School zones aren’t a matter for politics

Commenting on the story: Richardson: Libs on highway to political danger zone

I want to challenge Tom Richardson’s take on “announce and defend”. Apart from anything else, in Rann’s time it was mostly “announce and commend” (as in “hey everybody, look at this great thing I’m taking credit for”) followed by “defend” – ie where scorn was heaped on anyone who didn’t embrace Rann’s characterisation. Anyway, thankfully that’s in the past.

Really where I’m coming from is that the determination and announcement of school zones isn’t actually a matter for politicians and it’s better it not become so. It is no more the province of “debate and decide” than it is of “announce and defend”.

What ought to be the province of “debate and decide” is whether we have zoning at all. If we imagined that all schools were equal, it would make sense. If we want to mask the fact that they are not and stop parents from voting with their feet, it also makes sense.

My proposition is that we drop zoning altogether and focus on ensuring that parents don’t have any reason to vote with their feet. Let us debate and decide. – Rob Silva

I don’t understand why some are moaning about school zone changes. We are so lucky to have our child’s education provided at no cost, wherever one lives. I have never before heard of anyone complaining about something they get for free.

If a school has a certain capacity, then that’s that. Some even claim to have paid a lot of extra money to live in the zone – if so, maybe they could have afforded a moderately priced private school instead. It’s a “first world problem” and certainly nothing to get cranky with the Minister about. – Michael Gilbert

The Oval

My only real objection to a hotel at Adelaide Oval is the unfair advantage its establishment has over existing businesses, none of which, as far as I know, have built on free real estate and/or with State Government support, in the form of loan guarantee.

In the matter of dairy farmers, tough as it sounds, subsidies are not the answer. The industry has obviously changed. Apparently, our national herd is just too large, leading to overproduction. Subsidies severely damaged the wool industry over decades. – Jim Breeze

How can the local affect the global?

Commenting on the story: Haese flags priorities in climate change role

Martin Haese says: “It’s really important that we have metrics and measures in place so we can almost have an apples for apples comparison over time so we can measure the progress that we make as a state.”

How is he going to measure progress in reducing global temperatures, the real alleged target, rather than simply reducing SA’s carbon dioxide production? Can’t be done. – Peter Carson

The age of entitlement is far from over

Commenting on the story: Hockey conflict of interest claim over travel affair

Mr Hockey – wasn’t he quoted as telling Australians “the age of entitlement is over” and to be a “nation of lifters and not leaners”? He may have been quoted out of context, but on the face of his employment history, I’d like to have him over for a dinner party to explain his comments in person.

Senator Cormann – I’d think that the vast majority of Australians flying overseas would know if they’d paid for their airfares. Shades of Bronwyn Bishop!

It seems there are politicians of all persuasions who just don’t seem to get it. It’s not that hard. – Rob Woodward

Australia is facing a cataclysmic bushfire on all fronts. And both political parties are starting spot fires. – Mike Lesiw 

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