Ipswich Water advises:
Some Ipswich residents are currently experiencing a slight "earthy" taste to their drinking water which is the result of algal growth in the Brisbane River.
There are no health implications.
Ipswich Water is working closely with the SEQ Bulk Transport Authority (LinkWater) and the Water Grid Manager to overcome the issue.
Updates will be provided over future days as more information becomes available.
April 07, 2010
April 06, 2010
Malcolm Turnbull bows out of Australian politics
• FAILED in his bid for an Australian republic.
• FAILED as Opposition Leader.
• FAILED to become Prime Minister.
• FAILED to stick with the Liberals when his intelligence was probably needed the most.
Say goodnight Malcolm!
April 05, 2010
New internet scam hits Australia this evening
This is the latest internet scam to hit Australia:
.................................................
From: Richardson, Karl
Hi,
I am Karl Richardson, hiring manager of Anixter(UK),
i want to hire you as our rep.,
you will serve as a middle man between us and our customers in Australia.
your job is to receive our payment from them(checks/money orders), convert into cash, deduct 10% as your commission and send us the 90%.
Send Your: Name, Address, City, State, ZipCode Cell# & Full details.
Regards
Karl
.................................................
It's time for the Australian Government to take immediate action against these sorts of spam emails.
Innocent internet users are being constantly defrauded by these Nigerian-type scammers who seek their personal and financial details to completely strip their bank accounts.
As with other objectionable internet material, the Australian Government has the clear constitutional power under section 51 of the Australian Constitution to force ISP's to stop these bogus emails at the border.
Internet users and their families are being hurt financially - sometimes losing their entire life savings to these internet predators.
It's time for the Government to act on behalf of all Australians.
Contact your Federal Member today and call your local state or territory police if you are a victim of these callous fraudsters.
A current list of Members of Federal Parliament is available at -
MP's: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/memlist.pdf
SENATORS: http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/contacts/los.pdf
To let the Federal Government know that you want them to ban these scams, email the Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy at: senator.conroy@aph.gov.au
Warn your friends about these scams, especially new internet users who may not be aware that these types of sophisticated frauds are operating in Australia.
You can circulate this consumer update by clicking the Email Post button below to warn your family and friends.
Queensland may give Greens balance of power in the Senate
The Australian
THE last Queensland senator who wasn't a Labor, Liberal or National party member was Andrew Bartlett from the Democrats, and he has since turned Green.
While national Greens leader senator Bob Brown dismisses any suggestion his party is simply taking up where the Democrats left off, the Greens nonetheless welcomed Bartlett with open arms.
Bartlett's move reflects a more significant shift in Australian politics, however, even if he doesn't win the lower house seat of Brisbane (he won't).
This shift is so significant it will almost certainly give Queensland - the state that gave rise to One Nation and its only senator, Len Harris - its first Greens senator at this election.
"This is more a result of the mainstream becoming green, rather than the Greens becoming mainstream," Brown says.
"Behind this is concern over climate change and the environment, the imbalance between the haves and have nots. The Greens are experts on those issues and it tells."
A successful campaign by Queensland Greens Senate candidate Larissa Waters would not only help nationalise the party but diversify Queensland politics.
With the 2008 merger of the state Nationals and Liberals into a right-leaning Liberal National Party, the Left of politics is the most fertile ground in the Sunshine State and voters who have moved from interstate have an open mind.
Brown believes the state election results in Tasmania and South Australia reflect growing voter support for the party. He is confident the Greens will add to their complement of five senators to hold the balance of power in the Senate after the election.
While the main parties and sections of the media have denigrated the Greens as a left-wing rabble, Brown believes their ability to negotiate outcomes in the Senate this term demonstrates to voters they are professional and capable.
Traditionally, the Greens have been political king-makers in Queensland, directing preferences to the party (Labor) it judges to have the best policies.
If you believe Brown, and many Australians certainly think highly of him, voters want the Greens to be more involved. In Queensland there has been no shortage of issues for the Greens to get involved in, no shortage of duels between environmentalists and developers, Aborigines, fishers, miners or farmers.
Not surprisingly, federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has also been active, perhaps doing his bit to ensure Green preferences again flow Labor's way.
While the Queensland Greens still directed preferences to Labor at the last state election despite plans for a Traveston dam, Garrett last year blocked the project.
While Nationals senator Ron Boswell uses every election to campaign against Labor government fishing restrictions - Queensland's fishers have a vibrant political movement - Garrett this week announced he would consider 2.4 million sq km of ocean, spanning most of Australia's east coast, for marine protection zones.
While Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson has managed to convince federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to join his campaign against Queensland's Wild Rivers laws, Garrett refuses to get involved, although he has promised indigenous communities Cape York would not be nominated for the World Heritage List without their approval.
Garrett wouldn't be so openly green if he weren't confident of being supported by the broader community.
This week, the Queensland Greens criticised the Bligh government for opening up the Surat Basin to mining, at the expense of prime agricultural land, no less.
Farming v mining is a hot topic in itself, but the Greens highlight another big challenge for Garrett: whether to support the multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas export industry proposed for central Queensland and near Curtis Island in the port of Gladstone on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
Garrett, of course, approved the Gorgon LNG development off the West Australia coast, but an unrelated oil spill in the region has environmental groups particularly sensitive, and they are not the only ones questioning Australia's over-reliance on the mining industry.
For all the focus on health at the moment, which seems to have replaced the economy at the top of the political agenda, the environment cannot be ignored.
The Copenhagen summit may have been an anti-climax, the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme may be on hold, but that has just left community angst simmering without an outlet.
The recent talk of population caps notably seizes on the keyword of sustainability, which has a role in everything discussed in Australia post-global financial crisis, and provides an overarching campaign strategy for the Greens.
Brown says support for the Greens in regional areas is almost equal to the city, so the party has become broadly based.
"We are now not only Australia's third political party but have much more support across the nation than the Nationals do," he says.
In a swipe at independent senator Nick Xenophon and Family First's Steven Fielding, Brown also promises the next government will find it easier dealing with just the Greens, rather than "a number of other entities".
"I've been in balance of power situations much more than either Kevin Rudd or Tony Abbott so I'm comfortable and relaxed," he says.
At 65 and with no plans to retire, Brown, it seems, will be entrusted with the job of deciding whether next government succeeds or fails.
THE last Queensland senator who wasn't a Labor, Liberal or National party member was Andrew Bartlett from the Democrats, and he has since turned Green.
While national Greens leader senator Bob Brown dismisses any suggestion his party is simply taking up where the Democrats left off, the Greens nonetheless welcomed Bartlett with open arms.
Bartlett's move reflects a more significant shift in Australian politics, however, even if he doesn't win the lower house seat of Brisbane (he won't).
This shift is so significant it will almost certainly give Queensland - the state that gave rise to One Nation and its only senator, Len Harris - its first Greens senator at this election.
"This is more a result of the mainstream becoming green, rather than the Greens becoming mainstream," Brown says.
"Behind this is concern over climate change and the environment, the imbalance between the haves and have nots. The Greens are experts on those issues and it tells."
A successful campaign by Queensland Greens Senate candidate Larissa Waters would not only help nationalise the party but diversify Queensland politics.
With the 2008 merger of the state Nationals and Liberals into a right-leaning Liberal National Party, the Left of politics is the most fertile ground in the Sunshine State and voters who have moved from interstate have an open mind.
Brown believes the state election results in Tasmania and South Australia reflect growing voter support for the party. He is confident the Greens will add to their complement of five senators to hold the balance of power in the Senate after the election.
While the main parties and sections of the media have denigrated the Greens as a left-wing rabble, Brown believes their ability to negotiate outcomes in the Senate this term demonstrates to voters they are professional and capable.
Traditionally, the Greens have been political king-makers in Queensland, directing preferences to the party (Labor) it judges to have the best policies.
If you believe Brown, and many Australians certainly think highly of him, voters want the Greens to be more involved. In Queensland there has been no shortage of issues for the Greens to get involved in, no shortage of duels between environmentalists and developers, Aborigines, fishers, miners or farmers.
Not surprisingly, federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has also been active, perhaps doing his bit to ensure Green preferences again flow Labor's way.
While the Queensland Greens still directed preferences to Labor at the last state election despite plans for a Traveston dam, Garrett last year blocked the project.
While Nationals senator Ron Boswell uses every election to campaign against Labor government fishing restrictions - Queensland's fishers have a vibrant political movement - Garrett this week announced he would consider 2.4 million sq km of ocean, spanning most of Australia's east coast, for marine protection zones.
While Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson has managed to convince federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to join his campaign against Queensland's Wild Rivers laws, Garrett refuses to get involved, although he has promised indigenous communities Cape York would not be nominated for the World Heritage List without their approval.
Garrett wouldn't be so openly green if he weren't confident of being supported by the broader community.
This week, the Queensland Greens criticised the Bligh government for opening up the Surat Basin to mining, at the expense of prime agricultural land, no less.
Farming v mining is a hot topic in itself, but the Greens highlight another big challenge for Garrett: whether to support the multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas export industry proposed for central Queensland and near Curtis Island in the port of Gladstone on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
Garrett, of course, approved the Gorgon LNG development off the West Australia coast, but an unrelated oil spill in the region has environmental groups particularly sensitive, and they are not the only ones questioning Australia's over-reliance on the mining industry.
For all the focus on health at the moment, which seems to have replaced the economy at the top of the political agenda, the environment cannot be ignored.
The Copenhagen summit may have been an anti-climax, the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme may be on hold, but that has just left community angst simmering without an outlet.
The recent talk of population caps notably seizes on the keyword of sustainability, which has a role in everything discussed in Australia post-global financial crisis, and provides an overarching campaign strategy for the Greens.
Brown says support for the Greens in regional areas is almost equal to the city, so the party has become broadly based.
"We are now not only Australia's third political party but have much more support across the nation than the Nationals do," he says.
In a swipe at independent senator Nick Xenophon and Family First's Steven Fielding, Brown also promises the next government will find it easier dealing with just the Greens, rather than "a number of other entities".
"I've been in balance of power situations much more than either Kevin Rudd or Tony Abbott so I'm comfortable and relaxed," he says.
At 65 and with no plans to retire, Brown, it seems, will be entrusted with the job of deciding whether next government succeeds or fails.
April 04, 2010
Chinese heads must roll over Barrier Reef oil disaster
PIC: Channel 9
The Chinese vessel was 15 km off course when it hit the Great Barrier Reef at full throttle near Great Keppel Island.
A marine disaster now awaits the people of Queensland.
The master of the vessel deserves to spend time in an Australian jail for this gross negligence.
.........................................................
PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
Click "Home" below to see all posts on
this website. If "Home" does not appear,
all posts are currently displayed.
.........................................................
Barrier Reef oil spill - National response activated
Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
04/04/2010
NATIONAL OIL SPILL RESPONSE ACTIVATED
Premier Anna Bligh today said the State and Federal governments were working together to assess how best to salvage the Shen Neng 1 and limit further oil seepage into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Maritime Safety Queensland activated a national oil spill response plan after the bulk carrier ran aground just after 5pm yesterday on a reef approximately 70 km east of Great Keppel Island and ruptured its fuel tanks.
The vessel was in a restricted zone of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, approximately 13 nautical miles off its set course and well outside the authorised shipping corridor.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will be conducting a full investigation into the incident.
Early-morning flights over the carrier identified a small number of oil patches about two nautical miles south-east from the vessel.
Following approval from the Marine Park Authority, a light aircraft from Rockhampton has sprayed chemical dispersant on the spilled oil. Further inspections will then assess the effectiveness of the dispersant.
The Premier was briefed on the grounding late last night and again this morning.
"This is a serious situation and we've mobilised air, sea and land resources from Brisbane, Gladstone, Rockhampton and north of Cairns in response," Ms Bligh said.
"Maritime Safety Queensland experts have set up control rooms in Brisbane and at the Port of Gladstone.
"They have been in constant contact with the ship since late yesterday as well as Federal maritime and environmental authorities."
"The situation remains serious as the extent of the damage means that there is a very real risk that the vessel may break apart. Every effort is now being made to limit the impact of this incident on the Great Barrier Reef."
The carrier is aground on a shoal and is not expected to be moved without salvage assistance. A salvage assessment is expected to be made later today.
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
04/04/2010
NATIONAL OIL SPILL RESPONSE ACTIVATED
Premier Anna Bligh today said the State and Federal governments were working together to assess how best to salvage the Shen Neng 1 and limit further oil seepage into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Maritime Safety Queensland activated a national oil spill response plan after the bulk carrier ran aground just after 5pm yesterday on a reef approximately 70 km east of Great Keppel Island and ruptured its fuel tanks.
The vessel was in a restricted zone of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, approximately 13 nautical miles off its set course and well outside the authorised shipping corridor.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will be conducting a full investigation into the incident.
Early-morning flights over the carrier identified a small number of oil patches about two nautical miles south-east from the vessel.
Following approval from the Marine Park Authority, a light aircraft from Rockhampton has sprayed chemical dispersant on the spilled oil. Further inspections will then assess the effectiveness of the dispersant.
The Premier was briefed on the grounding late last night and again this morning.
"This is a serious situation and we've mobilised air, sea and land resources from Brisbane, Gladstone, Rockhampton and north of Cairns in response," Ms Bligh said.
"Maritime Safety Queensland experts have set up control rooms in Brisbane and at the Port of Gladstone.
"They have been in constant contact with the ship since late yesterday as well as Federal maritime and environmental authorities."
"The situation remains serious as the extent of the damage means that there is a very real risk that the vessel may break apart. Every effort is now being made to limit the impact of this incident on the Great Barrier Reef."
The carrier is aground on a shoal and is not expected to be moved without salvage assistance. A salvage assessment is expected to be made later today.
Minister issues product safety warning on baby slings
Media Release
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
04/04/2010
The Office of Fair Trading is warning Queensland parents and caregivers to be cautious when using baby slings on infants younger than four months old.
Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said three babies in the United States died last year and a total of 14 babies had died over the past 20 years as a result of using slings.
"Findings from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission reveal slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies," Mr Lawlor said.
"A sling's fabric can press against a baby's nose and mouth, blocking their breathing and causing suffocation within a minute or two.
"Alternatively when cradled in a curved or "C-like" position, babies who don't have strong neck control can flop their head forward, chin-to-chest, which restricts their ability to breathe.
"The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate. Excessive fabric with an elasticised edge may also cover the baby's face inhibiting breathing.
"Furthermore, some sling designs may cause the baby's face to turn in toward a caregiver's body, potentially smothering the baby."
Mr Lawlor said many of the babies who died in slings were either born premature, of low birth weight or had breathing issues such as a cold.
"Therefore, it is important for parents of these babies to consult with their paediatrician as to the suitability of these products before using them," Mr Lawlor said.
"It is recommended that parents and caregivers make sure the infant's face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling's wearer.
"If nursing the baby in a sling, the baby's position should be changed after feeding to ensure the baby's head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother's body.
"Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby when using a sling."
For more information about product safety in Queensland visit Fair Trading's website:
http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/product-safety-and-recalls.htm
Australia Post Plan: Urban mail hubs to replace home letterboxes
IT'S the death of the letterbox . . . door-to-door postal services on the nation's urban fringe face extinction as Australia Post prepares to roll out fully-automated community mail centres.
A Sunday Mail investigation has found Australia Post has already earmarked parts of southeast Queensland and western Sydney, the nation's top growth corridors, to install the new mail "hubs".
Instead of having mail delivered to their homes, residents will be forced to travel to their "community mailbox", where they will use a swipe card or type in a pin code to access their mail.
Residents will be alerted by SMS when mail is ready to be collected.
If there are also parcels to collect, residents will be advised when they log in to pick up mail that they should proceed to larger boxes at the community centre.
The secured parcel boxes will be set up to accept electronic signatures.
Local councils and the Urban Development Institute of Australia are likely to support the changes.
But the move is expected to be opposed by many residents, particularly the elderly, who may have difficulty travelling regularly from their homes to collect mail.
The nation's leading postal union, the CEPU, fears postal workers will lose their jobs, and has threatened to walk away from pay talks, after being left in the dark by Australia Post about the initiative.
Ipswich City Council and the Urban Development Institute of Australia held talks with Australia Post on a "trial location" for a community mail centre on March 17.
Ipswich city councillor Paul Tully told The Sunday Mail the new developments of Augustine Heights, Redbank Plains South, Spring Mountain and Ripley Valley were being targeted.
"It will be the end of mail getting flogged," Cr Tully said.
He said Australia Post officials told him they were worried about "rising costs and declining mail volumes".
"They certainly see this as Australia Post's future," Cr Tully said.
Urban Development Institute of Australia Queensland president Warren Harris has asked for the mail hubs to be dispersed throughout the new suburbs.
Under current plans, a minimum of 1200 mail boxes will be installed at each site.
But Mr Harris said it could require extra carpark spaces.
"The major road corridors leading into developments will be where you will collect your mail on the way home," Mr Harris said.
"Preferences have shifted from writing letters and to continue to deliver mail to households is not financially viable."
But CEPU communications division divisional secretary Ed Husic has accused Australia Post of taking a "run and gun" approach to the union.
Relations between the union and Australia Post hit an all-time low last year, when the nation's 2500 postal employees staged rolling stoppages in the lead-up to Christmas.
Last month, the union agreed to a truce while negotiations continued over a wage deal.
"If Australia Post believes it can straight-jacket us through wage talks, we are not impressed," Mr Husic said.
"I would suggest a lot of consumers would be appalled by this move."
But leading Australian demographer Bernard Salt believes the move is a "no-brainer" and will significantly cut the carbon footprint created by postal services.
"I am not sure that it is the death of the postie, but he is looking pretty sick," Mr Salt said.
Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour said there were no plans for a nationwide rollout of mail centres, citing community service obligations.
"We have no plans whatsoever to do this to existing households," Mr Fahour said.
"We see our community service obligations as our DNA. But we are also a business and we have to turn a profit.
"We're interested in providing options for the community.
"Developers like it because they think it attracts people to a central hub in the suburbs."
Latest internet scam hits Australia
This is the latest internet scam to hit Australia:
.................................................
DEAR SIR/MADAM.
I WILL START BY INTRODUCING OUR NOBLE COMPANY WHICH IS (KABALA MINING COMPANY (SL) LTD NO9F YUGOMAYA, KABALA SIERRA LEONE WEST AFRICA).
WE ARE INTO SALES OF GOLD DUST AND ROUGH DIAMONDS INITIALLY ALTHOUGH WE HAVE ABOUT 112KG OF GOLD DUST TO SALE NOW BUT OUR MOST PRIOR CONCERN NOW IS OUR BIG MINING PROJECT WHICH WE WANT TO VENTURE INTO MINING WITH A POTENTIAL INVESTOR WHICH I FEEL YOU MAY BE GOOD ASSISTANCE TO OUR NOBLE COMPANY.
WE HAVE ACQUIRED A LAND IN KABALA UNDER AN AGREEMENT WITH THE PARAMOUNT RULERS OF THE MINING KINGDOM, THE SAID PLOT IS ABOUT 50 HECTRES OF LAND AND THEY HAVE CARRIED OUT A GEOLOGICAL SURVEY IN THE PLOT AND THE GEOLOGICAL REPORT STATES THAT THEIR IS GOLD, DIAMONDS, IRON ORE, TIN AND PLATINUM, THE PLOT IS RICHLY BLESSED WITH THE SAID MINERALS WHICH A LOT OF OTHER FOREIGN INVESTORS HAVE GONE TO BUT COULDNT GET IT BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SIERRA LEONE INDIGENES.
I WILL FORWARD OUR COMPANY REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS TO YOU AFTER THIS MAIL FOR PROPER VERIFICATION FROM WHICH EVER SOURCE YOU WISH TO VERIFY FROM TO SEE OUR GENUITY BEFORE WE PROCEED.
I WILL BE HIGHLY GRATE IF MY MAIL IS GIVEN AN UTMOST CONSIDERATION.
KINDEST REGARDS
MR ISSA MOHAMMED
00232-3398-404500232-7734-8023
SKYPE: issa.mohammed2P
.................................................
It's time for the Australian Government to take immediate action against these sorts of spam emails.
Innocent internet users are being constantly defrauded by these Nigerian-type scammers who seek their personal and financial details to completely strip their bank accounts.
As with other objectionable internet material, the Australian Government has the clear constitutional power under section 51 of the Australian Constitution to force ISP's to stop these bogus emails at the border.
Internet users and their families are being hurt financially - sometimes losing their entire life savings to these internet predators.
It's time for the Government to act on behalf of all Australians.
Contact your Federal Member today and call your local state or territory police if you are a victim of these callous fraudsters.
A current list of Members of Federal Parliament is available at -
MP's: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/memlist.pdf
SENATORS: http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/contacts/los.pdf
To let the Federal Government know that you want them to ban these scams, email the Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy at: senator.conroy@aph.gov.au
Warn your friends about these scams, especially new internet users who may not be aware that these types of sophisticated frauds are operating in Australia.
You can circulate this consumer update by clicking the Email Post button below to warn your family and friends.
April 03, 2010
Australian Daylight saving gone for another 6 months
The annual "Great Divide" between Queensland and the rest of the eastern states will be over at 3.00 am EDST tomorrow.
It continues to be a complete farce for six months every year with live television programming, airline schedules and trade and commerce in Queensland thrown into disarray.
A referendum for daylight saving across the state - or even a split time zone in southeast Queensland - would be overwhelmingly carried.
Anna Bligh's position on daylight saving is well-known but what is the LNP's position on the issue, especially on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts where the old Liberal conservatism and pro-Daylight Saving lobby remains very strong.
.........................................................
PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
Click "Home" below to see all posts on
this website. If "Home" does not appear,
all posts are currently displayed.
.........................................................
EXCLUSIVE: Biggest and most-sensational Australia Post reform in 100 years set to be unveiled Easter Sunday
EXCLUSIVE
The greatest reform by Australia Post in its long history of service to the people of Australia is set to be unveiled tomorrow.
Speculation has been rife for a week over the secret reform package.
Declining mail volumes and rising prices have forced Australia Post to act.
Recently, Australia Post was refused a 9 percent stamp price rise which would have seen the cost of a standard mail item increase from 55c to 60c.
That knockback has now placed intense financial pressure on Australia Post with normal mail usage declining rapidly each year in favour of email and internet financial transactions.
The reforms - which will eventually occur on a national basis - were presented to the Ipswich City Council and Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) in Brisbane on March 17.
Ipswich Planning and Development spokesman Paul Tully said the reforms were wide-ranging and, despite their benefits, were unlikely to gain initial widespread community support.
"This will prove to be a watershed decision in the history of Australia Post which will have pros and cons for all consumers," Cr Tully said.
Brazen attack on Indian man Narendrakumar Patel at Roma St kept quiet by police media
CourierMail.com.au
Brazen attack on Indian man Narendrakumar Patel at Roma St kept quiet by police media
A 26-year-old man was charged a short time later after handing himself in at police headquarters, across the road.
It is alleged the heinous attack on Narendrakumar Patel, 34, was seen by police monitoring the station on closed-circuit television screens.
But details of the incident were never released by police despite the high-profile location.
Sources have claimed that a decision was taken by authorities not to release details of the assault, which is certain to fuel fears about train station safety.
It also will spark debate about whether Indians are the target of racially motivated attacks in Queensland, an issue which has raised tension between the Australian and Indian governments after a spate of attacks in Victoria.
Police would not comment on the case, or the decision not to release details.
But Deputy Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said the attack struck "at the heart of confidence of all rail commuters" and the public had a right to know about it.
"I hope that this has not been covered up or hosed down by our authorities because of the nationality of the victim," he said.
Police Minister Neil Roberts said train stations were patrolled by 54 officers in the rail squad and more than 100 full-time transit officers and private security guards.
He said the clear-up rate for crime on the rail system was "very good".
Mr Roberts also said he had been briefed on recent incidents involving people from various ethnic backgrounds.
"Some are obviously racially motivated, however police advise me that in their opinion the majority of incidents involving persons from different ethnic backgrounds are not suspected of being racially motivated," he said.
The man accused of attacking Mr Patel was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and carrying a knife in a public place.
It is believed the bluntness of the knife saved Mr Patel from more serious injuries.
Despite police prosecutors opposing bail, the man was released and is due to face court again on April 15.
The incident never came to the public's attention, until now.
National in Brisbane is an international disgrace. It amounts to police censorship and whoever in
Queensland Police Media is responsible for this, should be summarily dismissed.
Brazen attack on Indian man Narendrakumar Patel at Roma St kept quiet by police media
A SERIOUS knife attack at one of Queensland's busiest train stations during the peak afternoon commuter period was kept quite by authorities.
The Courier-Mail has learnt that an Indian man allegedly had his throat slashed while waiting on Platform 9 at Brisbane's Roma Street Station about 4.20pm on March 17.A 26-year-old man was charged a short time later after handing himself in at police headquarters, across the road.
It is alleged the heinous attack on Narendrakumar Patel, 34, was seen by police monitoring the station on closed-circuit television screens.
But details of the incident were never released by police despite the high-profile location.
Sources have claimed that a decision was taken by authorities not to release details of the assault, which is certain to fuel fears about train station safety.
It also will spark debate about whether Indians are the target of racially motivated attacks in Queensland, an issue which has raised tension between the Australian and Indian governments after a spate of attacks in Victoria.
Police would not comment on the case, or the decision not to release details.
But Deputy Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said the attack struck "at the heart of confidence of all rail commuters" and the public had a right to know about it.
"I hope that this has not been covered up or hosed down by our authorities because of the nationality of the victim," he said.
Police Minister Neil Roberts said train stations were patrolled by 54 officers in the rail squad and more than 100 full-time transit officers and private security guards.
He said the clear-up rate for crime on the rail system was "very good".
Mr Roberts also said he had been briefed on recent incidents involving people from various ethnic backgrounds.
"Some are obviously racially motivated, however police advise me that in their opinion the majority of incidents involving persons from different ethnic backgrounds are not suspected of being racially motivated," he said.
The man accused of attacking Mr Patel was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and carrying a knife in a public place.
It is believed the bluntness of the knife saved Mr Patel from more serious injuries.
Despite police prosecutors opposing bail, the man was released and is due to face court again on April 15.
The incident never came to the public's attention, until now.
...............................................................................................................................................................
COMMENT: This cover-up by Queensland Police Media of this serious assault on an IndianNational in Brisbane is an international disgrace. It amounts to police censorship and whoever in
Queensland Police Media is responsible for this, should be summarily dismissed.
Warning: Wrong Bookstore
Latest internet scam hits Australia
This is the latest internet scam to hit Australia:
.................................................
From: ortega@intercable.net
Your Email ID was awarded 1,000,000.00 G.B.P in tobacco promo send details.
Names:
Address:
Tel:
.................................................
It's time for the Australian Government to take immediate action against these sorts of spam emails.
Innocent internet users are being constantly defrauded by these Nigerian-type scammers who seek their personal and financial details to completely strip their bank accounts.
As with other objectionable internet material, the Australian Government has the clear constitutional power under section 51 of the Australian Constitution to force ISP's to stop these bogus emails at the border.
Internet users and their families are being hurt financially - sometimes losing their entire life savings to these internet predators.
It's time for the Government to act on behalf of all Australians.
Contact your Federal Member today and call your local state or territory police if you are a victim of these callous fraudsters.
A current list of Members of Federal Parliament is available at -
MP's:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/memlist.pdf
SENATORS:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/contacts/los.pdf
To let the Federal Government know that you want them to ban these scams, email the Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy at:
senator.conroy@aph.gov.au
Warn your friends about these scams, especially new internet users who may not be aware that these sophisticated frauds are operating in Australia.
You can circulate this warning by clicking the Email Post button below to email your family and friends.
.................................................
From: ortega@intercable.net
Your Email ID was awarded 1,000,000.00 G.B.P in tobacco promo send details.
Names:
Address:
Tel:
.................................................
It's time for the Australian Government to take immediate action against these sorts of spam emails.
Innocent internet users are being constantly defrauded by these Nigerian-type scammers who seek their personal and financial details to completely strip their bank accounts.
As with other objectionable internet material, the Australian Government has the clear constitutional power under section 51 of the Australian Constitution to force ISP's to stop these bogus emails at the border.
Internet users and their families are being hurt financially - sometimes losing their entire life savings to these internet predators.
It's time for the Government to act on behalf of all Australians.
Contact your Federal Member today and call your local state or territory police if you are a victim of these callous fraudsters.
A current list of Members of Federal Parliament is available at -
MP's:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/memlist.pdf
SENATORS:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/contacts/los.pdf
To let the Federal Government know that you want them to ban these scams, email the Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy at:
senator.conroy@aph.gov.au
Warn your friends about these scams, especially new internet users who may not be aware that these sophisticated frauds are operating in Australia.
You can circulate this warning by clicking the Email Post button below to email your family and friends.
April 02, 2010
Queensland trading hours still in the dark ages
opens from 8am to 8pm Sundays
If the local Woolies store in downtown Broken Hill can open from 8 till 8 on Sundays, why can't Queensland have more-sensible trading hours.
Most shops close around 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays in southeast Queensland and usually an hour later during the week.
The only good thing is that some supermarkets close around 9pm during the week.
The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission controls these hours with an iron rod.
It's time for all trading hours to be totally deregulated.
If you own a shop, you should be able to open and close it whenever you want.
Why should governments dictate when we can and can't shop?
Let's embrace the hours in Asia and many parts of the United States where shops open a little later and close around 10pm.
24-hour shopping should be encouraged in any precinct where it would be financially viable.
All this, provided workers receive appropriate overtime and penalty rates now that Work Choices has been scrapped.
24 Hours to go for the Apple iPad
Will it revolutionise the world or will the absence of a camera and a real keyboard be a turnoff for computer geeks across the globe?
Call for Easter Slow Down
Media Release
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
02/04/2010
SLOW DOWN THIS EASTER
Police are appealing for motorists to slow down after the first day of covert speed camera deployments in Queensland delivered concerning results.
"Yesterday the three covert speed camera vehicles operated in Yeppoon, North Rockhampton, Hemmant, Tingalpa, Murarrie, Upper Mount Gravatt and Macgregor," Police Minister Neil Roberts said.
"This resulted in 720 detections for speeding, a significantly higher rate of detection than police would normally see with marked speed cameras.
"It's concerning to see such a high number of motorists are risking their lives and the lives of others."
Covert motorcycles also operated for the first time in Queensland yesterday.
The unmarked motorcycles patrolled the M1 and Gateway Motorway resulting in eight infringements being issued for using a mobile phone while driving, four speeding infringements and one infringement each for an unregistered vehicle and obscured number plate.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said Police wanted to see the number of speeders detected by both covert and unmarked speed cameras reduce over the Easter weekend to prevent tragedy on our roads.
"While there were no fatalities in the first 24 hours of the Easter road safety campaign, 34 people were injured in 28 crashes," Commissioner Atkinson said.
"Motorists should slow down, obey the road rules and drive to the conditions to make our roads safer."
The highest speeds detected statewide yesterday were 146kmh in a 100kmh zone at Beaudesert and 116kmh in a 60kmh zone on the Sunshine Coast.
The highest detections by the covert speed cameras were 98kmh in a 60kmh zone at Wynnum and 97kmh in a 60kmh zone at Upper Mount Gravatt.
The highest blood alcohol reading in Queensland yesterday was allegedly 0.368% by a Whitsunday man in Central Region. He will appear in Proserpine Magistrates Court on April 12
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
02/04/2010
SLOW DOWN THIS EASTER
Police are appealing for motorists to slow down after the first day of covert speed camera deployments in Queensland delivered concerning results.
"Yesterday the three covert speed camera vehicles operated in Yeppoon, North Rockhampton, Hemmant, Tingalpa, Murarrie, Upper Mount Gravatt and Macgregor," Police Minister Neil Roberts said.
"This resulted in 720 detections for speeding, a significantly higher rate of detection than police would normally see with marked speed cameras.
"It's concerning to see such a high number of motorists are risking their lives and the lives of others."
Covert motorcycles also operated for the first time in Queensland yesterday.
The unmarked motorcycles patrolled the M1 and Gateway Motorway resulting in eight infringements being issued for using a mobile phone while driving, four speeding infringements and one infringement each for an unregistered vehicle and obscured number plate.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said Police wanted to see the number of speeders detected by both covert and unmarked speed cameras reduce over the Easter weekend to prevent tragedy on our roads.
"While there were no fatalities in the first 24 hours of the Easter road safety campaign, 34 people were injured in 28 crashes," Commissioner Atkinson said.
"Motorists should slow down, obey the road rules and drive to the conditions to make our roads safer."
The highest speeds detected statewide yesterday were 146kmh in a 100kmh zone at Beaudesert and 116kmh in a 60kmh zone on the Sunshine Coast.
The highest detections by the covert speed cameras were 98kmh in a 60kmh zone at Wynnum and 97kmh in a 60kmh zone at Upper Mount Gravatt.
The highest blood alcohol reading in Queensland yesterday was allegedly 0.368% by a Whitsunday man in Central Region. He will appear in Proserpine Magistrates Court on April 12
April 01, 2010
Don't be an April Fool in 2010
Media Release
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
01/04/2010
Don't get April Fooled by scammers
This April Fool's Day, Fair Trading is warning Queenslanders not to be fooled by scammers who send letters promising pots of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said chain letters - illegal in Queensland - were a recurring con that gave false guarantees of bucket loads of money for little effort.
"The pot at the end of the rainbow is fool's gold," Mr Lawlor said.
"The reality is you end up paying fraudsters for access to their supposed wisdom or their dodgy get-rich-quick scheme.
"Instead of pocketing tens of thousands of dollars, you could be fined for your involvement because chain letters are a type of illegal pyramid scheme."
Mr Lawlor said one classic chain letter that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) continued to hear about claimed to come from a Perth man called David Rhodes.
"'David Rhodes' tells his story of being down on his luck and in debt before receiving a letter about how to make a huge amount of money, which he dismissed at first but then decided to give a try.
"Lo and behold, after outlaying $190 and posting some letters he received $78,000 in 60 days.
"He goes on to tell how his family went on a cruise, bought a flash car and built a big house and has now earned more than a million dollars."
The letter - which often has a five-cent piece stuck to it - encourages you to get a slice of the wealth by sending $10 to the person at the top of the chain letter list, adding your name and address to the bottom, then resending the letter to 200 people.
Other types of letters also make false promises of wealth.
Mr Lawlor said Queenslanders had received mail from clairvoyant Marie Callas, who claims to have aristocratic heritage and to have started wowing locals in her French village at a young age with her psychic super powers.
"In her long-winded letter, she says she's studied your stars and that you will soon wi n an 'absolutely vast amount of money' and that you must act fast to get 94 days of 'almost uninterrupted luck!'
"Ms Callas guarantees happiness and wealth if you fill out her 'Urgent Answer Form for A Rich and Happy Life' to order her 'Grand Clairvoyant Lucky Reading, Lucky Cycles Law Special' book for $40."
Mr Lawlor said people who got mail like this should bin it.
"You've very little chance of getting any money back if you buy into these letters," Mr Lawlor said.
"Use your common sense and don't get dollar signs in your eyes."
For more information about scams visit
www.SCAMwatch.gov.au or to lodge a complaint visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04
Golden Circle in a jam - Aussies to boycott US impostor
That didn't stop the Yanks from unlawfully continuing to label their products as "Proudly Australian Owned" - until the ACCC caught up with them.
Now, the US owner - H.J. Heinz Company - has been forced to apologise to all Australians for their misleading and deceptive conduct, in a series of national newspapers advertisements.
True blue Aussies will be appalled at this anti-consumer deception and will boycott the US Golden Circle brand for their unlawful conduct in treating Australians as dills.
March 31, 2010
Media Release: Fire ant prediction comes true after 10 years
Ten years after being condemned as a doomsday prophet that the fire ant menace would never be controlled, Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully may have been vindicated after a fire ant infestation has been discovered near Grandchester 70km west of Brisbane.
At the time, Cr Tully likened fire ants to the rabbit and the cane today saying they would never be stopped in Australia.
In 2001, Cr Tully called for additional state and federal funding to curb the spread of the fire ant.
"Ministers and bureaucrats were quick to claim it was all under control.
"The federal government needs to respond nationally and pump more money into eradicating the fire ant.
"This will soon become a nationwide problem while bureaucrats dither over the issue," Cr Tully said.
March 27, 2010
LIMO: Is this so-called hair restorer fair dinkum?
just another consumer con?
It's being blasted across our television screens around Australia.
It's guaranteed by the promoter to restore your hair in the privacy of your home.
Use the magic wand and relax while your hair grows back!
But is it fair dinkum?
Does it really work or is it something the ACCC and the Office of Fair Trading should be looking at?
Always remember the old legal maxim: Caveat Emptor - Let the Buyer Beware!
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
Click "Home" below to see all posts on
this website. If "Home" does not appear,
all posts are currently displayed.
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March 26, 2010
Elwyn Denman has a lot to answer for and owes a big apology to his Ipswich tenants
Elwyn Denman tries to defend the indefensible
on Channel 10
Elwyn Denman is a former real estate agent and Ipswich City Council alderman.
He was well-versed in property and town planning law from both professions, or he should have been.
He recently set up a series of homes around Ipswich for the poor and needy.
Unfortunately, Elwyn made one little mistake - he couldn't be bothered getting State Government or Council approval for his grand plan.
Now, he has been caught with his pants down and he is crying poor on television that he has been badly done by.
Well Elwyn, if you hadn't thumbed your nose at the law, you wouldn't be in this dilemma.
You are personally responsible for the effects of your recalcitrance on your tenants.
Elwyn, you owe them all one big apology.
Clearly, your abilities as a landlord are equally matched by your competence as a council alderman.
PPQ upsets more punters over failed Queensland Personalised Plates auction
By Shawki Kaddour
Thanks for your blog on the PPQ auction from last night.
I totally agree with your blog about PPQ, that they have become a rip off.
I entered both my plates for last night's auction but they did't let me enter them, one of them being I PRINT and MACHINE - one 6 and one 7 letter.
I couldn't believe the plates that they did pick:
CAMERON!
TOOWONG!
ANTHONY!
Plus many others.
I could already see the auction would be a disaster.
Cheers
Shake
....................................................
Have you had a bad
experience with PPQ or
feel ripped off by PPQ,
send an email with full
details to PaulGTully@gmail.com
....................................................
Thanks for your blog on the PPQ auction from last night.
I totally agree with your blog about PPQ, that they have become a rip off.
I entered both my plates for last night's auction but they did't let me enter them, one of them being I PRINT and MACHINE - one 6 and one 7 letter.
I couldn't believe the plates that they did pick:
CAMERON!
TOOWONG!
ANTHONY!
Plus many others.
I could already see the auction would be a disaster.
Cheers
Shake
....................................................
Have you had a bad
experience with PPQ or
feel ripped off by PPQ,
send an email with full
details to PaulGTully@gmail.com
....................................................
Councils buck State Government on new voting system
The Courier-Mail
QUEENSLAND councils are bracing themselves for another fight after the State Government yesterday directed a parliamentary committee to investigate introducing a Senate-style voting system into local government.
Under the proportional representation system, the number of formal votes is divided by the number of available seats plus one vote.
Political scientist Dr Paul Williams said if this system was introduced into local government, it could spell the end of popular mayors unless a separate voting system was used to elect them.
Yesterday Leader of the House Judy Spence moved a motion in State Parliament directing the Law, Justice and Safety Committee to review the local government electoral process, including investigating the feasibility of proportional representation.
Sources say the State Government is pursuing the move because of pressure from the Greens, who stand to benefit from its introduction.
It has outraged southeast Queensland councils, who have called on the State Government to scrap the review.
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale yesterday led a chorus of unrest over the decision to investigate the option, which he said would fragment councils and leave communities exposed to councillors who were interested only in furthering their political careers.
"It's absolutely rubbish. I would fight to my last ounce of breath if they try to change a fantastic model," he said.
Fellow Ipswich councillor Paul Tully said the proportional voting system would allow "River" community groups to gain a seat on council based on a single issue rather than on their ability to represent their community as a whole.
"It would be the worst thing to happen to local government in Queensland," Cr Tully said.
Logan Mayor Cr Pam Parker said she would be making a submission against the proposal as it would open the door to party politics.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said his council also opposed the PR system.
Currently about 30 per cent of councillors in Queensland are politically aligned.
Local Government Association of Queensland executive director Greg Hallam said proportional representation was considered the most democratic system but he was concerned that it could lead to instability within councils.
Mr Hallam said currently there were no other councils that used the system in Australia.
QUEENSLAND councils are bracing themselves for another fight after the State Government yesterday directed a parliamentary committee to investigate introducing a Senate-style voting system into local government.
Under the proportional representation system, the number of formal votes is divided by the number of available seats plus one vote.
Political scientist Dr Paul Williams said if this system was introduced into local government, it could spell the end of popular mayors unless a separate voting system was used to elect them.
Yesterday Leader of the House Judy Spence moved a motion in State Parliament directing the Law, Justice and Safety Committee to review the local government electoral process, including investigating the feasibility of proportional representation.
Sources say the State Government is pursuing the move because of pressure from the Greens, who stand to benefit from its introduction.
It has outraged southeast Queensland councils, who have called on the State Government to scrap the review.
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale yesterday led a chorus of unrest over the decision to investigate the option, which he said would fragment councils and leave communities exposed to councillors who were interested only in furthering their political careers.
"It's absolutely rubbish. I would fight to my last ounce of breath if they try to change a fantastic model," he said.
Fellow Ipswich councillor Paul Tully said the proportional voting system would allow "River" community groups to gain a seat on council based on a single issue rather than on their ability to represent their community as a whole.
"It would be the worst thing to happen to local government in Queensland," Cr Tully said.
Logan Mayor Cr Pam Parker said she would be making a submission against the proposal as it would open the door to party politics.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said his council also opposed the PR system.
Currently about 30 per cent of councillors in Queensland are politically aligned.
Local Government Association of Queensland executive director Greg Hallam said proportional representation was considered the most democratic system but he was concerned that it could lead to instability within councils.
Mr Hallam said currently there were no other councils that used the system in Australia.
March 24, 2010
Queensland Personalised Number Plates auction falls flat - Buyers wary of so-called bargains
PIC 1:
"Toowong"
Number Plates
bring just $1750
- much less than the
across-the-counter
price from PPQ
PIC 2:
A number plate not
auctioned tonight but
showing on the PPQ
website as available
for purchase for $2295 -
a combination fit for the
bosses of PPQ!
PPQ (Personalised Plates Queensland) officials would not have been happy with the prices brought for the majority of personalised Queensland number plates at tonight's annual auction at the Victoria Park Golf Club.
The halcyon days of personalised number plates in the Sunshine State which saw plates sell for $100,000 only 25 years ago appear to be gone forever - and that was with Russ Hinze as the auctioneer!
Most of tonight's plates brought very poor results with TOOWONG selling for $1750 which is $2000 below the normal PPQ across-the-counter price!
NEW FARM was not much better bringing in just $3500.
350 CHEV was passed in at $2500 when it failed to reach the undisclosed reserve price with a similar fate falling on PAINTER, Q31 and V.
There were a few notable exceptions to the less-than-spectacular auction with Q70 selling for $80,000 with SOLD going for $25,000.
You only have to go onto eBay to see that the bottom has completely fallen out of the personalised plates market in Queensland.
People are seeking crackerjack prices on eBay with most auctions attracting not a single bid.
It seems that PPQ may have almost reached saturation point in Queensland with almost all of the top alphabetical and numerical combinations and sequences gone forever!
Some of PPQ's prices are outrageous, with the cost of simply changing the plate registration from a large trailer to a sedan almost $140.
$137.80 for a junior PPQ officer to tick one box on the computer - a complete and utter consumer ripoff!
If you switch from personalised plates on a sedan to a large trailer, you have to forfeit one of the plates.
What they don't tell you is that you will be slugged almost $140 plus a remake fee to change back.
"Tough luck" is basically what customers are being told who query the ripoff.
How can PPQ justify charging $57.20 for an identical re-make of 2 plates and $195 to re-make 1 plate plus a simple computer change from "large trailer" to sedan.
Same owner in both cases, same plate design, no other changes - just a 10 second computer entry changing from "large trailer" to a sedan - and they want almost $140 for the privilege.
They charge only $76.60 to change the name of the owner of a set of personalised plates but almost double that for a simple computer change - with the SAME owner - from large trailer to sedan.
PPQ are legalised ripoff merchants with their customer skills almost non-existent.
If you are planning to buy personalised number plates in Queensland, expect to be ripped off by PPQ and don't expect your purchase to be a good, long-term investment.
You would be better off buying Penny Black stamps or 1930 pennies than placing your hard earned cash on a couple of bits of metal from PPQ.
The full list of auction results from tonight's auction:
BNE 01 - $3000
COOPER S - $4500
V8S RULE - $3750
CAYENNE - $4500
ANTHONY - $2500
CAMERON - $3000
NEWFARM - $3500
TOOWONG - $1750
SURFERS - $10,500
SOLD - $25,000
BUILDER - $13,000
FINANCE - $6000
PLUMBER - $7000
DENTIST - $9500
Q70 - $80,000
YY - $4750
Q387 - $11,000
Q410 - $10,000
Q425 - $6500
Q625 - $10,500
Q2010 - $4500
Q4011 - $2750
Q4007 - $3750
Q4101 - $3500
Q4006 - $3250
Q8808 - $4500
One Lot:
Q1012
Q1013
Q1014
Q1015 - $16,000 (a real bargain)
Q88880 - $50,000
4 other lots were passed in after failing to reach the reserve price.
Till next year!
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