‘Old Man’ on News 2014

October 5

I don’t envy Colin Wicking during his holidays, but I cannot wait for his return to the pages of our NT News. He is the unsurpassed master of cartoon commentary and a commentator without a peer.

Anticipating Old Man

19 September

A person who lives to be 100 is deemed to be old. When one considers that there are only 36,525 days, including leap years in a century, that somehow makes the period seem a whole lot shorter.

Young Old Man

16 September

All night roadworks on Vanderlin Drive from Lee Point Roundabout to Patterson Street are causing an unimaginable cacophony of noise. Sound sleep is impossible. With windows closed and air conditioners on, the noise is still resonating in our bedrooms. Is it necessary for major road upgrades in our suburbs to be undertaken at night?

Sleep Deprived Old Man

14 September

Interesting that  during Darwin’s rolling black-outs, fire crackers in abundance were being let off. It as also a night out for hoons. Total darkness certainly emboldens sinful behaviour.

Observing Old Man

11 September

Staffers responsible for drawing up and publishing house seating plans for the Legislative Assembly must be totally perplexed by the shifting of politicians from one seat to another to another. Each sitting of Parliament has a new chair arrangement. Staffers must feel our members are  like participants in a game of musical chairs.

Seat Hopping Old Man

10 September

 Sadly, we know that the Darwin Bus Service has been privatised. Our busses have gone from reflecting territory colours to being travelling billboards.

Advertising Old Man

4 September

The burgeoning growth of Darwin’s Northern Suburbs is putting huge retail pressure on Hibiscus Shopping town in Leanyer and also Karama. Lyons and Muirhead are adding 2000 homes and many more thousands if people to our population. We desperately need a new shopping centre, even a small one, to cater more locally for these growing needs. Present shopping centres are constantly chockers  with people most of the time while car parking areas are choked with vehicles.

Demographic Old Man

3 September

Chief Minister Adam Giles portfolio workload is mind boggling. Few people could take on 13 portfolios including  treasury responsibilities. Our CM’s voracious appetite for work is spell-binding.

Awestruck Old Man  

2 September

Recent events within the CLP Government’s party room convince me that it is awkward to be the boss of one’s best mate. A separation of personal regard from professional appreciation helps when it comes to building organisational credibility. 

Observing Old Man 

August 31

In the early hours of any still morning, we are entertained by the screeching of car tyres and the squealing of brakes. The streets of our suburbs increasingly belong to rev-heads. Road surfaces in our built-up areas are scoured by tyre 

marks and there are cannonball drags in every suburb. It’s getting worse, not better and will end in tragedy.

Apprehensive Old Man

August 30

Politics in the NT seems to raise  a new Dorothy Dixer for us every time the sun comes up. On awakening each morning W e are regaled by a new episode of the political  melodrama. Each episode is too good to miss.

Theatric Old Man

August 28

Only 7.1% of  Darwin’s population is over 65 years of age. How senior  and chronologically enhanced that makes me feel. It seems there are Hardly  enough of us to fill a bus.

Rare Old Man

August 24

How sad it is that the half size  trolleys from shopping centres disappear almost as soon as they arrive for customer use. Apparently they make very good washing trolleys for  clothes and also quite excellent pots  for crabbing. Karama and Leanyer shopping centres had plenty – now none at all.

Disappointed Old Man

August 21

In terms of “gaffes” and foot – in – mouth comments, David Tollner  is the Northern Territory’s answer to Prince Philip the  Duke of Edinburgh.

Comparing Old Man

The way things are going in the Senate, the 2015 federal budget will be presented before the 2014 budget is passed. 

Waiting Old Man

August 19

Praise The Lord that our parliament is back in session. How I have missed the pantomime, performance and the daily entertainment that is question time. The  parliamentary  escapades of our elected members  are akin to the unfolding of a melodrama.

Rejuvenated Old Man

August 16

“Pitch Black” as an exercise offers us a reassurance about the safety of our skies and affirms our security interests as being in the hands of Australians and our friends. It is important that exercises continue in order that we are always in a state of preparedness for the unexpected.

Secure Old Man

August 11

So people have tossed their previous employment, leaving businesses high, dry and labour strapped. Business owners want 457 visa visitors to fill the gap . Fair enough. When Impex is done, those who deserted should have no claim on returning to jobs from which they fled.

Adjudicating Old Man

August 6

I feel blessed when compared to those Territoriabs living in Nhulunbuy, Jabiru, Alyangula and in other smaller towns around the territory. We at least get pamphlets and plenty of them in our letter boxes.

Thankful Old Man 

August 2

It’s easy for Mr Elferink to confirm that bullying within Family and Children’s Services is a furphy. Who would he have asked about the issue, the bullied or the alleged bullies? Problem solved!

Pondering Old Man

August 1

  I believe that in so many ways and in multiple management and leadership situations, women do a far better job than men.  Their qualities of organisation and efficiency along with their ability to multitask, leaves me gasping in admiration (and indeed envy) at their capacities.

Wistful Old Man 

July 27

The Tiger Brennan section opened last Friday will continue to ease the burden of traffic from Palmerston and beyond. Even so our roads are barely keeping pace with the increasing volumes of vehicles unleashed by our burgeoning population. Our infrastructural gurus face a continuing traffic management challenge.

Traffic Watching Old Man

July 25

Our annual show circuit offers people from all walks of life the opportunity to come together, share stories and celebrate our territory together. It enriches and uplifts those attending. Our shows also give us a chance to share our place with many visitors who are here at this time of the year. People from all walks of life rub shoulders and share the show experience as equals. May our shows long prevail.

Appreciative Old Man

July 24

I think it is a bit rich for certain people in high places to tell Territorians that extra living costs are our privilege to pay as a consequence for us residing in the best place in Australia. The more so because those making such pronouncements would not know what it was like to live on lower incomes and fewer benefits than what they receive. Do our leaders really know their people?

Wondering Old Man

July 22

On the one hand, Top Springs Hotel is under severe restrictions to limit supply of alcohol to nearby communities. On the other, David Tollner is talking of social clubs and pokies in communities. Help please for I do not understand!

Confused Old Man 

July 16

Many of the ‘new’ ideas tried by government and departments in the NT have been tried and disgarded in past times. As we are so abysmal at keeping historical records, new leaders don’t have a clue about past times. So often our recall of the past stops at yesterday. We need to get smarter about recording and revisiting and learning from our past.

Mm

July 15

First we had The Hoff and now Hodor is to grace Darwin with his presence. How lucky we are to have these men and other great people come and enrich us through their contribution. We are certainly in the map when it comes to attracting celebrity attention.

Appreciative Old Man

July 14

So many Departments and organisations look interstate to recruit heads and CEO’s denying Territory talent and those committed to the NT. The vast majority come for a while, often do a mediocre job, build their CV’s then leave. They treat the NT as a launching pad to greater personal glory. Oh for leaders who really care.

Wishful Old Man  

July 13

If politics and governance were taken off the reporting agenda for seven days, radio and  TV news bulletins along with print media would lose 95% of their content for the week.

Calculating Old Man

July 8

If our City of Darwin wants to increase its rate take without increasing rates, it could arrange a land revaluation. Unimproved capital values would increase and therefore rates paid. There are so many ways to enrich council’s coffers.

Old Man on Options 

July 7

The number one improvement the new company taking over the Darwin Bus Service could make is adding to the comfort of  passengers and security of drivers by controlling the obnoxious, bullying few whose antisocial behaviour ruins travel for commuters.

 Observing Old Man

July 6

Those of us who hang out to buy ‘Australian made’ products will soon find there is nothing left to buy .

Searching Old Man

July 3

The new student units being built on Dripstone Road but within the Casuarina Shopping Complex will be great for CDU students.  However it will add further strain to the already overcrowded car parking situation. Parking, a chronic centre issue already  will be stretched to absolute breaking point.

Concerned Old Man

There are some people who throughout life are a constant challenge to others. They contribute little other than problems for others to fix. When passing over, they are spoken of fondly, reverentially and portrayed as great people. Are such eulogies warranted or hypocritical?

Questioning Old Man

July 2

Territory Day is one if celebration. I hope the year ahead of our ‘birthday’ will bring us peace and prosperity. May we grow together in oneness and unity, remembering that the Territory we call home is a good place. 

Celebrating Old Man

June 30

Modern technology is stripping the privacy which once surrounded people. We are becoming more and more revealed to others. I hope no technological advance enables the reading and revealing of one’s thoughts. If that happens our rights to think will be compromised and privacy totally lost. 

Scared Old Man

June 29

 

I move a vote of thanks to Darwin Bus Service drivers for the job they do and often in difficult circumstances. The passengers  with whom they deal include uncooperative, disruptive elements. They manage well and try their best to deliver a quality service. Drivers, you are appreciated for the way you approach the task. I am sure many of the public transport travellers join me in thanking you all.

Appreciative Old Man 

June 27

How did people get on at airports,train stations and bus depots before electronic gagetary? Their preoccupation helps them pass the time while totally zoned out.

Observing Old Man

June 25

The transient population of the NT means that come election time, candidates standing for election are hardly know by hundreds and hundreds of voters. Track record of Government means little to those who are but short term residents when they go to the polls.

Political Old Man

June 22

Judging by the amount of litter blowing into our yard when dropped from unsecured loads of rubbish or tossed from passing cars, McDonalds sells  the most popular take-away food and drink in Darwin. 

Calculating Old Man

June  21

Alison Anderson has belonged to three political parties and has also had independent status? Could this be an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for the greatest number of affiliations held by one Politican?

Wondering Old Man  

June 12

The way in which Mr Giles used Estimates Committee  time on June 11 by launching into ‘off question’ answers to questions put, in order to use time and run the clock down is deplorable. Then to mock the opposition for their inability to ask meaningful questions adds to the charade. Charming!

Disgusted Old Man

June 10

The fact our NT economy and infrastructure are in rapid growth mode is a good thing. However, we also suffer from poor repair and  maintenance of existing facilities. Growth will be sullied if existing facilities are allowed to fall into disrepair.

Practical Old Man

June 8

Australia Post is rumoured to be cutting postal delivery services and jobs. This seems the latest of a never-ending list of companies and agencies paring staff back to the bone. Nothing replaces the service people offer people. Sadly personality and the human side of enterprise is becoming a thing of the past.

A Disappointed Old Man

June 5

With the NT living costs forever rising and with salary increases not keeping pace, we live on the edge of a growing underclass. Some grow richer, including those in the mining and some in the construction industry. The rest, the majority, are going backward in terms of economic security. Where will it end?

Wondering Old Man

June 4

More and more jobs are bring sent offshore, outsourced and given over to robotic control. Manufacturers are shutting down, going overseas or selling to foreign ownership. How is that going to help reduce unemployment and where will jobs for the displaced come from?

Confused Old Man

June 2

It seems ironic that we mull over the pros and cons of Carbon Tax when a decent volcanic eruption spews the equivalent of 20 years of man made pollutants into the atmosphere within the space of a few days.

Calculating Old Man

May 29

Oh dear! There is a furore over cabinet documents being released before the  30 year time lapse period is up. How much more accountable would governments be if not protected by this time barrier?

Transparent Old Man

May  18

Our parliament is done for the next month. The pantomime ceases. It!s back to ordinary living. Bring on the next sitting so we can become galvanized Territorians riveted to put downs, rivalries and question time antics.

Impatient Old Man

May 9

The AEU (NT) Annual Conference Friday and Saturday will be an interesting affair with the President gone, the Secretary on leave and the two days presided by an Acting President drafted into the job only days ago. Bet there are some interesting exchanges, especially with the EBA still outstanding.

Prognosticating Old Man

May 8

I feel sad that the Government  was prepared to spin on, disallowing the opposition and independents the chance to raise matters for debate on Wednesday evening of this sitting week. This was the height of selfishness and unfairness. 

Concerned Old Man

May 4

I ask this question:  Would the CLP in opposition have been elected to government  if it had gone to the August 2012 election with other than Terry Mills and Kezia Purich as it’s leader and deputy?

Querying Old Man   

May 3

I am really, really looking forward to Tuesday and the resumption of our Legislative Assembly. What a question time we are in for! I can’t wait!!

Anticipating Old Man 

April 29

Last night I dreamt we were blessed by stable government and a steady economy. Then I awoke. It was but a dream. 

Visionary Old Man

April 28

The possibility of a ‘debt levy’ as part of the upcoming Federal budget makes me bristle. Governments waste in a profligate, splurging manner, then want citizens to take accountability for their indiscretions. Ripping from the industrious to alleviate Government waste is immoral. 

Angry Old Man.  

April 12

The difference between the   CLP in recent months and a pantomime at the Darwin Entertainment  Centre, is that  CLP entertainment does not attract an admission fee. 

Comparing Old Man

March 20

Nhulunbuy MLA Lynne Walker was criticised during question time on Tuesday for doing nothing for her community and caring little about the consequences of the refinery shut-down. Slamming her was wrong; she has been there advocating for and supporting her community since foreclosure was announced. Don’t slag good parliamentary members.

Correcting Old Man

March 18

I hope the school groups attending Parliament today      who  witnessed question time didn’t leave thinking that slanging, name calling, put downs and avoidance in answering questions is the way conversation should be conducted. My advice to schools would be to take groups to Parliament  OTHER than at question time.

Concerned Old Man

March 16

Any Territory child born today will be at least eleven before a team other than Saint Mary’s wins the Northern Territory (AFL. NT) Premier League  Grand Final.

Predicting Old Man

March 6

Whoa! What is going to happen on Friday when Nigel’s Army of truancy officers go out and do their Territory-wide round-up of truants for delivery to the school gate? Schools will be shut with students there but without teachers. Could be some interesting scenarios.

Wondering Old Man

Feb 14

I forecast Afghanistan would revert to being a living hell with the departure of Australian and American troops. That is coming to pass with the country day descending toward a return to chaos. 

Sadly Correct Old Man

Feb 14

The NT Governmebt has reinstated of open speed limits (albeit as a trial) it is taking a huge risk. If accidents occur and drivers of crash vehicles are denied insurance (as per the TIO warning) taxpayers may be up for huge payouts. Third party insurance is likely to be touched by extra claims  and that will impact by imposts at vehicle registration time. The open speed outlook is gloomy.

Cautioning Old Man

Feb 14

Can we know what the intentions of Government are, in relation to the reinstatement t (in some form)  of the Arafura Games or whether  they are gone for good. No problem of-course for Government sponsorship of AFL, Rugby League  (Paramatta Eels), cars, horses and motor bikes. They are for spectators. The Arafura’s were great for local and regional participation and brought volunteers out in their hundreds. Canning the best makes no sense.

Questioning Old Man

Feb 11

Why is it that so many CEO’s, business and industry heads draw hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars in salary as a reward for poor business practice and running their company’s into the ground? Why is it that workers are squeezed and service reduced, with the only thing appearing to count being shareholder dividends?

Confused Old Man

Feb 11

May we all be blessed and enriched by the decisions which will come from our Territory Parliament during the year of sittings now unfolding. May our political leaders and those who sit,deliberate and decide on issues within its hallowed halls, be given guidance and offered wise advice to support their decision making.

Trusting Old Man

Feb 7

The Wilson Report on Indigenous Education confirms we go round and round. We had residential colleges for indigenous Students and scrapped them; now they are coming again? We went from monolingual ( English only) to bilingual to monolingual to bilingual – now back to monolingual education again. Help,help I am getting giddy!

Dizzy Old Man 

Jan 30

If the NT Government allows the reinstatement of open speed limits (albeit as a trial) it is taking a huge risk. If accidents occur and drivers of crash vehicles are denied insurance (as per the TIO warning) taxpayers may be up for huge payouts. Third party insurance is likely to be touched by extra claims  and that will impact by imposts at vehicle registration time. The open speed outlook is gloomy.

Cautioning Old Man

Jan 29

All the very best for a great year to students, teachers, support staff, school leaders and everyone associated with our Territory schools this year. Contrary to some of the messages that get out and about, we have a good system. Remember to celebrate success as well as responding to educational challenges.

Henry Gray 

Jan 28

Without doubt attendance will be up in remote schools at the end of one week after the invasion of ‘Nigel’s Army’ of truancy officers. I would be far more interested in the attendance statistic at the end of the first week, month, semester and school year. A week is nothing and the ‘initiative’ will only be proved successful if improvement is long term.  I hope it works but from experience I have concerns.  

Data-Interested Old Man 

Jan 27

Cable television suggests Americans to be a nation of extreme couponers, ‘gaitor boys, swamp people, bootleggers, pickers, ice road drivers … The list of ‘extreme’ shows goes on.  Are there any ordinary Americans?

Geographic Old Man

Jan 23

Over the centuries through exploration and invasion, mankind has moved into the territory of others and taken it over. On the last half century we have become historically apologetic for this misplaced enterprise. It we retreat through history to where the outreach all began, we would be be back to the Garden of Eden. Get on with life and cut the self recrimination.

Historic Old Man

It is fantastic to wake on mornings when gently precipitating raindrops are refreshing the earth with their cleansing power. Such days bring special blessing.

Spiritual Old Man

Jan 21

Good morning and look forward with anticipation to what the day may unfold onto Australia. What momentous Government decision, initiative, reform or policy is waiting in the wings to be added to the fabric of our lives. May we all be blessed.

Old Man Waiting with Bated  Breath.

Jan 20

Every morning Australians are united by daylight’s emergence across this the best of all continental places on God’s earth. How lucky we are to be part of this great geographic and socially alive place. May we unite our hearts and our spirits in a universal chorus of praise and appreciation for all that is good about our Great Land.

Thanks-giving Old Man

If the Gillard/Rudd Government still reigned supreme, hundreds of bureaucrats in Canberra, right now, would be calculating what the States owed in terms of carbon tax contributions for Australia’s rash of bushfires. It would provide a windfall of hundreds of millions for a continuation of Federal Labor’s profligate spending.

Calculating Old Man

Sports sponsorship by tobacco companies was banned in order to recognise the deleterious impact of smoking on lives. Now is the time to ban sponsorship by the alcohol industry for the same reason. Grog is as much an evil influence  as tobacco. 

Teetotally  Focussed Old Man

People build houses among trees and in places where fuel loads are encourage by no raring and no controlled  burning policies. Many places are inaccessible fire control vehicles. Arsonists are handed meek punishments  if caught.  Then there is wonder when homes and property are destroyed.  Thank God we have back burning and fuel control provisions in the NT. 

Reflecting Old Man 

Jan 8

 I would like to acknowledge Mr Moir for his regular and perceptive letters and comments published in the pages of the ‘NT News’ throughout 2013. For mine he is your ‘corespondent of the year’ and an enduring Territory Patriarch.

Appreciating Territorian

Jan 4

I look forward to 2014 with a positive and buoyed spirit. How lucky we Territorians are to be in the place we are, being lead toward the future by wise, focused  government.  Surely we must be among those who are the envy of the world. 

Reflective Old Man  

Jan. 2

May all your readers and avid followers of the NT News and your Suns Newspapers have a great year. I hope 2014 is the best year for us all. 

Newspaper Appreciating Old Man

If recognition of Indigenous Australians needs constitutional change because they are presently not seen as Australian, does this not mean that land rights confer land ownership on aliens? 

Confused Old Man

Jan 1

Worldwide, celebratory fire crackers to welcome 2014, weighted thousands and thousands of tonnes and cost many tens of millions of dollars. Happy New Year everyone, everywhere.

Celebrating Old Man

Christmas Day is almost like an unfortunate full stop getting in the way of the full on tsunami of life. It is like a small eye of exhaustion in the midst of life’s economic cyclone.

Bemused Old Man

I hope all staff of the NT News have a wonderful festive season. You work magnificently and gel as a fine team to bring us a daily paper that is forever growing in bigger, brighter and better directions. We in the Territory are blessed to have ‘the News’ (including online options) as our daily voice in print and online. You are appreciated.

Blessed  Old Man 

How lucky we are to be in a state of government realisation about the need to reduce debt and live within our means. How glad I am that our government is stressing the need for Australians to be responsible citizens, not merely persons and companies entitled to propping up and endless support.

Euphoric Old Man