It aims to be: "A light hearted and satirical, though frequently factual look at Australia and the world."
At 11am on Australia Day, a Coca-Cola Amatil Ferrython was held on Sydney Harbour. The race was from Fort Denison around Shark Island, then to the Harbour Bridge. It's an annual event, with four Sydney ferries competing. Prior to the event, a certain source that works on one of the ferries, delivered some very disturbing news. The race is rigged. All ferries have an opportunity to gain line honours. That is, they take it in turns.
Corruption has spread to the harbour.
Tampon Tax
PM rejects claims GST on tampons is discriminatory
The Prime Minister, John Howard, has rejected suggestions the goods and service tax (GST) on tampons is discriminatory or offensive.
He is refusing to give in to pressure to make women's sanitary products GST free.
The pressure is coming from some female Coalition backbenchers, the Opposition and some women's groups.
Democrats leader Meg Lees says her personal view is that tampons should not be taxed, but the issue is yet to be discussed in the party room.
The Democrats deputy leader, Natasha Stott Despoja, also wants women's sanitary products GST exempt and has told Channel Nine she hopes her colleagues agree. "It's not as if we're drawing a new line in the sand," she said.
"We have to acknowledge that this country has quite a legacy, a good legacy when it comes to tax-free sanitary products for 40, 50 years, I believe in this country we haven't had a tax on tampons, or pads or sanitary products for Australian women.
"I'd like to see that line in the sand continue."
ABC News 25/1/00
Fame at last… Australia could be known for tax-free tampons. Excellent diversionary tactics though. The sudden debate, which does not look like it is going to subside, is squashing any other justified discussions. De-Anne Kelly labelled it as a 'Barbie doll issue.' It seems to be product discrimination. A tax on tampons.. not on sanitary pads? Or is it a tax on both?
How much paint would a plane carry if a plane could carry paint?
Here's something to think about next time you are winging it with Qantas. A normal passenger aeroplane (747) uses 1000kg of paint. The 'Spirit of Australia' variety uses a whopping 2000kg.
The City-Country Alliance - split forming in the 'breakaway' group?
Seems the newly formed CCA has a set of problems all of its own. The One Nation tearaways are causing tears of frustration within their own ranks.
My roving reporter tells me that not everybody is receiving the same support in return for standing on the CCA ticket.
CCA professes to be the 'accountable and democratic' party. Teething problems perhaps?
The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
It's nearly that time of year again. Piers Akerman accurately commented on the homosexual lobby in December 1999.
Organisers of Sydney's annual homosexual romp now want taxpayers to support the event to enable it to spread the "queer" message to a wider community.
As their activities, particularly those which ridicule religious organisations, are profoundly offensive to many, such a plea should be rejected out of hand.
The organisation has constantly mocked the Catholic Church and more recently desecrated the Hindu deity Ganesh at its aptly-named Sleaze Ball with its officially-sanctioned drug abuse.
For a minority constantly pleading for tolerance and one which has successfully demanded an anti-vilification law, the homosexual lobby shows scant regard for the sensitivities of others as it wantonly vilifies less influential groups.
At last.. sensible commentary!
The Liberal Party of NSW will be entering a float into the March 4 event. Kerry Chikarovski is tipped to be donating her creative expertise in float design.
Radio Faux Pax
A certain radio commentator needs some tutoring on Queensland politics. Unless Steve Bracks has become the premier of Queensland.
Our Australian of the Year, Sir Gustav Nossal, is certainly a pillar of society. He must be applauded for his leadership in immunology research. Then he places a blemish on his record by advocating protest action at the Sydney Olympic Games in the name of indigenous Australians. How appropriate then that he will take part in the Olympic torch relay. It's madness.
Sir Nossal has been awarded a prestigious honour… something Australian children will be in awe of. How wrong is it then, that the man will ride on the coat tails of this award to promote anarchy.
Hope your Australia Day was a happy one.
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