So, Labor wants to wind back reforms on Superannuation by removing requirement that funds be accountable “..to the best financial interests of their members..”.   This begs the question, in whose interests would they become?  It would appear from the article it is the fund directors and as many funds are company or union funds monies could be directed to politicians, political parties or to themselves, who undertake worldwide travels under the auspices of looking for investment opportunities, just not the best for the members.  Remember the Future Fund, which removed huge chunks of public monies into superannuation benefits for politicians and public servants?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-27/labor-winding-back-superannuation-reforms/101271562?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

So long, Freedom of Speech

I am 'offended' by the proposal to permit gay marriage.  I am offended by the inference that my saying this may be illegal – and if so, a denial of freedom of speech.  My view of marriage is the traditional one recognised by our culture, that is, a union between a man and a woman.  I am totally offended to see an attack on freedom of speech on Long Tan Day, in the refusal to remove legislation suppressing freedom of speech. 

An article in The Mercury of 18^th August, 2016, states: “Tasmanian gay rights activist Rodney Croome slammed the move, calling it a “green light” for hate speech.”  Sounds like hate speech decrying hate speech to me. 

He further states:  “Society has moved on ... and our law must reflect this,”  Sounds like an imperious edict imposed on the populace by an individual, or small group to me - in a democracy the majority of people decide so, ys IS too important to be left to a plebiscite. There must be a referendum along accepted principles, which will provide a definitive result; The Irish Referendum was approved with less than forty(40) percent approval. Hardly the overwhelming result that continues to be cited..”  et he objects to a referendum – what does he know that he isn’t telling us?  As pointed out by ‘Richard’, in his Comment, “This is too important to be left to a plebiscite.  There must be a referendum along accepted principles which will provide a definitive result.” 

Rodney Croome does not speak for me nor, I suspect, for a lot of other people.  I am offended by the ‘social engineering’ undertaken by vocal minorities, while agreeing that in a democracy they have a right to their opinions:  What I strongly object to is the focus on such issues by our politicians and media to the exclusion of more important social matters. 

Pocket knives banned in Tasmania!

OK, I’ve been very slack on this blog after searching the web on issues and finding others put a far more effective case than I can.  But this one really upset me.

In Tasmania, it is now illegal to carry a knife in a public place unless there is a ‘lawful purpose’ and ‘being handy’ and ‘self protection’ are not ‘lawful purposes’.  That includes a knife in your vehicle if your vehicle is in a public place, though there are provisions to have it secured in your vehicle, but they are vague, so I’m not sure how this affects campervans etc.  Check out the website below for details, or rather, lack of them as it is pretty general.  So, to avoid becoming a criminal in Tasmania, check out the site below before entering the State.

http://www.police.tas.gov.au/services-online/knife-laws-education/

IMHO, this is bloody ridiculous!  I have carried a pocket knife since I was a kid, I was taught to respect it and use it safely and never abused that advice.  I have also found it to be an invaluable tool for a number of life’s challenges, from opening letters & parcels, cutting hay bales loose, to on one occasion quickly whittling a wooden plug to fix a punctured petrol tank so I could get back to civilisation for a proper repair before all the petrol leaked out:  The thought of using it to hold up a convenience store never entered my head, but if a knife is no longer available, I’m sure a cluey (or even not so cluey) villain would figure out anything from a tyre iron to a sharp stick would probably work just as effectively provided he backed it up with sufficient intent.  You know, after all those years as a ‘potential criminal’ (lacking only a political genius to pass a law), does that put me on a secret ‘watch list’?   The laws certainly weren’t implemented in a ‘transparent’ manner, lacked public debate and I would be surprised if it had major public support.  I am really at a loss to know how I am going to be able to open those securely plastic wrapped goods that are everywhere these days; perhaps carrying an axe isn’t illegal.

I am not criticising the Police or other Services, they undertake a difficult job and deserve more respect than they are given.  I do, however, question when the lawmakers can see only so far as depriving everyone for the actions of a few.  I also think there are far more important issues in health and education that the efforts would have been better spent on.  Plus, why so  many of these villains who appear before the court are dealt with so leniently?  

Another freedom gone.

Freedom Go? Superannuation under threat

As a Vietnam Veteran, I am expressing my right to the freedom of expression I fought to protect. 

With the budget looming and the government looking at ways to increase revenue, superannuation looks to take a big hit – the ‘vision’ is no further than ‘there’s lots of money out there’.   Forget that to get a decent return on investment, much of this super is invested in the share market providing finance for Australian projects, the Great Whites determining the budget see it only as the biggest and easiest lot of sardines to round up, then bite into - after first having convinced/scared us over the years to put as much into super as we can on the premise we’d be looking after ourselves.

Then there is the social contract which is along the lines of work hard while you are able & we’ll help you out in your old age.  It now appears pensioners are considered unfair in seeking the pension as an entitlement, a blatant breach of this contract.  It is not as if pensioners are now no longer useful in society, as many of them contribute substantially in unpaid volunteer work.   If as a group, they suddenly withdrew their services, hospitals, schools and many other essential services would be crippled.  Others, meanwhile, have saved their hard earned money to buy a unit to travel around the country, spreading their money in many out of the way pockets as they go, as well as many of them volunteering in rural communities that are reliant on such help:  Blaze Aid is one example that received invaluable support from such people. 

While there is certainly a projected blowout in future pension payments, a bit of creative thinking could help solve the problem.  Certainly there are tax loopholes that could be reined in.  Perhaps surpluses could be set aside, some public assets that are sold also be earmarked and the monies invested in projects benefiting all Australians – oh, hang on!  That’s already been done with The Future Fund, that $100 billion plus taken out of general revenue and set aside for Commonwealth unfunded super liabilities (The Future Fund was established by the Future Fund Act 2006. The object of the fund is to strengthen the Australian Government's long term financial position by making provision for unfunded Commonwealth superannuation liabilities) – if only these ‘geniuses’ could look after the country as well as they look after themselves.

Perth to Brisbane

0500 30^th March – left Perth.  A surprising amount of traffic at that hour in Perth – until I reached the airport turnoff.  Very good progress, followed the commentary on the radio about freedom of speech:  Some Western Australians don’t feel it should extend to the point of stopping legitimate enterprises at great expense, while those to whom it cost nothing feel they have the ‘freedom’ to act in an irresponsible manner.  That night I camped on the Nullarbor.  The following day the discussion in South Australia seemed to be some pollie who was flitting about trying to determine what time zone it was in; also a shipbuilding firm was trying to justify its high costs by saying they built good vessels (and could probably do better if they had the plans?).  That nite was spent at Kimba, a pleasant town  “Halfway Across Australia”.    

Sculptures at Kimba Lookout

Onward to NSW, where the discussion was about a newly elected government and its appointment of the first female treasurer, as well as initiating a portfolio to prevent abuse (of women & children I believe, an excellent initiative);  Cobar, was my stop that night, a much livelier town than I remembered from passing through four years ago.   I could have kept going the 4^th nite to arrive in Brisbane in the evening, but considered fatigue to big a risk, plus the thermal springs at Moree proved an indulgence not to be passed by; an excellent decision, shared by a Victorian couple traveling from the Gold Coast home – “We could have made it further but the thermal springs were too good to miss”!  1200 3^rd April (Good Friday) arrive Brisbane.  4,261 km and 754L petrol costing $1,076.  Long days for sure, but it was terrific to spend Easter with my son & his family!

While I didn’t camp as much as planned, I saw the main things I wanted to see, touched base again with my niece & her family and satisfied my yearning for the road – for now.

My intention for this blog is to air my opinion on contemporary issues and the bit of travel just completed was only added because it was convenient:  The spark that started me thinking was the  controversy on the issue of freedom camping (Freedom Come,) so there is a loose connection (yeah, I’m scratching a  bit here, but it saved me a separate blog for a few weeks’ travel).  I’ve travelled around Australia in a HiAce campervan, which gave me a good insight into the whole issue.

The issue is complex, from perceived rights on public land to ‘camping’ in cities to lobbying for more/less available areas by diverse interest groups.  In my experience, the more remote areas provide ample opportunity for free camping, some council areas allow free camping (but in some areas they are starting to charge what I consider a fair bit, but fail to provide any facilities beyond a basic toilet and open area to park) but my favourite is National Parks, which aren’t free but quite affordable and well serviced; they are also in the more spectacular areas!   National Parks in the Northern Territory and Western Australia are tops, in my opinion, with New South Wales and Victoria also excellent from my limited experience.  Queensland has a great variety of camping, although apparently in more popular coastal areas there are conflicts and generally I avoided them, as there are plenty of suitable options in interesting remote areas.   

I needed to stop at caravan parks every so often and found many of them very reasonable, friendly and well serviced, so I can’t agree with some of the blanket statements that they are all rip-offs:  The ones that are tend to make it a bit rough for the good ones out there. 

There are plenty of RV Friendly towns that support campers/caravans.  This provides benefits for all concerned and gives valuable options for travellers.

Most travellers are conscientious but unfortunately a few are not and thus tend to give all a bad name.  Many of the good travellers will pick up rubbish that is not theirs but balk – naturally – at cleaning up after those disgusting creatures who think the great outdoors is their own personal privy. 

I appreciate the freedom to travel this big, broad beautiful country.  I get the feeling, though, that there is a slowly closing net to limit/exploit the growing numbers of travellers (Freedom Go).  With the current mix of free camping, RV Friendly towns, reasonable charges at National Parks and the services provided by caravan parks allow a mix of options to make it a reasonable – in my case, possible - venture.  I do love the National Parks and can only give them the highest praise for providing cost effective camping facilities.   

Perth, Western Australia

Lots of traffic!  Terrific weather and beautiful streets where I am staying.  We went to the Botanical Gardens for a relaxing stroll and coffee and also went on a dinner cruise from Perth to Fremantle & back, a lovely relaxing way to spend an afternoon!  As the most remote capital city in the world, Perth is a long way from everywhere, Tassie included, so it is always good to catch up with the rellies residing here. 

View from Botanical Gardens

Canning River

 An afternoon stroll around the Canning River Eco Reserve was amazing – in the middle of a Capital City such a reserve is priceless!  Not to mention the Botanical Gardens, virtually in the heart of the city.  A beautiful city indeed!

Western Australia's SW Forests

Giant Tingle Tree

Traveling west from Albany my next stop was the Giant Tingle Tree.  This tree (so I have been informed)  is the largest living eucalypt and is one of the ten largest living things in the world.  It is around 400 years old and has a girth of 24 metres.  The Tingle Trees are the earliest eucalypts and now are found in only a small pocket in SW Western Australia, where the higher rainfall they require still exists, unlike the subsequent eucalypts that evolved from them adapting to much drier conditions.  A truly amazing tree and an amazing species.

My next stop was to be Shannon National Park but the 25km of burnt forest on either side of the road on the way there hinted a contingency may be called for.  So it was.  The campground was closed, the once beautiful kauri & jarrah forest sadly blackened and so I continued on to Pemberton to stay the night. 

 Pemberton is a quiet, pretty

 town supported by sawmilling, thus many of the houses are quaint older timber cottages.  Many small vineyards, art outlets and such give it a cultured ambience, thus a very pleasant place to visit.

Nightmare in Greenyville

Goblin Swamp!

The following morning on the way to Perth I visited Snottygobble Loop and Goblin Swamp. Snottygobble Loop is the name of the nearby campsite and – while a good campsite – is unspectacular other than in its fascinating name.  Goblin Swamp, however, is as intriguing bit of forest as I have ever seen!  I have no idea what forces have so sculpted these venerable tea- trees;  fire seems to be a factor but not the only one.   The Swamp is quite small, less than ½ hectare, but so totally unique!  It, unlike nearby Shannon NP, was fortunately untouched by the recent bushfires and was unchanged from when I first saw it two years ago.  From this primeval setting to the bustling city of Perth four hours later – quite a contrast.