David Warner has been a popular favourite for much of his career, being credited as the most exciting opener since the retirement of modern greats like Michael Slater and Matthew Hayden. Never has a modern player so excited the masses with his larrikin spirit and boundless enthusiasm for teammates, rapid running between wickets and ability to sneak quick singles. His superb maiden century versus New Zealand in Hobart on a difficult and very seamer-friendly pitch obscured the anti-climax that was to come: For much of his early career where exceedingly flat wickets with almost no bowler assistance enabled even rookie batsmen to amass mammoth scores that triggered comparisons to batting greats Warner thrived and purists were ignored. There were flashes of true brilliance overseas, such as in South Africa and his two centuries in consecutive innings in Bangladesh, but any brilliance he possessed was reserved for Australia. Only 6 of 26 centuries were scored overseas, his ability to play spin in subcontinental conditions, save for his efforts versus Bangladesh often triggered questions and his notable struggles versus the swing of Stuart Broad did regrettably qualify as examples of technical vulnerability and susceptibility.

Warner admirers and cricket thinkers correctly identify that many batsmen and bowlers are not the same performers in foreign as domestic conditions, but regrettably while there were rare exceptional innings mentioned above it is true that Warner was consistently reliable only in Australian conditions and many praises of his achievements abroad reflected foreign, particularly subcontinental enthusiasm for the shorter forms. While playing for his two Indian franchises Delhi and Hyderabad respective batting coaches Ponting and VVS Laxman, who being notable masters of batting technique during their careers made Warner more technically minded which became evident in the final and arguably best phase of his international career.

Arguably the best Warner career phase came in the last half, with his record 335 not out versus Pakistan and his 200 versus South Africa. The 200 versus South Africa garnered in crippling humidity was a great exhibition of punishing errant length on a pitch that was suited to seam bowling but was merciless on indiscipline. The extreme weather made champion pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungisani Ngidi look ordinary, and Warner had developed sufficient technique to impressively withstand it. The South African fast bowling duo had who troubled Warner even in Australan conditions, including in the previous Brisbane Test. On that notable occasion Rabada dismissed Warner for two single figure scores, 0 and 3 hence his double century in the following game was a superb improvement, but even then, his dismissal to Nortje demonstrated his vulnerability to quality fast-bowling. There was, however, a marked improvement in this final phase of strokeplay, his drives did become more classical and aesthetic, he did learn to use his feet to get to the pitch of the ball against spinners. Most importantly, he did learn the value of percentage plays and accumulation: He learned to value boundary opportunities, playing late, quick singles and maximising scoring while running between wickets, he became more a batter and less a hitter. He became less reckless and impulsive, a better accumulator and a far better exploiter of errant length, while his strike rate declined slightly his reliability and match awareness improved markedly, he became technical, and selective rather than impulsive. Never a self-centred player the resounding criticism that can be made is that professional maturity was a gradual process and he perhaps compensated in the phase beginning with his 335 not out for being the proverbial “fish out of water” or more appropriately the T20 batter who was elevated or prematurely graduated to Test opener. His professional maturity took time hence a brief mention of the regrettable “Sandpapergate Affair” is necessary.

During the third Test in Cape Town in 2018 David Warner was among three players implicated in a ball tampering scandal, in which Captain Steve Smith, Bancroft and Warner attempted to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper. All three were suspended in disgrace, banned for a year and subject to media attention. Initially manifesting as a proverbial circus, with footage of players and their partners crying or looking sombre during interviews and then as the end of the ban drew near footage of them socialising was constant and monotonous. It is plausible that had the media attention focused more on their careers and abilities and less about their marketing, their maturity levels might have transcended to their careers earlier. Evidence of this was that Warner was a much-improved player after his unwanted pariah status, here he can be compared to Botham and Warne as falling from grace turned egoism to professionalism.

The question of whether Warner is a great of the game will be perpetually obscured by the fact that his career coincided with arguably the greatest transition in cricketing history since World Series Cricket. That he set and broke records in all three formats has much to do with him being among the first to play all such formats. It is very difficult as Warner debuted for Australia prior to having acquired any first-class experience, as such his technical acumen was acquired via experience, namely “on the job” Regrettably, as he came up while superb technical players like Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey he must inevitably be judged by classical standards when it is considered that an equally modern player like Khawaja mastered classical technique on quick and slow surfaces. As he must be judged by classical and traditional standards his career was disappointing on many levels, that he became technically proficient if not superlative proves he could and should have been a great and it must be said he became synonymous with the modern game. It is not so disrespectful to say that while he was largely responsible for its excitement and entertainment value, he was also guilty of much of its deficiency, flaws he corrected. Hence while he deserves a subchapter in Australian cricketing annals, we must not confuse chronology and historical circumstance with greatness, nor should we forget, that players can be underprepared or past their peak. Michael Hussey debuted at 30 and could have debuted earlier; Warner debuted in the Australian T20 team a month before his first-class debut. His career should be a cautionary tale against international duties coming too soon as a few seasons of solid first-class experience, would have ensured he became the player he did several seasons earlier.

There were some very bright spots in the 1^st Test at Galle on Day 1: Plaudits to Lyon, Swepson, Ramesh Mendis and Dickwella. Most importantly captain Cummins had more attacking fields than in recent memory; dedicatee Shane Warne would have approved of the greater emphasis on attacking tactics. On a surface that does not seem conducive to centuries, the 21^st half-century registered by Dickwella was filled with characteristic positive intent and will keep Sri Lanka in the contest. Khawaja will need to disprove the above observation and register a substantial score, as the demise of Smith showed woeful match awareness. It was reminiscent of the infamous Taylor runout in Brisbane, in the first Ashes Test in which Stater left his captain stranded. Warner after having a superlative day in the field started well but had his technique exposed by a good straight delivery from Mendis. Labuschagne was most disappointing: In a reckless dismissal, he persists in playing horizontally instead of straight in a manner that frequently undid Warner in his youth. Swepson and Lyon landed the ball in appropriate areas more than any Sri Lankan spinner; Ramesh Mendis, a relative newcomer gave Australia trouble and will undoubtedly continue to do so as the pitch declines. Lyon, who is three wickets shy of surpassing Kapil Dev will be the Australian talisman as the pitch declines and Swepson looks like he wants to impress. Team Australia are clearly in the ascendancy, but must not become complacent. Khawaja, Lyon and Swepson are most suitably placed to deliver and perhaps Mathews, Dickwella and Ramesh Mendis might spoil the proceedings and prove proverbial “dark horses”.

Day 2 was far brighter for Australia than hosts, Sri Lanka: Khawaja, Green, Carey and a final entertaining flourish from Captain Cummins put Australia deservedly in the lead. The proactivity by the visiting Australians was in stark contrast to the passive tactics employed by Sri Lanka. Only toward the end of proceedings did more close-in catchers appear providing Ramesh Mendis, Da Silva, Vandersay and the seemingly deflated and below average Embuldeniya with much needed support. Their performance and confidence appeared to improve only for inclement weather in the form of fading light to spoil proceedings. Despite impressive performances by all the aforementioned Australian players, there exists an outstanding issue, specifically the deficient manner in which the Australians play spin. There is an excessive reliance on sweep shots, be it the orthodox or the unorthodox reverse. Batting coaches need to encourage diversifying of methods of playing spin. The advantage of having tall players in the team like Green, Cummins and Starc is that if they can be taught and subsequently encouraged to hit through the line and execute shots such as drives of multiple varieties. Never was this more important for players like Khawaja, Green and Head who are specialist batsmen who need to convert good scores into match winning scores with more regularity. Khawaja is presently the closest the current Australian outfit has to a sub-continental specialist; it is necessary to compare eras here as a legendary Australian player of spin like Allan Border mastered using feet and getting to the pitch of the ball for stunning scoring shots, particularly in subcontinental conditions. It is something Khawaja still needs to master as he was dismissed when trying to play across the line and capitulating to the bat-pad fieldsman. Carey was impressively obdurate in acting the anchor for Green in what might prove to be the most vital partnership of the match. Regrettably the Carey innings also capitulated to Australian spin ineptitude when he was beaten in flight and hauled out in the outfield. Carey does deserve credit for attempting to play spin with more than sweep shots, but his technique needs improving. It would be worthwhile if batting coaches teach tall players like Starc and Cummins to get to the pitch and play through the line; just as Steve Waugh taught Glenn McGrath adequate defence and fashioned an unlikely night watchman, if basic technique versus spin were taught to the lower order, specialist batsmen would be forced to lift their game. Australia were superior, but must guard against complacency.  

  Day 3: The third and final day of the Galle Test match yielded many positives and several criticisms for either team. Lyon embraced the role of senior spinner, looking as confident as he ever has. He deservedly surpassed the records of both Rangana Herath and Kapil Dev. More importantly this positive energy, had a positive effect on Swepson, who looked a bona fide team member, rather than an underconfident over enthusiastic rookie. Equally this had a positive effect on Travis Head who in the role of makeshift spinner supplied a four-wicket cameo that will undoubtedly constitute a future positive for Team Australia. His delivery to the experienced, Chandimal causing the veteran to play down the wrong line, resulted even in his personal acknowledgement of a deserved wicket. This will be beneficial for Head who in his role of specialist batsman, is a touch player and will suffer indifferent form. Subcontinental conditions will potentially yield other fine bowling performances which will put him in good stead. The negatives for both Australia and Sri Lanka centre around a solitary outstanding issue: The global tendency to be technically suspect against spin. Throughout the duration of the Galle Test sweep and reverse sweep were utilised excessively as a scoring option which caused predicaments aplenty, for both sides. Sri Lanka were at times embarrassingly suspect in local conditions; players such as Green, Carey and to a lesser extent, Khawaja all proved that they should not be likened to legendary players of spin, such as Sidhu, Laxman, Sangakkara. Importantly, wicketkeeping technique, which relies on accurate reading of bounce and lateral movement is suffering, which can be attributed to suspect batting technique versus spin. It would be delightful for both Carey and Dickwella to play for an Indian Premier League franchise, such as Rajasthan where Sangakkara would bestow both batting and keeping wisdom to both players.  In sum, Sri Lanka will know they are a better team than their performance and a victory was the appropriate result for Australia. The Australians need to be more clinical: they need to convert their starts into scores and the bowlers while wonderful have an opportunity to play leading rather than supporting roles. The Second Test offers the above opportunities, they simply need to materialise.

R.E Melato                  

The next cricket summer is one of concern for both the Australian men and women for different reasons: It is getting to be a transition period for the men and the women seem to be experiencing the same issue as the men have in the last decade and-a-half. Specifically, sacrificing the observance of basic technique and discipline in the interests of entertainment. This has been a pervasive tendency criticised in this blog previously and is a criticism of the general Australian approach since the mass exodus of the mid aughts that saw the likes of Warne, McGrath, Ponting, and Hayden retire. It has been a frequent observation that modern teams need to observe traditional basics and further that teams are a shadow of their previous prowess when they experience a mass exodus. These are the two chief concerns that need observing for the upcoming summer, lest they become necessary corrections.

While the shortest form of cricket, the 20/20 format has been wonderful for entertainment, various revenue avenues, for both cricket boards and players and general crowd appreciation. Unlike some critics and commentators who nostalgically allege that the shortest form is bad for the overall game. This is untrue as many youngsters have superior fielding ability and the relayed or parried catches that people like Glenn Maxwell have made famous are a homage albeit contemporary, to the retro brilliance of the likes of Ponting and Waugh.

Conservative commentators and their nostalgic tendencies do tend to allege that the shortest form seems to prevent youngsters from reading game situations; this observation is not without merit because a pervasive and detrimental fixation with positive intent exists to the detriment of sound batting technique. This is perhaps the only truly genuine flaw of the shortest format, it is significant, however. The matches Australia played versus both Sri Lanka and later England in the recent 20/20 World Cup constitute examples: Versus Sri Lanka, Australian 20/20 stalwart David Warner hit 10 boundaries, but no maximums in an impressive return to form. Regrettably in the follow up match a comprehensive defeat by the old enemy, England the top order batters, Warner, Smith, and Maxwell were dismissed playing across the line in a return to old habits appearing not to have taken the positives or percentage plays of the previous game in the name of positive intent.

Percentage plays or the small seemingly insignificant plays need to be focused on including the oldest of basics such as converting singles into two runs and the like. It is not a major adjustment that is required, but merely traditional skills such as the ability to judge the length of a delivery to discern whether to play a baseball-style shot in the event of short length or decide whether use of the feet in getting to the pitch of the ball and playing a classic cricket shot is more suitable. This article is not the proverbial nostalgic-style-rant: classic cricket shots and the more cavalier baseball shots so common in the shorter forms can and should coexist, it is merely the ability by a batter to judge which is appropriate that needs improving or the ability to read game situations. It is most important, indeed paramount to note that despite young cavalier approaches among the English becoming more popular, the marvellously entertaining Jos Butler being a case in point, England are generally sticklers for classic techniques and approaches, particularly in the Test format. Australia will need to counter these with equally classical technique and intuition.

Australia will need to make necessary adjustments else be entertainingly decimated as occurred against India last summer; superbly entertaining matches need to be resulting in superb outcomes for Australia as they will be the host nation. An antithetical result to superbly played comprehensive defeats is essential. The Brisbane Test to conclude the last cricketing summer being a prime instance. The age-old adage of a team being only as good as their last game attests to the need for a team boasting superb potential requiring further improvement.

It is a point made in previous articles, but to quickly reiterate the focus needs to be on attacking fielders, particularly those around the bat and there needs to be more of an emphasis on traditional slip fields and gullies. An example of a traditional field that is highly relevant to the Test format and would work equally well in either shorter form is the leg-slip. England do utilise the leg-slip well, this is a tactic Australia will have to adapt in order to counter the English strategy. The abundance of swing bowlers in the England team means a leg-slip is protection for when deliveries inevitably drift down legside, such as when swing is absent or in particularly humid conditions where grip can be troublesome. The leg slip position will benefit Australian fast bowlers in the same fashion, Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc being vulnerable. If Australia do observe this it will prove advantageous as England traditionally struggle with the Kookaburra ball relative to their native Duke ball, hence if a majority of legside deliveries are converted into attacking opportunities culminating in dismissals, Australia will possess a clear advantage.

The benefit of close in fielders will be for proverbial “half-chances” and will also counter classic technique and in many cases reduce the need for referrals. Close in catchers, will benefit Lyon as well spun deliveries often land in “No-Man’s Land” namely between fielders and prevent fielders from playing across the line, forcing them to play through the line or down the ground. This will see Lyon for example, dispatched for boundaries rather than maximums and more catches taken off his bowling. Importantly, such shots will enable him to field off his own bowling at which he is quite adept. He has been a contemporary cricketing stalwart for Australia rendering yeoman service to the team, always delighted to be a celebrated servant, his swansong seems suspiciously close at age 34.

Another fielding observation that merits mention are positions that have “fallen out of favour”, namely become unfashionable: The most significant one being third man. This is suited to catching and run saving and is an outfield position that negates the spread of fielders as in the shorter forms as it is multifunctional. Close-in- catchers have been covered; leg gullies are as significant as leg-slips in preventing edges flying into gaps behind the batsman. The issue is that fielding positions should be practical rather than fashionable and the incoming Australian captain should observe this in the coming summer.

Tim Paine has been a good player and captain despite recently disgracing himself privately. Cricket Australia has taken the appropriate action however he should not lose his place in the team. He has rebuilt the team from the shenanigans of Sandpapergate and has had some impressive results, as well as building a team with evident chemistry and mutual respect. He should be retained for the good of the outfit, remembering that positive results will yield positive publicity.

It has transpired Alex Carey has replaced Tim Paine for the first two Ashes Matches. Ashes debuts have long been celebrated as a “trial by fire”; it will be a wonderful inauguration and rite of passage for a wonderful player with superb potential. It must be said however, that selecting players for the Test format based on their one-day and 20/20 form can be detrimental particularly for developing players as the Test format frequently requires technique, not required or practised in the other forms.   

Steve Smith was an outstanding and passionate captain until one regrettable error that has been overpublicised; Cummins is currently a preferable choice as a bowling mindset would see a different captaincy style and more attacking approach. This will hopefully see fielders placed in catching positions, as taking catches is preferable to saving runs; the quicker the opposition is dismissed, the more time Australia has to pursue totals and ensure favourable results.

Plaudits in the ladies’ series to Indian, Smriti Mandhana for her century in the rain affected day/night pink-ball Test match in Carrara on the Gold Coast. Her superb 127 registered on the second day was a cause for multiple celebrations. It was rightfully celebrated as a personal milestone, and for Indian and female cricket per se. Mandhana was 80 not out overnight and from an Australian perspective should have been dismissed on bespoke score, but for an illegal delivery by Elyse Perry. This indiscipline was uncharacteristic for Perry but was symptomatic of a woeful day and consequently very average performance by Australia, an outfit that prides itself on high standards. While heat and humidity were factors, catching on the day and throughout the entirety of the match was substandard, with at least three chances missed to orthodox positions around the bat in the space of barely over two hours. It was a cliched instance of how a poor session can shift momentum in opposition favour with only inclement weather sparing Australian blushes.

An observation and criticism to be made of both Australian teams in recent times has been that of consistency. The Australian women show a disturbing trend that has occurred to the Australian men since the tenure of Michael Clarke: Superb results have occurred on their day and in the case of the men, particularly at home, but in recent times even domestic results have been lesser than desired or expected, as evidenced by the series loss by Paine’s Australians to India in the 2020/21 summer and the female series versus India threatened to be the same, an undesired “carbon copy” or doppelganger. It is often a truism in sport that when consistency brings results then improved endorsements come. The Australian women have improved, a case in point is Alyssa Healy: A fine keeper whose fondness for positive intent has often brought her undone. Healy has rectified this in recent times, playing more classical and languid shots, which is a tendency many other in the female outfit will have to adapt for the sake of consistency, but they have tremendous potential, hence if technique and consistency can be regularly monitored greater endorsements will be justified.

Mass exoduses have ended many a legendary team from the superlative Australians in the mid-1980’s under Greg Chappell to the formidable West Indians under Richie Richardson in the mid-nineties and the Australians under Ricky Ponting in the late aughts. This is not and should not be a dramatic prospect. It was once a common practice in Australian teams to have a balance between youth and experience and in the last decade it does seem as though marketing had led to an excessive emphasis on youth which is now slowly fading as several superb Australians are ageing, players like Starc and Lyon furthermore players that were originally selected to embody bespoke youthful trend such as Warner and Finch. The current Australian team is in a privileged position to be able to fuse Test and short-form Australian outfits with an eclectic array of players. Hazlewood and Starc have several seasons to play but have been prone to injury throughout their careers. A superbly consistent state player like Sean Abbott will suffice to relieve Hazlewood and Starc of their duties, preventing further injuries also complementing a gifted seam bowler such as Cameron Green who has not yet registered an international wicket not for a lack of effort or skill.

For most of his career, Nathan Lyon has lacked a spinning partner: When legendary leg-spinner Warne began for Australia he had off-spinners Greg Matthews and Tim May to complement and later in his career MacGill lent invaluable support. It is time for Zampa and Swepson to alternate in complementing Lyon as Zampa is overdue for a Test guernsey and Swepson is getting closer to a one-day opportunity. Swepson has impressive statistics in his short T20 international career: 11 dismissals in 7 matches at 15.72 which indicates he is adept at exposing deficient technique and inducing extravagant shots. In a Test Match scenario, he would not only relieve Lyon but enable the veteran to bowl to those with superior technique while he bowls to the lower order and tail and to those with a more modern approach and induces batting errors. Zampa and Swepson would also complement Lyon in subcontinental conditions; superb spinners like Brad Hogg and Stuart MacGill were not selected to complement Warne as much as they should have been. This was a selection blunder that needs rectifying with the current spin contingent in the Australian team as Zampa and Swepson may eventually work in tandem in subcontinental conditions, even after Lyon retires, hence selecting them soon may prove a viable long-term investment for Australia.

An area where the Australian team needs to intersperse youth and experience is the batting line-up. Smith at 31 and with a history of consistency particularly in Australian conditions is likely to continue for several more seasons. The chief issue for Australia at present is the opener slot: David Warner at 35 has perhaps a season or two remaining at the top level. Regrettably the equally exciting and very talented Will Puckovski has proven to be constantly susceptible to injury, namely concussion and even more regrettably must be a short-term consideration with a view to finding him a long-term remedy. Khawaja is equally injury prone, his knees often serving to hamper his very classically languid and retro approach. While currently in fine form and rearing to go for both the domestic Ashes series and particularly the upcoming Pakistan tour, Australian selectors do need to consider selecting or developing technique against spin with a view to succeeding in the subcontinent.

Regarding observations by legendary Australian captain, Ian Chappell that Khawaja is suspect against good bowling. I would add to this that an old cricketing term was “flat track bully” which described a batsman who thrived in favourable conditions but then faltered in the face of “testing” or challenging situations. Perhaps all batsmen have been a trifle guilty of this in the decades since the retirement of the last great Australian team under Ponting, when developing technique became about grooming entertaining players rather than highly skilled, namely technical ones. This can only be rectified by improving technique, hence the reservations expressed by Chappell are perfectly valid, but several other players are perhaps more vulnerable to quality bowling than Khawaja, examples being the farcical shenanigans when Warner faces Broad, Archer, Rabada and Ngidi. It could and should be argued that Warner, Smith, Labuschagne and Paine need to prepare on pitches suited to bowlers, and facing a pink ball for the advent of the day/night test of the season because record-breaking innings need to come against quality bowling which was once the trademark of Australian batsmen. 

Technique and team balance have been an issue for Australian teams for at least the last decade, but there is sufficient depth across the state teams to avoid retirements having a negative effect; a mass exodus as has historically occurred does not need to and the next phase of Australian cricket should be exciting and one of considerable depth and success for both male and female outfits. A slight change of approach should trigger a change in team fortunes.

Lastly, a recent development of a political nature reflecting a schism between state and federal governments has seen Perth stripped of hosting duties this summer. Just as our Winter athletes should attend the 2022 Beijing Winter games, so too an alternative agreement should be arrived at for Perth. Failing this, it would be wonderful for Hobart to host an Ashes Test as it is seldom it occurs; should a seating capacity of barely 20,000 be deemed insufficient, then Melbourne or another major Australian city should produce a delightful contest between bat and ball for both sides. While some may argue politics will prevent it from being appropriately pleasurable, it will be left to the quality of cricket played to redeem and rectify this.  

Current policy making in Australia is poor: both sides of politics made startling blunders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Productivity and accountability are absolutely fundamental as opposed to transient and cosmetic measures. The Victorian Labor government is much maligned for its unpopular pro-Chinese policy and stance. Deals with Chinese bodies have continued to occur by both major parties in Australian politics up to the present, with some regrettably being seemingly corrupt. Blunders have been rife and double standards notable: Hotel Quarantine, the health blunders of Queensland government, the Ruby Princess fiasco, the dodgy COVID safe application and aged care debacle. There have been conciliatory gestures, but consistency, accountability and transparency have been questionable throughout the pandemic. There have also been issues with the importance of Australian historical facets and intangible culture heritage and potential economic benefits for the elderly and nation, per se and accompanying double standards. This economic disrepute, complete with chronic non-party specific errors has signalled the need for the nature of work to change with results and longevity, rather than statistics being desired. Opinion polls are chronically unreliable, but the party that can affect constructive changes will economically liberate Australia.    

 The current system of policy making in Australia is poor. The formation of the National Cabinet in March 2020 is a revision of The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and one hopes genuine accountability is the cornerstone of its function. Traditional xenophobic trends and political banter are rife, and convenience is absolutely fundamental to a seemingly agenda-driven endgame. Many governments on both sides of politics have performed poorly during the COVID-19 pandemic: These include Hotel Quarantine bringing the Andrews government into disrepute. Inconsistencies in the Palaszczuk government to the detriment of working-class Queenslanders. Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck has almost completely failed to protect the elderly and ageing population, the most vulnerable sector from the ravages of the pandemic which accounted for 68 percent of Australian COVID-19 deaths.[1] The Berejiklian government allowing the cruise liner, The Ruby Princess to disembark in Sydney arguably the start of the COVID-19 crisis in Australia and Minister for NDIS and Services, Stuart Robert for an excessively expensive excessively inefficient health initiative, the COVID safe application.

Public Accountability is always an issue in times of crisis: One can only hope that the dissolution of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the formation of the National Cabinet on 13 March 2020 makes for greater productivity and accountability as opposed to micromanagement. It seems that short term deals are made for economic recovery, but these are often transient and short-term measures designed to gain political advantage or alternatively to generate headlines to placate tabloids. Recently, the first post-pandemic budget, handed down Tuesday, October 6, 2020 in which 3.2 billion was spend on the National Disability Insurance Scheme plus an additional 799 million over four years[2] At this early juncture, this seems a suspiciously startling example of what is being referred to, as the disabled and to a greater extent the elderly who received 1.6 billion in the same budget[3] have been the most vulnerable demographics during the pandemic and if these are meant to be valid for an approximated duration of four years, then they will more than likely be cancelled by the next Federal budget and election, hence how can these figures be accurate?

The controversy surrounding much maligned Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews for partaking in the Belt and Road initiative seems peculiar when the Darwin Port lease was struck for 99 years[4] when PM Scott Morrison was Treasurer and while this was touted as a “seriously dumb idea”[5]and Victorian and Andrews’ government treasurer, Tim Pallas on May 21 was accused by Peter Gleeson on Sky News of not being on “Team Australia” and “cosying up” to Beijing “bullies”[6] and PM Morrison on June 11, 2020 feeling Daniel Andrews should withdraw from the Belt and Road initiative citing it is “inconsistent with the Australian government’s policy”[7] 

Deals with China have not been uncommon throughout the history of Australian foreign policy. In recent times former Liberal member, for Wagga Wagga, Daryl Maguire was found by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to have been handed tens of thousands of dollars in Parliament house as part of a cash-for visa-scheme[8] and that he was paid an allowance by a Chinese business group, according to the testimony of businessman, Ho Yuen Li[9] ICAC have suspected that these deals were more about personal interest, rather than national interest. Before any other form of the proverbial “blame game” occurs, a chronic occurrence in Australian politics, this should be evidence that deals with Chinese bodies continue to occur in Australia by both major political parties. Furthermore, many countries have entered into the Belt and Road Initiative, it seems peculiar that aspersions should be cast on the Andrews government for entering into a legitimate but politically unpopular initiative when controversial deals have been struck on both sides of politics with historical frequency that have and continue to appear politically suspect.

Mr Andrews, further, seems to be the bane of political commentators for Hotel Quarantine. It is being lamented and fixated on as the single biggest failing of the Andrews government with several prominent Australian political commentators commenting that were the Victorian government a corporation the board of directors would be sacked and criminal charges would be laid for the highest ranking members. Firstly to echo the sentiments and observation of  Michael Spencer of the Crikey news website most states use private security for Hotel Quarantine so the issue is “who was responsible for them not understanding the public health issues and enforcing the rules”[10] To give ample hearing to those conservative commentators who believe the proverbial “buck” stops with whoever is in charge then by that precise logic, Premier Berejiklian needs to take greater responsibility for the Ruby Princess debacle and the health checks that occurred as this is reputed to be the initial source of COVID-19 in Australia. Queensland Premier, Anastascia Palaszczuk has correctly been criticised for double standards not relaxing border restrictions to enable non-Queenslanders  to visit terminally ill relatives in Queensland border hospitals or making conciliatory exemptions that were barely a consolation, such as the notable case of  Sarah Caisip[11] when foreign personae, such as Tom Hanks were exempt even from quarantine, despite having tested positive for COVID-19 in March, albeit for purposes of investing in the Australian economy. Premier Palaszczuk has stated of the Tom Hanks-Elvis Presley biopic that there are “a whole lot of jobs relying on that industry.”[12]

 Suffice to say, can the logic applied to Premier Andrews be applied to Minster for NDIS and Services, Stuart Robert for an inadequate COVID-19 tracing application that was criticised by Murdoch media commentators for being a dud[13] and finally Minister Colbeck for the state of aged care during the pandemic?

It further begs the question why outgoing finance Minister, Mattias Cormann apologised for the pandemic as a whole on October 2, 2020,[14] which any intuitive reader can see is a conciliatory and cosmetic gesture from a departing minister, more than likely undertaken on instruction from the Prime Minister to redeem government credibility and deter from their accountability. Can Australian commentators and citizens not accept and agree that errors were made at multiple tiers of government. Has anyone been truly consistent with government policy?      

Disturbingly, a very recent development in which the cricket pitch, legendary batsman Don Bradman learned to bat on in Sydney suburb, Bowral is in danger of being redeveloped. As a nation that values its sporting history culture and heritage, an argument can be made that this is a triviality and Australia should focus on topics other than our sporting history. Alternatively, with an unprecedented deficit in the vicinity of 100 million[15], and deficit of a trillion[16] recently being alleged to be higher the observation by former Test umpire, Simon Taufel that it needs to be ‘promoted” and ‘protected’ as cricket “tragics” from the subcontinent view Bowral as a cricketing ‘mecca.’[17] As a part of Australian intangible cultural heritage, it has as much potential to facilitate economic revenue as the stadium spend by the Berejiklian government. This spend may admittedly be eventually profitable but, has hitherto proved an excessive spend or proverbial “white elephant”. Furthermore, our veterans are lauded as much a part of our cultural and sociological landscape  and intangible cultural heritage and yet a 1.6 billion dollar spend by the Morrison government begs the question: How well will the elderly actually do between now and the next Federal election?

It is striking just how “convenient” and agenda driven contemporary Australian politics seems to be: Our sporting history is lauded as a sacrosanct  cornerstone of our national foundations, so such sentiments were alleged during the pre-COVID stadium spend by the Berejiklian government and the Bradman pitch in Bowral is under threat when it could prove economically advantageous in terms of cultural capital and particularly profit. It would further enfranchise the elderly population in places like Bowral in the form of part- time employment as guest curators, for example, many of them being able to recall golden eras of Australian sport, such as the heyday of Don Bradman.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is frequently sledged by multiple Sky News contributors with and deemed to be unofficially guilty of criminal actions when there are ministers who are arguably more culpable such as Premier Berejiklian, Premier Palaszczuk, Ministers Colbeck and Robert. The Australian situation would clearly be better if action rather than statistics or the issuing of blame were rife. Members on all sides of politics, need to  concede that all dastardly blunders made by government bodies occurred on both sides of politics; this is a mere consequence of the state of confusion and anxiety that so commonly manifests during a global disaster such as a financial crisis or global health pandemic. The agricultural initiative by local MP, Anoulack Chantivong at Hurlstone Farm, or Agricultural High School is a good initiative as it is an example of an organisation, specifically that will preserve the health and economic sustenance of working-class Australians.Truthfully, it will be the slightest while before the Australian economy is back in surplus, but policies that will generate long-term growth and investment are required. This includes revolutionising the employment markets so, that work reflects results, rather than results reflecting statistics. The Australian agricultural landscape and flora and fauna are vital and innovation must occur at any cost as Morrison government policies appear to be aiding and abetting stagnation rather than innovation.

The Labor Party has appeared in crisis for some time, but this is due to the world being in crisis. This  combination of negative publicity and the fact that Liberal Party rhetoric is positive in the wake of this crisis, but they are in fact doing as poorly; cosmetic measures or “verisimilitude” must not be mistaken for action, : Bill Shorten was “the Bill Australia Can’t Afford” and the Morrison government has led Australia to its first recession in 29 years,  hence by their own logic have proven to be no better, specifically the embodiment of their own smear campaign. In recent times it is the Federal Liberal Party that has officially become not “The Party of Debt and Deficit” the Party of Unprecedented Debt and Deficit, further proving they are unfit to lead Australia despite boasting current preferred Prime Minister status. The simple truth is that errors are a ubiquitous symptom of uncertainty and the politician or political group, Labor or Liberal who produces innovatively productive policies will extricate Australia from its current state of crisis and disrepute.

Australian policies are questionable with startling blunders occurring across politics during the pandemic. Productivity and accountability are shunned, the cosmetic being constant.

The Victorian Labor government has proven acutely unpopular for its pro-Chinese policy and stance. Deals with Chinese bodies have continued to occur by Labor and Liberal, some are suspiciously questionable. Blunders and double standards have been chronic: Hotel Quarantine, the dastardly health error of Queensland Labor, the equally shocking shoddy circumstances surrounding the Ruby Princess, the failings of the COVID safe application and almost criminally negligible aged care fiasco. Despite conciliatory measures, verisimilitude is chronic and transparency negligible during the pandemic. Australian historical significance and intangible culture heritage have been all but compromised and may still be along with elderly citizens, who have a stake in bespoke history and heritage. This economic debacle chronic with errors denotes a need for workplace change in the form of results and longevity, not statistics. Opinion polls are misleading and unreliable, it comes down to innovation and constructive changes which will elevate Australia from its present state of disrepute.   

Robert E Melato 

Footnotes:

[1] Credlin, Sky News, 29/6/2020

[2] https://budget.gov.au/2020-21/content/essentials.htm#three

[3] Ibid.

[4] Christopher Walsh “How and why did the Northern Territory lease the Darwin Port to China, and at what risk?” In Curious Darwin posted March 12, 2019 at 8:05am updated March 13 at 6:30pm

[5] Ibid.

[6] Peter Gleeson, “Across Australia” Sky News March 21, 2020. https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6158217289001 accessed 1/10/2020

[7] Anthony Galloway and Michael Fowler in Sydney Morning Herald posted June 11, 2020 at 11:39am

[8] Verity Gorman ”Former NSW MP, Daryl Maguire handed cash in Parliament for role in visa scheme, ICAC hears” in ABC Riverina posted Tuesday, 29 September 2020 at 6:49 pm

[9]  Lauren Pezel “ICAC hears former MP Daryl Maguire was paid ‘allowance’ by Chinese business group’”in ABC Riverina Posted 30 September 2020 at 4:00pm

[10] M Spencer, in Emily Watkins (eds).“How do you fix a system this broken” in Crikey Daily October 2, 2020 accessed 2/10/20

[11] Sophie Moore and Marty Silk “Qld border reprieve in line for dying dad” in Guardian News September 11, 2020 posted at 1:17pm accessed 12/10/2020

[12] Sophie Moore, “Qld Premer Anastascia Palaszczuk responds to claims Tom Hanks is quarantining at lavish estate” 7 News published September 20, 2020, updated 12:56 pm accessed 12/10/2020

[13] Credlin, “Sky News” 28/6/2020

[14] M.Cormann, “AM Agenda” Sky News 2 October, 2020

[15] Credlin, op cit. 29/6/2020

[16] Ibid.

[17] Chloe Hart “Don Bradman’s childhood cricket pitch under threat to make way for housing development”  ABC News 18 September 2020 at 5:54am updated 19 September 2020 at 11:48am

References:

https://budget.gov.au/2020-21/content/essentials.htm#three

Cormann, M. “AM Agenda” Sky News 2 October, 2020

Credlin, P. “Sky News” 28 June 2020

Credlin, P. “Sky News” 29 June 2020

Galloway, A and Fowler, M. in Sydney Morning Herald posted June 11, 2020 at 11:39am

Gleeson, P. “Across Australia” Sky News March 21, 2020.

Gorman. V. ”Former NSW MP, Daryl Maguire handed cash in Parliament for role in visa scheme, ICAC hears” in ABC Riverina posted Tuesday, 29 September 2020 at 6:49pm

Hart, C. “Don Bradman’s childhood cricket pitch under threat to make way for housing development”  ABC News 18 September 2020 at 5:54am updated 19 September 2020 at 11:48am

Moore, S. “Qld Premer Anastascia Palaszczuk responds to claims Tom Hanks is quarantining at lavish estate” 7 News published September 20, 2020, updated 12:56 pm

Moore, S. and Silk, M. “Qld border reprieve in line for dying dad” in Guardian News September 11, 2020 posted at 1:17pm

Pezel, L. “ICAC hears former MP Daryl Maguire was paid ‘allowance’ by Chinese business group’”in ABC Riverina Posted 30 September 2020 at 4:00pm

Spencer, M. in Emily Watkins (eds).“How do you fix a system this broken” in Crikey Daily October 2, 2020

Walsh, C “How and why did the Northern Territory lease the Darwin Port to China, and at what risk?” In Curious Darwin posted March 12, 2019 at 8:05am updated March 13 at 6:30pm

---

[1] Credlin, Sky News, 29/6/2020

[2] https://budget.gov.au/2020-21/content/essentials.htm#three

[3] Ibid.

[4] Christopher Walsh “How and why did the Northern Territory lease the Darwin Port to China, and at what risk?” In Curious Darwin posted March 12, 2019 at 8:05am updated March 13 at 6:30pm

[5] Ibid.

[6] Peter Gleeson, “Across Australia” Sky News March 21, 2020. https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6158217289001 accessed 1/10/2020

[7] Anthony Galloway and Michael Fowler in Sydney Morning Herald posted June 11, 2020 at 11:39am

[8] Verity Gorman ”Former NSW MP, Daryl Maguire handed cash in Parliament for role in visa scheme, ICAC hears” in ABC Riverina posted Tuesday, 29 September 2020 at 6:49 pm

[9]  Lauren Pezel “ICAC hears former MP Daryl Maguire was paid ‘allowance’ by Chinese business group’”in ABC Riverina Posted 30 September 2020 at 4:00pm

[10] M Spencer, in Emily Watkins (eds).“How do you fix a system this broken” in Crikey Daily October 2, 2020 accessed 2/10/20

[11] Sophie Moore and Marty Silk “Qld border reprieve in line for dying dad” in Guardian News September 11, 2020 posted at 1:17pm accessed 12/10/2020

[12] Sophie Moore, “Qld Premer Anastascia Palaszczuk responds to claims Tom Hanks is quarantining at lavish estate” 7 News published September 20, 2020, updated 12:56 pm accessed 12/10/2020

[13] Credlin, “Sky News” 28/6/2020

[14] M.Cormann, “AM Agenda” Sky News 2 October, 2020

[15] Credlin, op cit. 29/6/2020

[16] Ibid.

[17] Chloe Hart “Don Bradman’s childhood cricket pitch under threat to make way for housing development”  ABC News 18 September 2020 at 5:54am updated 19 September 2020 at 11:48am

This was a wonderful cricketing summer for Australia. Seemingly, the positives ensnared from retaining the Ashes were conducive to the optimistic mindset that saw the Australian Test team thrive in domestic conditions. Captain Tim Paine, who has attracted some warranted and constructive criticism, has done a sterling job and justified his selection. His personal statistics are unflattering and his use of the Decision Review System (DRS) are the subject of much debate. Furthermore, his field placings have become a minor issue with global ramifications: They are more typically reminiscent of the shorter forms of cricket and seem focused on stemming run flow; if more attacking fields, namely catchers were placed more often, dismissals would occur sooner and runs conceded would lessen. The added positive is this would stem chronic and monotonous complaints concerning abysmal overrates due to earlier innings completions. His uncomplicated approach is nonetheless the basis for a positive outlook, nationally and globally.

The positives of Captain Paine are obvious: His personal statistics suggest under performance, but his consistency as leader is impressive: he is reliable behind the stumps, dropping very few catches this season; he is perfectly old-fashioned: very gritty and determined and does the basics very well. It is regrettable that people forget keepers should be selected for ability to keep. Suffice it to say, an ingenious and exceptional player like Adam Gilchrist was a specialist batsman turned keeper; that his standards are regarded as the norm to the extent of mystification says more about collective nostalgia among the cricket crazed masses than a proper understanding of what makes a fine keeper or captain.

Captain Paine has lifted the Australian team from the shame and humiliation of what was arguably its nadir, namely its lowest ebb in the modern era, the “Sandpapergate” Affair, the quagmire of Cape Town and is very slowly fostering winning ways in a manner very reminiscent of former captains, Border, Taylor and Ponting. His style is unassuming and results driven if occasionally unglamorous, but it has hitherto proved effective. The two facets of his captaincy that have attracted and warranted criticism, specifically his poor use of DRS and tendency to place defensive fields which are intent on saving runs rather than having attacking fields of catchers intent on taking wickets.  While he is frequently guilty as charged there is evidence to suggest that criticising his captaincy for these flaws is far less warranted than would seem the case.   

The conditions and policies governing DRS technology make for something of a bureaucratic bungle. The existence in the international rules of the stipulation of “umpire’s call” has cast aspersions on the match awareness of many a player. This facet exists to give the benefit of the doubt to the standing umpire citing that technology programmed by humans is prone to be biased and hence, fallible. Several former players, most notably, Shane Warne, have stated officials should trust in the technology, as it is the best that is currently available. Furthermore, that it should allow them to rule in the positive or negative, specifically a decision should be ruled “out” or not out and “umpire’s call” needs eliminating.

Currently, the difficulty posed by “umpire’s call” causes many players, more usually captains and keepers to assume which way the standing official will rule, rather than being definite about their challenge. Worse still is it tempts honest players into manipulating a situation so as to extricate a desirable outcome. This second scenario forces the official to trust in their conviction, lending plausibility to the umpires call stipulation. This causes players to “over read” or “second guess” these micro and often pivotal game situations; challenges occur when they should not and are not made when they should be. There is much guessing that occurs making wonderfully capable professionals, like Tim Paine and even South African keeper, Quentin de Kock look foolish casting aspersions on their intuition or match awareness. The above suggestion by Shane Warne of abandoning the condition of “umpire’s call” and ruling out or not out seems practical and preferable on a global scale.

Finally, and arguably of greater importance is the conundrum imposed by Australian selection policies; specifically, the absence of specialist bowlers. This flaw is partially responsible for excessive defensive approaches. The issue of defensive versus attacking fields cannot be entirely attributed to passive leadership, but also poor selection policies. An example this summer was specialist spinner Nathan Lyon lacking a specialist spin partner bowling from the opposite end. Captain Paine was bowling part-time spinners, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head to bridge this gap in expertise. Predictably, far too often their lack of specialisation was exposed in the form of a poor delivery each over and defensive fields reminiscent of shorter formats like 20/20 were then set to limit the damage to the scoring rate. This placed further pressure on Lyon to produce poor deliveries that would induce reckless shots, rather than enabling him to observe the technique of  “playing the percentages” via a consistent line and length and ensnaring a wicket  by inducing an error. 

The Australian fast bowling unit produced a far better offering due to the presence of specialists rather than part-timers and this paid dividends with Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Pattinson. They formed a quartet, after Hazlewood was injured. National selectors need to take note of a what is clearly successful formula for Australian fast bowling and apply this logic to selection of spinners. 

It does seem obvious that the tenacity, skill and technique of Nathan Lyon would be complemented and the quality of Australian Test cricket enhanced if gifted young spinners such as Lloyd Pope, Mitchell Swepson or even Adam Zampa were Test considerations. Zampa is particularly worthy of mention as he has good control and classical ability to flight the ball. This would be positive for short and long term purposes: Firstly, The young spinner would be forced to learn the highest form of technique and sustain it over five days teaching that passion and dedication are more important than panache, temerity or public profile; this would also enhance their short format skills via superior discipline. These above facets should result from superlative technique. Secondly, the presence of support will further enhance the contribution and consistency of Lyon. Thirdly, depth in the squad is of the essence as ageing players and those prone to injury will make the likelihood of a mass exodus inevitable and the younger players will then have to resume the role, responsibility and aptitude of senior players.

Hard work, passion, dedication, application and the ensuing mastery of basics and technique should always trump “branding” or ‘star-power’. These modern facets are admittedly necessary, even vital, but should be by-products of quality play and players. The captaincy of Paine is considered by some to be either an unfortunate or happy accident in the modern annals of Australian Test cricket. Alternatively, it is dismissed as a temporary measure till a younger captain is appointed. Truthfully, Captain Paine has been exceptional: He is the proverbial “quiet achiever ” a workhorse and stalwart in a glamorous age. His tenure has proved that results can be attained without unnecessary negative attention. Furthermore, the current Australian Test line up play better as a team than their recent predecessors. 

For all reasons stated,  Tim Paine needs to remain captain to further improve the current positive state of the Australian Test team which should hopefully have a positive effect on Australian efforts in other formats. Furthermore if the efforts of Paine and Australia continue on their current trajectory, it is is neither exaggeration or wishful thinking to suggest they could capture the scintillating touch that was the trademark of teams Stephen Waugh and Ricky Ponting.

Robert E Melato 

Australian disability perspectives need revising: There needs to be a shift from legislation that breeds bureaucracy to legislation that stimulates practical results rather than producing impressive statistics. In Australian workplaces and other work environments, playing the percentages, and encourage the best possible practical output under the circumstances is quintessential. If anything, statistics should be a measure of achievement or the need for improvement, not neglect, incompetence or substandard practices and procedures, pertinent examples include disability and aged care. Facilitating disability employment and social mobility will negate the need for government efforts. Workplaces need to be further developed so that capable individuals will be recognised and make an active contribution to the economy rather than being consigned to merely utilising economic resources, namely living as a liability.

The perils facing the disabled in 2020 Australia are many and the sad truth is that much disability legislation is cosmetic leading to a spate of services that are substandard. If there is a pervasive problem in Australia, across Australian politics, it is surely the issue of policies and pledges being short term and ad hoc in nature. Just as this applies in economic and foreign policy, brief examples being the JobKeeper scheme and volatile but convenient relationship with China, so too disability policy never appears to take the form of long-term policy. There are many policies and statutes like the Disability Discrimination Act 1984 and Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities 2007. The more recent statute, much like The Right to Shelter, specifically Article 19 of Vienna Convention Australia is merely a signatory; the Optional Protocol may have been signed. [1] The results in practice are far from satisfactory.

Work and the workplace do not require a paradigm shift, but rather innovation via diversification. If the spike in services being delivered, notably groceries proves anything, it is that lateral thinking in times of adversity can lead to future positives. Simply put, current adversity presents an unprecedented opportunity to “play the percentages.” which can lead to economic and social improvements. This would further enfranchise demographics that have traditionally struggled, such as the disabled or those elderly still willing to be employed thereby lessening the economic divide between classes and political demographics. A minor but paradoxically significant instance of this is Edward Feuerstein of Aboriginal organisation, Dreamtime Explorers making facemasks with Aboriginal insignias and patterns hosting workshops in local communities, like in the Campbelltown Macarthur region.[2]

“Playing the percentages.” Or facilitating each worker to perform at maximum ability, would mean diversifying or expanding the way work occurs, specifically making social distancing beneficially practical. companies and firms ought to allow a contingent of workers to work from home: For several months of the year alternating rosters in a company approved rotation policy or “quid pro quo” should occur. Financial benefits and bonuses could be negotiated so that all colleagues are granted the opportunity to diversify duties and work in personal comfort. This is aimed at enhanced efficiency. If more employees are working at 60 to 70 percent efficiency, in a relaxed environment such as their home, more often, it is likely job satisfaction and productivity would be greater. Improvement, not perfection is the target.

Circumventing damaging bureaucratic tendencies will come when government structures realise that statistics should be a guide but not a measure of the quality of work or the reality of the situation. Performance driven results chiefly reliant on key performance indicators do not reflect the quality of work but make it easy to hide behind statistics.

Never has this been more apparent than recently when Amber Schultz published a story about the dreadful experience of Georgi Hadden in disability care in which the frightening statistics of 187 workers versus 71, 000 clients were exposed.[3]If the current reliance on statistics in the workplace is not curbed, professional incompetence and institutionalised discrimination will perpetuate, because those most vulnerable will continue to suffer and those disabled who can articulate their plight will continue to be excluded due to suspicions of potential poor performance. Statistics should never obscure or exalt incompetence.

A further but equally pertinent example pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and particularly the elderly is the Federal Government observation on August 29 that 97% of aged care homes have not had an outbreak[4] an infuriating statistic for Labor Senator, Kristina Keneally, who felt this obscured the realities of the pandemic for some 353 families of aged Australians. Nonetheless according to Federal Health Minister Richard Colbeck, “a high watermark”[5] This is disturbingly shocking when just over a fortnight prior to this statement, Dr Patricia Sparrow on August 13 stated 68% of Australian COVID-19 cases were aged care residents. The $563 million aged care package decreed by the Morrison government seems a positive step, but questions of transparency must be asked. While many a commentator will call into question the various state governments, pertinent disability and aged statistics point to Federal government oversights, failings and incompetence. A weary, but wise Australian voter can only suspect that a decline in Prime Ministerial popularity as being the driving force of this initiative.

While many people correctly feel the nature and spectrum of disabilities needs redefining into more practical definitions of people’s perils and daily experiences, the truth is that expecting government bodies to be accountable on compassionate grounds is a furphy and employment and education should be the focus. Only if the disabled take responsibility for their own affairs will government incompetence be avoided.

Quota systems long reviled in the Australian experience should exist in the workplace at multiple organisational tiers, and there should always be a contingent of disabled workers graded on intellect and competence levels. Examinations reminiscent of the former Public Servant Exam, ought to be introduced. This is to ensure that the disabled are not merely represented for the sake of representation: If the existence of Intellect were acknowledged and competence graded, then people with the competence and Intelligent Quotients of famous disabled figures like the late Dr Stephen Hawking and former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt will become part of the Australian experience.

Australian disability policy is inadequate: legislation that breeds bureaucracy must be dispensed with and legislation conducive to results rather than impressive statistics must be enacted and applied. In Australian workplaces and other work environments, playing the percentages is vital, the best possible practical output under the circumstances is quintessential. Statistics should reflect achievement or identify a need for improvement: neglect, incompetence or substandard practices and procedures, particularly in disability and aged care needs eliminating. Facilitating disability employment and social mobility will make it easier for governments as self-reliance will reduce the need for assistance. Workplaces need to be further innovated, so individual capabilities can make an active contribution to the economy, as opposed to utilising economic resources, specially being relegated to socioeconomic liability status.

Robert E Melato

References:

Kenneally, K  August 29, 2020 https://twitter.com/KKeneally/status/1298880041959354368

Layt, J. “Popular Project”, Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser, 26 August 2020.

Schultz, A.  Overwhelmed disability watchdog routinely dismisses abuse and neglect”, crikey.com.au,11 August 2020.

https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html accessed September 7, 2020

Wong, P.. Labor’s Senate Select(ions) 29/8/2020 accessed September 7, 2020

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[1] https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html

[2] Jess Layt, “Popular Project”, Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser, 26 August 2020.

[3] Amber Schultz, “Overwhelmed disability watchdog routinely dismisses abuse and neglect”, crikey.com.au,11 August 2020.

[4] @KKeneally August 29, 2020 https://twitter.com/KKeneally/status/1298880041959354368 accessed September 7, 2020

[5] Penny Wong. Labor’s Senate Select(ions) 29/8/2020 accessed September 7, 2020

Rob’s Ramblings is to alert readers to issues and themes in contemporary Australia. These issues and themes can be positive and negative, but the overall purpose is to highlight the need for improvement in Australia. They range from the entertaining to the sociologically pertinent. It is neither politically conservative or progressive, but as improvement and themes of social mobility and the marginalised feature constantly, readers may find that issues like the status quo are not treated favourably. I would urge readers to appreciate the “grandiloquent ramblings” in terms of the amount of discussion an issue can generate and appreciate the need to improve such situations. The post-pandemic world should seek to make “The Lucky Country” luckier still, rather than rewarding the few at the expense of the many. There will be entertainment-themed articles, for there cannot be stimulation without a sense of relaxation. I am a cricket tragic and film buff and I do hope as with the more sociologically themed ramblings, any insights exhibited are thought provoking and conducive to enjoyment

Robert E. Melato

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