Peace Park Bali – Peace Park Leanyer

We had a Peace Park in  Castlereagh Street, Leanyer. It was a lovely park replete with signage. But that was before it was vandalised, the signage was destroyed, the maintenance program was neglected, and the park was essentially abandoned. 

Minister Burke

I have very little faith in Minister Burke. My respect for him as a politician was largely destroyed when he seconded the Kevin Andrews bill to outlaw the Assisted Dying (Perron Legislation) Act in the Northern Territory. As a minister, he has failed to impress me, and I often wonder why he and Chris Bowen are permanent fixtures on the front bench of the Albanese Government cabinet.

Peter Dutton, Donald Trump and the NT

Being all things to all people is very hard for politicians of any party. Without a doubt, Peter Dutton is keen to reinforce to Donald Trump the need to ensure that defence priorities remain front and centre in allegiance between Australia and the USA. The NT plays a vital role in this relationship – everything from Pine Gap to the growing presence of American forces in annual exercises within the NT and especially the Top End.  This is Dutton caring for Australia and the NT.

Alcohol – the Number One Territory scourge

Nobody, it seems, wants to confront the significant issue facing the NT – that of alcohol abuse with its deleterious economic, social and moral consequences. No wonder DV is on the increase, along with assaults and property damage. No wonder that many young people who, in effect, become street kids to avoid the sadness of their homes get caught up in cycles of crime.  Alcohol and its consequences are the number one bane of the NT  – and its negative impacts are worsening with time.

Tin Lizards for Tennant Creek

There is much more to a town than tin lizards

Lizards here,

Lizards there,

Lizards, lizards everywhere,

In houses here,

And buildings  there,

Of underfoot …  and I despair,

Of noise they make, 

And mess they leave,

Makes cleaning up,

An awful peeve.

And now I am supposed to want,

Big tin lizards on the front,

Of entry into Tennant Creek, 

Na – it’s  not lizards that we seek,

We want TC to be clean 

And tidy with the surge of green,

In streetscape fronts, 

And lawns of homes,

To make the  town a tranquil place,

Where people act with poise and grace.

TC could revitalise,

And transform before our eyes,

It’s no surprise,

 as you must see,

Tin lizards.

 They are not for me.