people of this state for too long, it's about time the government were held answerable.
The AMA have come out with their concerns on the hospital waiting times as well as chronic overcrowding. It was estimated by Dr Mountain that there were 150 extra deaths in 2003, when access block was running at 25-30 per cent. If a linear calculation was done, that is 250-300 extra deaths a year occurring in WA now. So why is the best Mr McGinty can do is waste money from the health budget on brochures instead of assisting the people that need help.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
To Be Or Not
The WA watchdog wants water privatised, so is it a matter of here we go again? We heard all the hype when the government announced breaking up Western Power, all that amounted to was increased costs to the WA tax payers. The service was far from improved and definitely not cheaper, as well as Verve being kept afloat to the tune of a million dollars.
While many agree a major over haul is needed within Water Corp, its also time industries started to pay their fair share, instead of receiving water at a minimal price. It is a precious resource and industries that are known to be water guzzlers should be paying for their own desalination plants or other sources.
I was amazed when speaking to people from the northern areas that they weren't aware that their taxes went towards paying for the KWRP line, with more to come. Why do we subsidise industries with water, power and gas, it seems clear consumers are paying industries in more ways than one to invest in our state. They are making huge profits to send off shore, we are left with huge holes, toxic sites, flattened Forrest's and heavy pollution without going into other areas of destruction.
The government's economic regulator wants to encourage private investors into the market, and lower costs by taking assessment and approval of sources away from the Water Corporation. As for Mr Rowe from the ERA and comments of going down the same path as the deregulated energy sector, to encourage private bulk water suppliers into the market, using the energy sector as an example is a poor choice. The energy breakup has caused nothing but expense and hardship for the people of WA, we receive nothing but increases from both government and industry.
West Australian
Mr Rowe believed that there was a perceived conflict of interest in the corporation identifying and approving new water sources. "In some ways there are insufficient checks and balances on the Water Corporation, at the moment the consumers bear all the risks. All costs get passed on in tariffs one way or another, they don't necessarily look for the most efficient."
If the water corp aren't able to manage the maintenance of our dams, or be open in regard to Wellington Dam which over flowed 4 out of 5 years, holds more water than all the metro dams together. Yet for some reason the water is being pumped out to sea, instead of using reverse osmosis and pumping it to the Harvey Dam. Having an in dependent entity to also consider the water needs and concerns of the people of the state, would make a nice change.
While many agree a major over haul is needed within Water Corp, its also time industries started to pay their fair share, instead of receiving water at a minimal price. It is a precious resource and industries that are known to be water guzzlers should be paying for their own desalination plants or other sources.
I was amazed when speaking to people from the northern areas that they weren't aware that their taxes went towards paying for the KWRP line, with more to come. Why do we subsidise industries with water, power and gas, it seems clear consumers are paying industries in more ways than one to invest in our state. They are making huge profits to send off shore, we are left with huge holes, toxic sites, flattened Forrest's and heavy pollution without going into other areas of destruction.
The government's economic regulator wants to encourage private investors into the market, and lower costs by taking assessment and approval of sources away from the Water Corporation. As for Mr Rowe from the ERA and comments of going down the same path as the deregulated energy sector, to encourage private bulk water suppliers into the market, using the energy sector as an example is a poor choice. The energy breakup has caused nothing but expense and hardship for the people of WA, we receive nothing but increases from both government and industry.
West Australian
Mr Rowe believed that there was a perceived conflict of interest in the corporation identifying and approving new water sources. "In some ways there are insufficient checks and balances on the Water Corporation, at the moment the consumers bear all the risks. All costs get passed on in tariffs one way or another, they don't necessarily look for the most efficient."
If the water corp aren't able to manage the maintenance of our dams, or be open in regard to Wellington Dam which over flowed 4 out of 5 years, holds more water than all the metro dams together. Yet for some reason the water is being pumped out to sea, instead of using reverse osmosis and pumping it to the Harvey Dam. Having an in dependent entity to also consider the water needs and concerns of the people of the state, would make a nice change.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Behind The Times
We continually hear of staff shortages in government areas, so are the required follow ups on certain stipulations within licenses been carried out? Do the qualified people still exist within the departments or are industry been left unchecked? Is the continuous monitoring and conformity being carried out at NuFarm as an example, or will we hear the same tired excuses?
A worrying aspect for communities is the company NuFarm that deep-well injects waste, containing herbicides and pesticides chemicals, it was believed their license at the time was meant only to be temporary. With the closure of Brookdale waste facility, the 3C had the job of finding areas where the waste could be stored safely until disposed of.
The Department of Environment at the time had said they believed that deep-well injection was "relatively safe" but they would not allow any other company to do the same. NuFarm has been carrying out this practice since 1984, temporary should not mean finding the cheapest way for this company to dispose of waste. They should be concerned about doing it the safest way possible. The government have shown just how irresponsible they are by permitting the company to dispose of waste in this way. So where is the waste from other companies that used Brookdale being stored..?
Just what does "relatively safe" mean, we just hope for the best..? It's been said NuFarm have been working with the DEC to find a long term solution, possibly Mr McGowan should also be in the mix as he was the one to remove the 3C before they had completed their task. Can NuFarm prove the plume under Kwinana was not part of their doing through seepage? Has any significant bore maintenance been carried out ?
It's been 24 years still no solutions, even after it was said it was not an acceptable way to go in this day and age. Where are the studies to show what NuFarm are doing is safe, or can they produce scientific data showing there will be no critical impact in the near future ?
A worrying aspect for communities is the company NuFarm that deep-well injects waste, containing herbicides and pesticides chemicals, it was believed their license at the time was meant only to be temporary. With the closure of Brookdale waste facility, the 3C had the job of finding areas where the waste could be stored safely until disposed of.
The Department of Environment at the time had said they believed that deep-well injection was "relatively safe" but they would not allow any other company to do the same. NuFarm has been carrying out this practice since 1984, temporary should not mean finding the cheapest way for this company to dispose of waste. They should be concerned about doing it the safest way possible. The government have shown just how irresponsible they are by permitting the company to dispose of waste in this way. So where is the waste from other companies that used Brookdale being stored..?
Just what does "relatively safe" mean, we just hope for the best..? It's been said NuFarm have been working with the DEC to find a long term solution, possibly Mr McGowan should also be in the mix as he was the one to remove the 3C before they had completed their task. Can NuFarm prove the plume under Kwinana was not part of their doing through seepage? Has any significant bore maintenance been carried out ?
It's been 24 years still no solutions, even after it was said it was not an acceptable way to go in this day and age. Where are the studies to show what NuFarm are doing is safe, or can they produce scientific data showing there will be no critical impact in the near future ?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Who's looking after the future?
The government have a strange way of protecting the people or country, we have approximately five years to buy a hybrid car and install a solar hot water system on our roof. Just how are the people that are struggling to pay their mortgage going to get the extra money, not forgetting the obscene increases on water, gas and power.
We're asked to cut our usage of gas and power because industry are having a hard time, I find that hypocritical when it comes to our utilities the public pay top dollar yet big industry pay a pittance. Why is government subsidising industry in gas, power and water so they will invest and pollute our country?
Large emitters who export much of their products and send profits off shore, such as Alcoa aluminium smelters, will be almost totally exempted from the ETS from the outset.These emissions-intensive trade-exposed companies will be given free trade carbon permits to cover 90% of their emissions. How is that cutting the carbon output?
WWF Greg Bourne said "handing Alcoa 90% of permits to pollute for free, sent a shocking message" on the importance of reducing carbon emissions. In all 20% of the scheme's permits will be free, rising to 30% once agriculture is included. For those not emitting quite as much will be given free permits to cover 60% of their pollution.
The cement and lime producers and integrated steel and silicon smelters as well as Alcoa's aluminium smelters , are the very industries that should enforce carbon credits not carrying on about pulling their investments. They should be investing in the future .
We're asked to cut our usage of gas and power because industry are having a hard time, I find that hypocritical when it comes to our utilities the public pay top dollar yet big industry pay a pittance. Why is government subsidising industry in gas, power and water so they will invest and pollute our country?
Large emitters who export much of their products and send profits off shore, such as Alcoa aluminium smelters, will be almost totally exempted from the ETS from the outset.These emissions-intensive trade-exposed companies will be given free trade carbon permits to cover 90% of their emissions. How is that cutting the carbon output?
WWF Greg Bourne said "handing Alcoa 90% of permits to pollute for free, sent a shocking message" on the importance of reducing carbon emissions. In all 20% of the scheme's permits will be free, rising to 30% once agriculture is included. For those not emitting quite as much will be given free permits to cover 60% of their pollution.
The cement and lime producers and integrated steel and silicon smelters as well as Alcoa's aluminium smelters , are the very industries that should enforce carbon credits not carrying on about pulling their investments. They should be investing in the future .
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Overdue State.
Again the West Australian public witness just how well our Government Departments are working. No wonder they call us the Wait Awhile state
The crucial report into the management of Perth's biggest source of drinking water is more than two years over due. Which isn't really surprising. Have the water corporation exceeded the safe limits imposed on the Gnangara Mound?
The Department of Water and the Department of Environment and Conservation - DEC have once again failed to protect our environment and natural resources. Compliance with ministerial conditions from 2003-04 to 2005-06 is likely to repeat major concerns, about over reliance on the already stressed aquifer, not forgetting the breaches of ministerial conditions imposed to protect the Mound.
The report should contain long-overdue essential water planning information which is needed before summer. Previous audits by the EPA have warned that allocations from the mound needed to be reviewed urgently. The government are seriously letting the people down, why has no action been taken to reduce allocations and planning or on failures to comply with ministerial conditions?
For an environmental Minister to make such a flippant remark re: the report "It would not contain information which will make a difference to the state of the mound'' If he was doing his job and seeing to it that ministerial compliance were adhered to, instead of just accepting that ho-hum it will just reinforce the fact that conditions are again being exceeded. It's time for this Governemnt to to start doing its job and protect the mound and look to other areas for water.
How can this government be representing the people of this state when they neglect to listen?
How many government departments actually do what they are employed to do?
We rely on them in so many areas environment, health, education, water, power, gas, housing (releasing land), infrastructure etc. and what we mostly get is failure after failure.
The crucial report into the management of Perth's biggest source of drinking water is more than two years over due. Which isn't really surprising. Have the water corporation exceeded the safe limits imposed on the Gnangara Mound?
The Department of Water and the Department of Environment and Conservation - DEC have once again failed to protect our environment and natural resources. Compliance with ministerial conditions from 2003-04 to 2005-06 is likely to repeat major concerns, about over reliance on the already stressed aquifer, not forgetting the breaches of ministerial conditions imposed to protect the Mound.
The report should contain long-overdue essential water planning information which is needed before summer. Previous audits by the EPA have warned that allocations from the mound needed to be reviewed urgently. The government are seriously letting the people down, why has no action been taken to reduce allocations and planning or on failures to comply with ministerial conditions?
For an environmental Minister to make such a flippant remark re: the report "It would not contain information which will make a difference to the state of the mound'' If he was doing his job and seeing to it that ministerial compliance were adhered to, instead of just accepting that ho-hum it will just reinforce the fact that conditions are again being exceeded. It's time for this Governemnt to to start doing its job and protect the mound and look to other areas for water.
How can this government be representing the people of this state when they neglect to listen?
How many government departments actually do what they are employed to do?
We rely on them in so many areas environment, health, education, water, power, gas, housing (releasing land), infrastructure etc. and what we mostly get is failure after failure.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
It Was Once a Jewel
The loss of wild life in Cockburn Sound has been obvious for some time, who ever carried out the environmental study before the desalination plant was built, would or should have been aware of the effects and impact to The Sound.
The Dolphins have been disappearing for over two years as well as the different species of fish, the sea grasses had been diminishing long before yet we are still to hear from Cockburn Sound Management Council about existing or increased problems that are responsible.
The minister for fisheries has blamed recreational fishing for the decrease in fish and crab populations, his solution was to ban crabbing and restrict demorsal catches. It is our belief the real reason for the demise is the destruction of the sea grass meadows and spawning grounds which were the nurseries for these specific species also pollutants from industry would have had a devastating effect.
The Sound was once referred to as the Jewel in the crown, in Rockingham our beaches were pristine and the water most times was crystal clear, in certain areas you could see the sea grasses with fish of all sizes darting about even crabs.
With the habitat and sea grasses disappearing, due to the desalination plant and industry discharge, as well as the dredging of shell sands by Cockburn Cement we believe these could be the major reasons why the wild life is disappearing . With Mr Kale saying "he hasn't seen a dolphin in the area for two years" why isn't Cockburn Sound Management Council or DEC coming out with an explanation? I just hope they don't blame it on global warming, that is one excuse that won't be believed.
With the dolphins now staying out to sea and steering clear of the area, the question has to be asked if all is well within the waters of The Sound, why are the dolphins steering clear? How safe is the water for the public, pets or horses to be swimming in?
For sometime complaints have been made about jet-skies and boats going to close and hitting dolphins, but this again comes down to the department doing more than installing signs. Seeing as the government of the day saw fit to install multiple industries in The Sound, all governments should make certain that CSMC, are given adequate funding to properly take care of what is precious to many instead of begrudging every dollar needed to do their job properly.
The state government makes large annual profits from the strip it's about time they put back into the area instead of just take, particularly towards protecting The Sound for future generations. Is industrialisation to be the demise of The Sound?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Health
There just aren't appropriate words to describe our so called health system, in the *Boom* state. Very little time goes by without hearing more horror stories. Just what is the health minister Mr McGinty doing if anything, to rectify these on going problems?
Thursday with a letter from his GP stating that Mr Webster an 80 year old veteran needed urgent attention , SCGH obliged by having him wait over 17 hours for a bed. Mr Webster has since received an apology, but the heath department and government need to take a long hard look at themselves because this isn't a one off incident. The staff can only do so much, how long has Mr McGinty been promising more doctors and nurses?
It was reported that more than 22 patients a day including urgent cases such as those with suspected heart attacks or pneumonia, have been leaving the emergency departments of Perth's five big hospitals without being treated.
Figures have shown in the past 12 months 8,134 patients attended the ED's but were not seen by a doctor. These figures were obtained by the West Australian through the FOI, based on the
12 months till the end of April '08.
Last Thursday a young man who through a workplace accident, had to wait with severed parts of his fingers on ice for 28 hours in the emergency department at RPH. Just what chance does he have, of his fingers being viable to be re-attached. When finally getting a ward bed and prepared for surgery, it was delayed. Followed by being transferred to The Mount hospital for surgery at approximately midday yesterday (Saturday), the trauma this young 19 year old has suffered is horrific. It's time someone was held accountable Mr Carpenter this has been going on for far too long.
It's not bigger and better that the people require with hospitals, all we want is a system that works, with updated equipment and staff. The PET scanner that has retired, Mr Ripper should have done his budget and been aware that it was going to be up for replacement. People with cancer can't afford to be flying east for cancer scans, they have enough bills just trying to exist. I would like to see how Mr Ripper does the state budget, if this is an example were in deep trouble what else has he forgotten?
UPDATE: The young man that had finger tips severed in a work place accident appeared on the news tonight to tell his side of the story. The people of WA should be even more disgusted in our health system if that's possible. He was transferred from Pinjarra hospital to RPH, after his extended wait he was taken to theatre 3 times only to be returned to his room. Someone had already decided they would not attempt to re attach his finger tips.
When he was finally transferred to the Mount hospital, it was because his employer decided to pay for a private hospital to treat his employee. This is a disgusting state of affairs, just when will this government attempt to fix the health system, NO more excuses. Where are the peoples' taxes going or the $150 million that came from the federal government.? No problems you say Mr McGinty, what would you call the recent events? Just when do you become accountably to patients of this state?
Thursday with a letter from his GP stating that Mr Webster an 80 year old veteran needed urgent attention , SCGH obliged by having him wait over 17 hours for a bed. Mr Webster has since received an apology, but the heath department and government need to take a long hard look at themselves because this isn't a one off incident. The staff can only do so much, how long has Mr McGinty been promising more doctors and nurses?
It was reported that more than 22 patients a day including urgent cases such as those with suspected heart attacks or pneumonia, have been leaving the emergency departments of Perth's five big hospitals without being treated.
Figures have shown in the past 12 months 8,134 patients attended the ED's but were not seen by a doctor. These figures were obtained by the West Australian through the FOI, based on the
12 months till the end of April '08.
Last Thursday a young man who through a workplace accident, had to wait with severed parts of his fingers on ice for 28 hours in the emergency department at RPH. Just what chance does he have, of his fingers being viable to be re-attached. When finally getting a ward bed and prepared for surgery, it was delayed. Followed by being transferred to The Mount hospital for surgery at approximately midday yesterday (Saturday), the trauma this young 19 year old has suffered is horrific. It's time someone was held accountable Mr Carpenter this has been going on for far too long.
It's not bigger and better that the people require with hospitals, all we want is a system that works, with updated equipment and staff. The PET scanner that has retired, Mr Ripper should have done his budget and been aware that it was going to be up for replacement. People with cancer can't afford to be flying east for cancer scans, they have enough bills just trying to exist. I would like to see how Mr Ripper does the state budget, if this is an example were in deep trouble what else has he forgotten?
UPDATE: The young man that had finger tips severed in a work place accident appeared on the news tonight to tell his side of the story. The people of WA should be even more disgusted in our health system if that's possible. He was transferred from Pinjarra hospital to RPH, after his extended wait he was taken to theatre 3 times only to be returned to his room. Someone had already decided they would not attempt to re attach his finger tips.
When he was finally transferred to the Mount hospital, it was because his employer decided to pay for a private hospital to treat his employee. This is a disgusting state of affairs, just when will this government attempt to fix the health system, NO more excuses. Where are the peoples' taxes going or the $150 million that came from the federal government.? No problems you say Mr McGinty, what would you call the recent events? Just when do you become accountably to patients of this state?
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