Nostradamus
EVEN the old soothsayer would rotate in his grave at the sight of this mess, let alone the smell! Tasmania; you’re standing in it!
Whenever I commit to writing, it is my preference to try to be thoughtful, positive and thought-provoking and this past couple of weeks has seen me engaged in further learning about certain subjects. It is my belief that when we stop learning, it is probably time to fall off the perch. However, no matter what I was doing, I could not keep away from the political issues that have dominated the past few months and in the current situation it is almost impossible to be other than pessimistic. An old friend visiting me from up north asked me to put my money where my mouth is but changed his mind when he saw the look on my face. “It’s only politics,” he said and invited me to go fishing. I was sorely tempted but I had more important fish to fry than the piscatorial variety, being engaged in negotiations about involvement in a major project. The result was I had to delay writing and if anybody who reads Tasmanian Times has wondered why I have been quiet, I can assure you the time has been well spent. As the editor often says: “TT is timeless” and I take his words quite literally and apologise for time out but I do have a life….
I think the laugh of the week was hearing the radio sound clip of “Acting Premier” Giddy announcing ministerial arrangements before Question Time. Well the dog and pony show has finished for the year, at least in terms of parliamentary sittings but the Upper House committees continue to the accompaniment of grinding teeth by certain parties and open hostility by others, including you know who. I should state my prejudices on the committee system. In federal politics, the Senate committees underwent a major transformation back in the 1970s and became an important method of scrutinising government and public service, rather like a pale imitation of the US system, which is extremely strong. Parliamentary committees in Tasmania have rarely been as prominent as those of recent times. I see nothing wrong in a committee calling anyone to appear before them. In particular politicians and public servants should be prepared to have their actions examined and when necessary, justified but the legal position of other witnesses has given cause for some angst and anxiety in legal circles, where there appears to be some consensus that a person could be denied justice or unfairly malign others.
The origins of the word democracy lie in the Greek root demos*, which means the people and its usage dates back to the times of ancient Greek culture and civilization – the days of heroes and philosophers; of Solon the wise, Perikles the statesman (who bore the unfortunate nickname of onion-head) great warriors and scoundrels and inevitably, people that I would describe as lovable rogues. I was always taken with the career of Alkibiades, an Athenian, who defected to Sparta and became a general. In fact, he fled Athens ahead of the serious charge of profaning the deities. There was a great deal of amusement in the lecture theatre when a female student asked cautiously: “What exactly was the nature of the profanity?” The lecturer, for whom I had some affection, carefully explained that it was traditional for the polytheistic Greeks of 5th Century BC to have statues of gods outside their homes – to ward off evil – perhaps as in later centuries, there were crucifixes or horseshoes, for luck. Apparently Alkibiades and his mates, after a night of drinking and carousing, took to the statues with a hammer. That did not satisfy the inquisitive student and while the lecturer was trying to frame a reply, a voice from the back of the room said: “they went round knocking the nuts off statues” and general hilarity ensued. The face of the lecturer had by then undergone possibly the widest range of expressions that I have ever seen and strange colour combinations yet our brave little female student asked whether it was true. The answer was: “Essentially, yes” but it appeared that the greater crime was the desecration of statues of leading politicians.
It is not in the Australian tradition to erect statues to past political figures unless they are particularly worthy and great and usually dead. I found it incomprehensible that the ACT government is intent on erecting a statue of Al Grassby, the architect of multiculturalism but a controversial figure for many reasons including political affairs in the Riverena. I think it unlikely that anyone would sue TT if I went into further details but I know from my many contacts in federal politics and friends in positions of authority at one stage or another in the Great island to the North, that there was a certain shadiness about the former minister and I will leave it there, except to say that when the affair of the statue was being debated, an excitable former colleague telephoned me to talk about the subject and said that he hoped it was erected in a place where pigeons and other avian species couldn’t miss. It crossed my mind that Australian and Tasmanian attitudes to politicians have plumbed depths hitherto considered inconceivable. Something like a submarine diving to the bottom of the Marianas trench. I have complained before about the lack of respect accorded our politicians and the way that we view them in the same league as used car salesmen, real estate agents and other parasitical but necessary occupations.
Perhaps we should consider erecting statues to Tasmanian political figures of note and the name of “Electric Eric” Reese springs to mind readily. And there are others who might be considered even though our predisposition is to mock politicians and heap imprecation/deprecation upon them. Now is certainly not the time to erect a statue of a politician. Imagine if you will the reaction that would be prompted by a statue in public office of former Premier Robin Gray, along with Lennon pointing in a socialist realist pose to the site of the proposed pulp mill. As far as Gray is concerned, I do not want to tread old ground: the man has been punished for his deeds, along with the eminence grise of Tasmanian politics, Mr. Edmund (“I am Tasmania”) Rouse.
I remain unconvinced that the wounds of those days are healed, merely scabbed over by time and if picked, likely to produce or reveal more of the putrescence within. As an American friend of mine agreed, had anyone tried to hijack the state in the US in the way that unlikely duo attempted here, they would still be breaking mountains into gravel. As he said to me: “Nixon tried to turn the Presidency into an Imperium and the people and the Constitution brought him down.” My gut feeling is history will be kinder to Nixon some of his enemies and friends but that is not that is not exactly germane to this particular contribution. The deed was never accorded the importance and severity that it merited, nor did Jim Cox MP receive sufficient recognition for staying true to what should be a defining characteristic of politicians – honesty – he couldn’t be bought – and we should be proud of him. At least James Glennister Cox has every right to be called “Honourable.
As my fishing companion has always pointed out, patience is everything and while I am not trying to justify my sloth, it was well worth waiting until State Parliament rose for the Christmas break, bringing with it a juicy segment on Stateline (21 November) that effectively encapsulated the events of the past few weeks and highlighted the dilemma of Premier David Bartlett. Yes, he’s the guy who skipped the last Question Time, to the derision of both Opposition parties. Running away? Don’t know but it sure as hell enabled him to avoid questions about his predecessor’s star performance before the Legislative Council Select Committee Public Sector Executive Appointments on 18 November last. By all accounts, it was a cameo performance with moustache bristling”, puce complexion and some harsh words for the DPP. I do not need to repeat what has been printed in the Mercury, nor Ms Neales nice little pen-portrait of the man himself: it was all too easy. And if Stateline wasn’t sufficient, “Pulping the mill” in Saturday’s Mercury laid out a timeline, which would’ve made the Opposition’s members embarrassed or delighted, depending entirely on where they stand on the issue – not a good day for Gunns, John Gay, shares in the firm and then the Deputy Premier giddying her way through a sort of retraction of government support for the wretched project. Okay, we need timber-based industry but not in the Tamar Valley and not from logging old growth forests. We are stewards of the forests, or should be, not scorched-earth specialists in the Jeff mode.
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While the pot bubbled and simmered over the weekend, matters went worse for the government on Monday. It was just the sort of double whammy that David Bartlett needed most. Irrespective of whatever direction he looks, the legacy of Paul Lennon spatters him and besmirches his office. In short order, came the announcement that Allison Ritchie MLC had resigned from the Cabinet. The Premier appeared to regret the decision – as well he might – because I for one had advocated her elevation on the grounds of ability. Now it is my turn to eat humble pie but you cannot predict ill-health and the likelihood of a full recovery, as we know only too well from this sad affair of Paula Wriedt. And was it merely coincidence that the Premier also announced a financial settlement for Ms.Wriedt’s driver to the tune of a $40,000 payout and expenses? Nothing was said about the return of the former minister, who has apparently not spoken to Mr. Bartlett since the suicide attempt in August. According to the Mercury, he said “he did not know when, or if, she would return to the ministry.” So much for the electors of Franklin who have representing them the Deputy Premier whose images none too flash and Ross Butler, whom the ABC persists in calling “an ex-cabbie” managing completely to ignore the fact that he is a former high school principal and an engaging well-educated man, whose only crime is to be older and factionally non-aligned.
You only have to look at the TV guides to know that we are into the silly season and not a great deal is reported of any substance until mid-February. However the stench of rotting fish that pervades the atmosphere bodes ill for David Bartlett and his government. He has to choose another minister and his choices are very, very, limited. This is the fifth reshuffle on the bridge of the Titanic and the band is tuning up for “Nearer my God to Thee.” There are those in the Left faction of the State ALP (itself a seething pit of opportunists, arrivistes and marxists and certainly not united) who would dearly like to see Bryan Green restored to the ministerial benches but to do so flies in the face of common sense; Mr. Green’s own statement that it should not be expected before the next election and furthermore, there is the inescapable fact that he was twice tried and found not guilty and that does not mean innocent. All it means is the DPP refused to press charges again because it was highly likely the same outcome would occur.
Some vested interests will now sing for Lisa, rather than have more tears this week, and by the time, I had finished writing it came about. She is on a short sharp learning curve and will bear watching as will the consequent factional realignment. There is no doubt while others would back the return of Steve Kons but that is a nonstarter, or at least it should be. His arrogance and contempt for Parliament and the people of the state is demonstrable and sickening. However, having said that I would not be at all surprised if at the next election, both Kons and Green were re-elected. That of course rests on the assumption that they will be preselected as candidates and Mr. Bartlett’s dilemma is that he doesn’t have the firepower to ensure that they are struck off the ticket and replaced by people of integrity and promise. I know I stand accused of calling the electors of Northwestern Tasmania wooden tops and pointy heads. The media has discovered that most do not know the name of their elected representatives and they obviously vote in a trance. Apart from Brenton Best, Braddon boasts (if it could be dignified thus) two former ALP Deputy Premiers in disgrace and two Liberal members in the form of Brett Whiteley and Jeremy Rockcliff. As my old drill sergeant would say: “You horrible shower; you nasty little men.”
In some respects, it used to be said of the Australian cricket test team that it was harder to get in than out. The way the ALP machine operates in the state, the same duds will be reselected. It has long been my contention that the New South Wales at least, the Left could preselect an orangutan and have him (it would have to be a male) elected. Some would no doubt wonder about his orange overcoat but that doesn’t concern those in the voting booths. I strongly suspect that Braddon could return a Sasquatch, provided one could be found and it does those on the electoral roll no credit at all that they keep re-electing drongos. If it were not for more pressing matters, Federal intervention in the ALP would be required, if not mandatory.
When the Bartlett star arose, many hailed a new dawn in Tasmanian politics. The poor bugger hasn’t even had the job for a year yet and it is not the dead hand of the past draped over his shoulders but something more putrid and disgusting. If those who are literate can read newspaper feedback, they will smell rotting fish. It is said in some circles that David Bartlett was highly ambitious and really wanted the job of Premier and now that he has it, I’d like to know whether he thinks it’s worth the effort. He cannot dig his way out of the accumulated dung heap of recent history. At the risk of being annoyingly repetitive and dragging out a timeworn but highly relevant Chinese story about dragon’s teeth, I suppose it could be put more simply: Lennon sowed the wind and Bartlett inherited the whirlwind.
I cannot see any viable solution to the Premier’s problems and hard cash would not change my mind or the situation. The Tasmanian electorate is not stupefied by a couple of warm days or supremely confident that the government has economic policy right. As I’ve mentioned before, Treasurer Aird has the state better placed than it would have been under a Liberal administration. And if Labor needs to clean its stables, the Liberals are scarcely better placed – Young Will has, by my reckoning about three competent members behind him, including his father and their best hope lies in a clean out of deadwood and hoping that the massive disenchantment with Labor will tip the balance in their favour. The quality of the Libs representation will improve with the election of Vanessa Goodwin in Franklin. She’s bright, feisty and could well be the first Tasmanian female Premier, something not calculated to bring any comfort to the government.
When Parliament resumes in February, it could be all over. And I for one will be unhappy and disgruntled. Need I repeat other words, Tasmanians need better and deserve better!!! It’s just as well the rest of the nation is being diverted by concerns about the economy and reeling in horror buy being confronted by The Howard Years on TV. When the combined anaesthetic of the festive season, the New Year and the sales wears off, eyes will turn South. What a wonderful place to advertise for a holiday. As for us, approaching the magic half-million, we’re standing in it quite literally – we have no alternative – yet. So dream on, those who want an early election: I’ve got the “hot goss” – there’s not a hope in hell it will happen. For Nick McKim and Will Hodgman to be calling for an early election should be seen for what it is — cheap politicking. At the time of national economic insecurity and the federal government determined to avoid a drift into recession, it would be verging on economic sabotage of the state to call a snap election. The effects on consumer spending and on businesses relying on the usual sales to keep them going, could only be described as potentially catastrophic. Quite apart from that, it would really suit none of the political parties to be successful in calling for an election. While the focus is on the ALP and its problems, what are the alternatives? In rapid shifting times, as the UK political situation is showing at present, it is sometimes better the devil you know.
The electorate has every right to be angry, disenchanted and bloody-minded and those in Parliament cannot see it – for truly there are none so blind as those who will not see (note the verb). So fellow Tasmanians, show your rage and keep it going: this is the best place in the world to live, so let’s help lead it out of the dark. Make 2009, the year we Take Tasmania back. A last thought, Bartlett could save his bacon (no pun intended) by announcing a Royal Commission along the lines suggested by other scribes, which have the backing of a few distinguished academics, themselves a rarity in Tasmania. This will be his strongest test of character and his ability to put distance between himself and the Lemon will be critical. The stains may linger but do not have to be permanent.
* No, a greek root refers to the origin of the word, not Melena Kankaredes or any other Greek film/TV star.
