Whether Australia is a cork on the water, floating around dependent on economic tides and political wave action is the single most important question facing the nation today.
Our two-speed economy is not working.
We must find alternatives to manufacturing cars that motorists do not want, ships that never get off the drawing board, making appliances and gizmos that are made better and cheaper in low-cost labour economies… and the “Fly-In/Fly-Out” mentality that tells us digging up dirt is the only way to national prosperity.
One thing that cannot be brokered, dismantled or diluted is our ability to think: our native “smarts”.
We have very good educational standards, high literacy skills and a skilled, adaptable workforce. Yet our main economic preoccupation is digging holes in the ground and flogging off the dirt to nations willing to add value to it, where we are not. Mining has caused our economy to become “two-speed” – one part of it is booming and the other is declining.
We seem to have applied little thought to the following question: “What do we do to bring our economy fully up to speed?”
Mining sucks skills and resources from other segments of our industry. It forces our dollar higher and makes exporting manufactured goods un-competitive with the rest of the world.
We need to find a way of reconciling the undoubted good fortune that we have stumbled upon by being located above some of the world’s greatest mineral riches, and the desperate plight of our old standby industries struggling to make a quid where our goods and services are simply too expensive for other nations to purchase.
We need to find a future, not just settle for a fate based on doing what we have always done, even after it becomes unrewarding and un-competitive.
With these thoughts in mind I turned to the ABC web site to read an article by Kevin Morgan, on the NBN v. the Coalition’s #Fraudband copper rehash.
Morgan, who styles himself as a “commentator” on telecommunications policy and regulation, disappointed me. Greatly.
As I read through the column my eyes opened wider with shock that someone so supposedly well-informed could come up with the relentlessly negative commentary that he had presented.
It almost sounded as if he was personally offended by the NBN.
For example, what a stupid thing to write:
It’s now demonstrable that the Government’s all-fibre NBN, with its nominal price tag of $37.4 billion, cannot be built within either its promised budget or timeframe. In the first 10 weeks of this year, NBN Co, the company charged with the fibre rollout, passed only an additional 28 households a day. At that rate it would take 1,200 years to build the NBN.
And from a supposed “expert” too. A slow start is extrapolated out to the run of the project and becomes “1,200 years”. Does Morgan sincerely believe the NBN will take 1,200 years to build? I doubt it. It’s such an idiotic, misguided thing to write that it leads his readers to question his sincerity and his motives for writing it. And this too:
Indeed, it seems the only issue in play is the differing speeds promised by the Labor Government’s fibre to every home policy (FTTH) and those offered under the Coalition’s fibre to the node (FTTN) proposal…
What rock do they drag these people from under? And why is the ABC publishing such arrant nonsense?
OF COURSE, when it comes to the internet and telecommunications in general, speed is everything, absolutely everything.
Speed is fundamental to the very nature of any telecommunications system. Speed defines telecommunications.
It’s not 100mbps v. 25mbps we need to consider. It’s the almost limitless potential speed of FTTP (Fibre To the Premises) v. the Brick Wall that FTTN (Fibre To The Node) is going to run into in a few short years.
You don’t have to rebuild the NBN to get the mega and giga speeds our country is going to need in the very near future. There’s no need to roll out new cable or dig new ditches nationwide to upgrade the NBN.
You simply upgrade the switching equipment at the exchange, as better and faster technology becomes available. That way great leaps in technology can be applied efficiently to data distribution centres, and rolled out through existing infrastructure painlessly, without having to literally start again from the ground up.
After the upgrade, the new speeds and data flows roll out through the already built and commissioned pipeline, built at 2013 prices, not the inflated prices of some future decade.
The pipeline stays in the ground ready for gigabits per second any time the switch gear catches up.
To upgrade FTTN you have to pull out all the old, power-hungry cabinets – 60,000 of them – and build what Labor is building now anyway, with all the added up front extra costs to FTTN that building it right first via the NBN time avoids. By the time he’s half-way through his article, Morgan has characterized the NBN as a…
… train wreck that the Coalition has been obliged to frame their policy {around}. …
… thats right, a “train wreck”. Total destruction, complete disarray, mass deaths and suffering. A train wreck. What a spirit of adventure Kevin Morgan has! He can only see the past:
The reality is FTTN is by far and away the most commonly used technology to take fibre close to the consumer.
So if it was alright yesterday… then it must be alright for tomorrow.
Australia is a country that relies for its economic success on digging holes in the ground.
But it cannot rely forever on selling dirt to other, more enterprising economies, nor should it.
Morgan’s thesis (if you can call it that) is effectively that we should just continue doing what we have always done, that we should, by implication, continue to rely on mining, and when that peters out, we’ll have to find something else to do.
Gee what would that be?
This whole attitude that we must always accept second-best, that we don’t “do” high tech, that we should never set ourselves up for anything in the future, that we should only go by what other countries are doing (and do no more) is a death knell for Australia’s competitiveness in the not so distant future.
We are already running a “two-speed” economy. Exporters and manufacturers can’t compete with the dollar being so high. We will continue to run two-speed if we don’t get off our political arses and stop justifying outdated junk copper technology, worth not much more than its scrap value, by labelling ourselves as not good enough for the best.
This is when even this “best” is almost not enough to surmount the hurdles our economy needs to become competitive in the world, in more ways than just digging holes in the ground.
We need to become a one-speed, NOT two-speed economy.
The NBN will do that, or at least will help, but the cultural and technological cringers in the Coalition and in their fans like Henry Morgan will doom us to always being one step behind, while the rest of the world gets on with coping with the 21st century.
The question we must all ask ourselves is do we want a fate, or do we want a future?
To deliberately pick a second best option in telecommunications, like #Fraudband, when the best is underway and being built as the NBN, is vandalism of the highest order against the Australian people and the economy.
As Nick Ross of the ABC put it so tellingly, it’s like evaluating the viability of Sydney Harbour Bridge simply in terms of how much profit collecting tolls will generate.
It’s not about tolls, contracts, internet plans, a few dollars here and there spent laying cable (I know its billions, but judged against potential returns – real returns – it’s peanuts), or whether we could better spend the money paying for subsidized nannies, funding well-off retirees who use superannuation as a tax dodge or propping up expensive, exclusive private schools that sustain networks not of intelligence or enterprise, but of mates who throw easy business opportunities to each other.
It’s about looking forward to a way where we can bust the future of Australia right open and become not only a lucky country, but a leading nation in this competitive world, relying on intelligence and not the dumb luck that’s got us by so far.
We’re going to lose our car industry soon, with all the economic death and destruction for the manufacturing sector that loss will entail. What fools we will look like if, faced with having to re-skill our country, we need to rely on the technology of the early 1900s, as Morgan advocates, not just to talk to each other, but to talk to and participate in the future world.
THE PUB 
Thanks, gd. 🙂
CTar1
HMG router?
If you do not check in by dusk tomorrow, we will storm The Tower to release you.
Night C@tmomma and all the Pub Patrons,
Thanks for the wave of love and support. I can’t tell you how much you have done to lift my spirits. I wish I had the words to express how appreciative I am of that support. xxxx
Josephine Tovey @Jo_Tovey 1m
BREAKING: O’Farrell comes out for same-sex marriage, calls for Abbott to allow conscience vote http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/ofarrell-comes-out-for-samesex-marriage-20130418-2i31b.html … via @smh
Aww so sweet Puffy, reminds me of my old codger Buster at that age.
Thanks Fiona. Vincero!! Big Lucy!
SK
Hugs and if you ever need cheering up, this is for you.
C@tmomma,
May we split it thus?
I do the raffle tomorrow while you do the drinkies.
Next week, we swap (because I won’t be home until 6ish).
Given the need for boring things like spreadsheets, it’s better to have just one poor so-and-so doing the raffle thingy 😉
Jaeger:
Sorry, stepped away for a while there.
I think he has had it drilled into him – you can criticise the ALP, you can sympathise with people’s views, but commit to nothing. His entire team are scared witless of being caught in some trap pre-election, where a promise to do something has been given that contradicts something else he’s said. So he’s retreated to generalities.
I’ll bet the impression they’re trying to give is that of Abbott being the ‘adult in the room’, the one who approaches policy issues sensibly by keeping everything ‘within our means’. But the actual impression is of a man who promises everything in general but won’t commit to anything specific. Ultimately, he offers nothing but criticism. And his Geelong audience were well aware of that, and were continually trying to tie him down to what specifically his party would do.
It’s the same crap he foisted on us last year, which goes something like:
1. Everything is terrible and I’m the man to fix it.
2. As I said, I’d really like to fix it, in these areas.
3. I’m not offering anything specific in these areas.
4. I want to make it clear that these are aspirational policies.
5. I’m not placing a timeframe on when these things will be done.
6. But look, let’s not forget that everything is terrible, ok?
Lately he’s even shifted ‘paying off the debt’ to the Aspirational list. And that was his marquee policy last year.
In summary, he’s got no specific plan or no timeframe or no genuine commitment to doing anything about anything. But he’d like to, and he’s sincere about that.
You can see the kind of dynamic Government he’d be likely to lead. It’ll be mostly about him saying, “Ah, but I didn’t promise that.”
Henry,
Moi is shocked AND horrified.
It wasn’t Big Lucy, but the much better musician Placido Domingo.
For Big Lucy, that aria was all about him (remind you of anyone?) whereas for Senor Domingo it was all about the opera.
But geez it’s a great song 🙂
Fiona. 11.10pm
I never thought of it like that.
Puffy,
It’s true, but.
Now you mention it, three-tenor wise…
Puffy,
Jose Carreras was there because he has a lovely voice and because he was a leukemia survivor. (I also have a vague memory that the whole Three Tenors stunt was partly a fundraiser for him – but I could be wrong.)
Placido Domingo was there because he is a consummate musician, a gentleman, and a person generous with his talent and his time.
Luciano Pavarotti was there because he was Luciano Pavarotti.
Fiona,
Yes, that is exactly how it came across on the screen.
on second hearing you are correct Fiona.
Loved Lucy’s version though…
That squeaky toy dog video woke up my old fella as he is still, after 12 years, obsessed by those damn things.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkuGtF4T9vI&feature=player_detailpage
So it looks as if the take home message from Abbott’s forum is no guarantee on paying the debt off. And Greg Hunt has made a dick of himself on Lateline. Just running that through the MSM Perspectoscope, and…..
One half-disaster and one full-blown disaster adds up to….
Break even for the Coalition! Because none of that will be reported and Tony looked quite nice on the telly.
I must plead ignorance on the Mustang. It might belong to the band, but it might have been borrowed for the video clip. The artwork inside the first album features a late 50’s/early 60’s concept car – best guess is a Corvette coupe with the rear section pivoting up for access. It’s not too dissimilar to the 1969 Holden Hurricane:
Goodnight, possums.
Moi has a bizzy day tomorrow – see you at The Pub when Teh Raffle begins.
5pm – be there or be square.
Aguirre
Quite a few twitter comments about Abbott tonight, were in this vein
[.@35bobjones It had a weirdness about it I can’t put my finger on. Abbott looked quite bizarre and his answers were terrible.]
Anyhow night all
I must the watch the cittle hunt on lateline on Iview.
Or around the same time (in Montreux)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=-Y8QxOjuYHg
[the 1969 Holden Hurricane]
Now you’re talking obscure (and then some)!
The Internet is a wonderful thing. 😀
And on that note, I too shall fade into obscurity. Good night all!
Bedtime music:
https://twitter.com/vanOnselenP
Peter van Onselen @vanOnselenP 9m
I have heard some threats in my time, but nothing like that from an Abbott staffer tonight. Watch this space, I’ll raise it on Sunday…
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Peter van Onselen @vanOnselenP 58s
A Tony Abbott staffer told an eminent Australian that he would “cut his throat” once “we” are in government…. Much, much more to it
Jebuus H crystal
If PvO is shocked… hubris?
Peter van Onselen Peter van Onselen @vanOnselenP 2m
Abbott’s staffer knew I heard the conversation, bailed me up & offered to be a source inside TA’s office if I stayed quiet…no thanks.
DON’T SPECULATE ON WHO IT IS.
Speculating could end up slandering someone.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers.
Well done Mr O’Farrell!
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/ofarrell-comes-out-for-samesex-marriage-20130418-2i31b.html
How’s copper looking now Tone?
http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/government-it/nbn-customers-set-for-worldleading-download-speeds-to-happen-by-end-of-the-year-20130418-2i32b.html
An in the article is this gem. Bring it on!
[The chairman of the parliamentary committee overseeing the NBN, Robert Oakeshott, said he would use the committee hearings to scrutinise the Coalition’s broadband policy.]
Weasel words will be the trademark of the Coalition leading up to the election.
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/coalition-backs-down-on-budget-20130418-2i309.html
Section 2 . . .
Alan Moir on the NZ SSM legislation.
http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/opinion/cartoons/alan-moir-20090907-fdxk.html
And David Pope has his say on the progress of SSM in Australia.
http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/opinion/cartoons/david-pope-20120214-1t3j0.html
A classic take from David Rowe on the US Senate voting down the watered down gun control legislation.
http://www.afr.com/p/national/cartoon_gallery_david_rowe_1g8WHy9urgOIQrWQ0IrkdO
Who’s the new kid? 😀 I’m not sure what he expected – brown shirts and armbands?
And from the Land of the Free –
There is something special about Repugs isn’t there?
http://americablog.com/2013/04/gop-legislator-jewing-down-price.html
The hopeless and dangerous Michelle Bachmann may be in a spot of bother.
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2013/04/18/former-michele-bachmann-chief-of-staff-to-break-silence-on-improper-payments/
Gabby Giffords lets rip at the compromised Senators over the gun legislation loss.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/opinion/a-senate-in-the-gun-lobbys-grip.html
Some great cartoons on the gun legislation.
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2013/04/18/cartoons-of-the-day-nra-wins/
Joe Scarborough (former US Republican Congressman) calls out the NRA as liars.
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2013/04/18/video-msnbcs-joe-scarborough-calls-out-nra-for-lying-about-filibustered-gun-violence-prevention-bill/
Section 2 . . .
The result of “Big government is bad” politics over the years.
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2013/04/18/video-msnbcs-joe-scarborough-calls-out-nra-for-lying-about-filibustered-gun-violence-prevention-bill/
Lawrence O’Donnell has a good dig at rhe NRA too.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017112864
The US televangelists are a horrid bunch of crooks.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017112753
As I often say, what a wonderful society it is over there.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/18/rehtaeh-parsons-family-harassment-video_n_3109505.html
A Bill Maher “New Rule” for atheists.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/17/bill-mahers-new-rule-for-atheists_n_3103839.html
Good Morning all!
What a treat to wake up to puppy hugs. Thanks Puffy!
The Pre-COAG Political Tanty side show from the LNP Premiers is on again!
Driscoll creating problems for Cantdo.
http://tinyurl.com/c5sgfcn
I see where the Coalition is heading on same sex marriage.
Abbott sets it up by playing bad cop and saying yet again that he won’t have a bar of it.
Fatty O’Barrell then plays good cop by saying he’s in favour and has a committee looking into the possibility of NSW going it alone if the feds won’t act.
The Liberal party room ‘persuades’ Abbott to allow a conscience vote.
Someone re-introduces legislation in the next parliamentary sitting and it gets up.
Abbott claims all the credit.
The whole plot is so transparent, so bleeding obvious. I hope Labor can see through it as easily as I can ans has a counter-plot all ready to go.
Mark Colvin @Colvinius 1m
RT @ashermoses: NBN customers set for world-leading download speeds to happen by end of the year http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/government-it/nbn-customers-set-for-worldleading-download-speeds-to-happen-by-end-of-the-year-20130418-2i32b.html …
Good morning all. I have just watched G.Hunt on Lateline from last night. He squirmed all the way through and T.Jones did keep trying to get him to discuss the LNP DA policy.
I am now reassured that Australia will be in safe hands after Sept 14th. EASILY is how Hunt will achieve CO2 reductions. How? asks Tony J. EASILY says Greggy. I am passionate about it. We will achieve it EASILY. And so his argument went – interspaced whenever he could with Govt bad.
One on one policy debates between ministers and shadows should be called for every day. Only problem of course is getting our unesteemed MSM to report it truthfully.
Morning all
I am very curious about whom PVO is referring to. Will he follow through?
Muskiemp
Driscoll is charming
[SCOTT Driscoll has threatened to “walk out the front door guns blazing” with “a book of names and where the bodies are buried” if forced to leave the LNP.
Text messages Mr Driscoll sent to a close associate show the MP’s resentment at being grilled by party bosses over The Courier-Mail’s revelations about his involvement with a retail lobby group and a community association and connections between them and his wife’s company, Norsefire.]
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/controversial-lnp-mp-scott-driscoll-has-treatened-to-walk-out-the-front-door-guns-blazing-if-expelled-from-party/story-e6freoof-1226623842646
Re PVO’s tweets about an Abbott senior staffer – shouldn’t those on his staff be a matter of public record?
Re those PVO tweets – doesn’t surprise me at all. The mood inside the Abbott camp would be one of acute frustration. They’ve been carrying the weight of almost-but-not-quite-in-government for nearly three years now. They’ve tried everything – I could almost say literally everything, so thorough have they been – to tip that balance. And they’ve had to do and say a few things that have been against their better natures, knowing full well that it would only take responsible reportage to blow it all wide open. They’ve attracted ridicule from certain elements – mostly independent elements – and have had to endure the praise the Gillard Government has attracted internationally.
And look at how they’ve been forced to behave on the (extended) campaign trail. They can’t stride forward forcefully and unleash policy after policy; they can’t discuss anything in proper detail; they can’t engage in extended debate; and they can’t do the thing they most long to do, which is crow about how they’re going to win in a landslide so suck on that Australia. They have to maintain discipline, let themselves get carved up whenever they have proper interviews, talk in vague generalities, craft each empty message, avoid debate – lurk, basically. And there has been three years of this.
All that tension has to be released somehow. So the likelihood is that, should they win the election, the first order of the day will be payback. They’ll just unleash themselves on everyone they’ve had to be polite to for so long. I can’t imagine it will be pretty. There will be a lot of hubris, and the front bench will be insufferably smarmy. At least until they realise that they’re actually in charge of things and responsible for what happens.
I think the attitude of the press corps will probably be a lot like PVO’s reaction last night: “Ok, you got what you wanted, we’ve done more than enough for you, don’t expect us to keep carrying the load for you.” Making it sweet with the press gallery won’t be an easy job. They’ve had to endure a lot too.
leonetwo
PMJG said in her presser yesterday, that she had already allowed a conscience vote, and for any chance of SSM to happen, The coalition would have to participate in a conscience vote. She woulld bring another conscience vote to parliament
Interesting group of tweets from PvO …
Peter van Onselen @vanOnselenP 59m
Still reeling from the actions of a senior member of Tony Abbott’s staff last night. Totally unprofessional…
Whoops!! …seems U lot onto this …sorry for not checking previous posts 😦
Mitt for Brains Romney on CNN telling us how God has intervened and will intervene in relation to the Boston bombings. And host Wolf Blitzer goes along with it.
All this God stuff is just so puerile.
Just imagine what things would be like in the US if Romney had won.
It beggars the thought.
Is PVO going to name the eminent Australia who was threatened by the Abbott Staffer?