CityNews 240404

HOW THE ACT ALWAYS GETS ITS FAIR SHARE OF GST

The political spin says we don’t, but that’s just not true, say JON STANHOPE

Tassie voters have set the independents loose

MICHAEL MOORE

Tram costs: Barr must fall on his sword ROBERT MACKLIN

As the soil cools, the autumn bulbs begin JACKIE WARBURTON

Yo, bruvs, the ‘Peff Daddy’ loves his new Health logo

KEEPING UP THE ACT

Spreading the news...

Hard-working actor ROMY TURNER’s doing everything to make things happen for her in New York

DAYLIGHT SAVING CLOCKS GO BACK

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Group breathes hope into lung disease suffering

By Katarina LLOYD JONES

Pam Harris’ parents died from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at relatively early ages.

“They didn’t have the medications we have and the know-how,” says Pam, a 20-year member of the Canberra Lung Life Support Group.

“I promised my mum at the first sign of it, I would give away the cigarettes, and that was the hardest thing I ever did, I think.

“I was diagnosed [with COPD] in 2001 and I went to a specialist and he sent me on to a course called Pulmo nary Rehab

“That taught you a lot about what the disease was and how it could affect you and so forth.

“By doing that, you also went to the gym because we were told that exer cise was such a big part of it, and I’d never been near a gym until then.

“I still go two to three times a week now and it’s been really, really good.”

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to progressive lung conditions, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma, says Lung Foundation Australia.

It says COPD causes the narrowing

of the bronchial tubes, making it difficult to breathe and that it is progressive and incurable.

From her visits to the gym, Pam was introduced to the Canberra Lung Life Support Group.

The group was formed in 1998 and is a volunteer-led social network supported by Lung Foundation Australia, says Marina Siemionow, co-ordinator since 2019.

“It started with a group of eight people who had lung problems, and it’s just grown since then, we actually have about 70 members now,” says Marina, who discovered the group while walking through the Seniors Expo with her partner Val, who suffers from bronchiectasis and asbestosis.

“People were inclined to stay at

home when they got ill, it got too hard to do things, so they wanted somewhere that people could come and relax, and learn things, so that’s sort of how it started and why it started,” she says.

One of the main things that the group tries to encourage is better understanding of diagnoses.

“People leave being diagnosed with very little information, and therefore no support,” says Marina.

“I’ve had people on the phone, ringing up because they’ve heard about us, and saying things like they think it’s a death sentence.

“Then you sort of say, look, we’ve got people who’ve had COPD for 23 years, yes, it’s debilitating, and it gradually gets you, but you can manage it, you can slow down the process. It’s not a death sentence.”

Those who suffer from COPD are often faced with stigma from the public, Marina says.

“As you start puffing and panting, everybody says, ‘oh, you’re a smoker,’ yeah, you were, but that was the time. That’s what you did,” says Pam.

Pam now requires an oxygen mask to assist her breathing, but she says that the Canberra Lung Life Support Group has helped her gain confidence in herself again.

“It’s about seeing people in the same position as yourself, discovering what you can actually do to support your-

self,” says Marina.

“And it’s just as critical for the carer to be educated, so that they don’t go into panic mode when somebody’s having a moment where they’re short of breath and they’re gasping.

“For the health system, what happens is people who panic ring up the ambulance and in fact they don’t need an ambulance. They just need to calm down and do some breathing techniques.”

The Canberra Lung Life Support Group has formal meetings at the Labor Club in Weston.

“We have speakers that come to that meeting and if it’s not speakers, then we have a topic that we share experiences of, or we do some planning for the group, and then we always meet for lunch afterwards,” says Marina.

On the last Friday of every month, Marina says they have a social lunch at new locations, so that members can explore new places.

“They’ve become like family,” says Pam.

Marina says that not all members attend the in-person meetings and members can keep up to date through the group’s newsletter.

Contact Canberra Lung Life Support Group via Lung Life Australia, 1800 654301 or at lungfoundation.com.au/ services/canberra-lung-life-supportgroup

Marina Siemionow, left, and Pam Harris, members of the Canberra Lung Life Support Group. Photo: Katarina Lloyd Jones

from the Tasmanian election

Tasmanian voters set the independents loose

A “hung parliament” is the term that the major parties love to use. It is deliberately pejorative.

The major parties do not like the notion of answering to the parliament to the extent required through a “minority government”.

The view of Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff illustrates the point. In calling the election a year early, argued “minority government is destabilising, it destroys confidence, it is bad for our state and it is bad for Tasmanians”. Tasmanian voters rejected this notion.

The people of Tasmania disagreed and delivered the very thing in the most recent election. The Westminster system of government will operate more effectively with much more accountability.

The major parties work towards the winner-takes-all perspective. Even in opposition, they effectively wait their turn hoping they will not have to negotiate every piece of legislation with a range of members of the parliament.

Accountability, and much more effective engagement of all members of the parliament comes when the voters support a strong crossbench that will not go into coalition with one of the major parties.

One of the arguments put forward by major parties to discourage voting

for independents and small parties is that a hung parliament puts too much power in the hands of a small number of people on the cross benches. Not so! Their own actions deliver that power to the cross benches.

The option that governments in minority always have is to seek support from the major opposition party. When this happens, all members of the parliament have an equal and effective vote on issues. This option can effectively neutralise any position taken by cross bench members.

In a similar way, opposition parties have the option of seeking support

When Canberrans go to the polls in October, it is worth ensuring that the ACT has the most accountable government possible. A really strong cross bench will deliver this outcome.

from either the government or the cross bench members to drive any change that they see as appropriate for the community. This can take the form of motions put to the parliament, review of legislation or the introduction of their own legislation.

Minority governments are entitled to know that they have support for the budget and support if a no-confidence motion is put regarding the leader – whether it be a premier, prime minister or chief minister.

Minority governments do mean a significant shift in power from the government to the parliament. However, going into government as a minority does require some substantial security.

In the Westminster system, the government is accountable for the money. Therefore, it is appropriate that the government has a guarantee from those backing the minority that they will support the government’s budget.

The second issue is stability.

Ironically, leaders negotiating to establish a minority government always seek to have a guarantee of support in a no-confidence motion. Ironic, because there have been so many cases in recent times where a prime minister loses the confidence of his or her own party.

Over the last decade, majority government has hardly been a recipe for stability.

Tasmanians have delivered a series of clear messages to their members of parliament. Calling an early election is not such a sensible idea. The Liberal premier did not like running a minority government even though his majority was lost when just one of his own Liberal members defected to the cross bench. His attempt to regain a majority government delivered a swing of around 12 per cent against the Liberals. His other mistake was to revert to a much bigger Legislative Assembly with the 2022 legislation to return to a 35-member parliament from the 25-member one that was established in 1998.

In contrast to the 25 politicians in the ACT, Tasmania now has 35 members in their House of Assembly and 15

members in their Legislative Council.

On top of this Tasmania (with a population of 540,000 compared to the ACT’s 430,000), has five Federal MPs and 12 Senators along with 29 local councils – each with between seven and 12 councillors.

The ACT is not over governed. It has a much more efficient governance system with just 25 members of the Legislative Assembly with responsibility for local as well as state/territory functions. Canberrans also have three MPs and two Senators. Just 30 politicians altogether.

When Canberrans go to the polls in October, it is worth ensuring that the ACT has the most accountable government possible. A really strong cross bench will deliver this outcome.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

Jeremy Rockliff... in calling the election a year early, he argued minority government was bad for Tasmania. Voters rejected this notion.

Photo: Rob Blakers/AAP

By Helen MUSA

Making it on to the Great White Way is not as easy as fiction would have it, but a former Canberra performer is giving it her best shot.

Romy Turner, largely raised in Murrumbateman and the winner in 2014 of a CAT award for playing Lady Bracknell in the Girls’ Grammar production of The Importance of Being Earnest, is fighting the odds on Off-Broadway but starting to get featured roles.

In the Theatre for the New City recently, for instance, she played The Monster in William Electric Black’s show The Frankenstein Project and before that she understudied in The Duchess of Les: An AI Musical from Little Ukraine.

Turner is a good example of a hardworking actor who’s doing everything to make things happen for her.

Although she has a degree from the Australian Institute of Music, things didn’t really start jumping until covid.

When I catch up with Turner by WhatsApp to New York, she’s full of beans, describing to me her upbringing in Murrumbateman, her time at

Theatre & Film Institute, then applied to them, writing “the corniest application saying I’m a small-time girl aiming for big things”.

It worked. Three weeks into lockdown, she was offered a full scholarship that the Strasberg Institute held for her until lockdown was lifted in August 2022.

“If it’s all too hard, I’m coming home,” she told herself, but once in NYC from September 2022 she leapt into the intensive work at Strasberg with relish.

Apart from its trademark courses in Method acting (the late Strasberg had been the mentor of Marilyn Monroe and Marlon Brando) there were the professionals engaged as acting coaches, her favourite being nonagenarian Geoffrey Horne, who’d been in The Bridge on The River Kwai.

Even now, Turner says: “Here I am, a little bumpkin from Murrumbateman… what is happening?

The course brought strong industry connections.

“You have to work hard to build a good reputation, this industry here is all about networking,” she says.

Graduates like her have 12 months to convince the US government that they are of exceptional talent by getting as much work as possible, so she’s been hitting the audition and casting website rounds, enjoying the

role of John Wilkes Booth in Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins and appearing in short films and shows.

“Then I got a comedy sketch at The Producers Club and suddenly I was working on two other projects – the Duchess of Les as a standby and also The Frankenstein Project… this is the level of intensity that you find here,” she says.

“Frankenstein was very different, because I was offered the principal role on my own, and it was because of networking,” she says.

“It was very experimental, very downtown New York in that the set and costuming for the cast were all very minimal and the creative team really relied on props, lighting and the actors’ physicality to create the different environments in each scene,” she says.

By doing those two shows, Turner is now eligible to join Actors Equity, necessary if she wants to be considered for national tours.

She hopes she will be eligible in August to apply for an O-Visa for three years, which is how many Home and Away and Neighbours actors get into the US.

“I went having no idea what it was going to be like… it was hard with no family and friends at first, but it’s absolutely worth being able to tell my mum that I’m in a New York show,” she says.

All hail Warwick and why he’s taken to the toga

By Katarina LLOYD JONES

Warrick Jones, aka Decimus Aurelius Ingenarius as he is known in Roman circles, has been fascinated by the Roman Empire for a long time.

“I own a board game called ‘The Republic of Rome’... It inspired me to try to build a sequel that looked at the early principate and empire, so that led me to do quite a lot of research,” says the 34 year-old Gungahlin local.

“Eventually, in my travels online, I came across this website called Nova Roma. It was quite comprehensive, and had a lot of articles on the various magistrates and the governance structure and the social structure of Ancient Rome.

“I soon came to learn that Nova Roma was this society, perhaps a little bit in the form of a micro-nation too, and that sort of appealed to me.

“I found that you could become a member, or a citizen, and I applied.”

Nova Roma is a not-for-profit organisation originally founded in Maine, America in 1998, and Warrick says there are numerous Nova Roma societies all over the world.

Warrick says that at its core, Nova

Roma is a living history society that looks to emulate a modern adaptation of the Roman Republic.

Although predominantly online, Warrick says Nova Roma very much encourages physical forums, which is where his callout for Canberrans stems from.

“I’ve been looking to rally the citizens around Australia to create more of that culture and the opportunities for education and lectures, guest speakers and Roman activities, and eventually when we mature we’ll do live displays, performances, things of a sacrificial nature” says Warrick.

Nova Roma has everything you might expect, says Warrick, from togas, elections for magistrates (conducted yearly), senators, consuls and praetors, they even use the Latin language for forum meetings.

At the moment, Warrick is an elected senator, or Pro Praetor, and the regional president, or governor, for Oceana.

He says that alongside these historically accurate roles, citizens of Nova Roma Provincia Australis also get an adopted Roman name, that Latin linguists create.

“We are striving for all things historically accurate, so whatever we’re doing, we’re looking to do as accurately as possible within the confines of modern times,” he says.

“Certainly one of the questions that comes up, particularly around the Cultus Deorum, or the Religio Romana is,

‘what about sacrifice, what about the murder or the slaughter of animals?’

“Nova Roma doesn’t condone those activities, it always encourages people to follow their local jurisdiction with respect to those activities, but what is allowed under the customs and tradi tion of Ancient Rome is a whole bunch of different other types of sacrifice, which normally is about wine or milk.

“So there’s a multitude of ways to do accurate sacrifice without some of the more nasty aspects of what was Ancient Rome.

“We still see much of what is both the language and the culture of Ancient Rome throughout our society today.

“The intent here is a like minded group of individuals that want to talk about Roman stuff, we’re a social group really at heart.”

Warrick says that while his wife has dabbled in learning Latin, she doesn’t share his intrigue to the historic empire.

“She tolerates my passions,” he says. His workplace is similarly removed from Warrick’s primary hobby.

“I work in IT and do freelance voiceover work for radio, cinema and TV advertisements,” says Warrick.

“This new group in Canberra, and Nova Roma, is how I get my Roman fix.”

“I annoy my work colleagues all the time about Roman stuff, but here, you can share and enjoy that passion.

Nova Roma, novaroma.org

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Warrick Jones, aka Decimus Aurelius Ingenarius… “So there’s a multitude of ways to do accurate sacrifice without some of the more nasty aspects of what was Ancient Rome.”

Photo: supplied

A second opinion on hearing loss – you need professional advice, not a sales pitch

A woman came into my clinic for a consultation about her hearing aids, telling me her hearing aids were 4 years old and she had never found them to be of much help. She said the salesperson quoted her $14,000 for a pair of hearing aids, however, the monthly special of 20% discount meant they cost her $11,200. So, she ‘only’ paid $11,200 for hearing aids that did not help her. Sadly, I hear this all too often.

Here are some things to do to avoid this type of problem:

1. Visit your GP. If you or someone you know has a problem with their hearing, visiting your GP to check for wax in the ears, and to get advice is a starting point.

2. Qualifications. Always check the qualifications of the person you are dealing with. A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.

years. If you are not sure about their advice, then seek a second opinion. The wrong hearing aids can be an expensive waste and could lead you to stop wearing them. You should always have a trial of hearing aids to ensure that they are right for you.

6 Pensioners and eligible DVA card holders often have entitlement to free services. If you are covered by a government concession, then let the clinician know (even though your clinician should ask). Eligible clients may obtain free hearing tests, consultations, and free hearing aids (referred to as fully subsidized hearing aids).

“A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.”

– Dr Vass

These hearing aids are appropriate for many people, however if you have great difficulty hearing in background noise (for example a restaurant), then you may want to consider partially subsidized hearing aids. This is when the government pays a certain amount, and you pay for additional features and benefits. Your decision should be based on the following:

you are dealing with a qualified clinician, then they belong to a professional association. The best contact is an independent complaints body referred to as Ethics Review Committee. You can email ethics@auderc.org.au and view the website www.auderc.org.au. You can make an anonymous complaint and your complaint will be handled in a confidential and professional manner. If you are in the ACT, contact the ACT Human Rights Commission email human rights@act.gov au and the website www.hrc.act.gov.au

3. Independent advice. You should get independent, professional advice.

4. There are a wide range of hearing aids out there. Finding the right hearing aids for your communication needs can be challenging. Hearing aids vary in price and performance. Bluetooth® connectivity and rechargeable hearing aids are available on most hearing aids, along with apps that allow you to control your hearing aids from your mobile device. Be aware that just because a hearing aid is more expensive, that doesn’t mean they are the best hearing aid for you.

5. Just as hearing aids vary in performance, clinicians may also vary in performance due to training, experience, and skills. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident in their advice. You are likely to be with this clinician for the life of your new hearing aids, typically 4 to 5

(a) Can you afford the more expensive hearing aids? Don’t go into financial stress if you can’t afford them. (b) Are you clear on the free vs partially subsidized features & benefits? Never believe someone who tells you the free hearings are not good or of poor performance, this is simply not true. (c) If you try the partially subsidized hearing aids and are not happy, then return them. Do not keep hearing aids because you think the failure is yours or that you will improve over time. If the hearing aids are not working for you in the trial period, then they will not work for you in a year or two.

7. If you have a complaint, then seek help. Your clinician should be able to help you through most of your needs. Sometimes, a problem may be beyond the expertise of even the best clinician. However, if you have a complaint there are things you can do. If

Dogs – the unlikely allies in modern conservation

Dogs have been working with people for centuries. Think hunting dogs, herding dogs, police dogs or search and rescue dogs. But have you heard of conservation dogs?

Conservation dogs fall mainly into two categories: guardian dogs and sniffer dogs (also called scent, detection or detector dogs).

Guardian dogs protect vulnerable species from predators, while sniffer dogs locate targets of interest using their powerful sense of smell.

In the past 15 years, dogs have begun to play a crucial role in conservation around the world. So let’s take a closer look at them, with a focus on their work in Australia.

Guardian dogs were made famous by the 2015 movie Oddball. The film is based on the true story of Maremma dogs, trained to protect little penguins from foxes on Middle Island near Warrnambool in southwest Victoria. The penguin population had dwindled to fewer than ten before the Maremma dogs got involved. The breed was chosen for its long association with guarding sheep in Europe. But most conservation dogs are sniffer dogs, because there are so many uses for them. They can be

trained to find animals or plants, or “indirect” signs animals have left behind such as poo or feathers.

Dogs can detect anything with an odour – and everything has an odour.

Sniffer dogs are trained to detect a target scent and point it out to their human coworker (sometimes referred to as handler or bounder).

Sniffer dogs have been trained for various missions such as:

• finding rare and endangered species

• detecting invasive animals during eradication or containment such as fire ants or snakes

• locating pest plants

• supporting wildlife surveys by detecting scats (poo), urine, vomit, nests, carcasses and even diseases.

A dog’s nose is estimated to be 100,000 to 100 million times more sensitive than a human nose (depending on the dog breed). A much larger proportion (seven to 40 times larger) of the dog’s brain is dedicated to decoding scent.

That means dogs can detect very low scent concentrations – the equivalent of a teaspoon of sugar in five million litres of water (or two Olympic-sized swimming pools). They can also differentiate between very similar odours.

Dogs analyse the air from each

tion. This gives them a directional sense of smell that can guide them left or right until they’ve honed in on the origin of the scent.

Thanks to very sophisticated nostrils, dogs can avoid contaminating an odour with their own breath (exhaling air through the nostrils’ sides). They also can analyse odours continuously regardless of whether they are inhaling or exhaling.

Some organisations rescue their dogs. They look for the toy-obsessed kind – those dogs that never stop playing.

In many cases these dogs were abandoned for that very reason. They require constant entertainment and become difficult to care for in a normal family setting, where people have to leave for work and devote time to activities other than entertaining their dog.

week. That work consists of long walks with lots of play.

Trainers use toys and play as a reward, so dogs learn to associate this reward with the target scent.

Learning through association – called classical or pavlovian conditioning – is very easy for dogs. It’s so easy that the scent-learning part of the job is usually the quickest. Training a dog to feel confident and be safe in the natural environment is more challenging.

The most important aspect of the association learning process is having the right dog – one with obsessive behaviour. And any breed, sex and age of dog can present this personality type.

Some breeds might tend to have higher proportions of obsessed and toy-focused dogs, but all breeds,

including crossbreeds, have been successfully deployed as sniffer dogs. Some breeds do have better sniffers – the bloodhound is the champion of olfactory performance – but depending on the target scent, most dogs’ noses are still extremely efficient and more than capable of the task.

Meet dogs working in conservation around the world:

detecting orca poo making and keeping World Heritagelisted islands and Antarctica pristine wildlife search and rescue

• working as guardians

• containing fire ants

• leading weed eradication on land or water

• monitoring wind farms

• finding vomit (rejected owl pellets, to be precise)

• supporting environmental assessments

• helping Tasmanian devils find mates

• detecting diseases.

These are just a few of the dogs making a difference in our fight to protect biodiversity. But we have barely scratched the surface of their potential!

Romane H Cristescu, researcher in Koala, Detection Dogs, Conservation Genetics and Ecology, University of the Sunshine Coast. Republished from The Conversation.

The

Dogs are incredible – if unlikely – allies in conservation, writes ROMANE H CRISTESCU.

UniSC Detection Dogs for Conservation.

NATIONAL TRUST (ACT)

Oration celebrates World Heritage Day

Australian Heritage Council Chair Ted Baillieu

AO will give the 2024 ACT Heritage Oration

The annual oration has been established by the National Trust (ACT) to celebrate World Heritage Day, which is observed around the world each year on April 18.

The oration provides an opportunity for a prominent heritage leader and thinker to deliver an address aimed at raising awareness and stimulating discussion about the current state and future directions of heritage nationally and in the ACT.

The title of Mr Ballieu’s presentation is “The Power of Place and the Primacy of Purpose”.

Mr Baillieu was appointed chair of the Australian Heritage Council in 2021 and brings a wealth of expertise to the role as a life fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and as adjunct professor at Swinburne University School of Design. He is an honorary enterprise professor associated with the faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at Melbourne University.

He served as Premier of Victoria and Minister for the Arts from 2010 to 2013.

In 2020 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to the people and Parliament of Victoria and to international engagement.

The oration is a free event at the Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome, 6pm-8pm, on Thursday, April 18. It will be followed by refreshments.

Bookings are essential at trybooking.com/COWAX, enquiries to info@nationaltrustact.org.au

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Welcome to our regular column on National Trust of Australia (ACT) activities.

At the time of writing the ACT government had just responded to the report by the ACT Assembly Standing Committee on Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity on ACT’s heritage arrangements. The Trust is pleased that many recommendations have been agreed or are stated to be existing government policy, but notes that others have not been adopted.

In our submission to the City Renewal Authority consultation on City Hill we suggested that the hill should remain a park without new structures. But we are very concerned about the risk of a wall of

CANBERRA AND REGION HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2024

NATIONAL TRUST (ACT) EVENTS

Heritage Polaris – Saturday, April 13

This event will take in heritage sites throughout Canberra and is the best bike navigation event in Australia. Come and make tracks in the capital as teams of two (or more) riders take to the cycle paths, forests and roads seeking out a choice of checkpoints in a seven-hour event open to serious riders, recreational riders and teams of all ages. For those who prefer a shorter ride, there is also a Half Heritage Polaris. For more information and bookings: heritagepolaris.com.au

Millpost: back through time – Sunday, April 14, 9.30am - 2.30pm

This Millpost tour is a rare opportunity to see multiple historic features on a working farm. You will see a relatively intact 19th century limekiln, an ancient stone axe quarry and an historic homestead surrounded by permaculture gardens. David Watson’s book Millpost: back through time will be launched by local historian Brendan O’Keefe. Morning tea and lunch included. Book at trybooking.com/COUFZ

ACT Heritage Oration – Thursday, April 18, 6pm - 8pm

Heritage – The Power of Place and Primacy of Purpose

This year’s ACT Heritage Oration will be delivered by the Hon Ted Baillieu AO, chair of the Australian Heritage Council. He served as Premier of Victoria and Minister for the Arts from 2010 to 2013. The venue, the Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome, was the first Canberra building to be added to the National Heritage List, for its historical and architectural significance.

Book at trybooking.com/COWAX

National Trust (ACT) Heritage Festival Open Day

– Yarralumla Woolshed – Saturday, April 20, 10am - 3pm

What does a woolshed evoke for you? Iconic Aussie shearing scenes or bush dances? Come and rediscover the historic Yarralumla Woolshed with something for everyone: performances, displays, food and more. Learn about its role in our pastoral history up until the last wool bale left from here in 1967. Bookings not required. Gold coin donation.

Heritage walks - Braddon, Sunday, April 21, 2pm - 4pm

As one of our oldest suburbs Braddon has many stories to tell, connecting us with many housing types from early hostels, hotels, public housing to valued heritage precincts. Join heritage architect Eric Martin on this walk. Book at trybooking.com/COWZU

buildings around the hill with significant overshadowing.

The Trust is also concerned to see that a visual link from City Hill to Lake Burley Griffin is retained.

In our submission on the federal government’s consultation on Stage 2B of Light Rail, we urged that the project should be considered a “controlled action” under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 given the likely significant impact to the Commonwealth heritage values along this route.

The Trust recommended that Light Rail Stage 2B should not proceed until all heritage impacts of the proposed route are fully explored.

The Trust noted with concern the ACT Audit Office report on Urban Tree Management, which identified a significant shortfall in tree plantings that will impact the achievement of the government’s target of a 30 per cent tree canopy cover by 2045.

Stories of Early Forrest, Saturday, April 27, 9.30am - 11.30am

This Heritage Walk is a gentle stroll through the Griffin Plan avenues, circuits, circles and streets of Forrest. It tells the stories behind land use, naming conventions, landscape, streetscape, architecture and residents from the 1920s to 1960s including detail of the construction workers’ camps, early clubs and statues, government and private housing of the ‘20s, modernist architecture of the ‘50s/’60s and the street plantings. Book at trybooking.com/COWZE

Dickson’s Once Upon a Time Centenary –Saturday, April 27, 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Dickson’s classic shops celebrate their 60th anniversary this year, while its 1920s Aerodrome (Canberra’s first airport!) turns 100. Join expert urban planners and architects on a guided Heritage Walk to hear about the revolutionary people focus that makes Dickson a Sixties Classic Hub, and discover how Chinatown first started. Pick up a free Dickson Discovery Walks brochure at the library.

Book at trybooking.com/COTVB

Modernism and Canberra Red Brick in Griffith, Sunday, April 28, 2pm - 4pm

This Heritage Walk around the leafy streets of suburban Griffith will showcase the heritage-listed Evans Crescent Housing (built 1940) and offer a comparison with a Canberra red brick government cottage and early public two-storey duplexes located near the Griffith Shops. All are settled into a delightful garden city setting with ample tree plantings and open-space public parks. trybooking.com/COWDP

is at environment.act.gov.au/heritage/heritage-festival

Supported by:

The National Trust receives support and funding from the ACT Government.

This is one of a number of issues that has prompted us to redouble our efforts in this ACT election year to progress the heritage listing of Canberra, including its “Garden City” values.

I attended the launch of this year’s ACT Heritage Festival by the Minister for Heritage, Rebecca Vassarotti MLA, on March 20.

As usual the Trust is conducting a number of events, details of which may be found elsewhere on this page.

We appreciate the ACT Government’s annual funding grant to the Trust, which has helped make many of these activities possible

Gary Kent – President

The full program for the 2024 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival

How the ACT always gets its fair share of GST

Following the release of the 2023-24 Budget Review, local media commented that the ACT does not have total control of its fiscal destiny.

We do not support this claim. It reflects a misunderstanding of the financial arrangements that underpin the Australian Federation.

The ACT is no less in control of its fiscal destiny than any other jurisdiction in Australia. In fact, the ACT may have more and better control than others.

However, the comment reflects a common narrative in which the ACT’s financial woes are blamed on the Commonwealth Government for not providing sufficient funding.

The narrative also incorporates a suggestion that because Chief Minister and Treasurer Andrew Barr was unable to forge a good working relationship with Prime Minister Scott Morrison that the ACT was denied its fair share of Commonwealth support.

We have been subliminally reassured that following the defeat of the “Tories” and the change in government at the federal level that we will now receive our fair share of federal support.

It would surely be a matter of deep concern to all Australians if any state or territory’s finances were dependent on partisan politics or personal relationships.

Thankfully, the principles-based

The political narrative is that the ACT’s financial woes are blamed on the Commonwealth Government for not providing sufficient funding.

That’s just not true, say JON

STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED

framework of Commonwealth-state financial relations, implemented by an independent Commonwealth Grants Commission, ensures that each state receives its fair share of national funds.

In the Australian Federation about 80 per cent of taxation revenue is raised at the federal level, while expenditure responsibilities for service delivery largely fall to the states.

For example, in 2021-22 taxation revenue raised at the Commonwealth level was $551 billion compared to $112 billion raised by the states. However, states’ expenses totalled $355.1 billion, leaving a significant gap that was covered by transfers from the Commonwealth ($147.7 billion, ie 44 per cent of total state revenue) apart from other own-source revenue such as user charges.

GST payments comprise the largest component of Commonwealth transfers to the states, at about $73 billion.

Transfers to states are distributed under the principle of Horizontal Fiscal Equalisation (HFE) by the Grants Commission.

HFE provides each state with “equal” fiscal capacity to deliver services.

The Ascent of Everest

The table shows the GST relativities over the past three years. A relativity of 1.10, for example, means a state will receive 10 per cent more than if the GST pool was distributed equally on a population basis.

Obviously, states have varying circumstances that lead to different needs for services, service delivery costs and revenue-raising capacities.

The Commission’s assessments take those differences into account to provide fiscal capacity to each state to deliver an average level of services at an average level of efficiency with an average level of revenue raising.

The average is derived with reference to “what states do”. For example, if the majority of states increase their expenditure on health, it would increase the average per capita expenditure on health, which would become the starting point for assessing need for health expenditure.

A state’s assessed need may be higher or lower than the Equal Per Capita (EPC) need subject to a range of factors.

Taking the case of the ACT, its assessed expenses for health in 2021-22 were $3022 per capita, about 10 per cent lower than the EPC’s national average. This is due to the relatively younger population, relative to the national average, and service delivery in an urban

environment.

Similar assessments are made on the revenue capacity for each state. In the case of the ACT, the Commission assesses that it has a relatively lowerthan-average revenue-raising capacity.

This is to be expected as a significant part of the ACT’s economy comprises Commonwealth Government activity, which is exempt from taxation.

In addition, the ACT does not have mining, manufacturing or agricultural bases. Therefore, the territory’s assessed revenue capacity ($4925 per capita) is about 23 per cent lower than the national average ($6408 per capita). The ACT is, therefore, compensated for its relatively lower revenue-raising capacity.

A relativity is then determined that prescribes how much above or below the EPC amount a jurisdiction is entitled to and hence the share of the GST revenue pool. A relativity of 1.10, for example, means a state will receive 10 per cent more than the EPC amount, ie if the GST pool was distributed equally on population basis.

The relativity is updated every year,

taking into account any changes in circumstances, such as population share, size of the GST pool and sociodemographic factors.

Notably, the ACT has always received a higher-than-EPC share of the GST pool. Broadly, the ACT’s relatively lower service needs (due to a younger population in an urban setting) are offset by its diseconomies of scale, leading to its expenditure needs being assessed at around 96 per cent of the average, and its below-average revenue capacity being the main factor in it receiving a higher share.

Every state or territory is assigned an average fiscal capacity. What states do with that capacity is their decision. For example, a state that has a higher assessed need for health expenditure, may nevertheless direct the additional resources it receives to another purpose.

The ACT is not an outlier on fiscal capacity, and it would be denying the fundamental arrangements of the Federation to suggest otherwise.

The averaging of fiscal capacity – all things considered – should at least, in principle, deliver similar outcomes on operating budgets over time.

However, this is where the ACT is an outlier, having not posted a single budget surplus over the past 11 years.

Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official.

A handsome boxed set full of intrigue and laughter!

Four novels by CityNews columnist Ross Fitzgerald and Ian McFadyen now available!

Of the nine novels featuring Grafton Everest, four have been written by Ross Fitzgerald in collaboration with Ian McFadyen: Going Out Backwards, The Dizzying Heights, The Lowest Depths and Pandemonium.

This unique series of four satirical novels charts the rise of the insecure and selfindulgent university lecturer – Doctor Professor Grafton Everest – from the corridors of a provincial Australian campus to the international corridors of power.

How did this hapless, work-shy anti-hero repeatedly save his country and the world without intending to?

And who were the mysterious persons that orchestrated his inexplicable rise from obscurity to world leadership? The Ascent of Everest is an epic satire that mocks, without mercy, politics, academia, media, culture and sex.

About the authors

Ross Fitzgerald AM is Emeritus Professor of History & Politics at Griffith University. He is the author or co-author of 45 books.

Ian McFadyen is a multi-award-winning writer, actor and television producer who has created a number of successful television series, books and plays. He has collaborated with Ross Fitzgerald to write several Grafton Everest novels.

more often

More frequent bus services on Saturday afternoons are a feature of the new weekend timetable that starts on April 6.

The new timetable will increase local bus frequency on Saturdays, extending hourly services from first service in the morning until 6pm.

Acting Director General Ben McHugh said that Transport Canberra had replenished the 1000-driver workforce to include more frequent Saturday services.

“Driver recruitment efforts, particularly in the past year with more permanent part-time drivers coming on board, have helped Transport Canberra to rebuild staffing numbers,” he said.

“The Saturday uplift allows us to focus on more frequent bus services to meet the demand for that day and deliver better transport services for the Canberra community.”

Autumn clothing sale

St Ninian’s at Lyneham is holding a church hall clothing sale offering pre-loved autumn season men’s and women’s clothing, scarves, footwear and children’s clothes for all ages and sizes. Corner of Mouat and Brigalow streets, 9am-1pm, April 12 and 13.

LEGAL OPINION / when no body means no parole

Why mandating criminal sentencing is bad policy

“No body means no parole” is a current example of poor inquiry, poor debate and poor legislation.

Just how poor was well illustrated by the NSW Parole Authority’s recent decision to refuse parole to Keli Lane, convicted in late 2010 for the 1996 mur der of her two-day-old infant Tegan.

Ms Lane claimed to have given the infant to its father – a person who has never been found. Tegan’s body, too, has never been found.

Ms Lane would have been eligible for parole in May, but for a 2022 change to NSW law that mandates “no body, no parole”.

That NSW law reflects interstate provisions, such as Queensland.

There, the Corrective Services Act 2006 followed a report that recommended a “no body, no parole” policy.

The report acknowledged that: “Withholding the location of a body extends the suffering of victims’ families and all efforts should be made to attempt to minimise this sorrow.”

The report claims: “Such a measure is consistent with the retributive element of punishment. A punishment is lacking in retribution, and the community would be right to feel indignation, if a convicted killer could expect to be released without telling what he did with the body of the victim.”

The policy of “no body, no parole” is attractive through the families and friends prism, as the following three examples show:

• The notorious case of northern beaches high school teacher Chris Dawson – finally convicted in 2022 –who has never revealed what he did with his wife Lynette’s body.

• According to mainstream media reports, now former NSW Senior Constable Beau Lamarre-Condon at first refused and then told investigators where to find the bodies of the two men he is charged with murdering.

• The arrested suspect for the disappearance of Ballarat mother, Samantha Murphy, has, so far, not

What’s the point of denying parole when there are no family or friends of baby Tegan? Keli Lane’s suitability for parole should depend upon other factors.

been helpful about where her body can be found. Perhaps there are good reasons for his failure – but we don’t know. However, if he is convicted and fails to say where to find her body then he won’t be paroled according to the Victoria Corrections Act.

But who are dead baby Tegan Lane’s family and friends? Her mother is in prison, no father has come forward.

The NSW Parole Authority refused Ms Lane’s application for parole. They had no choice – because of changes in the NSW Law which mirror the Queensland and Victorian provisions.

The Parole Authority noted: “Parliament intended that [if] the Authority cannot reach the prescribed state of satisfaction in relation to cooperation by an offender… it will have no discretion to order that offender’s release. Such intentions are clear from… the Second Reading Speech in the Legislative Assembly in which s 135A was introduced. In… that speech, the Hon Peter Poulos stated: ‘The bill will introduce stronger “no

body, no parole” laws…, similar to those already found in a number of other Australian jurisdictions. This will be achieved by removing the [Authority’s] discretion to grant parole unless the relevant offender has cooperated satisfactorily with authorities to identify the location of their victim’s remains [emphasis added]’.”

Mandating actions in the criminal justice system is bad policy, no matter how good it is as political grandstanding.

The poor outcomes from mandatory sentencing (requiring judges to impose specific sentences, be that for minor crimes or life sentences with no prospect of parole), and “no body, no parole” are telling illustrations of why vesting experienced, dispassionate decision makers with discretion is essential.

Remove discretion and palpable injustice will follow. It is never possible to foresee all the future possibilities.

What’s the point of denying parole when there are no family or friends of baby Tegan? Ms Lane’s suitability for parole should depend upon other factors.

It is not hard to envisage situations where a person is convicted of murder, but by the time they are

eligible for parole all relevant family and friends have died. It then being many years since the crime it should be left to the parole body to assess the relevance of “no body” to its task. Mandatory “no body, no parole” is also unjust when there has been a miscarriage of justice.

Tasmanian Sue Neill-Fraser is an example. Wrongly convicted of the murder of her partner Bob Chappell she was paroled in 2023.

She was fortunate that the Tasmanian Parliament has not removed the discretion from their Parole Board, because Bob’s body has never been found.

Let’s hope that those parliaments who have erred will amend their unwise laws: let today’s discretion, not yesterday’s baying, be the guide.

Former barrister Hugh Selby’s free podcasts on “Witness Essentials” and “Advocacy in court: preparation and performance” can be heard on the best known podcast sites.

Keli Lane has been denied parole after being found guilty in 2010 of murdering her baby daughter.

Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP

WHIMSY / Russian humour

Comrade, Russians are always good for a laugh

To quote an anonymous Russian: “What’s the difference between Capitalism and Communism? Under Capitalism man exploits man; under Communism, it’s the other way round.” CLIVE WILLIAMS takes a serious look at Russian humour.

Most Australians probably don’t think of Russians and humour going together but it’s why presidents Reagan and Gorbachev got along so well; they both enjoyed humorous anecdotes.

Russian humour is often characterised by its dark, satirical and sometimes absurd nature, reflecting the country’s tumultuous history and stoic outlook on life.

It frequently delves into political satire, poking fun at authority figures and societal norms with a blend of wit and cynicism.

Russian jokes often serve as a coping mechanism for the challenges of everyday life, offering a release valve for frustrations and tensions. Russian humour can be sharp, clever and insightful, revealing the resilience and creativity of its people.

Here are some examples:

• An American and a Russian are talking about freedom of speech. The American boasts: “I can stand outside the White House and say, ‘Down with Biden. without being arrested.” So what, says the Russian: “I can stand outside the Kremlin and I too can say ‘Down with Biden’ without being arrested.”

• During a break in their summit at Helsinki, President Carter asks President Brezhnev whether he collects jokes against himself. “I certainly do,” says Brezhnev. “Are there many?” Carter asks. “Two gulags full” says Brezhnev.

• A party official is extolling the plenty of the Soviet Union and asks for questions at the end of his lecture. Rabinovich puts up his hand and asks: “If there’s so much plenty, where has all the meat gone?” The next day the lecture resumes. At the end, the party official asks for questions again. This time Abramovich puts up his hand and asks: “Where has Rabinovich gone?”

• A Russian and a Jewish prisoner have been sentenced to death in a Siberian gulag. The prison governor says he will grant their last wishes. The Russian asks to speak to a priest – and his request is granted. The Jewish prisoner says: “My last wish is to have strawberries and cream.” The prison governor looks perturbed and says: “Where will I find strawberries and cream here in the middle of winter?”

• A middle-aged Moscow diner tells his female dinner companion he’s worried about grey hairs. “Don’t be,” says his companion reassuringly, “they look distinguished on someone your age. Where are they?” “In my soup,” he replies.

Aeroflot introduces a new state-of-the-art aircraft. After the first passengers have boarded, an onboard announcement says: “This wonderful new Russian aircraft is entirely electronic and flown by computer with no comrade pilot on board. There is nothing to worry about… worry about… worry about…”

• An Englishman, Frenchman and Russian are speculating on the nationality of Adam and Eve. The Englishman says: “They must have been English. No one else would be as polite as Adam,

to share his only apple with Eve.” “Nonsense” says the Frenchman, “they must have been French for Adam to have seduced Eve.” The Russian observed: “You are both wrong. Adam and Eve were obviously Russian. Who else could be stark naked, have only one apple between them, and think they’re in Paradise?”

• A Soviet architect is visiting America, and his host proudly shows him around his house with its home theatre, family room, triple garage, etcetera. “Do you have houses like this in the Soviet Union?” he asks. “Yes” replies the Russian “but without the partitions.”

• A Russian soldier sees his friend with burnt ears and asks him what happened? “Well, I was ironing my uniform when the phone rang and, not thinking, I put the iron to my right ear.” “I can understand that,” said his friend, “but how did you burn the other one?” “Well,” he replied, “I immediately called a doctor for advice.”

An FSB spy is to be parachuted into enemy territory. He’s told: “The aircraft will take you to eastern Ukraine and you will jump out with a parachute. When you get to the ground a car will be waiting with further instructions.” He does as instructed but when he jumps from the plane the parachute doesn’t open. “Typical of Russian espionage planning” he says to himself “I bet the car won’t be there either.”

• A Moscow retirement home advertises it has everything one could wish for, including a 25-metre swimming pool. “That’s wonderful” says the retiree “I like to dive every day.” “Well,” he’s told “you’re welcome to do that, but the pool won’t have water in it until the next five-year plan.”

• In Soviet Russia, a man goes to buy a car. The salesman says: “You have to pay in advance, but the car will be delivered on August 5 in three years’ time.” The customer asks: “Morning or afternoon?” Confused, the salesman asks: “What difference will it make?” “Well,” says the customer, “I’m told the plumber is coming in the morning.”

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

A 1979 photo of US President Jimmy Carter, left, and Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev… Carter asks Brezhnev whether he collects jokes against himself. “I certainly do,” says Brezhnev.

Photo: US State Department

It’s hard to get right homes

The Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Planning, Transport and City Services recently released its report following its inquiry in the Territory Plan.

The main focus of the report was a review of the effectiveness of recent changes to the Territory Plan permitting the unit titling of dual occupancies of no more than 120sqm on a RZ1 block of at least 800sqm and for the inclusion of apartments in RZ2 zoning, in delivering greater housing density and choice.

The changes were to provide opportunities for smaller, lower-impact and more-affordable housing options.

Many redevelopments have poor solar access resulting in overlooking, loss of tree cover, parking blight and congestion.

Most in-fill dwellings constructed were apartments, in areas with higher density residential and commercial zoning, unsuitable to the needs of many households. The single-block redevelopments occurring were resulting in large, expensive dwellings.

The committee’s view is the changes will not deliver the desired policy outcomes.

It argues the emphasis should be on encouraging medium-density and

mid-rise redevelopment opportunities that have a limited impact on overall neighbourhood character and amenity while allowing opportunities for affordable housing. Yes, but how?

Suggestions put forward to improve the policy included:

• removing the limit on the size of the second dwelling;

• reducing the minimum block size required to 700sqm;

• applying RZ2 zoning, which allows for low-rise flats, to RZ1 blocks;

• adjusting RZ2 policies to facilitate a wider range of housing types; block amalgamation to improve the quality of outcomes and scope for a wider range of dwelling types;

• demonstration projects to showcase best-practice urban densification;

• tax concessions to encourage the provision of medium-density housing;

• allowing Housing ACT to buy land at a cheaper rate and introducing an urban growth boundary.

The government is required to respond to the recommendations of the committee within four months of tabling. The response would benefit if we were informed by an assessment of effectiveness of infill policy as a component of urban strategy.

The policy has facilitated the provision of additional housing in established areas to reduce car use, infrastructure costs and the environmental impacts of development.

The community acceptability of redevelopments and the supply of social housing need to increase if housing inequality is to be reduced.

By 2050 an additional 100,000 dwellings are estimated to be required. How much should be accommodated in existing areas? Committee member Jo Clay and the Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment called for the introduction of an urban growth boundary.

They argue the focus should be on “good infill” with ample green spaces rather than greenfields development, which they characterise as “endless sprawl”.

But would a growth boundary simply transfer demand for housing into surrounding NSW? Would the result be an increase in car-dependent trips? Is the habitat in surrounding NSW of less value than possible greenfield sites in the ACT?

While no one suggested greenfields development should solely accommodate demand, what is an appropriate level of infill? Has the level of benefit diminished as increased redevelopment has required the augmentation of infrastructure in existing areas?

right places

Have the environmental benefits been offset by poor-quality redevelopments? Have the travel benefits been reduced by increased working from home? How much has its failure to provide affordable and sufficient medium-density dwellings, needed to facilitate downsizing and, to meet the needs of households with children, limited housing choice? Has the policy contributed to the upward pressure on house prices?

An undersupply of detached dwellings is reflected in the increasing price differential between houses and medium and higher-density dwellings.

Would an increase in greenfields development, if accompanied by substantial employment and well served by transport, facilities and services, widen housing choice and better meet housing preferences? Can such environments be delivered and, if so, at what cost?

Does infill improve housing affordability? The government’s assessment of the likely impact of allowing a secondary dwelling of up to 120sqm on blocks of more than 800sqm found the price of the additional dwelling would be well in excess of a million dollars in

areas with good accessibility.

The beneficiaries of the policy would be existing land owners and households able to afford the dwellings created with many households having no choice but to occupy dwellings unsuited to their needs.

The community acceptability of redevelopments and the supply of social housing need to increase if housing inequality is to be reduced.

Redevelopments (including apartments given their greater affordability) need to be designed to better meet the requirements of occupants (especially the number of bedrooms, storage, privacy, orientation and communal open space) and to minimise negative development impacts.

The essential question for the government is what can be done to ensure Canberra’s housing supply better meets the needs of all households in terms of design, affordability and location? Getting the right homes in the right place is no simple task.

Mike Quirk is a former NCDC and ACT govern ment planner.

THE GADFLY

Tram costs: Barr must fall on his sword

The time has come for Chief Minister Andrew Barr to do the decent thing and fall on his political sword.

It pains me to say so, but all the alternatives are more damaging to the national capital’s body politic.

The reason for his political martyrdom is, of course, the tram. Barr surrendered to the passionate enthusiasm of former Attorney-Gen eral and Deputy Chief Minister Simon Corbell and tied his political future to the 19th century technology.

It might have been an exciting new development when the Canberra designer, Walter Burley Griffin, included it in his plan. But that was 1911 and Griffin’s Canberra was for a city of a mere 10,000 residents.

Corbell’s enthusiasm was no doubt actuated by the threat of climate change and his advocacy was unquestionably heartfelt. Even when he retired from politics in 2015 he continued his quest for climate adaptation and defence. He remains a prominent member of the Clean Energy Investor Group whose mission “represents institutional investors in utility-scale energy projects”.

According to their official description: “The group represents institutional investors who have collectively funded Australian renewable energy

projects with over $10 billion. Collectively, the Group currently expects to deliver over 5GW of Australian renewable energy projects in the near future. Our members include superannuation/pension funds, infrastructure fund managers, project developers and independent power producers.”

All of which are totally desirable aims and ambitions.

However, since 1911 public transport technology has made great strides in efficiency beyond the expensive tracks.

Indeed, according to Peter Moore, the former executive director of the International Association of Public Transport (Australia/NZ), in a letter to the local press: “I was involved in an advocacy campaign to convince the

Barr

surrendered to the passionate enthusiasm of former Attorney-General and Deputy Chief Minister Simon Corbell and tied his political future to the 19th century technology.

ACT government to build a ‘guided busway’, network for Canberra. During the campaign a former [unnamed] ACT urban services minister visited Europe with our assistance to see guided busways in action.

“The network would have looked and operated just like a ‘tram’ and could have been largely built by modifying the existing road network.

“That minister returned to Canberra convinced guided busways were the way to proceed; no doubt influenced by the cost to build such a network being ‘considerably cheaper’ than light rail and most importantly, the ACTION bus system could have evolved into an integrated ‘guided busway’ network.

“The legacy of the ‘tram decision’ is a forever financial burden for

almost all Canberrans [who] cannot access the tram, and a bus system in decline… the tram going south has the potential to bankrupt the territory.”

Mr Barr will go to great lengths to avoid such a bankruptcy, including the “urban sprawl” that will turn the capital into just another haphazard debacle such as Junee or Wagga.

Indeed, the process is underway with a health system in crisis, education starved of much needed funding, road repair on the cheap and horticulture suffering yet another season of neglect.

The Greens might well wish to continue to pursue the tram; but if so, the Labor Party should respond to the electorate free of the leadership that Barr represents. And if the Liberals, under Elizabeth Lee, wish to put an end to the whole disastrous travesty, so be it.

The effect would turn the election into a referendum on the tram.

It is, after all, the year of democ racy.

robert@ robertmacklin. com

Dogs still not the posties’ best friend

Posties are dodging more than 200 hazards a day while on deliveries, with dogs remaining the number one problem.

Australia Post data has revealed more than 81,000 hazards were logged by posties in the past 12 months including dogs, low-hanging branches and obstructive trees, swooping birds and insect nests in letterboxes.

More than 81,000 hazards logged.

NSW recorded the highest number of hazards at 20,000, closely followed by Victoria with 19,000, while the NT reported the least number of incidents.

The top hazard for workers remains unrestrained or aggressive dogs.

Other issues are low-hanging tree branches, cracked footpaths and uneven surfaces, sharp and rusty letterboxes, and blind driveways.

Australia Post spokesman Rod Barnes said posties simply want to complete their deliveries safely without hitting their heads on low-hanging tree branches or encountering aggressive dogs. –AAP

Simon Corbell… Barr surrendered to his passionate enthusiasm for the tram..

Lee teases developers with money for nothing

Presenting to the ACT Property Council, Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee read the room by almost promising to gift them something they have wanted forever.

That’s the removal of the lease variation charge (LVC). Standing ovation. Lee committed to undertaking an inquiry into the LVC system.

An LVC arises when land’s allowable use is changed. For example, by changing the land use from broad-acre agricultural to high-density residential, the government increases the use value of the land significantly.

The ACT government captures this value increase as revenue after the land has been sold and rezoned. On large development sites rezoning can result in multi-million dollar value increases. LVCs raise about $27 million a year (after discounts).

Like seagulls on a chip, developers have always tried to pocket this value increase. Remember the numerous corruption inquiries based on the collusion and secret rezoning of land?

The recent rezoning of RZ1 and RZ2 produced an estimated 20 per cent increase in property prices.

Developers unhappy with this windfall wanted more and received a 25 per cent LVC discount, if they built a dual occupancy. These zone changes and discounts hope to produce a greater supply of housing, meet demand, lower prices and produce housing that’s affordable. It’s too slow and doesn’t work.

Lee’s right that there should be an inquiry into the currently opaque LVC system. But rather than telegraphing the outcome being that these charges be removed, the LVC assessments should become publicly available.

A potential option could be capturing 100 per cent of the land value increase. Then use it to discount new land prices by 25 per cent for owner occupiers, producing house and land packages that are more affordable.

Revenue from LVCs could also be used to fund more public housing, the most affordable housing, rather than lining the pockets of developers.

Ian Hubbard,

via email

Drop tram, wake up to what’s possible

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is envious of the new Christchurch stadium. I feel sorry for you

and your fans, Ricky.

The ACT government has put so much of our money into the light rail network – $1.8 billion for Stage 1, about $1.6 billion Stage 2A and likely $4 billion for Stage 2B. You would think this was the only project worth pursuing and Canberrans are asleep to the possibilities.

The current Civic to Woden bus route works magnificently – probably the best route in Canberra. It would be really easy to replace the diesel buses with emission-free electric ones, delivery in 12 months.

Instead, we wait until 2033 for the emissions miracle to occur.

Drop 2A and 2B from the shopping list, and there’s a lot of change to get a new stadium with a roof and a convention centre, and the rest can be used to replace our diesel buses.

Ah, but I forgot, we have a huge budget black hole and we shouldn’t be doing any major projects of this magnitude at all.

Wake up, Canberra. This has got to change.

Russ Morison, Theodore

Libs need a vision for the future

At present, I could hardly contemplate yet another term of the Barr-Rattenbury government, but cannot see an attractive and viable alternative.

As Andrew Hughes asks “Can the Liberals get momentum under Lee?” (CN March 28). The answer to that curly question is far from straightforward. To put it simply: not without a vision for the future.

The Liberals need to do more than criticise, find fault or pick arguments: they must demonstrate that they can govern the ACT more efficiently, and much more openly than the Labor/Greens do. They must show that they have longer-term plans of how the Canberra of the 2040s – and the 2050s – will function and appeal to the eye.

The Liberals could do well to begin with cancelling light rail stage 2B and investing in 21st century mass-transport technology, such as trackless trams with flexible rather than fixed routes.

They could also begin on the nowenormous task of restoring Canberra to a neat and tidy national capital that will not only attract more tourists, but attract favourable comments rather than the criticisms I often hear.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

In the wrong place at the wrong time

I thank Paul Myers, of Karabar (Letters CN, March 21) and others of his ilk for enlightening me about the validity of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

I am now completely comfortable with the IDF bombing the bejesus out of homes, hospitals and schools and killing the elderly and women and children who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They only had themselves to blame.

Dallas Stow, O’Connor

Hundreds of claims of Israeli war crimes

It was John Howard who said that “truth is never disposable in national political life.”

For that reason, it is important to correct the misinformation in Paul Myers’ letter (CN March 21) that Israel is doing all it can to protect civilian lives.

Under Israeli law, all IDF personnel have complete immunity from any actions that they take in uniform. Any Israeli soldier can commit an atrocity on an enemy combatant or civilian without fear of prosecution.

Before the Gaza war, Jewish civil rights groups challenged this legislation in the Supreme Court of Israel but lost.

There are hundreds of claims of war crimes. One of the more serious relates to the Shadia Abu Ghazal school on December 13.

Suspected Hamas militants captured there were taken off in their underwear for questioning. There are allegations that women, children and babies sheltering with them were then herded into one school room and killed with small-arms fire. The Israeli government promised an investigation, but nothing eventuated.

In the age of social media, phone clips are posted on social media of the desecration of mosques and prayer mats and the deliberate burning of food and children’s toys.

Israel once had an armed force the equal of any in the world. It has become an illdisciplined rabble, where what constitutes a war crime is determined by the individual soldier or squad-level commander.

The state of Israel is in no danger of collapse. It alone has nuclear weapons, able to assure the mutual destruction of any or all of its Arab neighbours.

Noel Baxendell, Holt

Sick of unresponsive, dismissive government

This government must be out of its mind if they think they can get away with declaring kangaroos as invasive species in the latest State of the Environment Report.

Canberrans are sick to death of this undemocratic, unresponsive and dismissive government.

With political parties, such as the Animal Justice Party, the Belco Party, some independents and the Liberal Party all against killing kangaroos, this is now a political issue.

The Labor/Greens coalition’s time in power is up. We are fed up with the dishonesty from Andrew Barr, Shane Rattenbury and Rebecca Vassarotti about kangaroos.

Canberrans want and demand vegetated overpasses around our nature reserves to allow our precious wildlife to move around safely.

Robyn Soxsmith, Kambah

More persecution than just the culls

The ACT government’s persecution of the kangaroos is not limited to the annual cull which sees hundreds of healthy kangaroos and joeys killed in a brutal and terrifying manner.

The persecution is ongoing, and impacts on the health and well being of kangaroos in Canberra every day.

Few Canberrans would realise that the ACT government enacted legislation in 2017 that effectively deems kangaroos as pests. Bizarrely, they are referred to as an “invasive species” in the directorate’s reports. Wildlife carers in Canberra are not allowed to treat and rehabilitate injured or sick kangaroos. They are euthanised by gunshot, or in the case of joeys, hit on the head with a wooden mallet.

The Greens/Labor government’s abhorrent, callous and cruel treatment of our national icon is a disgrace.

This year Canberrans have the opportunity to reject the government’s ongoing persecution and mistreatment of kangaroos and joeys. Thankfully, there are plenty of candidates who feel that kangaroos have a right to live their lives in peace, free from government-funded massacres.

Rebecca Marks, Palmerston

Kangaroos classed as ‘invasive species’!

On reading the State of the Environment Report 2023 I was shocked to learn that Eastern Grey Kangaroos are classed as an invasive species. It is safe to say the people who made that call are indeed, without a doubt, invasive species and have wrought utter destruction on much of Australia’s iconic wildlife and natural processes in this region.

These people continue to neglect and mismanage the spread of invasive weeds (that must be removed under legislation) left to seed and spread year after year. This has contributed to a serious loss of biodiversity of local flora and fauna in our surrounding nature reserves.

Add to that the impending risk of fire in these reserves due to a massive buildup of dried grasses through lack of grazing. We are now paying contractors to mow and placing cattle to graze to mitigate the risk of fire.

Not to mention another six species have been added to the endangered list. Surely, we should expect people tasked with protecting our environment to perform at a higher level than what is currently occurring.

Anton Lindner, Farrer

Losing liberty is a punishment itself

I thank Russ Morison (CN March 21) for his letter re the shortcomings of Canberra’s prison, the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).

Russ validated the concerns of what, I assume, many members of the Canberra community feel; although I am aware there remains an attitude of “lock them up and throw away the key” for those who are not cognisant that detainees have lost their liberty after being convicted of committing criminal offences. Losing one’s liberty is a punishment within itself.

As Russ mentioned, low-risk detainees should be afforded work experience with local businesses. The outcomes could be twofold, if not more; the development of skills, the opportunity to earn an income, and most importantly, a positive assimilation back to community.

Disappointingly, I can only assume that the “throw-away-the-key” people have not had a loved one incarcerated and not observed the way they are treated, ie limited opportunities for rehabilitation, programs, education and industry at the AMC.

Janine Haskins, Cook

The experts who make home sweet home easy

The saying “there’s always room for improvement” is as relevant in the home as it is in many other areas in life.

A house is likely to be a person’s biggest single investment, so it makes sense to make the most of living in it and, at the same time, adding value through professionally guided improvements.

Here “CityNews” showcases the goods and services of local experts who can help you achieve those objectives…

Where bathroom renovations are all about quality

“In general, what sells a house is the bathroom and kitchen,” says Jayde Thomson, in-house designer at The Bathroom Company.

“When people go and buy a new house that’s the first room that they look at, so when you go to renovate a house that’s the first place to start.”

Jayde says the idea that customers have to spend a lot of money to make renovations beautiful is a misconception, and that it is all about quality.

she says.

She says that owner Andrew Finn has been running The Bathroom Company since 1994, so customers can be assured quality is consistent.

“The Bathroom Company is also probably one of the only companies that has an in-house designer,” she says.

As the in-house designer, Jayde is able to provide customers with floor plans, 3D renders, mood-boards and accompanies them on shopping trips.

“It’s less daunting than just going out by yourself and getting overwhelmed by the amount of product that is out there,”

“The fact that it is complimentary is a big deal, it helps the client know what they’re going to get and lock in their decisions with confidence.

“The customer can relax and know the job is going to be done the exact way they want it.”

Jayde says that until June 30, the first quote, which is free of charge, will also be inclusive of a free design consultation, so that customers can discuss design and construction before locking anything in.

The Bathroom Company. Call 0418 628693, email info@bathroomcompany.com.au or visit bathroomcompany.com.au

Top timber that doesn’t cost the planet

After 30 years of salvaging and recycling timber, Thor Diesendorf, founder and owner of Thor’s Hammer, says he has seen a surge in demand for high-quality, recycled, Australian hardwood timber that doesn’t cost the planet.

“We’ve seen people’s approach to home improvement and renovation shift dra matically as people become more aware of the creative possibilities of recycled timbers and wanting to source sustainable materials for their homes.” Thor says. “It’s great for us because that’s exactly what we live and breathe!

“Our customers love that we source our timber from old buildings, factories, bridges and warehouses, because each piece has a unique history and story to tell.

“At Thor’s Hammer, we value the history and provenance of the timber and we build to last a lifetime – the longer a piece of timber’s life, the longer it stays out of landfill.”

Thor says the business has an experi enced team of designers, recyclers and joiners, skilled in working with recycled, Australian timber and passionate about their mission to divert demolition timber from landfill.

“We provide personalised solutions for DIY home improvement and renovation projects, whether that’s supplying recycled Call 6282 9900, or visit thors.com.au

Thor’s Hammer owner Thor Diesendorf.

Renovating In Canberra

We started The Bathroom Company in Canberra back in 1994 with a simple yet profound vision: to make renovation dreams a reality and breathe life back into some of the dated designs throughout our lovely city. We’ve been at it ever since, making our mark and leaving a trail of beautiful spaces and satisfied customers along the way!

Design doesn’t have to be daunting!

If you’re not in the business, renovating can feel like quite a feat, but it doesn’t have to be. From the first steps of design and shopping, all the way to the completed project, our aim is to make the process as simple and stress free for you as possible. With our dedicated in-house design team, we provide all the plans, 3D Renders and shopping trips as a complimentary service to each and every one of our clients, so there’s no guesswork in what your project will look like on completion.

The dream team

The most important element to any successful renovation is having a close knit and well calibrated team of top-quality tradespeople and designers. Like a well oiled machine, we are extremely proud of our fabulous long term teams, and with this we are confident in the quality and consistency of their workmanship.

Getting started on your own Renovation

You’re in luck! Until 30th June 2024, we are offering all CityNews readers a free 30 minute in home consultation with our dedicated design team to discuss your next renovation project. Scan the link below to go to our website and send us a message on the contact us page to organise a time that suits you.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Designer items and bright furniture ideas

Canberra’s leading second-hand furniture store Ex-Government Furniture, has something for everyone, says co-owner James Fullerton, and the flavour of the week is colours.

James says they have stacks of cool, bright, colourful furniture to brighten up the space, particularly lounge room furniture.

“We have heaps of designer lounges and lounge chairs from both Italy and Australia, as well as really bright bar stools and some low-height stools,” he says.

James says they also have colourful items that can brighten up the home office.

“With so many people working from home, it’s the perfect time to upgrade the home office space,” he says.

“We have high-end ergonomic chairs, but we also have a bunch of brightly coloured Italian designer office chairs that aren’t just the classic black, mesh-back chair.

“It’s all interesting items that bridge the gap between home and office, ensuring your home office doesn’t look like a standard, drab office block.”

James says they also have a lot of swing-door cabinets that are always in high demand but difficult to find.

“We get asked for them all the time and we have a huge amount for the first time in years,” he says.

They have something for everyone, James says, and can work with every budget.

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com

RENOVATION EXCELLENCE

TradeWise Renovations is a friendly, familyowned and operated business based in Canberra.

Having worked in the construction industry for over 30 years, we pride ourselves on achieving high quality results by working collaboratively with our clients to understand and deliver on their vision.

Our expertise in home renovations means we can guide you through the entire renovation process – from design to interior demolition, construction and completion.

This includes coordinating reliable, licensed and hard-working tradespeople we trust, including plumbers, electricians, plasterers, painters, tilers and carpenters.

The go-to home renovator

Established in 2015, Canberra-based TradeWise Renovations is quickly becoming the go-to company for home renovations, says owner Angelo

The business specialises in all aspects of interior renovations including custom-built kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

“We also offer a comprehensive design and drafting service,” he says. With a complete team of qualified tradespeople at their disposal and strong working relationships with some of Canberra’s largest suppliers, Angelo says “there is not much we can’t handle”.

The business is family owned and operated, and

has more than 30 years of experience building and renovating in the Canberra area.

Angelo says that TradeWise Renovations prides itself on achieving high-quality results by working collaboratively with clients to ensure their vision is understood and delivered.

“We believe our success comes down to three things: excellent service, excellent communication and excellent product,” he says.

“It’s all about the customer experience.”

The business also offers obligation-free quotes.

TradeWise Renovations. Call 5112 2969 or visit tradewiserenovations.com

Designer lounge chairs available at Ex-Government Furniture.

Kim’s passionate about improving homes

With a track record of more than 60 suc cessful property renovations, Renovation Matters owner, Kim Persson says her passion for revitalising homes shines through in every project.

“In today’s dynamic real estate market, presenting homes in an appeal ing manner is crucial,” she says.

Kim says she has observed firsthand how properties that undergo makeovers sell faster and command higher prices.

Carpet sale with old-fashioned service

Endeavour Carpets offers the largest range of topquality floor coverings in Canberra and Queanbeyan, with options that help keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, says co-owner Taylor O’Brien.

Established in 1970, and still a family run business, Endeavour will this year celebrate its 54th anniversary.

“To celebrate, we have a sale running until the end of May on selected major carpet ranges, including free underlay upgrades,” she says.

Taylor says the business has maintained its original objective of displaying exceptional choices of carpet, bamboo, timber, laminate, cork floating floors, vinyl, vinyl planks and rugs.

She describes the company’s Fyshwick-based showroom as Canberra’s “greatest floor show” with thousands of samples on display and an experienced team of flooring specialists to make the customer’s experience as easy as possible.

“Our showroom is so great that other retailers send

their customers to view our huge range of top-quality floor coverings,” she says.

As a member of the Independent Carpets Group, Taylor says it means Endeavour Carpets can offer customers greater choice and the best available prices.

“As a family business, Endeavour Carpets appreciates that customers are spoilt for choice in a competitive market place, and so maintain an objective to offer the best service and products available and for the best possible price,” she says.

When customers visit Endeavour Carpets, Taylor says they experience a good, old-fashioned service from a long-standing, local family business.

“This is what really sets Endeavour Carpets apart from any regular carpet store,” she says.

“At Endeavour Carpets, we don’t just endeavour, we do.”

Endeavour Carpets, 33 Isa Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6132, or visit endeavourcarpets.com.au

“That’s why Renovation Matters introduces a unique ‘fix up, profit, and pay later’ approach, allowing clients to cover renovation expenses upfront and pay at settlement, conditions apply,” she says.

“This proves especially beneficial for those facing financial challenges or struggling with mortgage payments.”

Client satisfaction is paramount at Renovation Matters, says Kim, and she says her and her team are dedicated to providing a hassle-free renovation journey, tailored to individual needs.

“Just ask our satisfied clients,” says Kim, “like one from Sydney who commended us for our exceptional work, timely updates, insightful design sugges tions, and efficient project co-ordination.

“Unlock the potential of your property with Renovation Matters and turn your renovation dreams into reality.”

Renovation Matters, call 0427 696662 or visit renovationmatters.com.au

Top: Before a recent renovation. Below: Completed renovation.

Graham leads excellence in local leak repair

For more than 20 years, Megasealed has been a beacon of innovation and service in the Canberra region, says director Graham Evans.

Established in 1988 and launching its first ACT franchise in 2014, Megasealed has focused on providing specialised leak-repair services that deeply connect with and support the local community, says Graham.

“Today, Megasealed has evolved into a national entity, offering unparalleled local expertise,” he says.

“Our mission from day one has been to offer a service that feels local, no matter where you are in the country.

“Megasealed is renowned for its revolutionary approach to repairing leaking showers without the need for tile removal.”

The company also specialises in comprehensive waterproofing solutions for projects big and small, along with offering repair services for leaking balconies, complete bathroom renovations, and tiling services, Graham says.

Graham says Megasealed Canberra has experienced significant growth, prompting a recent move to larger premises in Queanbeyan to accommodate its expanding operations.

“Having been a satisfied customer during my time in real estate, I was compelled by the quality and effi ciency of Megasealed’s solutions. It was this confidence that led us to acquire the Canberra franchise last year, and we’re proud to now employ a team of 12 locals,” he says.

Looking ahead, Graham says he is optimistic about the future, with plans to extend Megasealed’s trusted services across regional areas.

“Our expansion is driven by the strong word-ofmouth recommendations we’ve received, signalling a Call 6182 4753 or visit megasealed.com.au

Megasealed director Graham Evans.

Double glazing with an air-tight seal

One of the biggest problems in Canberra is air infiltration, says Paul Turtle, Magnetite’s Canberra, Southern Highlands and Wollongong manager.

“If you replace the shattered glass or put another product there, you still have all these leakage points,” says Paul.

“With our products we do an air-tight seal over the whole window, taking that all out of the equation.

“We also use a product that is six times more thermal efficient than glass, but with the airtight seal, that’s where we really stand out from other double-glazing products.”

Paul says Magnetite custom builds all its products on-site in Canberra, meaning everything is

done to the customer’s exact liking.

“When a customer puts their order in, it is usually about three to four weeks, and we can build the product and get it out to their house,” says Paul.

Magnetite also offers an obligation-free quote, says Paul, and is available for residential and commercial projects.

It also specialise in determining what ratings windows are currently at and can assist in bringing existing windows up to the current star ratings of the Windows Energy Rating Scheme of Australia (WERS).

Magnetite. 7/91-93 Grimwade St, Mitchell. Call 6255 7220 or visit www.magnetite.com.au

“The kitchen really is the heart of the home and when you have a kitchen that is not only functional but is really beautiful to look at, it’s a great joy,” says Robyn Monteleone, partner at Select Custom Joinery.

Operating since 2000, Select Custom Joinery specialises in creating sustainable kitchens and joinery, says Robyn.

“We are a niche business, we specialise in using timber and other solid materials,” she says.

Robyn says her husband Gino Monteleone, the primary cabinet maker and partner of the business, trained as a furniture maker.

“He trained in high furniture, and building kitchens and things out of solid timber, it is in a sense creating pieces of furniture that people will love for many years to come,” she says.

“We aim to create things that are customised for each client’s lifestyle and personality and we often like to have a feature in each person’s home that is unique to them.

“The satisfaction that clients ultimately get something that really suits their lifestyle and them, and something they’re really proud of and really enjoy using is the most rewarding thing.

“We are only a small team, so it is by appointment.”

Select Custom Joinery. 1182 Wallaroo Road, Hall. Call 6230 9414 or visit selectcustomjoinery.com.au

Cool Country Natives stocks the largest range of Australian native plants in the ACT and surrounds, says owner Karen Brien.

“We have deliveries every week, with new and interesting stock with each delivery,” says Karen.

“We are also the only retail nursery in Canberra to grow 90 per cent of our tubestock in the nursery.”

“Drought and frost-hardy plants are easier to manage, and make it easier for the gardener, and can be planted right through our tough winters.”

Karen says her dedicated team of reliable and knowledgeable staff are happy to talk to customers and help them with any queries.

“We go out of our way to help people find the right plant for the right spot,” she says.

“We are open seven days a week, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, and most public holidays between 10am and 4pm.”

Cool Country Natives, 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 6666, or visit coolcountrynatives.com.au

Don’t be left out in the cold this winter Keep your home warm with Magnetite retro t double glazing!

What is Magnetite?

Magnetite is a retrofit double glazing system designed to reduce noise and improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.

It is a unique and effective solution that converts your existing windows to a double glazed system, allowing you all the benefits of double glazing without the hassle and cost of replacing your windows.

How can we help you?

Thermal Comfort – Increase the comfort level of your home by up to 70%.

Energy efficiency – Reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 60%.

Noise Reduction – Reduce noise by up to 70%.

Fits existing windows – Converts all types of windows, doors, skylights and glass areas incl. sliding doors an heritage windows.

Service and value – We are knowledgeable, reliable and offer a 7 year warranty.

Why use Magnetite retrofit double glazing?

Magnetite 4.5mm

Magnetite 4.5mm

Magnetite is an industry leader in window insulation and we offer the best solution to your noise and temperature needs:

 Our optical grade acrylic is 6 times more thermally efficient than glass and up to 18 times stronger.

 Our clear magnetic panel eliminates draughts by creating an air tight seal, similar to your fridge door.

 Slim line frame – Custom fit to all designs with sliding options available.

 No structural changes required – Reduce costs without adding to landfill.

 Proven and tested - Independently tested by the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) and proven to outperform traditional double glazing.

Soil cools as autumn bulbs begin

The foliage and leaves of autumn bulbs is a good indication that the soil is cooling.

The most popular autumn bulb would be the nerine.

From the Amaryllidaceae family, it is low maintenance due to its growing period in the cooler months. It uses less water and is dormant in summer.

The most common colours and fastestgrowing varieties are generally pink or white, but now there are vibrant reds available such as Red Rock or Red Pimpernel. Unfortunately, they are slower growing than their counterparts.

Different varieties of nerines flower at different times, so with clever planning, a constant colour ful display can be achieved.

Nerines don’t like to be disturbed in the soil and flower better when mature and in clumps. Division is only required if flowering has deteriorated, or they are not in full sun.

Unfortunately, nerines have no fragrance but make it up in their beauty in the flowers.

They are a terrific cut-flower for the vase. Cut stems on an angle, using lukewarm water and flower food in a vase to give a display of indoor flowers for many weeks.

The foliage and flowers are not bothered by our frosts and can be a good filler in a bare garden in autumn through to winter.

Feed clumps of boring into fruit.

Removing moths is the best way to minimise the infestation and disrupt the breeding cycle.

There are also parasitic wasps available online that will lay eggs in the caterpillar and eventually kill this pest naturally. Diapel is another organic

Budworms… one of the most destructive and widespread caterpillar pests.

• Plant a green manure crop.

• Pull weeds that are seeding.

• Plant seedlings of lettuce and Asian greens for winter harvest.

• Fertilise winter flowering plants such as hellebores and winter Irises.

Nerine… one of the lowest maintenance bulbs there are.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE The detective, her dog and two murders to solve ANNA CREER

Tragic, comic and a classic theatre experience

By Helen MUSA

Anton Chekhov’s play Seagull is one of the most emblematic in the western theatrical canon, a flagship for modern theatre.

It is also quite literally the emblem of the Moscow Art Theatre, where it was staged in a famous production by Konstantin Stanislavski and it gives its Russian name, Chaika, to Karen Vickery’s theatre company, about to stage the play at ACT Hub in Kingston.

Vickery, of Russian heritage, has come up with a new translation of the play and has dropped the definite article from the title (most readers will know it as The Seagull) on the basis that there are aren’t any in Russian, and also that, as she says, “I like the sense of the symbolism, it’s richer”.

The first of Chekhov’s great plays, Seagull revolutionised the theatre with its subtle characterisation and seamless mixture of comedy and tragedy so finally balanced that scholars have been writing PhD theses about it ever since.

When I catch up with Vickery, she tells me that while the production is veering towards the comic, it genuinely is a tragi-comedy.

“My feeling personally is that everybody

in the play is reaching for the light but they continually fail – it’s both tragic and comic,” she says.

buffoonery, so we’re trying to create a balance in the translation and in the production, although we are finding it funny in the room… Chekhov is such an acute observer of human behaviour and if you look at it from a distance, it’s very funny but if you zoom in close, it’s not funny at all.”

Vickery is not directing it – that falls to one of Canberra’s most intelligent young directors Caitlin Baker, but she does play the ageing

having an affair with a successful commercial writer not much older than Kostya in this version, giving the impression of some transgressiveness in her relationship.

None of these characters is Chekhov himself. “He never gets biographical, even if you glimpse him,” she says – a bit like Shakespeare.

THE FREE-RAIN THEATRE PRODUCTION OF

old building with beautiful trees around it and

Joel Horwood plays Konstantin. Unlike Vickery. He is not a Chekhov expert. Indeed, when he was studying professional acting at the WA Academy of Performing Arts he had a very uneasy experience with Uncle Vanya and kept away from his plays ever since.

Now he is taking on a significant role, playing Chekhov’s Hamlet.

To him, the most Hamlet black moment in the play is where Irina is wrapping the bandage around his head, something somewhat similar to the scene in Hamlet in his mother’s bedchamber.

He agrees with Vickery that “Seagull edges on tragedy” but admits that they are mining it for its comedy.

“There are plenty of light, humorous moments, a bit like King Lear,” he notes, ”you’ve got to find the comedy for the serious moments to pay off.”

He sees Kostya as perhaps 27, initially full of youthful exuberance with a lot of ideas and confident in his view that his mother’s lover Trigorin is a boring writer, and that Arkadina’s acting is much the same.

“But then I have to play him two years later, when a lot of things have gone wrong,” he says.

“I’m playing the feeling of being trapped in depression, stuck out in the country with an ageing uncle, where he can’t live up to his mother’s expectations.

“But I’m trying to avoid falling into the trap of making him melancholy and whingeing… we’ve got to see the bright spark in of life in him.”

As his WAAPA tutor Angela Punch McGregor stressed, Chekhov’s characters may appear depressed, but they always try their best to push through.

Seagull, at ACT Hub, Kingston, April 10-21.

From left, Joel Horwood as Kostya; Karen Vickery, Arkadina and Neil McLeod, Sorin

The detective, her dog and two murders to solve

Simon Rowell writes and sets his crime novels in rural Victoria. He introduced his police detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer in The Long Game (2021) followed by Wild Card (2023).

Zoe has suffered trauma in her professional past and as a result she now has a service dog, a golden retriever, Harry, who accompanies her everywhere. Harry is the reason she can return to work.

She tells her colleagues: “Harry’s a big part of the reason I’m okay… I was a wreck. I’m better because he’s here with me every day.”

The Good Dog is the third in the series and Zoe has a new partner, Ben Torro, transferred from the Armed Crime Squad. He doesn’t make a good first impression.

On the first day “he strutted into the squad room in a grey, tailored three-piece suit, his dark hair carefully styled. To Zoe, he looked more gangster than cop”. And he’s concerned about dog hair on his suit. As a result, Zoe questions his capability in Homicide.

On a hot summer’s night, Zoe and Ben are called to Mount Macedon to investigate shots being fired. Two men are found dead. All the evidence suggests a murder suicide, but when the victims are identified as Piers Johnson and Anthony Petersen, Zoe isn’t convinced.

Johnson had recently been acquitted of

fraud and Peterson had been his defence lawyer at the high-profile trial. Johnson had persuaded both friends and neighbours in Mount Macedon to invest in a projected deluxe resort in Bali but when the money was transferred it disappeared.

Even though Johnson himself lost $10 million, he was accused of being behind the scam. He was acquitted of all charges but many of those defrauded had threatened to kill him.

The case becomes even more complicated when Peterson’s teenage daughter is kidnapped.

The Good Dog is a cleverly crafted police

procedural, as each of the suspects is eliminated until, in a tense climax, Zoe and Ben finally confront the killer.

And there’s nothing cute about Harry. He’s a smart working dog who warns Zoe when there’s danger ahead, can signal when a witness is telling the truth and seek out injured victims. Harry is literally the good dog of the title.

IAIN Ryan’s The Strip, set on the Gold Coast in the early 1980s is a much grittier read.

Ryan has used the 1980’s Queensland Police Corruption scandal as the inspiration

for his novel, saying: “It’s the very first news story I can remember… the corruption is a matter of public record, and it is truly wild. We’re talking about absolute collusion between organised crime elements, state government politicians and the very highest echelons of the Queensland Police.”

Ryan’s starting point

The Strip was the rumour that corruption on the Gold Coast was even worse.

When a doctor is brutally murdered in northern NSW, Detective Constable Lana Cohen is co-opted from the NSW police force to the Gold Coast’s Strike Force Diablo, which, over the past two years, has been investigating six similar murders.

Lana is told by her boss that: “The coast is where the Queensland Police send their deadwood” and that “Diablo should have turned something up by now”. The talk is “there’s a dirty element”.

Lana discovers Strike Force Diablo is dysfunctional. The best of the detectives, Emmett Hades, is on leave. Lana is told, “Diablo got to him… he lost the plot a few months ago”.

The remaining detectives frequent pubs and brothels and ignore her, except for Henry Loch, a detective described in an official report as “an unredeemable thug with a slim list of achievements”.

Henry, however is determined to retain his position in Homicide and he and Lana work together to uncover the murderer hidden behind extraordinary levels of misogyny, debauchery, violence and deception.

It’s not surprising that the 1987 Fitzgerald Commission of Inquiry into Possible Illegal Activities and Associated Police Misconduct lasted two years and resulted in the resignation of Queensland’s Premier Joh Bjelke Petersen and the jailing of three of his ministers and the Police Commissioner, Sir Terry Lewis, who lost his knighthood.

Ryan believes that “for the most part, Australian crime fiction is ‘literary fiction’ rather than hardboiled noir… we’re strangely light on the grittier, weirder stuff”. He aims to address this imbalance. He has submitted the second book in the series and is already planning a third.

RBG

Of Many, One

CSO awards young musicians

By Helen Musa

Canberra Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2024 Kingsland Fellowships, which offer professional development for advanced musicians at the tertiary and postgraduate level. They went to Issie Brown and Dante Costa, flute; Enola Jefferis, cello; Samuel Hutchinson, trumpet and Jojo Yuen, piano.

John Misto’s play The Shoe Horn Sonata, a tribute to nurses and women in war, will be staged by Canberra director Lexi Sekuless in the lead up to Anzac Day. Sheila (played by Zsuzsi Soboslay) and Bridie (Andrea Close), survivors of the 1942 Banka Island massacre in Sumatra, relive a past in which brutality was punctuated by moments of heroism, tenderness and humour. The title derives from Bridie’s having tapped out the beat for the women’s choir at the camp with her shoe-horn. Mill Theatre, Fyshwick, April 10-27.

Pop music presenters Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe first met at a Radiohead concert in 2004 and became firm friends. The pair will bring their hit Double J podcast, Bang On, to the stage as they chat about music, art, life and stuff. Canberra Theatre, April 12.

Nine new Churchill Fellows were recently awarded

medallions at Government House and have published their new reports after their travels overseas. Among them, conductor Leonard Weiss spent his time assisting and observing renowned maestros with leading orchestras. ACT residents can apply for a Churchill Fellowship at churchillfellowships.com.au until May 1.

Notable Queanbeyan glass artist and ANU PhD candidate, Harriet (Harry) Schwarzrock, is joining Friends of the ANU Classics Museum for its inaugural Artefacts Project, working in response to the Friends’ bronze spiral brooch, which dates back to the 8th century BCE.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the National Film and Sound Archive, the Friends of the NFSA are publishing the original cabinet documents recording the creation of the institution in 1984. The new NFSA took over the film and sound archiving responsibilities, collections and staff that had, until then, been part of the National Library.

The Australian Haydn Ensemble’s Heavenly Sopranos series of concerts will feature singers Celeste Lazarenko and Helen Sherman performing Baroque-era pieces from German composer Johann Adolph Hasse and Italian composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, April 12.

Author Simon Rowell sets his crime novels in rural Victoria. Photo: Darren James

Kingsland Fellows 2024… from left, Issie Brown and Dante Costa flute; Enola Jefferis cello; Samuel Hutchinson trumpet and Jojo Yuen, piano.

Oscar-laden Oppenheimer to be a streaming hit

FROM Bonaparte to Oppenheimer, Swayze to Swift, there’s plenty hitting the streaming airwaves this week.

If you haven’t yet seen the second most talked about movie of last year (second only, of course, to Barbie), Christopher Nolan’s epic biopic about the man who built the atomic bomb is now on Netflix.

The much anticipated Oppenheimer has arrived on the platform after sweeping the Oscars with seven wins, including a well deserved gong for best picture.

Cillian Murphy also took out best actor for his performance as the titular, deeply disturbed scientist whose genius changed the world forever.

Worth the hype? Absolutely.

Subscribers to Binge can also now stream the film.

SPEAKING of epics, now streaming on Apple TV Plus is Napoleon.

For many, Ridley Scott’s historical account of the rapacious French emperor fell flat in its dialogue, but boy does the British director still know how to take breath away with battle scenes.

A clash set amongst a wintry Russian tundra makes for one of the most visually arresting moments in recent memory and is just one in a series of epic recreations of 18th and 19th century clashes.

Just how authentic these are has caused quite the controversy – notably Napoleon

unleashing hell on the Egyptian Pyramids with cannons – but for those happy to chuck historical accuracy out the window here and there, it’s undeniably a spectacle.

Star of Joker and Gladiator Joaquin Phoenix is the man who wears the iconic hat and, with a better script to work with, it feels like he too might have snagged an Oscar nomination.

Something tells me one day we’ll see a better film that truly captures the scale of such a giant of history, but those with any interest in this figurehead of the French Revolution are sure to have some boxes ticked here.

OVER on Amazon Prime Video a 1989 cult favourite has got the reboot treatment.

That would be Roadhouse. Thirty-five years ago it was the dirty dancer himself Patrick Swayze who starred in this kitsch but kinetic action flick.

Now it’s Jake Gyllenhaal who’s the leading man, playing the role of a revered bouncer handed the task of cleaning up one of Missouri’s worst dive bars. It’s not long until he gets on the wrong side of the crime boss who controls the town. Cue the showdown.

The new flick also sets the stage by making the main character a former UFC fighter, cashing in on the popularity of the combat sport that’s complete with an appearance from one of its more recognisable stars Conor McGregor.

A guilty pleasure full of gut punches, “Road House” is a certified weekend time waster, but

a fun one at that. Those interested in watching the original can also catch it on Amazon Prime Video as well.

AND on the back of her sold-out tour across Australia where she managed to flog half a million tickets, the Taylor Swift mania continues with a new version of the concert on Disney Plus.

This filmed version of the mega star’s tour hit cinemas last year and served as something of a consolation prize for the millions of fans left heartbroken after they couldn’t get

Dancing in their seats, a slew of cringeinducing social media videos ensued.

Now though, The Eras Tour has arrived on Disney Plus and promises fans a few additional songs not seen in the cinema release. Swifites, of course, have wasted no time absolutely devouring it.

It’s become the most watched concert film ever with 4.6 million viewers in just the first three days alone. That’s a total of 16.2 million total viewing hours.

That’s a huge pay day for Disney, which reportedly forked out $US75 million in a bidding war to secure the streaming rights. The other platforms may have a bit of a hard time shaking that one off.

Cillian Murphy in the title role of Oppenheimer, left, and Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon.

Back to the best in pizza, in Bentham Street

Fourteen years ago I wrote a review of Bentham Street Bar ‘n’ Pizza in Yarralumla. This year I returned, to be greeted by one of the owners, Carol Julian, with her massive smile and warm embrace (Carol runs the place with sister Sandra).

I wrote this in 2010: “A base, a sauce, a topping. Pizzas can be run-of-the-mill but great ones are memorable.”

This is so true of Bentham Street Bar ‘n’ Pizza, with its Italian and Spanish influences. It’s reassuring that the quality of the food and the delightful feel of sitting outdoors on a warm evening under elegant, mature trees, remains the same.

But let’s start at the beginning with sensational, sizzling hot garlic and chilli prawns ($21). They were huge and packed with flavour. Except for one, which was overdone and stuck to the shell, they were perfectly cooked.

slathered with Pepe Saya butter.

Do not go by the Spanish chorizo ($19).

Absolutely beautiful were premium, precious anchovies from the Spanish Cantabrian

Cooked with white wine and a cazuela, they were superb. Each piece was moist and celebrated the smoky flavour quality chorizo is famous for.

It was now time for some soul-satisfying

pizza. We shared three small pizzas but next time will remember to ask for them to come out one at a time, instead of all at once (our fault!).

stringy mozzarella. We loved the white base.

Crusts are controversial with some liking super thin, some thick and some in between. Bentham Street Bar ‘n’ Pizza offers crusts thin in the middle, but slightly thicker around the edges. Choose from 21 varieties (trust me,

Super tasty was the tomato-based Fiorenza ($20 small/$25 large) featuring more delish anchovies, capers, olives and a lovely hit of chilli. A great combo and testimony to how restraint with the number of ingredients makes for fabulous pizza eating.

Our third pizza was the pepperoni, which also burst forth with flavour. The piri piri sauce was a wonderful addition and the pepperoni was spicy, the roast capsicum sweet, the olives tangy and the pesto bright and herby.

We love a great salad when dining out on pizza and Bentham Street Bar ‘n’ Pizza offers four types ($13 to $18). Our pear and walnut hit the spot with mixed greens, rocket, shaved parmesan and a dressing created with quality balsamic and evo oil.

Bentham Street Bar ‘n’ Pizza – bar, tapas, pizza, salads, desserts. Who could ask for anything more?

Wine shock: columnist admits editor was correct! WINE / confirmation bias

Regular readers of this column may recall that I have a declared bias towards Kiwi and Tasmanian wines.

I have an affiliation with NZ, having lived there from the ages of 10 to 24.

My leaning towards Tasmanian wines comes from the fact that in the last 18 months they have proved to be some of the best wines I’ve tasted.

This statement may in fact be what is known as confirmation bias. This occurs when a writer consciously or unconsciously cherry picks evidence that supports what they already believe to be true. So maybe I’m not remembering (taxi!) some of the other wines that I’ve tried that would confirm otherwise?

My favouritism towards Tassie wines was given radio air towards the end of last year when I appeared on 2CC’s CityNews Sunday Roast program to talk about the wines of 2023 and what was expected for 2024.

The editor of this journal, Ian Meikle, and Rod Henshaw presided. It was close to Christmas and the exchanges were jovial, save for when I mentioned that I believed that Tasmanian wineries were now making the best of Australian wines.

The editor, a South Australian, instantly indicated that he believed that not to be so and that SA remained the standout.

Thus in my attempts to avoid confirmation bias, I have searched out ways in which I’m wrong, rather than the ways in which I’m right. And, boom, there on March 11 was a headline that showed SA to be an international leader. Drinks Trade had the headline “South Australia continues to be flag-bearer for Australian wine in international competitions”.

The report was about the results of the Mundus Vini 2024 Spring Tasting.

Mundus Vini has become Germany’s number one competition and arguably the most respected in Europe.

South Australian wine producers received 40 out of the 41 Grand Gold and Gold medals awarded to Australian wineries at the recent Spring Tasting 2024.

I was surprised by the results. Taylors Wines was the strongest Australian producer at the Spring Tasting, receiving the award of Best Producer – Australia for the second year in a row. It also received Best in Show – Australian White for its Jaraman Sauvignon Blanc, which retails for around $25. One website mentioned that this wine “reveals a seamless blend of vibrant passionfruit, ripe pineapple, and nuanced gooseberry, brightened with a dash of herbal notes and lively acidity for a finish that refreshes and invigorates”. Despite that hyperbole, it should be a good quaffer.

The Best of Show – Australian red was awarded to Kilikanoon’s Oracle Shiraz, which sells for $96, so there was a real disparity in the price of the wines that won the top awards. There’s no doubt that SA remains an important wine-producing state responsible for almost 50 per cent of Australia’s annual production. It keeps producing award-winning wines, benchmarked against the world’s best.

I’ll keep openly barracking for the smaller Tassie and NZ producers, but it is with a deep intake of breath that I admit: the editor was correct!

“Ever since I first learned about confirmation bias I’ve been seeing it everywhere.”

–Jon Ronson

Spicy pepperoni pizza… with roast capsicum, olives and pesto.

Photos: Wendy Johnson

The feta and mushroom pizza… enriched with truffle oil and chewy, stringy mozzarella.

Taylors Jaraman Sauvignon

Blanc won Best in Show –Australian White at the German Spring Tasting.

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Monday night’s Total Solar Eclipse is in your sign which boosts energy levels, turbo-charges your motivation and increases your determination. If you’re lacking confidence (and feeling more like a meek lamb than a courageous ram) then spend time with an uber Aries friend. Hopefully, some of their chutzpah and self-assurance will rub off on you. But Mercury is also activating your sign, so slow down and think (carefully) before you speak and act!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Taurus is a fixed sign and you can be a bossy, stubborn Bull. Aim to be more adaptable and adventurous this week, as you focus attention on helping those around you. The Solar Eclipse lights up your humanitarian zone, so being of service to others sees you glow on the inside. But with Mercury in retrograde mode, take the time to double-check all information and communicate clearly. On Wednesday and Thursday, tread carefully with family and friends.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Mercury is your ruling planet and it’s in retrograde mode until April 25. So, it’s not a good time to: gossip; sign contracts; start a job or business; buy a phone, computer, car or home; launch a website; install new software; go on an important business trip or embark on a big overseas holiday. However, it IS a good time to do anything with an ‘re’ in front of it… revise, rehearse, review, remember, return, recover and reconnect. And make sure you double-check everything.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Avoid being a lonesome Crab! Professional projects and creative collaborations with colleagues are favoured, as you spark ideas off each other and pool your talents to produce something special. The Total Solar Eclipse and Venus increase enthusiasm and encourage rebooting a rickety work relationship that’s been experiencing problems. But be careful you don’t get into an emotional stew over a festering secret, a broken promise, or a breach of trust.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Are you a Lion who’s feeling rather restless? On Monday night there’s a fiery Solar Eclipse in your adventure zone, which highlights holidays, adventure, exploration and exciting beginnings. But retrograde Mercury is also there, which could complicate travel plans, limit patience, shorten timelines and lengthen frustrations. So you’ll need to be on your best behaviour if you want to cruise through the week! Clever Cats will check, double-check, listen and learn.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Mercury (your boss planet) is in retrograde mode until April 25. So – even though there’s a New Moon/Solar Eclipse on Monday night – it’s not an appropriate week to expedite tasks, initiate ideas or race ahead with projects. Instead, use the time wisely to remember, revise, research and review. Be patient, pace yourself and move ahead slowly in planned stages. Your motto for the moment is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

With Venus and the Solar Eclipse in your relationship zone, you’re keen to motivate, encourage and inspire others. But Mercury is retrograde, so you’ll need to utilise your well-developed diplomatic skills. Librans are the fashionistas of the zodiac, so it’s up to you to lead the way towards a more sustainable future. Wisdom for the week comes from fashion designer/innovator (and birthday great) Vivienne Westwood: “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Jump off the comfy couch! The Solar Eclipse (in Aries) encourages you to be proudly proactive as you get your body moving, set challenging daily goals and then actively pursue them. Not sure how to do that? Try rubbing shoulders with your kickass Aries friends… they’ll show you how to crank up your motivation and energise your enthusiasm. But Mercury is in retrograde mode, so be careful you don’t stir up trouble and play power games.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

With your sparky Sagittarian mojo and momentum running on high speed, you’re ready to rock and roll! Monday night’s fiery Solar Eclipse activates your leisureand-pleasure zone, so all forms of entertainment will appeal as you socialise with friends and enjoy yourself to the max. However – with Mercury reversing through your friendship zone – be careful you don’t say the wrong thing to the wrong person. Think things through before you speak.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

The Solar Eclipse promises a fresh start involving family plans, a domestic situation, or a new housemate. But the Mars/Saturn conjunction – and retro Mercury – could delay a project, exacerbate a misunderstanding, or frustrate a financial situation. So proceed with a pragmatic attitude plus plenty of caution. Family and friends are the ones who matter. As Michelle Obama (a fellow Capricorn) observes: “Surround yourself with people who will make you better.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

The Aquarian buzzword for the week is Communication (with a capital ‘C’). Monday night’s Solar Eclipse stimulates your neighbourhood and conversation zones, so expect increased social interaction and educational activities within your local community. When it comes to an ongoing neighbourhood problem, think global and act local. Wisdom for the week is from fashion designer (and birthday great) Vivienne Westwood: “The sexiest people are thinkers.”

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Mars and Saturn link up in your sign (on Wednesday/Thursday) which could stymie progress, squash confidence and bring you down. However – fortunately the Solar Eclipse and Venus stimulate your self-esteem zone. So steer clear of criticism (in person and online), avoid getting caught up in a negative self-talk loop, and stop worrying about the qualities you perceive you don’t have. It’s time to celebrate your strengths and be your Number One fan!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

Across

1 Which earlier king was known as “the Great”? (6)

7 What do we call one who practises deception under an assumed name? (8)

8 Upon which ship did Charles Darwin investigate part of Australia’s coastline? (6)

9 What relates to the Greeks, or their language? (8)

10 Name a huge desert in northern Africa. (6)

11 What are quick fencing thrusts? (8)

14 What is a brief statement giving a general view of some subject? (8)

18 Which term describes the most distant point from the earth? (6)

19 Name an oblique-angled parallelogram with only the opposite sides equal. (8)

21 What are diplomatic agents called? (6)

22 What is a man of rank? (8)

23 Which term describes an attitude that stereotypes an elderly person? (6)

1 Name a fibrous amphibole used for making fireproof articles. (8)

2 Name a loose overcoat, the sleeves of which are cut so as to continue up to the collar. (6)

3 What might we call bigoted conservatives? (8)

4 Name a precious mineral. (4)

5 Which people direct us to our theatre seats? (6)

6 To which animal kingdom does an ox belong? (6)

12 Name a city in south-western California, near Los Angeles. (8)

13 Which coastal Tasmanian town adjoins Burnie? (8)

15 What do we call rough, coarse persons? (6)

16 Which alloy of copper and zinc is used to imitate gold? (6)

17 What is a turret or lantern on the roof of a medieval building? (6)

20 What are units of electrical resistance? (4)