There has been a lot of hype surrounding the Rudd Government’s 2020 Summit. It has been a little premature. Sure Cate Blanchett is the only woman on the 10 ‘man’ panel, but I am sure the Rudd Government will not commit political suicide and continue the trend throughout the 1000 member summit.
A more curious appointment is that of News Ltd chief John Hartigan to lead the forum on ‘The Future of Australian Governance’. Hartigan was a strong voice when the Howard Government restricted Freedom of Information requests and is more than qualified to negotiate media’s role in an open government. But is he the right choice to direct ideas on democracy, Federation and the rights of citizens?
Although a respected journalist and intelligent media identity, Hartigan is hardly the next Henry Parkes.
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Back to Cate
She will have her hands full. Australia’s Visual and Dramatic Art community is hardly mainstream. Our recognised visual artists, Howard Arkeley, Brett Whitely, Sidney Nolan and Pro Hart have long since passed, with very few filling the void. Those that are making their mark are not doing so in this country, they are on Venetian lips well before they reach Australian ears. Likewise, actors such as Blanchett had to make their mark in Hollywood before getting recognition in mainstream Australia. The days of hits such as Looking for Alibrandi and Lantana have long gone.
Blanchett is also confronted with a significant lack of top quality Australian television programming.
The return of the ratings period has seen Australian television crowded by American broadcasting. Dirty Sexy Money, Desperate Housewives, Lost, Brothers and Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy, House and the various crime dramas on Nine and Ten. Australian television has only produced variety programs, game shows and reality television. With the exception of the occasional comedy, the only work for our actors is overseas. I have, of course, not mentioned the elephant in the room, Nine’s Underbelly. Why? Because like last year’s gamble Sea Patrol, it lacks the essence of good drama: good actors with great dialogue being directed by brilliant cinematographers. Both rely on gimmicks to attract audiences. Underbelly uses a ‘real life’ story, while Sea Patrol uses a bloody big ship. Underbelly’s heroes and villains resemble comic book characters, while Sea Patrol’s protagonists are stiff, clichéd and unappealing.
I must admit that I will be watching Underbelly from start to finish but if it wasn’t based on a true story, would anyone be watching?
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Can it get any worse?
Drive-by-shootings, assaults, drugs and violence towards women, can League, Union and AFL scandals get any worse?
Maybe we should consider less pop-quizzes and more leadership and mentoring from football players, coaches and executives.
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Cricket, the never ending saga
Speaking of leadership from players, coaches and executives…
I find it quite ridiculous that Matthew Hayden can keep a straight face and say he did not mean to insult anyone by calling Harbhajan Singh an ‘obnoxious weed’. He could at least tell the truth and say it was a joke that crossed the line and that he was taking his punishment on the chin.
I am also yet to be convinced that Harbhajan Singh was making any monkey gestures towards the crowd at the SCG on Sunday. With over a dozen cameras in the stadium, only one photo has emerged, that looked to me as harmless a bowler warming up his arms to bowl. Sounds like a media beat up to me.
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Crims Rule now
Bring on the TASERS... for police and business owners to use if necessary (in the event of an attack or robbery. Three hours is too long to wait for police assistance.
Someone needs to give the community back the safety we expect... and while the do gooders are stopping crime from being punished they leave no choice but taser or the gun. It has come down to... its them or us... thee crims are armed.. we should be allowed to be as well...or stop the crims completely.. which will never happen... it’s no wonder vigilante groups are popping up all over the place.
This problem needs to be looked at realistically and not give free trips to Bathurst and other places of fun to the crims for "Limiting their behaviour"
Crims Rule now... and the community lives in fear. The community should RULE and the crims should be the ones living in fear...
Why are some fools not getting this ???
Give the community back our freedom here in the "Lucky Country"
kill or maim the crims before they get YOU !!!!
Lee
Half Nelson!
Serve them both right!
The ALP refused to nominate Nelson in Tasmania when he wanted to go into Labor politics there (he was in a medical practice with Simon Crean's doctor brother), so he changed sides and the rest is history.
He has had 3 wives. I wonder if he will find a third political party.
Fergie | 
