You know when social media issues its own #hashtag to describe a political incident that the mob are laughing at you, not with you. When #bonkban started trending this week, it confirmed my every instinct.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister tried a desperate attempt to separate himself from his embattled Deputy by giving him a public dressing down. The PM issued a decree against Ministers having sex with their staff.
I pity the poor staff member who had to type it out because I'm struggling with it now.
Of course, Ministers shouldnt do it. Nor should any other MP, but really. do we need to make laws for this sort of thing?
The behaviour of the Deputy PM has sadly - been the only story in town. Its lurid, its tragic, and its not my business. Misuse of public money and misleading Parliament, however, is another matter. There will be more on that next week.
Here are two things that should have grabbed the headlines but didnt:
Theres a desperate shortage of aged care packages in this region, and throughout the country. This is the assistance the Government provides seniors to help them stay in their own home.
At a basic level it includes money for a few hours of home cleaning and maintenance. The higher levels include much more intensive personal care. There are hundreds of people who have been assessed as eligible but cannot get access to a care package because there arent enough available.
The Reserve Bank Governor warned against following the Trump Administration down the path of unaffordable corporate tax cuts. At a hearing in Canberra, today, he said that the US cuts would add 3 per cent to the budget deficit in that country. They were matched by massive cuts to government services - $65 billion worth according to the Treasurer.
More than thoughts and prayers needed
Seventeen innocent kids died in another massacre at a school in the US yesterday. The President offered thoughts and prayers. With more than 10,000 people being murdered by guns in the US each year, its more than thoughts and prayers that is needed: its gun safety laws.
Albion Park Little As
Last week I attended Albion Park Little As and was able to present them with a $10,000 grant to purchase new equipment.
Always a pleasure to support our local clubs.
Anzac Centenary Commemorative Sculptures
Shout out to Southern Tablelands Arts.The first of three Anzac Centenary commemorative sculptures will be launched at Moss Vale Railway Station, this coming Friday 23 February at 10am.
Local Sporting Champions Grants
Round 3 of the Local Sporting Champions Grants close on 28 February 2018.
Eligible junior athletes are invited to apply for grants of up to $500 to support the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment at state, national and international championships.
For more information, visit my website at stephenjones.com.au.
HARS 747-400 Wing Walk
It's not everyday you get to walk on the wing of a 747-400. Got to visit the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) last week and see the great work they do at the Illawarra Regional Airport.
The Liberals have a plan for a big business tax cut, not a wage rise
Malcolm Turnbull & the Liberals - ripping $77 a week from ordinary workers while giving tax cuts to the big end of town.
