Author: jkirkby8712

A brief follow up from yesterday’s parliamentary proceedings. Ruth sent me a message this morning suggesting that perhaps Peter Slipper is going to compare favourably with Harry Jenkins as Speaker after all?  What have the Liberals [I assume she meant] done? 

My response was as follows:-   Hi Ruth, I might be slightly biased, but I wonder whether the performance of the Speaker was the motivating priority in the election – his appointment to the position has given the Government two extra votes, a rather big incentive I would have thought in the current political climate. Mind you, Mr Slipper was quick on the job yesterday, during another of Tony Abbott’s censure motions, and while JG was responding – I think he suspended at least three Liberals from the Chamber, and were she not Deputy Leader, I think Julie Bishop would have been given the same treatment, rather than the extra ‘warnings’ she was given – she probably deserved suspension as much as anyone. Sad to say, Tony’s deputy has a rather ‘vicious’ tongue at times!!…………………incidentally, the advantage of not working now, means more opportunity to watch/listen to Federal Parliament which I’ve taken an interest in since school days…………….I was a member of the Young Liberals for a few years, until they started to organise protests and demonstrations ‘labor union’ style, and seemed to be more focused on social functions [this was 40 years ago when a Labor Government was just a dream]……my interest drifted to that of an external observer at that point, and so continues until today’.

In the meantime, more news from my football team –  the Blues have selected a key position player, a running defender, and a speedy wingman arising from today’s player drafting program. Joseph Bootsma, a rebounding defender with good closing speed and a long penetrating kick. He is a team-oriented player who spoils well;  Sam Rowe, is a strongly built and athletic forward who can take strong marks and has the strength to make a contest every time he competes for the ball; and  Dylan Buckley [selected under the father/son rule], Dylan has great pace and likes to run and carry. Versatile, with effective  disposal.  He is the son of Club great, and one of my favourites from past years,  Jim Buckley, who played in the No. 16 guernsey. I hope us Carlton supporters see plenty of each of these young guys during the 2012 season.

Now late yesterday, I caught another train into the city, for yes, yet another concert – a short one this time, of just over an hour, in the Salon of the Melbourne Recital Centre. This little session featured a modern quartet of four girls [two violin, one viola and a cello of course] – modern because most of their works seem to of the more contemporary and experimental form of classical music, in fact some pure classicists would argue that it’s not classical at all!! Anyway, I’d not previously heard this group – consisting of Hilary Kleinig [Artistic Director, and on Cello], Belinda Gehlert & Emily Tulloch [on violins], and Lilian-Terri Dahlenburg [on viola]. My main attraction in going tonight, was hear Greta Bradman, the guest soprano soloist, sing. A famous name, as she was in fact the granddaughter of Australia’s greatest cricketer [Sir Donald Bradman]. His other great love was in fact music, and this was obviously where Greta inherited her own musical and singing talents from the times she spent in her grandparent’s home. Greta is described as an Australian soprano and ARIA award nominee, and is a recitalist, concert & stage performer, and recording artist with Sony Music. Previously a psychologist in training, Greta only really made ‘singing’ her full time ‘day’ job last year, and has certainly come under notice since then.  In 2009, the Adelaide ‘Advertiser’ described her in this way  –  ‘ as one of Australia’s finest young singers, and as a exceedingly intelligent and perceptive musician. Her full lyric soprano voice and coloratura ability is drawing great interest and applause for it’s accuracy and unusually large vocal range, warmth and fullness of tone and its capability of great vocal sensibility and flexibility’.  Certainly in the intimacy of the Salon last night, all of those aspects were clearly evident, and at times, I was quite amazed at the height and depth of her voice  – hard to compare her with the Russian singer in La Traviata the other night, as singing completely different genres of music.

Greta Bradman joined the Zephyr Quartet in two main items tonight. Firstly a piece called ‘The Twilight of Disquietude’, music composed by Natalie Williams [an Australian composer based in the USA], and based on a poem by the early Australian writer, Christopher Brennan [1870-1921] who wrote extensively about his experience of Australia’s harsh and beautiful landscape. This piece linked the dawn of a burning summer day with the passion and intensity of love’s emotional fire. The turbulent feelings of love are an allegory for the real heat of nature’s own fire; the burning of a hot summer sun.  A few lines:-

Surely my heart the heavens at last

shall storm with fiery orisons,

and know, enthron’ed in the vast,

the fervid peace of molten suns.

The flame that feeds upon my heart

fades or flares, by wild winds controll’d:

Later in the program, Greta sang a series of ‘short songs’ under the title of ‘Sea Chronicles’, music composed by Paul Stanhope. This was a ‘song cycle’ for soprano and string quartet, which celebrates the various dimensions of our coastal environment. The texts and lyrics are all from works by Australian poets, and have been selected to emphasise the celebrative and reflective qualities of the sea, presenting generally, images or pictures of the sea, for contemplation, and they allowed Greta to use the full range and variations of her beautiful soprano voice in line with the diversity of the selected pieces. The extracts of the writings, and the poets used were Victor Daley [The Nightingale], Rex Ingamellis [Sea Chronicles], George Essex Evans [By The Sea], Elizabeth Riddell [Lifesaver], Adam Lindsay Gordon, whose cottage I was looking at in Ballarat last weekend [The Swimmer], and an Anonymous untitled piece about a man on a beach.  Probably the most ‘/dramatic’ of these was Riddell’s work – Paul Stanhope writes ‘The text of the central third movement, while also painting a vivid picture, has a stronger sense of narrative than the other texts; it plays out the drama of a Lifesaver who dies in the course of rescuing others. The Lifesaver can be viewed as a Christ-like figure [suggested by a veiled reference to the Bach chorale ‘O Sacred Head Sore Wounded’ in the central slow section] who sacrifices himself as an upholder of the Australian coastal lifestyle’. So ‘Sea Chronicles’ examines the notion of danger as being an essential part of the beauty and attraction of the sea. A few lines, this time from, ‘By The Sea’.

Come, friend of solitude, to where

the low dark jetty meets the blaze

Of Sky and waters slumbering long,

Here let us dream while ocean plays

The mystic chants of golden days’.

Meanwhile, the music of the Zephyr Quartet was different – I loved in particular a piece called ‘Nautilus’, composed by Hilary Kleinig herself –  a piece written about the sea, its sounds and its beauty. As she says, it uses some of the more unusual sounds that string instruments can make  to produce a haunting landscape – the scraping sounds of a ship at sea, the cries of the seabirds, gulls, etc – quite an enthralling piece of ‘music’.  I was not so keen on another piece called ‘Windmill’ and composed by Stephen Whittingdon [Adelaide born composer and pianist, renowned for his performance of contemporary music  – very contemporary indeed was this piece]. In Australia, the windmill is a symbol of the human determination to survive in an inhospitable climate, of hope, courage and despair. The composition simply presents the continuous sounds of a windmill in operation – as it turns in the wind, pumping up life-giving water in the lonely and often desolate landscape.  The distinctive sounds of it creaking away, stopping occasionally, but always resuming as the breeze picks up again. I found it rather longer in duration than I would have preferred, with the ‘music’ almost becoming monotonous, and it was very difficult to know when the music had stopped, because of the natural stoppages of the windmill, as the wind dies down every now and then, the music hesitated also  – was that the end? Then the girls would start the cycle of creaking and revolving again. Gradually, the stoppages grew longer, and one realised, that eventually, the wind was going to stop altogether – at which point, the music stopped!  Contemporary, interesting, different.

The music of the Zephyr Quarter did interest me enough, to purchase a copy of their CD on the way out. Yes, I would play the occasional track on my Sunday show, but not the ‘Windmill’ – actually, it wasn’t on the CD, but ‘Nautilus’ was, the impetus to purchase!

I didn’t realise it until early afternoon, but there were more sensations in our Federal Parliament this morning and throughout the day. Apparently, soon after Parliament resumed this morning, the Speaker, Harry Jenkins, announced his retirement from the role, wanted to move to the ‘back bench’ and be an active member of the Labour Caucus again.  To top that off, Labour then nominated a member of the Liberal to be the Speaker, and that member accepted the nomination. Despite the Liberals then proceeding to nominate up to nine members of the Labor Party for the role [all of whom declined], in an attempt to defeat the Labor inspired nomination, Peter Slipper [the Liberal member] was eventually elected unopposed!!

What this meant, for the government was that the Gillard minority government will get two extra votes and a little more breathing space. Since last year’s election, Labor has had to rely on the votes of three independents and a Greens MP to survive and get its legislation through the lower house.  But the resignation of Speaker Harry Jenkins, to go to the Labor backbench, allowed caucus this morning to put forward Queensland Liberal MP Peter Slipper as their nomination for the role  Having him in the role gives Labor those extra two votes, which will improve the government’s position in getting its measures through parliament.

Mr Slipper is expected to resign from the coalition, to sit as an independent, after federal colleagues in a meeting in Canberra on Thursday voted that any member who put their name forward for the Speaker role would have to resign from the Liberal or National parties.  Mr Slipper was in the chair on Thursday morning and did not attend the coalition party room meeting.  Mr Slipper was also  under pressure from Queensland Liberal National Party colleagues to resign over a series of issues involving travel and electorate allowances, and while this matter had been under some consideration by the federal Liberals, Tony Abbott had been reluctant to take the matter any further, for fears that the Labor Party would act in the manner it eventually did.  Labor member, Anna Burke, was eventually appointed to the Deputy Speaker’s role, even though she had earlier declined a Liberal nomination that she be the Speaker.

And my feelings on all that – well, I find the whole situation a little distasteful, and  I think I made that clear on Face Book this afternoon  –  ‘So one of the best H. of R. Speakers we have had, Harry Jenkins, has resigned – or was he pushed, in order to strengthen Ms Gillard’s hunger to retain power? He was a strong and fair Speaker, although both Gillard and Rudd constantly ignored his requests that they follow standing procedures, particularly at Question Time. Constantly frustrated by the tactics on ‘both’ sides’.  I received a brief response from friend Ruth, and followed my earlier comment up with this  –   ‘I’m sure your status update will get a more favourable response Ruth, than mine, which  is likely to antagonise most names on my list – but all seems rather suspect, with the outcome leaving the Government with a clearer majority and extra votes [2] in the House, by nominating a Liberal Speaker [who I guess is no longer required as a member of his Party] strengthened the Government’s position. against normal Westminister procedures – the Government of the day normally provides the Speaker?? Oh well, Parliament just continues to be one farce after another, since 2007, in my view!! Pity, and like everyone else, I will miss Harry’s wit and responses to the occasional rabble he had to deal with – from both sides of the House! Now, think I will withdraw from here before the slings and arrows start arriving ‘

Meanwhile, the Liberals were quite clear in their feelings on the outcome.  Mr Abbott [leader of the Opposition] said Labor should provide the Speaker from its own ranks, in line with the age-old Westminster convention. “This is bad day for democracy in Australia,” he told reporters in Canberra. Mr Abbott said it should have been Ms Gillard who resigned, not Mr Jenkins. “The Speaker has resigned so that the government can shore up its numbers in the parliament,” Mr Abbott said, “It’s lost its way, it’s lost its majority, and now it’s lost its speaker”.  While, Dennis Shanahan, Political editor for the Australian newspaper would describe it in the following terms, in Friday’s paper –    Today ‘the world of Realpolitik collided with the lofty ideals of Westminster traditions and conventions. Not surprisingly, the cold brutality of political numbers won over the ideals, producing in the short term one of the most chaotic days in parliament for decades, and in the long term a vital one-vote cushion for the life of the Gillard government’.

Julia Gillard defended the claims of a deal –  her story along the lines of  ‘according to the government, the drama began at about 7.30am when Mr Jenkins told the Prime Minister he wanted to “participate in policy and parliamentary debate” and could not do so as Speaker, a role he had held for four years.  Within an hour, Labor’s leader in the House of Representatives, Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, had offered the job to Mr Slipper. The Queensland MP, Deputy Speaker under Mr Jenkins, had been under pressure in his Sunshine Coast electorate of Fisher by opponents wanting to dump him in favour of former Howard government minister Mal Brough, who lost his seat in 2007. Mr Slipper’s acceptance of the nomination and subsequent resignation from the LNP robbed the opposition of one vote on the floor of the House of Representatives, while Mr Jenkins’s return to the backbench added a number to Labor’s minority government’.

 Despite such claims of a ‘Labor deal’ etc,  to bring this all about  – with reports along the lines of   ‘Julia Gillard has snared a crucial extra vote on the floor of parliament but faces opposition claims she engineered the resignation of Harry Jenkins as Speaker in a grubby deal to replace him with renegade Liberal Peter Slipper’  –    there was plenty of praise flowing around the parliament towards Harry Jenkins, for the manner in which he had always undertaken his role as Speaker of the House of Representatives, and having watched him in action, even up until yesterday, particularly during ‘Question Times’, all of that praise of fairness, knowledge of  parliamentary procedures, etc, was well deserved. His presence and ‘personality’ in the Chair will be sorely missed.  This is the way in which one ‘associate’ on Face Book [a very much Labor  man of course] described the former Speaker  –  ‘To my boss, Harry Jenkins, congratulations on a remarkable 1,382 days as Speaker of the House of Representatives. A Speaker respected by Member’s from all political parties who will continue to be a great advocate for familles in Melbourne’s north as the Member for Scullin’.  Seems a fair enough description of the man.

As for the man himself, this what he had to say on his parliamentary blog and speech at the parliament today, about ‘his’ decision to  leave the role of Speaker: –

“Today marks my 1382nd day as Speaker of the House of Representatives. I have at all times tried to uphold the fine traditions of Speaker, and to the best of my ability have attempted to carry out my duties in the most independent and non-partisan manner possible.
As members are aware in this the 43rd Parliament, to further avoid controversial party political matters I have divorced myself from involvement with the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. In this era of minority government I have progressively become frustrated at this stricture. My desire is to be able to participate in policy and parliamentary debate, and this would be incompatible with continuing in the role of Speaker.
As a consequence, when I vacate the Chair at the end of this short statement I will visit the Governor-General to tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

I thank all members for their co-operation which they have dispensed to varying degrees depending upon the individual. I thank everyone who works for the Department of House of Representatives under the capable leadership of the Clerk Bernard Wright and the Deputy David Elder; they serve us well. My gratitude goes to the diverse range of officers of the Department of Parliamentary Services: from gardeners to guards, technicians and tradies, researchers to reporters, Hansard; they serve us well. To presidents Hogg and Ferguson with whom I served as co-presiding officer, and the members and officers of the other place with whom I had interaction, I thank them for their forbearance. All these people ensure that the Australian Parliament remains an enduring effective institution. My staff in the Speaker’s Office have assisted me and kept me well grounded; I believe that members would agree with me that they carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism. Finally I acknowledge my eternal indebtedness to my “trouble and strife” Michele and the four generations of my family without whose support I would never have been able to achieve the high office I hold.
Late yesterday I ascertained that the Governor-general is available for my call before 9.30 therefore I must depart. I go placidly with my humour intact. I wish you all well’.

.An interesting event [and continuation of some of the farce situations that have dominated Parliament this year] took place once Question Time got under way. On most occasions this year, Tony Abbott has interrupted Question time [which is televised nationally] towards the end of the televised hour, by moving a motion to suspend standing orders to allow him to move a motion of ‘No Confidence’ [or motions of similar nature] against the Prime Minister and her Government – because of the slight numerical advantage on the government’s side, those motions have always been defeated, but Abbott persisted with the procedure time after time. While I personally felt that was another case of Abbott going ‘overboard’ with his style of political tactics, the thing I found most distasteful, was that every time he did this, Julia Gillard would get up and leave the Chamber, which I thought poor tactics, and left her looking ‘gutless’ and unable to face what was being said about her and her government. She did the same thing yesterday – got up, and left her deputies to face the music and respond to the motions of no confidence.  However today  – perhaps she was advised to remain, or personally felt it would look better for her to remain behind  –  Tony Abbott rose to the despatch box after just one question had been raised [about the ‘secret deal’ involving the Speaker], and immediately it became clear that he was going to move another ‘Suspension of Standing Order’, the PMs deputy [Treasurer, Wayne Swan] joined her at the Government bench, while amazingly, the majority of the rest of the Labor members began to walk out.  The result left Tony Abbott almost speaking to an empty set of Government benches, apart from the Prime Minister and her Deputy  –  his speech [another virtual motion of no-confidence] was supported by his deputy, Julie Bishop, whom I find has quite a ‘bitter’ tongue at times, and today was no exception – perhaps because she is a woman speaking and directing her vitriol towards another woman means she can get away with a little more a man making the same speech would  – anyway, despite being a supporter of the Liberals, I’m not convinced that either Tony Abbott or Julie Bishop would be the appropriate duo to be running this country, were the Conservatives to regain  power. Meanwhile, during Julia Gillard’s response to this two-pronged attack [yes, for a rare change, she had remained in the parliament to defend both herself and her government rather than leaving that up to one of her deputies] the new Speaker made his presence felt, with constant warnings towards many of his former colleagues, and in fact, suspending at least three Liberals from the House for an hour or so!! And I think that had Julie Bishop not being the Deputy Leader, she would not have been given a couple of extra warnings, that others in her Party did not get before being suspended. Perhaps it might have done her some good to have been thrown out for a while, I sometimes feel she deserves it!! Needless to say, by the time the vote was taken on this ‘motion of no confidence’ or whatever, all of the Government members were back in the Chamber to ensure a clear defeat of the motion.

This week is basically the end of the parliamentary year, but I can’t help feeling, that in looking back over the 2011 Parliament sessions, that so much time has been wasted by endless debates purely of a political and personal nature, time that should have been better spent on debating and working at the real issues of national significance – too often, we have seen legislation rushed through before the end of parliamentary sessions, as time for completing business runs out, and this has not almost being the government’s doing  –  the constant negativity that has become the style of current Opposition leader, Tony Abbott – a negativity that has overshadowed real meaningful arguments and alternative policy proposals – has led to this situation and seen many parliamentary hours wasted, and sometimes I wonder, to what purpose!

Now I briefly got away from all of this parliamentary turmoil, and went into the city late this afternoon, for another concert  –  we might raise the details of that occasion on the morrow.

I jumped the gun a little the other day, when I talked about the passing of the mining tax [Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) – mining tax to most people].  That in fact happened overnight, although it still has to get through the Senate, next year now! As the following report describe the occasion, it’s the Gillard government’s second big economic reform but the mining tax has passed parliament’s lower house in the dead of night with just four people watching on [hopefully, this means in the gallery, and that there was obviously a reasonably full complement of members on hand to vote at that time!].  Unlike the carbon pricing package, there was no applause, hugs or kisses. The Minerals Resource Rent Tax Bill 2011 passed the lower house in the early hours of Wednesday after a marathon sitting day. Voting on the bill and 10 associated pieces of legislation didn’t begin until almost 0030 AEDT.  The vote on the bills finished at 0242 AEDT. Treasurer Wayne Swan said the historic reform meant all Australians would share in the benefits from the country’s non-renewable resources.

The 30 per cent tax to start on July 1, 2012 is expected to generate about $12 billion to 2013/14, which the government will put towards a company tax rate cut, infrastructure and an increase in the superannuation guarantee rate from nine to 12 per cent. It covers big coal and iron ore companies. An Australian Greens attempt to include gold and uranium mines as well was rejected by Speaker Harry Jenkins on the grounds it would lead to the laws being unconstitutional.  However, independent MP Andrew Wilkie’s change to increase the profit threshold at which the tax kicks in, to $75 million from the previous $50 million, became part of the final legislation. This was part of Mr Wilkie’s deal with the government to secure his vote. Greens MP Adam Bandt told the chamber on Monday he couldn’t vote for the MRRT with Mr Wilkie’s amendment because it would lead to a shortfall in revenue of $100 million over five years. But Labor agreed late on Tuesday night to a new revenue measure to offset this amount. Mr Bandt told journalists in Canberra a condition of the deal was the Greens couldn’t reveal any details of this measure but he said it wasn’t a new tax.\ In the final votes, he sided with the government. However, he said earlier his party colleagues reserved their decision on how they would vote in the Senate, depending on how the legislation was amended in the lower house. Other amendments that WA Nationals MP Tony Crook said would make the tax fairer for smaller mining companies were defeated. These included a 10 million tonne threshold so small mines were not taxed, exclusion of magnetite ore and a commitment that the whole mining industry would not pay the tax earlier or at a higher rate than the big three miners.  The Minerals Resource Rent Tax Bill 2011 will now go to the Senate for debate next year. 

Why do we need this mining tax [MRRT]? According to one answer given to that question, is that currently, mining companies are extracting non-renewable resources from Australia’s soil. States and territories receive a royalty tax from mining companies to pay for the removal of such resources. The Australian Government believes that current charging arrangements are inadequate and have led to exploitation of Australia’s non-renewable resources by the large mining companies. As the price and demand for minerals has increased, so have the profits of the mining companies, yet the charging arrangements have not been reviewed to take this into consideration. The proposed MRRT would also lead to the distribution of mining revenue to the whole of Australia and not just those states fortunate enough to be resource-rich. It would also serve to simplify the complicated excise and royalty agreements which currently exist.  The proposed tax was first mentioned as a Resource Super Profits Tax in the Henry Tax Review, which highlighted the inefficiencies of Australia’s current tax system

Anyway, hopefully I was asleep at the that when our politicians finally retired for the night/morning  –  and although it was well after 1am before I got to bed, I was awake again at 6am or thereabouts – but today, decided my on air local sports report would take place via the phone, at 6.45am. Oddly, Susie was up and about at that time also – she had another early shift at the bakery today. I actually sent Adam a message before I went on air, assuming he had also been working since the early hours – was hoping to get a result from last night’s round of local 20/20 cricket to include in my results, with most of the weekend’s cricket, bowls, etc, having been washed out because of the rain on Saturday. But, didn’t hear back from him.

Today, coolish conditions expected, 19 degrees with a few showers. Not sure if I will do much outside in any case, suffering a little from an infected toe at present, which is annoying me somewhat, don’t really want to have to go back to the doctor and seek out some antibiotics, but that is usually the only way the problem remedies itself. My home treatment doesn’t seem to work. Annoying!

I’ve noticed a report from the professional organisation I will resigning from at the end of the year – the CPA [Certified Public Accountants] –  regarding their monthly magazine ‘INTHEBLACK’ which is CPA Australia’s flagship publication.  Apparently this month, INTHEBLACK received two Publishers Australia Excellence Awards.  The magazine was awarded ‘Relaunch of the Year’ and named ‘Association or Member Organisation Magazine of the Year’.   Recognition of the new direction in presentation and content layout, etc which has appeared over the past year or so  – while there has not always been a great deal of material in the magazine which has been of major relevance to my major work roles, I do consider the standard of INTHEBLACK these days to be quite excellent and something that all CPA members can rightly be proud of. When I formally resign from the CPA [not prepared to pay the high subscription rates as a non-worker in the future], I will also discontinue with the magazine subscription as well, as I doubt I will have the time or the interest to devote too much time to reading the contents. As indicated somewhere else, plan to try and put that aspect of my life in the past, and look ahead to new challenges, etc.

Meanwhile, my football team is making an enthusiastic start to it’s preparations for the 2012 season [I seem to recall being promised a late birthday present by my daughters of a 2012 member’s ticket now that I have ‘more free time’ to go to games – might remind them about that some time soon!]. Monday was the start of a big week for the Carlton Football Club. The action commenced around 7:00am at Visy Park as the players started arriving for the 7:30 meeting that signalled the commencement of pre-season training in Australia for the 2012 season. Dylan Buckley, although not officially a Carlton player until he is selected with Carlton’s third round selection, number 62 overall, in Thursday’s National Draft, was one of the new faces at Carlton’s first training session at Visy Park today.  Nick Heyne, who was previously on St Kilda’s list, also joined the Carlton players on the track at Visy Park. Nick has been given permission to train with the Blues after being delisted by the Saints following the 2011 season. Other new faces at the first session included new Assistant Coach Paul Williams and new Fitness and Conditioning Coach Joel Hocking.  While not on the training track, Carlton’s new General Manager Football Operations, Andrew McKay, was also a new face as the Blues commenced preparations for the 2012 season. Andrew officially commenced in his new role last Friday with today being like a first day with all the players and coaches returning to work. It will be a busy first week for McKay with training commencing and then the National Draft in Sydney on Thursday evening and two more new faces to welcome to Carlton for 2012. All the players were involved in the running and general fitness activities during the morning that included a running test in the warm up area of the facilities at Visy Park. There was little time for the players to rest as they got down to business for 2012. The promise of a continuation of Carlton’s slow climb up the ladder over recent years is very real,. And  hopefully, a season to look forward to.

Received an email this afternoon from the ‘new me’ back at the office – sending me copies of the monthly financial report for my perusal and verification, probably should have done this tonight, but deferred it until the morrow, will be happy when my ‘connections’ are no longer needed in that area.

I noticed that today’s media was reporting that the tragic nursing home fire in Sydney at the end of last week, has claimed it’s 7^th victim this morning.  Two people who died during the fire on Friday morning have not yet been formally identified.  Another 29 residents remain in various hospitals across Sydney. A nurse at the facility, Roger Dean, is charged with four counts of murder. The fire broke out at the aged care facility on Hambledon Road, Quakers Hill, about 5am on Friday. Strike Force Westall, led by the Homicide Squad with assistance from the Property Crime Squad and North West Metropolitan Region, was formed to investigate the incident.  As indicated, a man has been charged with four counts of murder and remains before the court.

As the title suggests, I had a night at the Opera this evening, and quite a long night, it was indeed, when combined with the train travel, etc, added some hours to the venture. Well, after 6 decades or more of enjoying music, and going to many different genres of concerts, etc, this was my first ever visit to the opera. Performed at the State Theatre in the Arts Centre, and viewing from a rather nice aisle seat up in the Balcony [when I go to these things alone, I don’t mind or bother about purchasing the most expensive seats, and this in fact suited me just fine], I was there to see the opera written by Giuseppe Verdi – ‘La traviata’ –  an opera in three acts based on the play ‘La dame aux camelias’ written by Alexandre Dumas in 1852. Set in 1890’s Paris, La Traviata has become  for many fans, the ultimate romantic opera, and I’m rather glad in retrospect, that I chose it as my first experience of that medium.
Apparently the first performance of the opera took place at the Teatro La Fenice, in Venice, on the 6 March 1853, and this production was first performed here in Australia at the Sydney Opera House on the 19 August 1994 [took a while to get to Australia!!]. Now one thing I have learnt from tonight’s show  – I might need to brush up on my Italian for future operas!  This production was sung in Italian, as is generally the case, but at least we did have English sub-titles flashed  up above our heads over the stage. Quite well done, although admittedly, quite often, I would barely glance at that, concentrating on merely enjoying the music and singing, and watching the action on the stage – having thoroughly read the Synopsis, prior to each Act [there were two intervals], I was fairly familiar with the storyline, and what was going on. In basic terms, the story deals with a wealthy young man who falls in love with a modern day equivalent of a prostitute [in French circles, referred to as a well to do courtesan], they move in together, but eventually, she is persuaded by his father and family to give him up for the sake of the family’s ‘reputation’.  In the bend after much drama and heart ache, they are reunited in love, but all late, as she is close to dying from tuberculosis. A very short précis of a tragic story of love and loss. More detail in a moment.

A highlight of the production which particularly impressed me were the period costumes, the atmospheric sets and the stage lighting – loved the affect in the Autumn scene of the very occasional leaves fallen from the tops of the unseen trees on the stage! But, while I have no clothing expertise, anything interested in that aspect would have been enthralled with the period costumes, beautifully done.  The main performers tonight were the Russian soprano Elvira Fatykhova making her Melbourne debut as Violetta Valery; Aldo de Toro as her man, Alfredo Germont; his father, Giorgio Germont played in wonderful contrast to the younger cast by Michael Lewis; while the unobtrusive role of Violetti’s caring and concerned  maid, Annina, was performed by Teresa La Rocca. The orchestra was Orchestra Victoria, and in addition to the other main roles, we had magnificent singing from the Opera Australia Chorus team. I have to agree with one writer who noted that the real power of this opera lies with Verdi’s grand choruses and the intimate arias and duets, and of course with those who were performing them.

Let’s have a look at each Act to get a better picture of the storyline.

ACT I – Spring

Violetta has been to a sanatorium to treat her tuberculosis. On her return to health she throws a party to mark her re-emergence in the demi-monde under the protection of Baron Duphol. Her guests have just completed a long lunch and the Baron is reading the last pages of a novel by Dumas to Violetta as Flora, a rival courtesan, enters with her protector the Marquis. Alfredo is introduced to Violetta by the decadent Gaston. Alfredo has begged Gaston to introduce him to Violetta. He has long been enthralled by her and has enquired after Violetta every day of her illness. Violetta insists that everyone sits together and drinks a toast to the occasion. Alfredo is prevailed upon to sing a drinking song from Provence. As the guests leave to dance in the ballroom, Violetta feels faint and is momentarily left alone. Alfredo re-enters and confesses his love for her. She asks him to return the following day. After her guests leave and she is alone Violetta begins to consider the conflicting feelings of love and hedonism that are pulling her in opposite directions.

ACT II – Autumn

Scene I

Violetta and Alfredo have been living together for three months in a house in the country. When Alfredo discovers that Violetta is selling her belongings to pay for their expenses he is conscience-stricken and leaves to visit his father, to raise some money. His father however has decided to call on Violetta to persuade her to give up Alfredo. Alfredo’s sister hopes to be married soon, and his relationship with Violetta jeopardises the family’s honour. Violetta realises that as a ‘fallen woman’ she would destroy Alfredo’s family and consents to leave him. She decides to leave instantly and writes a message to Alfredo, breaking off their affair. When Alfredo receives the message he is distraught and, despite his father’s attempts to console him, rushes off to wreak revenge on Violetta.

Scene ii

A party is being held in Flora’s house. Alfredo enters to join the gambling party. When Violetta enters on the arm of the Baron she freezes with tension. Alfredo begins to insult the Baron and the two rivals meet over cards, and Alfredo, unlucky in love, cannot lose a hand. The game is interrupted by dinner. Violetta begs Alfredo to leave before Duphol seeks revenge. Alfredo insists she comes with him and, in desperation, she says she loves the Baron. Alfredo publicly humiliates Violetta and throws money at her as payment for her services. Alfredo’s father reproves him for such behaviour.

ACT III – Winter

It is early morning and Violetta is sleeping. The doctor has given her only a few hours to live. Violetta rereads a letter from Alfredo’s father, telling her that the Baron was wounded in the duel with Alfredo and that Alfredo may have left the country. But Alfredo has been told by his father of Violetta’s sacrifice and he returns — only to be confronted by the dying Violetta. He humours her by telling her that they should plan a new life away from Paris. Alfredo’s father has followed him and enters, followed by the doctor. Violetta suddenly feels revived, ready to start a new life with Alfredo — but this is only the symptoms of the last moments of her disease and she falls dead.

Now for many reasons, opera is not the most favoured of classical music mediums, and perhaps the fact that the theatre was not full is a clear indication of that – in fact I was a little surprised at just how many vacant seats there were up in the balcony area at least, think it was much more populated down in the stalls. The State Theatre is a beautiful theatre, perfect for such a production – came here with the girls and Shirley last year to see ‘The Nutcracker’ [my first ballet], and I also saw the Production Company’s presentation of ‘The King and I’ here in 2010.  I did notice that between Acts, there was quite a deal of noise involved in changing the sets on the stage [behind the massive thick curtains of course].

Tonight also, was a long trip home. I’d driven to the outer Melbourne suburb of Watergardens [about 20 minutes from Sunbury] and parked the car at the train station there, knowing that tonight’s performance would finish ‘after’ the last train to Sunbury – caught a suburban electric train in. That was okay, but at the end of the night, I missed a couple of trains coming out this way – ended up on a rather slow 11.17pm train which did a circuit of the city underground loop before heading north west to Watergardens, and my vehicle. So it was after midnight when I got to the car [which admittedly I was glad to see, having been a little concerned about leaving my car in a suburban railway car-park until late at night!!], ands it was close to 12.30 am by the time I reached home. Two consecutive nights home after midnight!! Glad I didn’t have to work either of the following days!  I found a beautiful bowl of homemade soup, which Susie had apparently being experimenting with, and had left for me.  Susie does very little cooking, but on the odd occasion that she gets around to it, the result is generally very tasty.  Despite the ingredients probably not being the idea sustenance for a diabetic, I enjoyed that post midnight dish, nevertheless!!

That was Bill’s night at the ‘opera’!!

Caught the 7.38 train to the city this morning –  room to breath, not over crowded, and 40 minutes of reading time, plus a bit extra on the 30 minute tram trip out to Northcote. Why am I going back to the VPTA?  My replacement has started work, and Jackie wanted a bit of a handover, and to tidy up a few things.  The new ‘accountant’ is a Chinese lady, named Jing [or thereabouts], reasonably experienced in most of the areas the job required, but as with any new role in a different organisation,  a ‘new’ set of procedures, and ways of doing things need to undertaken and learnt to some degree initially, and then, like myself, go off and do things the way you want. I’m certainly hoping that I won’t need to return, would like to put all of ‘those ways of doing things’ [in my mind anyway] behind me – at present, I don’t seem to have let go completely, and still have concerns about certain little tasks  getting finished, etc. I suppose the best approach for me would be to simply disappear for a month, but as expected of this personage, I’ve made myself available to answer questions and queries from Jing per phone or email should she have any concerns from time to time. I am honestly hoping however that won’t happen often, and that life at the VPTA will move on very quickly without Bill, who will soon be forgotten!!Strangely, a couple of the tenants I ran into during my 6 hours at the place today hadn’t forgotten me, yet – ‘you are missed, Bill’!  Thankyou!

Anyway, Jing was quickly learning one aspect of the job – that she will be constantly alone in that office – Mark was away sick today [he seems to be looking for any excuse these days not to be in the office], whilst Jackie herself was still unwell, as she had been when I was here 10 days ago. So despite the above indications that I was finding it hard to ‘pull away’ from my former workplace, I really am pleased that this is just a one-off visit!!

Returned to Sunbury a little earlier than planned – Susie didn’t appear to have been out anywhere, and was in fact asleep late this afternoon. However, that didn’t stop her from heading out this evening, after advising me, whilst I was halfway through preparing the evening meal that she would not be eating at home!!!  Almost like a stranger passing through the home at the moment –  flitters in and out, and when in, seldom leaves her room[s], friendly greetings on arrival or departure, but little other communication unless I ‘almost force’ a conversation, and one has to be careful to ‘pick the right’ moments for that also!!  Ahhh well, another meal cooked for two or more, but eaten alone.  I will in fact be out two or three nights this week, which will probably be the nights someone will be looking for a meal!  Bad luck my dear!

In view of all the foregoing, I was looking forward to my three hours on the radio tonight, and while during the program, I didn’t get any feedback in the form of phone calls, etc, I thought I presented a very entertaining and varied program of music from the various genres of folk, blues, world, country, pop, band, oldies, and of course, a bit of relaxing last 30 minutes of ‘cool’ late night jazz!! Was tempted to keep going beyond midnight this week with no commitments tomorrow morning, but when that hour came along, decided it was time to pull the plug and call it a night. At one stage during the night, I even read a short poem to the listeners, with the music of a harp & the sounds of the Australian bush playing soothingly away in the background.  A poem called ‘The Land Where I Was Born’ by Shaw Neilson, the Australian poet I quoted from the other day in these pages. Meanwhile, a couple of tonight’s folk songs were beautiful pieces of music –  The Quail by a duo named ‘Laneway’, the sad story of the death of a little bird, and the beautiful ‘The Black Tree’ performed by the duo of Stu Larsen & Lydia Cole.  Later in the evening, during a brief ‘international’ segment, I played a song by the British folk singer Jackie Oates called the ‘Isle of France’, a little story about a French convict rescued by the coastguard. Also began a new feature tonight – music from the ‘Bakelight Express’ –  a marvellous 2CD set of music and songs put together in part of ABC Classic FM presenter and personality, Christopher Lawrence – a collection of classic nostalgic music from the 1920s through to the 1950s, some jazz, some from musicals, and some just plain whacky, packed with many favourites, and hidden gems, hopefully something to please both old and young.  Tonight’s selection –  Jitterbug featuring Cab Calloway & his Orchestra, recorded back in 1934!

Meanwhile, on the ‘national scene’, Federal Parliament today finally passed the controversial ‘mining tax’ proposals, which of course generated both praise and ridicule, depending upon your political side of the fence. As reported through various media sources this evening, miners have accused Julia Gillard of risking the future of the coal and coal-seam gas industries after she secured parliamentary support for her new mining tax by promising to impose new environmental conditions on projects.   And the opposition has accused the Prime Minister of damaging the burgeoning CSG sector to placate independent MPs Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, who face pressure over gas expansion in their own electorates  The claims came after Ms Gillard yesterday revealed the independents had agreed to vote in favour of her minerals resource rent tax in return for the commonwealth forcing states to confront concerns about damage from drilling to underground water supplies. The Prime Minister announced she would create a special body of experts – the Independent Expert Scientific Committee – to work with state governments on “best practice” for coal and CSG projects. If the states refused to co-operate, she would legislate to empower the commonwealth to block new CSG projects not subject to proper environmental scrutiny by requiring approval under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act While Labor MPs saw the outcome as a major parliamentary victory for Ms Gillard – and Mr Windsor hailed the start of “a new ball game” for the mining sector – the Minerals Council of Australian said it was worried about red tape and duplication.  This is the last sitting week of Parliament for 2011, and I think this was the last piece of ‘major’ legislation that Gillard wanted to get through parliament. Looking back over the year, I think people would be shocked at just how ‘few’ days, our Federal politicians actually sit in Parliament. I must try and find out the exact sitting days for 2011, and I think we will find that the percentage of 365 days is very small!!

At the same time interesting [a concern for Tony Abbott I would think] to note that the most recent polls are revealing that Julia Gillard’s personal standing has risen, putting her in front of Tony Abbott as preferred Prime Minister for the first time in six months. I personally put that down as more of Abbott’s doing, than any particular extra favour for the current PM. He doesn’t ‘help himself’ so often with many of his responses and ideas!

Of course, it was well after midnight by the time I returned home last night – not in the mood for sleeping, but surprisingly, Susie was in bed [rare for her ‘this’ early] [an early departure in the morning, I would discover, was the reason!]. Anyway, I watched the replay of Question Time from the House of Representatives, until I remembered that the 2^nd Cricket Test between Australia and South Africa was in it’s concluding stages. Over to ABC radio, and until around 2am, I listened to a very tense and exciting last hour of play, with the Australians struggling to score the required 310 runs for victory, and of course, South Africa trying to get our wickets!!

Australia have pulled off a remarkable two-wicket victory over South Africa to square the two Test series.y Images Australia won by 2 wickets. Captain, Michael Clarke described Australia’s two-wicket win as the greatest of his career. Pat Cummins, 18 year old first game Test player, was named man of the match after a thrilling win over South Africa in Johannesburg. Following his six wicket haul in South Africa’s 2^nd innings, and his match saving innings with fast bowler Mitchell Johnson at the end of the game. No side had ever scored more than 294 to win in the fourth innings at the Wanderers, but this team that could only manage 47 last week in Cape Town finished on 8-310. While Cummins hit the winning runs and won a man of the match award in his maiden Test, it was Australia’s most maligned senior players who pulled off one of the most remarkable victories to beat South Africa and level the two Test series one-all. The win was engineered by a trio who many believed may have been playing their last Test innings. Brad Haddin, public enemy number one after his awful slog in the first Test, scored an invaluable 55 from 106 balls. Mitchell Johnson, who has taken just three wickets for the entire series, then came to the crease and crafted a magnificent 40no. “After a horrible batting performance in Cape Town, something we certainly weren’t proud of, we managed a record run chase today in tough conditions.Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Johnson, Brad Haddin, they stood up and they deserve a lot of credit for that.” Clarke, in stark contrast to his emotions after Cape Town, could not stop smiling last night.

Final scores were:  Australia: 296 and 8 for 310 defeated South Africa 266 and 339, levelling the series at one win each.

Another pleasant morning on the radio today –  amongst my music played was a beautiful  part of a symphony composed by the Polish composer of classical contemporary music, Henryk Gorecki who was born in 1933 and died just last year.  His Symphony No 3 had the, for some, rather off-putting sub title of ‘Symphony of Sorrowful Songs’  –  3 movements, 3 separate longs. He wrote it in 1976, and dedicated it to his wife, though we are not told if there was a specific reason for that.  Because of the length of the overall composition, I played only the first of those today [planned to complete it next week].

The first movement both starts and finishes very quietly – something I always warn my listeners about, in case they think the station has ‘gone off air’!! It opens with a canon for strings, building gradually through the possible orchestral register, starting with the double basses and mounting in pitch and intensity, as each part enters in imitation. At the heart of the movement is the 15^th century Polish Lamentation of the Holy Cross Monastery, in which the Mother of Christ begs her dying Son to speak to her. After this the canon resumes, descending, as before it had risen, in both pitch and intensity, slowly unwinding to end the single melodic line, the cantus firmus with which the movement had begun. Now I know that’s getting a little musically technical, but I suppose in layman’s terms, my best description is simple one of a mysterious and haunting melody flowing throughout the piece, and as indicated rising in crescendo and force as we approach the vocal part, and then the reverse of intensity, etc towards the end of the movement. The singer of the lamentation was the Polish soprano, Zofia Kilanowicz, and I must her brief appearance within the movement was fascinatingly eerie almost, and while not sung in English created the perfect atmosphere depicted above. The lyrics too were brief, but full of mystery and the achingly heart rending cry of a mother for her son:-

My son, chosen and loved,

Let your mother share your wounds

And since, my dear son,

I have always kept you in my heart,

And loyally served you,

Speak to your mother,

make her happy,

Though, my dear hope,

You are now leaving me.

For the 27 minute duration of that music, I adjourned to the neighbouring ‘Green Room’, to allow myself to sit back and listen through that room’s radio to Gorecki’s music, with the hope that no phone calls would interrupt my moments of respite and enjoyment. In fact, the only calls I received this morning came from the presenters who were due to follow me, to advise they would not be in, and from Jack Harris later  –  to apologise that he could not fill in, in response to my on air request in search of  another presenter interested in doing a 3 hour shift playing country music.  Thankfully, neither of those calls came through whilst Gorecki’s music was on air.  

Late morning, I caught a train into the city, and with time to spare, casually made my way back down to one of my most frequented city locations over recent years – the Melbourne Recital Centre. Lots of crowds around the city CBD area and across the Yarra River/Southbank/ Botanical Gardens and Arts Centre precincts –  I’d not realised the popularity of the ‘Sunday market’ in this area with dozens of stalls selling a wide range of goodies spread along the footpath, in St Kilda Road for some distance  – couple of nice looking paintings and sketches of Melbourne scenes and sites that would have added nicely to my lounge room walls, but I reminded myself that I was not down here to make such purchases on this occasion!

The purpose in fact of this trip was to attend a concert by the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra – first time I’ve heard this particular group of musicians, so I was looking forward to this afternoon’s concert. Annoyingly, whilst it is a beautiful location, and in most cases, I enjoy thoroughly the music that is being presented, I find in this environment that I am so often feeling very sleepy, and at times have to almost ‘fight off’ the desire to close my eyes and drift off – I always feel that would be a severe embarrassment to ‘dose off’ in such surroundings. I think it is because of the concert hall environment – at home, or at the radio station, I seldom feel any of such tiredness while listening to the music, but at those places, I’m not restricted to a seat where I basically can’t change position, or get up and walk around, etc – almost a claustaphobic sensation  [that spelling doesn’t look right, and spell check is no help?] – at today’s ‘age’ I don’t seem to be comfortable in the one position to the same degree I used to be able to cope with!

Anyway, putting aside what is probably  my natural weariness these days  –   it was a very enjoyable afternoon.  Began with Arcangelo Corelli’s Christmas Concerto [Concerto Grosso in G Minor], part of which I played on the radio this morning –  the only real reference to Christmas in the music  [apart from the fact that Corelli subtitled the composition ‘Per la note di Natale’ or for Christmas night] seems to be in the 6^th and final movement, titled the ‘Pastorale’ which uses standard Baroque musical images for pastoral scenes, aimed at evoking the ‘shepherds abiding in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night’ of the Nativity. The second violinist featured particularly in Corelli’s piece – a small, youngish player, she certainly received some popular applause at the conclusion [think her name was Erica Kennedy]. The First violinist, and Director of the Orchestra was William Kennedy.

The second item on the program was Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9, and this featured a guest pianist with the orchestra – Aura Go – a short girl, aged 24 years, from Finland, making her first trip to Australia. In actual fact, home is Australia, this was her first return since travelling to Finland where she is studying for her Doctorate at the Sebelius Academy, a five year commitment. Anyway, as expected from one of Mozart’s piano concertos, a powerful and inspiring piece of music described by one critic as being a concerto of which ‘none gives a stronger impression than this youthful work of excitement’……composed in the months of his 21^st birthday.

That took us to the interval, which was followed by the full orchestra again presenting Jean Sibelius’s ‘String Quartet in D minor – an exuberant piece of music arranged for string orchestra by Calvin Bowman, and has a subtitle, applied mainly to the middle of the five movements, of ‘Intimate Voices’ [which in fact was the name applied to this concert overall]  – certainly the music played was both intimate and symphonic, more than usually so for the string quartets that I’ve been used to listening to in this venue.

No encores today, as far as extra music was concerned, and I was on my way soon after proceedings ended. Have a busy week ahead of me – two more evening concerts during the week, and a trip back to the workplace tomorrow! Caught a rather crowded VLine train going through to Bendigo and then on to Echuca, up on the Victoria/New South Wales border. Not many spare seats, presumably a lot of visitors to Melbourne for the weekend making their return journeys. Thankfully, Sunbury was one of the stopping off points along the route!

Cooked a meal for Susie and myself tonight, though she was out again, and probably didn’t eat until much  later in the night. Her eating patterns are somewhat out of kilter with the norm at the present time!

While it was a beautiful cool and fresh morning, after yesterday’s heat and humidity, a very disappointing scene greeted my rising this morning –  it was raining, and the promise for the rest of the day didn’t suggest much improvement.  After months of planning, the St Andrews Church annual car boot and craft stalls sale day had arrived, and with so much of the planned activity scheduled to out in the open, on the Village Green. Well, the weather was a disappointing outcome – and once again, it seems to save the worst each week for a Saturday. My son, also, had being looking forward to a day of cricket again, and that too was in doubt!!  Thankfully, the role I had later this morning  – a two hour spell serving on the bookstall  – would be held indoors.

Incidentally, yesterday saw my 350^th blog post on the WordPress site. Started out on a Yahoo blog site, then combined that with a joint entry on Myspace. Over the past 15 months or so, I combined  Myspace with this site, but have subsequently stopped bothering the double up process, was getting no response eventually on the former, and while I don’t seem to have many readers here, have decided to continue for the time being in the hope that over time that will change. As I have explained on previous occasions, my purpose here is to generally share my thoughts on daily happenings to things affecting myself, and the world about me, to share those aspects of life that interest me, and also, where something has been written or said that I feel is an important part of life as it affects either myself or my country, state, hometown, etc –  well, I like to share those things also. Yes, music, sport, books, concerts, and even ‘mundane’ activities [in the view of others no doubt]  all tend to predominate at times, but than, those areas, and many others besides, represent just ‘what I am about’, and what it is that your personal essayist likes to reflect upon from day to day.

So if you are reading ‘my’ blog for the first time today, take time out, send me a response, and if you like what you read, the style, the subject matter, I can accept that – I may not change much as a consequence of your criticism [if that’s how you feel], the solution for the reader is easy, don’t bother to read any further. But be assured, all opinions and responses will be taken on board, stored away, and where the writer considers it useful or necessary, taken note of on some future contribution.  My life has no ‘famous’ significance about it  –  as the song from ‘My Fair Lady’ says, ‘I’m just an ordinary man..who desires nothing more than an ordinary chance, to live exactly as he likes, and do precisely what he wants, An average man am I, of no eccentric whim, Who likes to live his life, free of strife, doing whatever he thinks is best for him’………………….well, all that within it’s limits as far as it affects others of course, but hopefully, readers can get the gist of where I’m going!!  Actually, I’m not so sure I know myself!!!

I spent about an hour on the book stall at St Andrews Uniting Church Giant Car boot sale and indoor stalls this morning – think the ladies organising things had made sure there were plenty of helpers on hand, as my ‘shift’ seemed to have also being booked for a couple of the ladies [whom I knew] as well. So my time there was much shorter than expected, gave this reader time to peruse the books himself, and as per normal, walked out with a few purchases that I didn’t really need, but wanted!! Unfortunately for the organisers, patrons and external stall holders, the weather turned against everyone partly through the morning, as steady rain set in – not even the prayers of the Church could keep the weather fine!!  Thankfully, the bookstall, of necessity, was indoors! When the rain began, our venue, in the old original church hall on the Village Green, suddenly became very popular! Nevertheless, I was pleased to have been asked to help out, albeit for a short time – gave me the opportunity to meet a few ‘old’ friends I’d not seen much of in recent times, having not really played much of a role in the church life over the past couple of years – gone but not forgotten. As I’d explained to friend Helen a couple of times, I was just seeking a little more time for Bill to follow what he wanted to do, rather than what had always been expected of me. Will never completely get out of that mould, however this was a part of that aim!

Of course, sadly for Adam, the rain meant no cricket for him, yet again , but that also meant I had the afternoon free to reorganise part of my house, following the delivery of new bookshelves, cabinet, etc yesterday, and early this afternoon. So that task in fact occupied most of my afternoon – re-arranging shelf locations, paintings, book locations, etc, etc –  rather a wearying task, because every move, meant empting out a shelf of it’s contents, repacking them, and so on. Anyone who has seen my book collection in person, will have some idea of the magnitude of the task I set myself.  Despite that, by the end of the afternoon, I was rather pleased by the outcome!

Awoke early this morning to find  that the news and reports on the Obama visit had been partially overtaken by news of a tragic nursing home fire in Sydney this morning. By 8am, it had been confirmed that all of the 100 plus residents had been accounted for, but there were expected to be at least 10 deaths. Reports continue to come through, as the morning progresses. Reports later this evening, indicated 3 deaths, with a number of serious injuries, smoke inhalation, etc.

Purchased a few items for my lounge room this morning – another set of bookshelves!!  A large solid TV cabinet [but not to be used for the TV, for years I have been searching for something suitable in which to store my vast collection of old LP records. They are very weighty things, and this particular purchase seems perfect for their placement].  And another handy CD  rack, my numbers in that area are building up, need more storage space for them also. Managed to get Adam to come and help me transport the book shelf in his [my] station wagon, but we agreed the cabinet would have to be delivered, would not fit in his car.  That would be tomorrow. In the meantime, I spent part of this afternoon, after mowing the front lawns, rearranging furniture in the house to cater for the new additions!

During my ‘spring cleaning’ attempts today, I came across another of Dad’s old books – published in 1945,  it was a ‘Book of Australasian Verse’, first published in 1921. Found a poem by Shaw Neilson, a name I was personally not very familiar with.  Born John Shaw Neilson (22 February 1872 – 12 May 1942), he was an Australian poet. Slightly built, for most of his life, John Shaw Neilson worked as a labourer, fruit-picking, clearing scrub, navvying and working in quarries, and, after 1928, working as a messenger with the Country Roads Board in Melbourne. Largely untrained and only basically educated, Neilson became known as one of Australia’s finest lyric poets, who wrote a great deal about the natural world, and the beauty in it. His poem that attracted my attention was titled ‘O Heart of Spring’, which I thought was appropriate [although today was more Summer than Spring, hot humid and sticky, a taste of weeks to come ]. Anyway, I thought I’d quote the three short verses from that piece of work by Neilson, written admittedly in an older style of language, almost indicative of the fact that the poet received very little formal education as a child, and virtually taught himself to research, find and interpret the words for his poetry.

O Heart of Spring

O heart of Spring!

Spirit of light and love and joyous day,

So soon to faint beneath the fiery Summer:

Still smiles the Earth, eager for thee alway;

Welcome art thou, soever short thy stay,

Thou bold, thou blithe newcomer!

Whither, O whither this thy journeying,

O heart of Spring!

O heart of Spring!

After the stormy days of Winter’s reign,

When the keen winds their last lament are sighing,

The sun shall raise thee up to life again!

In thy dim death thou shalt not suffer pain;

Surely thou dost not fear this quiet dying?

Whither, O wither this thy journeying,

O heart of Spring!

O heart of Spring!

Youth’s emblem, ancient and unchanging light,

Uncomprehended, unconsumed, still burning;

Oh that we could, as thou, rise from the night

To find a world of blossoms lilac-white,

And long-winged swallows unafraid returning…..

Whither, O wither this thy journeying,

O heart of Spring!

What a pity there is no Free to Air coverage of the 2^nd Test match between South Africa and Australia, I think it is Day 3 tonight – I know Adam is watching on his ‘pay TV’  –  the Aussies are going along pretty well at the moment it seems [10.15 Friday night, our time]  –  South Africa all out for 266, and in reply, Australia are o wicket for  171 [Watson on 78  and Hughes on 87]  –   ahhhh, we can depend on the ABC radio, I’ve just found the broadcast, [sadly minus Peter Roebuk who died last weekend tragically]  –  I should have realised ABC radio would be on the ball!!  Well that score is a vast improvement on last week’s all out for 47.  And having said that, what happens?  We lose a wicket!!  Hughes out for 88.    Meanwhile, here in Melbourne, there’s a rather big golf event happening at the moment  – the ‘President’s Cup’ golf tournament, America versus the Rest of the World International team. Not familiar with the scoring method and format of the completion but I understand that at the end of Day 2, we Have USA 7 International 5. Notice that Tiger Woods is playing in Melbourne again!

It’s not unusual, but I’m alone tonight –  think Susie went up to Bendigo, last weekend she has the accommodation up there, assuming that’s where she left for about 5.45pm, just before the rainstorm hit Sunbury, hoping it didn’t cause her any problems out on the highway.

And as I drifted off to sleep in the early hours of this morning, I thought I’d turned the radio on in the bedroom, as the final session of the cricket got underway [but the morn would reveal the radio off!!] –  anyway, Australia’s promising start did not last, and by the close of play on the 2nd day, Australia had slumped from 0 for 174 to being all out for 296, just 30 runs ahead of the South African score. The hosts went in to bat again, but only for 4 balls, before bad light stopped play earlier than scheduled. Interestingly, Australia’s two openers each scored 88 runs, while former captain Ricky Ponting, no doubt added to the chorus of cries to put him out of the team,  by a short innings of ‘0’, while the currently maligned bowler, Mitch Johnson was next top score, on 38 not out!!

Up and about before 8am, if not arisen by then,. I feel guilty, 7am would be preferable, but at present not sleeping well, so need to get any extra minutes I can manage! Nice and sunny outside, but before venturing there, I decided it was time I got back to a little painting I started about 12 months ago – it has been awaiting my return!!! A simple landscaped ocean/beachfront view. I purchased an arty folio the other day – it has my one A# size attempt in it now, also, simply titled ‘Beach Scene’ dated 13 February 2010. I have two other pieces – a small photo size effort in a frame, and an A4 sized picture on a block shaped cardboard frame.  Both of those are displayed amongst my bookshelves at present, and they indicate that trees and water are my favourite subjects at the moment. All have been painted with oils. There is also an A3 sized pencil sketch, looking through my bedroom curtains across the street.  And that dear friends, is the extent of my 60s era painting exercise – today, I finally get back to it, which should please my two girls who purchased a number of materials to get me started, two Christmas’s ago!!

Just as our Family History AGM began yesterday, I received a phone message which I ignored at the time – from Jackie at VPTA, advising that my replacement had begun work there and wondering when I could come over and perform a kind of ‘handover’ – while Jackie probably expected or wanted me to do it this week, I eventually sent back a message to say that Monday next suited me the best. That will make it a busy week with a number of other visits planned to the city, but I decided would be best to get it over and done with – there are still a few things I like to tidy up in that job, but really after Monday, it will hopefully be no longer my responsibility at all, though I will expect the odd phone call or query about procedures to come down the track. Or perhaps not!  I had no-one to call on when I began there, and I’m sure our selected new person is fully capable of taking over. After next week then, I hope to hear very little from my last employer

Meanwhile, we had rather an important visitor arrive in Australia yesterday – USA President Obama – and this morning, he will addressing a joint sitting of both Houses of Federal Parliament in Canberra. He is only in Australia for 30 hours [at a cost of millions of dollars, considering the huge support and security teams with him], and after finishing formalities in Canberra, flies across to Darwin of all places before departing the country.  I guess, the value of the Darwin visit, is the historical ties relating to World War II, with a number of US personnel killed during the bombing of Darwin in 1942, a few months after the Pearl Harbour attack, and secondly,  the fact that Darwin will be the main entry point for US marines, etc under the newly announced defence arrangements between the two countries.  I’m rather glad to be home and to have the opportunity to watch his address this morning. Certainly, Prime Minister, Julia Gillard is lapping up the visit, and the ‘new’ friendship she seems to have generated with Mr Obama as two world leaders. Some would say, that in view of the way that John Howard was criticised for his close friendship with George W Bush, that the current situation is a little hypocritical, and I would agree with that view, although keeping in mind that perhaps Bush was a more ‘risky’ US leader to sponsor such close ties with, and that Howard gave the impression we would follow the US wherever Bush led us. That feeling is maybe not quite as strong under the present Australian government.

Already however, there have been verbal repercussions from China over latest agreements etc, between the USA and Australia –  as headlined in this morning’s Australian newspaper –

 ‘China has strongly reproached Canberra over strengthened US defence ties, warning Australia may be “caught in the crossfire.”’ A strongly-worded editorial in the state-owned People’s Daily said the new Australian-US defence pact posed a security threat to Australia. “Australia surely cannot play China for a fool. It is impossible for China to remain detached, no matter what Australia does to undermine its security,” it said. “If Australia uses its military bases to help the US harm Chinese interests, then Australia itself will be caught in the crossfire.” The editorial admonished Australia for relying on China for its economic interests while turning to the United States for political and security purposes. “Gillard may be ignoring something – their economic co-operation with China does not pose any threat to the US, whereas the Australia-US military alliance serves to counter China,” it said The Chinese Foreign Ministry also branded the strengthened alliance as inappropriate and counter to the peaceful development of the region. “It may not be quite appropriate to intensify and expand military alliances and may not be in the interest of countries within this region,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said last night.’

Prior to his Parliament address, President Obama paid his formal respects at the Australian War Memorial, with particular emphasis on the current Afghanistan conflict and the loss of Australian lives over there.  

Of course, this can be regarded as another case of Chinese bluff and bark, but nevertheless, will be interesting to see the reactions of both Gillard and Obama, who have in fact already responded to the Chinese comments. Attempting to smooth  over any potential threat or specific concern about dangers from Chinese military aims in the region.

The address to Parliament. I notice that amongst many other guests, we have John Howard and Kim Beasley present – two men who spent a great deal of their lives in that establishment.  Hopefully Bob Brown, leader of the Greens will behave himself this time – last visit, by George W Bush, saw Brown stand up in Parliament and verbally protest against US policies as Bush was speaking! He behaved himself this time!

Parliament convened at 10.125am, and after the obligatory prayer & Lord’s Prayer, by the Speaker, Harry Jenkins, and a welcome to the Senate for this joint sitting of both House in the House of Representatives, there was a brief break before the entrance of the President of the USA was announced. He shook various hands as he made his way down towards the Speaker’s chair, and took a seat between the Speaker,  and the President of the Senate. But before we could hear Barak Obama, well of course, the Prime Minister had to give her welcome address, and that was followed by Tony Abbott, acting likewise on behalf of the Opposition. Thankfully, it didn’t go any further, for a moment there, I thought we were going to also here from the leaders of The Greens, the Nationals, and perhaps even the Independents! But no, it was time for Barak Obama to give his address. Prior to that, I was feeling a little emotional at the significance of the event. He was only the 4^th US President to address the Australian Parliament, with former US presidents George Bush, Bill Clinton and George W Bush  having previously done so during their visits to Australia in 1992, 1996 and 2003. By coincidence, four Australian Prime Ministers have also addressed the US Parliament, namely, Sir Robert Menzies, Bob Hawke, John Howard, and just recently, Julia Gillard. Anyway, in my usual fashion, I took various notes as I was listening and watching Obama speak,  but have decided, that as I found a copy of his speech shortly afterwards, I might record the whole of his address in these pages – it lasted just under 30 minutes.

Of particular significance of the speech, was the promise of  an enhanced US presence in our neighbourhood.  In comments that build on the planned boost to the US military presence in Australia, Mr Obama said he placed a “top priority” on America playing a greater role in the Asia-Pacific. “As the world’s fastest-growing region – and home to more than half the global economy – Asia is critical to achieving my highest priority: creating jobs and opportunity for the American people,” he told the Australian parliament. “With most of the world’s nuclear powers and nearly half of humanity, this region will largely define whether the century ahead will be marked by conflict or cooperation, needless suffering or human progress.”   “As President, I’ve therefore made a deliberate and strategic decision – as a Pacific nation, the United States will play a larger and long-term role in shaping this region and its future, by upholding core principles and in close partnership with allies and friends.” The new American focus on the region will see troops diverted to our neighbourhood as the US winds down its presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said the US would build closer ties with China, including greater military cooperation. But he also said the US would push for improvements in human rights in the Communist-led country. “We will do this even as we continue to speak candidly to Beijing about the importance of upholding international norms and respecting the universal human rights of the Chinese people,” he said. Mr Obama said his plans for military expansion in the region would be quarantined from cuts in the US Defence budget as part of fiscal belt-tightening in Washington DC.  “Reductions in US defence spending will not – I repeat, will not – come at the expense of the Asia Pacific,” he said.

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Well, at this point, here is a transcript of Barack Obama’s address to the Australian Parliament, on this 17^th day of November, 2011…………………

Prime Minister Gillard, Leader Abbott, thank you both for your very warm welcome. Mr Speaker, Mr President, Members of the House and Senate, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for the honour of standing in this great chamber to reaffirm the bonds between the United States and the Commonwealth of Australia, two of the world’s oldest democracies and two of the world’s oldest friends.   To you and the people of Australia, thank you for your extraordinary hospitality. And here, in this city-this ancient “meeting place”-I want to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this land, and one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures, the First Australians.

I first came to Australia as a child, travelling between my birthplace of Hawaii, and Indonesia, where I would live for four years.  As an eight-year-old, I couldn’t always understand your foreign language. Although, last night I did try to talk some Strine.   And today I don’t want to subject you to any earbashing. I really do love that one and I will be introducing it into the vernacular in Washington.  But to a young American boy, Australia and its people – your optimism, your easy-going ways, your irreverent sense of humour – all felt so familiar; it felt like home.  I’ve always wanted to return. I tried last year. Twice. But this is a Lucky Country. And today I feel lucky to be here as we mark the 60th anniversary of our unbreakable alliance.

The bonds between us run deep.  In each other’s story we see so much of ourselves. Ancestors who crossed  vast oceans-some by choice, some in chains.   Settlers who pushed west across sweeping plains. Dreamers who toiled with hearts and hands to lay railroads and to build cities.  Generations of immigrants who, with each new arrival, add a new thread to the brilliant tapestry of our nations.

And we are citizens who live by a common creed-no matter who you are no matter what you look like, everyone deserves a fair chance; everyone deserves a fair go.  Of course, progress in our societies has not always come without tension, or struggles to overcome a painful past. But we are countries with a willingness to face our imperfections, and to keep reaching for our ideals.  That’s the spirit we saw in this chamber, three years ago, as this nation inspired the world with a historic gesture of reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.  It’s the spirit of progress, in America, which allows me to stand before you today, as President of the United States. And it’s the spirit I’ll see later today when I become the first US president to visit the Northern Territory, where I’ll meet the traditional owners of the Land.

Nor has our progress come without great sacrifice.   This morning, I was humbled and deeply moved by a visit to your war memorial and pay my respects to Australia’s fallen sons and daughters.   Later today, in Darwin, I’ll join the Prime Minister in saluting our brave men and women in uniform.  And it will be a reminder that – from the trenches of the First World War to the mountains of Afghanistan – Aussies and Americans have stood together, we have fought together we have given lives together in every single major conflict of the past hundred years. Every single one.

This solidarity has sustained us through a difficult decade.  We will never forget that the attacks of 9/11 took the lives, not only of Americans, but people from many nations, including Australia.  In the United States, we will never forget how Australia invoked the ANZUS Treaty-for the first time ever-showing that our two nations stand as one. And none of us will ever forget those we’ve lost to al Qaeda’s terror in the years since, including innocent Australians.  That’s why we are determined to succeed in Afghanistan. It’s why I salute Australia-outside of NATO, the largest contributor of troops to this vital mission.  And it’s why we honour all those who have served there for our security, including 32 Australian patriots who gave their lives, among them Captain Bryce Duffy, Corporal Ashley Birt, and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin. We will honour their sacrifice by making sure that Afghanistan is never again used as source for attacks against our people. Never again.

As two global partners, we stand up for the security and dignity of people around the world.  We see it when our rescue workers rush to help others in times of fire and drought and flooding rains.  We see it when we partner to keep the peace-from East Timor to the Balkans-and when we pursue our shared vision: a world without nuclear weapons.  We see it in the development that lifts up a child in Africa; the assistance that saves a family from famine; and when we extend our support to the people of the Middle East and North Africa, who deserve the same liberty that allows us to gather in this great hall of democracy.

This is the alliance we reaffirm today – rooted in our values; renewed by every generation.  This is the partnership we’ve worked to deepen over the past three years.  And today I can stand before you and say with confidence that the alliance between the United States and Australia has never been stronger. As it has been to our past, our alliance continues to be indispensable to our future. So, here, among close friends, I’d like to address the larger purpose of my visit to this region-our efforts to advance security, prosperity and human dignity across the Asia Pacific.

For the United States, this reflects a broader shift.  After a decade in which we fought two wars that cost us dearly, in blood and treasure, the United States is turning our attention to the vast potential of the Asia Pacific region.  In just a few weeks, after nearly nine years, the last American troops will leave Iraq and our war there will be over.  In Afghanistan, we’ve begun a transition, a responsible transition so Afghans can take responsibility for their future and so coalition forces can draw down. And with partners like Australia, we’ve struck major blows against al Qaeda and put that terrorist organisation on the path to defeat, including delivering justice to Osama bin Laden.  So make no mistake, the tide of war is receding, and America is looking ahead to the future we must build.  From Europe to the Americas, we’ve strengthened alliances and partnerships.  At home, we’re investing in the sources of our long-term economic strength-the education of our children, the training of our workers, the infrastructure that fuels commerce, the science and the research that leads to new breakthroughs.  We’ve made hard decisions to cut our deficit and put our fiscal house in order-and we will continue to do more. Because our economic strength at home is the foundation of our leadership in the world, including here in the Asia Pacific.

Our new focus on this region reflects a fundamental truth – the United States has been, and always will be, a Pacific nation.  Asian immigrants helped build America, and millions of American families, including my own, cherish our ties to this region.  From the bombing of Darwin to the liberation of Pacific islands, from the rice paddies of Southeast Asia to a cold Korean peninsula, generations of Americans have served here, and died here. So democracies could take root. So economic miracles could lift hundreds of millions to prosperity.  Americans have bled with you for this progress, and we will never allow it to be reversed.

Here, we see the future.  As the world’s fastest-growing region-and home to more than half the global economy-the Asia Pacific is critical to achieving my highest priority and that is creating jobs and opportunity for the American people.  With most of the world’s nuclear powers and some half of humanity, Asia will largely define whether the century ahead will be marked by conflict or cooperation, needless suffering or human progress.  As President, I have therefore made a deliberate and strategic decision – as a Pacific nation, the United States will play a larger and long-term role in shaping this region and its future, by upholding core principles and in close partnership with allies and friends.

Let me tell you what this means.  First, we seek security, which is the foundation of peace and prosperity. We stand for an international order in which the rights and responsibilities of all nations and people are upheld. Where international law and norms are enforced. Where commerce and freedom of navigation are not impeded. Where emerging powers contribute to regional security, and where disagreements are resolved peacefully.  That is the future we seek.

Now, I know that some in this region have wondered about America’s commitment to upholding these principles. So let me address this directly.  As the United States puts our fiscal house in order, we are reducing our spending. And yes, after `a decade of extraordinary growth in our military budgets – and as we definitively end the war in Iraq, and begin to wind down the war in Afghanistan – we will make some reductions in defence spending.  As we consider the future of our armed forces, we have begun a review that will identify our most important strategic interests and guide our defence priorities and spending over the coming decade.

So here is what this region must know.  As we end today’s wars, I have directed my national security team to make our presence and mission in the Asia Pacific a top priority. As a result, reductions in US defence spending will not – I repeat, will not – come at the expense of the Asia Pacific.  My guidance is clear.  As we plan and budget for the future, we will allocate the resources necessary to maintain our strong military presence in this region.  We will preserve our unique ability to project power and deter threats to peace. We will keep our commitments, including our treaty obligations to allies like Australia.  And we will constantly strengthen our capabilities to meet the needs of the 21st century. Our enduring interests in the region demand our enduring presence in this region.

The United States is a Pacific power, and we are here to stay. Indeed, we’re already modernising America’s defence posture across the Asia-Pacific.  It will be more broadly distributed – maintaining our strong presence in Japan and on the Korean peninsula, while enhancing our presence in Southeast Asia.  Our posture will be more flexible – with new capabilities to ensure that our forces can operate freely. And our posture will be more sustainable – by helping allies and partners build their capacity, with more training and exercises.

We see our new posture here in Australia.  The initiatives that the Prime Minister and I announced yesterday will bring our two militaries even closer. We’ll have new opportunities to train with other allies and partners, from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean.  And it will allow us to respond faster to the full range of challenges, including humanitarian crises and disaster relief.  Since World War II, Australians have warmly welcomed American service members who’ve passed through.  On behalf of the American people, I thank you for welcoming those who will come next, as they ensure that our alliance stays strong and ready for the tests of our time.  We see America’s enhanced presence in the alliances we’ve strengthened.  In Japan, where our alliance remains a cornerstone of regional security. In Thailand, where we’re partnering for disaster relief.  In the Philippines, where we’re increasing ship visits and training. And in South Korea, where our commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea will never waver.   Indeed, we also reiterate our resolve to act firmly against any proliferation activities by North Korea.  The transfer of nuclear materials or material by North Korea to states or non-state entities would be considered a grave threat to the United States and our allies.  And we would hold North Korea fully accountable for the consequences of such action.  We see America’s enhanced presence across Southeast Asia.  In our partnership with Indonesia against piracy and violent extremism, and in our work with Malaysia to prevent proliferation. In the ships we’ll deploy to Singapore, and in our closer cooperation with Vietnam and Cambodia. And in our welcome of India as it “looks east” and plays a larger role as an Asian power.

At the same time, we’re re-engaged with regional organisations.  Our work in Bali this week will mark my third meeting with ASEAN leaders, and I’ll be proud to be the first American president to attend the East Asia Summit.  Together, I believe we can address shared challenges, such as proliferation and maritime security, including cooperation in the South China Sea.  Meanwhile, the United States will continue our effort to build a cooperative relationship with China.  All of our nations – Australia, the United States, all of our nations – have a profound interest in the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China-and that is why the United States welcomes it.  We’ve seen that China can be a partner, from reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula to preventing proliferation.  And we’ll seek more opportunities for cooperation with Beijing, including greater communication between our militaries to promote understanding and avoid miscalculation.  We will do this, even as continue to speak candidly to Beijing about the importance of upholding international norms and respecting the universal human rights of the Chinese people.

A secure and peaceful Asia is the foundation for the second area in which America is leading again – and that’s advancing our shared prosperity.  History teaches us the greatest force the world has ever known for creating wealth and opportunity is free markets.  So we seek economies that are open and transparent.  We seek trade that is free and fair. And we seek an open international economic system, where rules are clear and every nation plays by them.  In Australia and America, we understand these principles. We’re among the most open economies on earth.  Six years into our landmark trade agreement, commerce between us has soared. Our workers are creating new partnerships and new products, like the advanced aircraft technologies we build together in Victoria.  We’re the leading investor in Australia, and you invest more in America than you do in any other nation, creating good jobs in both countries.  We recognise that economic partnerships can’t just be about one nation extracting another’s resources.  We understand that no long-term strategy for growth can be imposed from above.

Real prosperity – prosperity that fosters innovation and prosperity that endures – comes from unleashing our greatest economic resource and that’s the entrepreneurial spirit, the talents of our people.  So even as America competes aggressively in Asian markets, we’re forging the economic partnerships that create opportunity for all.  Building on our historic trade agreement with South Korea, we’re working with Australia and our other APEC partners to create a seamless regional economy.  And with Australia and other partners, we’re on track to achieve our most ambitious trade agreement yet, and a potential model for the entire region-the Trans-Pacific Partnership.  The United States remains the world’s largest and most dynamic economy. But in an interconnected world, we all rise and fall together.  That’s why I pushed so hard to put the G20 at the front and centre of global economic decision-making – to give more nations a leadership role in managing the international economy, including Australia.  Together, we saved the world economy from a depression. Now, our urgent challenge is to create the growth that puts people to work.

We need growth that is fair, where every nation plays by the rules – where workers rights are respected and our businesses can compete on a level playing field; where the intellectual property and new technologies that fuel innovation are protected; and where currencies are market-driven, so no nation has an unfair advantage.  We also need growth that is broad – not just for the few, but for the many, with reforms that protect consumers from abuse and a global commitment to end the corruption that stifles growth. We need growth that is balanced, because we’ll all prosper more when countries with large surpluses take action to boost demand at home.  And we need growth that is sustainable.  This includes the clean energy that creates green jobs and combats climate change, which cannot be denied.  We see it in the stronger fires, the devastating floods and the Pacific islands confronting rising seas.

And as countries with large carbon footprints, the United States and Australia have a special responsibility to lead.  Every nation will contribute to the solution in its own way, and I know this issue is not without controversy, in both our countries.   But what we can do – what we are doing – is to work together to make unprecedented investments in clean energy; to increase energy efficiency; and to meet the commitments we made at Copenhagen and Cancun.  We can do this. And we will.  As we grow our economies, we’ll also remember the link between growth and good governance – the rule of law, transparent institutions and the equal administration of justice.  Because history shows that, over the long run, democracy and economic growth go hand in hand. An d prosperity without freedom is just another form of poverty.

This brings me to the final area where we are leading – our support for the fundamental rights of every human being.  Every nation will chart its own course.  Yet it is also true that certain rights are universal, among them freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and the freedom of citizens to choose their own leaders.  These are not American rights, or Australian rights, or Western rights. These are human rights.  They stir in every soul, as we’ve seen in the democracies that have succeeded here in Asia.  Other models have been tried and they have failed-fascism and communism, rule by one man and rule by committee.  And they have failed for the same simple reason. They ignore the ultimate source of power and legitimacy – the will of the people.  Yes, democracy can be messy and rough, and I understand you all mix it up good during Question Time.  But whatever our differences of party of ideology, we know in our democracies we are blessed with the greatest form of government ever known to man.  So, as two great democracies, we speak up for these freedoms when they are threatened.

We partner with emerging democracies, like Indonesia, to help strengthen the institutions upon which good governance depends.  We encourage open government, because democracies depend on an informed and active citizenry.  We help strengthen civil societies, because they empower citizens to hold their governments accountable.  And we advance the rights of all people-women, minorities and indigenous cultures – because when societies harness the potential of all their citizens, these societies are more successful, they are more prosperous and they are more just.  These principles have guided our approach to Burma, with a combination of sanctions and engagement.  Today, Aung San Suu Kyi is free from house arrest.  Some political prisoners have been released and the government has begun a dialogue.  Still, violations of human rights persist. So we will continue to speak clearly about the steps that must be taken for the government of Burma to have a better relationship with the United States.

SPEECH: U.S. President Barack Obama addresses the Australian Parliament. AP Photo/Charles Dharapak. Source: AP

This is the future we seek in the Asia Pacific-security, prosperity and dignity for all. That’s what we stand for. That’s who we are.  That’s the future we will pursue, in partnership with allies and friends, and with every element of American power.  So let there be no doubt: in the Asia Pacific in the 21st century, the United States of America is all in.  Still, in times of great change and uncertainty, the future can seem unsettling. Across a vast ocean, it’s impossible to know what lies beyond the horizon. But if this vast region and its people teach us anything, it’s that the yearning for liberty and progress will not be denied. It’s why women in this country demanded that their voices be heard, making Australia the first nation to let women vote and run for parliament and, one day, become prime minister.  It’s why people took to the streets – from Delhi to Seoul, from Manila to Jakarta – to throw off colonialism and dictatorship and then build some of the world’s largest democracies.  It’s why a soldier in a watch tower along the DMZ defends a free people in the South, and why a man from the North risks his life to escape across the border. Why soldiers in blue helmets keep the peace in a new nation. And why women of courage go into the brothels to save young girls from modern-day slavery, which must come to an end.  It’s why men of peace in saffron robes faced beatings and bullets, and why every day – from some of the world’s largest cities to dusty rural towns, in small acts of courage the world may never see – a student posts a blog; a citizen signs a charter; an activist remains in the closing part of his Address.what the world must never forget.

The currents of history may ebb and flow, but over time they move decidedly, decisively, in a single direction.  History is on the side of the free-free societies, free governments, free economies, free people. And the future belongs to those who stand firm for these ideals, in this region and around the world.  This is the story of the alliance we celebrate today. This is the essence of America’s new leadership, it is the essence of our partnership. And this is the work we will carry on together, for the security, the prosperity, and the dignity of all people.  So God bless Australia, God bless America, and God bless the friendship between our two peoples.

Thank you very much.

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Yes, that was a long insertion to include on my pages, but I thought it important, to have something to refer back upon, like election promises, Obama’s inauguration speech, Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Indigenous Australians, and so on – significant moments in our history that I consider important to record, and that’s why I want a record in my life’s story, part of which is reflected through my daily blog entries, and my concerns and interest in what is happening in our world.  Later, as I read a few more pages from the 1930s story of the life of John Flynn, I realised that even today, here in Australia, there is so much that still needs attention, so many residents of our country who don’t really get that ‘fair go’ [eighty years after that book was written], that Obama referred to in his Address.

Probably would have preferred to have slept a little longer today, but, after already having woken two or three times through the night [one midst a round of large thunder claps and heavy rainfall], I was up shortly after 6am, and off to the radio station – a bit overcast, 13.1 degrees, a mild kind of morning. Joined Ron Bourke on air, with my brief report on the local cricket and bowls results from last weekend, a few racing tips for the meeting down at Sale today, and a comment about the Test cricket & Peter Roebuck.

Straight back  home for some breakfast, and to take advantage of a quiet couple of hours.  Then it was off to the home of the Sunbury Football Club, where facilities had been hired by the local Family History Society to hold this year’s AGM followed by a luncheon. As often happens, I went along to that meeting, prepared to continue as a general committee member. Like all others present, I was a little disappointed to learn that our President of the last 12 months had decided not to continue, for health & other reasons. Peter had already withdrawn from the radio committee, and was also pulling out of a few other organisations – had been spreading himself too wide! Anyway, while I did manage to avoid stepping back into the now vacant President’/s position, I didn’t escape things completely, and ended up being voted back onto the committee, not as the general member I’d initially been prepared to continue with, but as Vice President for the next 12 months. Oh well, I guess it won’t be too difficult a burden.  The lunch which followed, and the company that went with it, was quite enjoyable. But I shouldn’t have had that dessert – a dish of pavlova!!

A few days back, I made reference to a community organisation named Frontier Services, and it’s forerunner, the Australian Inland Mission. Amongst the collection of books that I inherited from my late Father, were a number of books written by Ion Idriess. One of these was a small hard cover book, published in 1932 titled ‘Flynn of the Inland’, the man who was the central driving force behind the establishment of the Australian Inland Mission in 1912.   Ion Idriess was a prolific and influential Australian author who wrote more than 50 books over 43 years between 1927 to 1969 – an average of one book every 10 months, and twice published three books in one year (1932 and 1940).  His first book was published in 1927 at the age of 38, and his last was written at the age of 79. Several of his works, The Cattle King (1936) and Flynn of the Inland (1932) had more than forty re-printings. Idriess lived from 1889 until 1979. As an introduction to Flynn of the Inland, he noted  that he had written the book ‘in order that the people of Australia may learn something of the work which has been and is being done for isolated and suffering humanity by the Australian Inland Mission, its Padres and Doctors, its Sisters and voluntary workers – and by one Padre in particular. This book is not a history; but it is a true story’.

Ion Idriess in 1950

From Chapter 4 of the book, we read the following selected passages.  “Flynn’s dream was to banish isolation. How he did not know……Message communication, even, could not be assured, let alone doctors, ministers, and transport……………………He was detailed to travel through Northern Australia and report on the possibility of practically benefiting the country in spiritual, medical, material and national needs……..Flynn’s report on the Northern Territory and Central Australia was presented in 1912 by the Home Missions Board to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Australia and created intense interest and sympathy…….The Assembly agreed with Flynn…..that the linking of inside Australia with communications and a line of hospitals was a national as well as a humane thing; they believed that the greater Outback would welcome Christianity when it came as Christ came, with healing for the body as well as for the soul. They also believed that it was a movement that would appeal to a continent and that we had the men and women of steadfast courage, endurance, selflessness, and love that would see it through. And they believed that the public would help by finding the money and some of the toilers as well…….The work was to be quite non-sectarian; regardless of creed or none at all a sick man would be welcome to the best attention. To those who welcomed it, spiritual help would be ever ready, as well as material help, wherever possible. The work musty have a national aspect, all was to be for Australia……’[pp 26-30].                And so began the Australian Inland Mission, with Flynn,  following consideration of his Report, being appointed as the first Superintendent of the Mission. He quickly established the need for medical care for residents of the vast Australian outback, and established a number of bush hospitals, and amongst other things, pushed for the subsequent establishment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service from 1928. A few years later, in 1932, he would claim that for 50,000 Pounds a year, the whole of Australia could be covered by the ‘flying doctor’ service for doctor, pilot and plane. Speaking in Adelaide at the time, Flynn noted that ‘the big expense would be the installation of every homestead with a wireless transmitter, without which, the flying doctor service is useless……With that equipment and a medical service base, no woman would dread going outback, and no man would be afraid to ask her to. After all, those men inland have a right to wives, and their wives have a right to security.’ In an old undated newspaper article [written by an E Powell] which I found attached to the inside cover of Idriess’s book, the writer begins by saying ‘The civilisation of any nation begins with it’s pioneers, and it is the women, with their eternal love for a ‘place of their own’, their loyalty to the men they love, their bravery in pain when hundreds of miles from doctors, who have laid the strongest and most important tracks for the nation………………………City bred people know nothing of the long days, the soundless nights, the absence of white, human faces, and illness; the terror of illness without doctors; the fear and agony of solitary child-birth; the courage, the resource of that legion of nation builders………………………………’  [That’s an excellent article, and perhaps one day, when space permits, I will copy it here in full, if space and time prevails.

So amongst the variety of books etc, that I am into at the moment,  is the story of John Flynn as told through the writing of Ion Idriess. Actually I’m sure that some of these books that previously belonged to my father, could be a reasonable value these days, as collector’s items. I’m not sure when this book was given to Dad, but I would assume it was in his teen years just prior to World War II. As an avid collector myself, I have no intention of relinquishing possession of  the set of books by that particular author.