Will Fowles bid for the Lord Mayors Limousine took a dive when the ALP administrative committee rejected his bid for endorsement.
At a recent ALP branch meeting, Fowles proved he had potential but he failed to answer one question with substance preferring to dodge weave and avoid the real issues. (This is a talent that is in some quarters highly regarded)
His biggest mistake was jumping into bed with all time loser and failed former city Councillor Kate Redwood. Redwood has not once been elected to public office on her own merit. Her last stint was due to the good will and foolish nature of Peter McMullin who mistakenly put her number one on his ticket bid for the Lord Mayor back in 2001 before he opted to run for the City of Geelong. Peter McMullin we understand has no kind words to say about Redwood. (Join the queue)
Kate Redwood, who is a part time ALP member more interested in securing paid positions on cushy government committees of management, was renowned for milking the system and enjoying luxury visits back home to the UK at a cost to ratepayers of $20,000 for a ten day all expenses paid holiday "Fact finding tour" in the weeks leading up to the end of her term of office. Her bid for re-election in 2004 failed when she only received 600 votes.
Whats even more laudable is that Redwood preferenced John So's Team and the Greens ahead of other ALP members preventing the ALP from electing two members of Council. The very people that Will Fowles claims he is trying to beat.
By selecting and announcing Redwood as his Deputy candidate before he consulted with the Party was his down fall and showed a serious lack of political judgement.
Whilst Will Fowles may have his families money to back up his play for the Lord Mayor's Office it is highly unlikely he can win the seat in the Lord Mayor's limo.
Being an endorsed ALP candidate would have made it that much harder as he would not have attracted the support of more conservative members of the electorate. He would have had to out-poll the Greens and local heroes, such as Kevin Chamberlain and John So, and hope that he collects 100% of available preferences to stay in the race.
When asked realistically what percentage of the vote does he expect to attract he had no idea.
Peter McMullin in 2001, also backed by his family fortune and with Kate Redwood on his team, failed miserably in his attempt to win against John "Bro" So.
Will Fowles is set to repeat McMullin's triumph disaster.
The real problem facing Melbourne is the direct election model which Socialist Left's Bob Cameron, then Minister for Local Government, introduced.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
VEXNEWS.com Independent free news
Independent blogger, come freelance journalist, Andrew Landeryou has recently branched out into the realm of online news with his exciting and vexing news site.
A site worth watching/reading for informative news and insights into Australian politics and beyond.
http://vexnews.com
A site worth watching/reading for informative news and insights into Australian politics and beyond.
http://vexnews.com
Sunday, August 03, 2008
So will he or wont he? The Great Race for the Chains and Robes begins to take form
Michael Warner has a good historical summary of the race for the keys to the Lord Mayor's Limo in today's Sunday Herald Sun News paper . There has been a lot of speculation in the media this as the punters and would be Robe and Chains Hunters begin to mark their claims for the title of contenders.
John So
John So has yet to declare his hand but everyone expects he will be in in the race to become Melbourne Mascot Lord Mayor for a third term.
If John So will run he will find it a much more difficult challenge then he did last time around.
Most, if not all, of John's opponents will be seeking to ensure he does not win a third term. John So is unlikely to secure the level of support he received back in 2004 and his ploy of pleading to the electorate to give him their second preference may not deliver the same result as it did last time around. Odds are he will not secure a majority of the Council and will at best only win two of the seven Council seats on offer placing a So lead team in a not so strong position.
Jeff Kennett
Speculation has been rife that former Premier Jeff Kennett will put in a bid to be restored to public life. Jeff is not seen as a serious contender by insiders as he previously has toyed with the media and the idea of nominating for the City's number one but never followed through with the notion. It is unlikely he will do so again either. However he has John So and his team spitting dim sims at the prospect of facing such a political legend - a legend in his own mind.
Jeff Kennett really did not serve Melbourne well under his reign of terror, bad planning and municipal reform. In many ways Jeff Kennett is to blame for much of the mess and malice that the Council now faces. Jeff stripped the city of its asserts and reduced its size and influence to the point that the Council is perpetually dysfunctional.
Major projects under Jeff Kennett was a complete disaster that saw ill-considered and poor planning have a negative impact on Melbourne's future. (over 12 years on and we still are suffering the effects). The relocation of the Melbourne Museum to the Carlton Gardens and the development of Federation square being the classic tale of missed opportunities and poor long term strategic planning.
Eddie McGuire
The famous and talented Eddie McGuire gets a nomination but he also is not a serious player. Why would he when is doing fine what he is doing now and taking on the LM's position is not part of his long game play. Having to deal with the Council bureaucracy is such a daunting task. (But he would be welcomed if he nominated)
Bill Fowles
Young Bill Fowler, son of the Fowles auction house emporium, jumped the gun and announced his bid to seek ALP pre-selection and endorsement for the right to run as Lord Mayor. His proposed running mate is Kate Redwood, who could be his down fall. (Surely if he is serious he can and should find someone better to run with)
Kate Redwood, a former City Councillor and part time member of the ALP, has been a non-event careerist in the past. Redwood is more interested in securing lurks and perks, postings on various governmental boards to top up her meager salary and taking advantage of the numerous career advancement opportunities that being a City Councilor can offer then good governance. (Who can forget her $20,000 ten-day, first class accommodation, world tour junket she took paid for by Melbourne's ratepayers just before she lost office back in 2004).
The ALP has yet to decide if it will endorse any candidates and in the past it has been reluctant to do so.
A team with Redwood as a support act is unlikely to attract any serious attention and it is doubtful that the ALP will endorse candidates anyway. If it does then it is the Party that will decide who is to head-up and comprise an ALP endorsed team.
If Bill Fowles does run, chances are he will end up going the same way as Peter McMullin, former one-year-term Deputy Lord Mayor's efforts back in 2001.
Adam Bandt
The Greens nominated Adam Bandt. The Green's feel their on a roll having Richard Di Natale come within 2-3% of winning the State seat of Melbourne agianst embattled Local State ALP Member Bronwyn Pike in 2006 and Adam Bandt trying to bump-off Lindsay Tanner in 2007. Whilst the Greens will be expected to win a position on the Council it is unlikely they will have the chance to win the Lord Mayor's "Bicycle" seat. The Greens did well in Melbourne under David Risstrom but since his departure they have not really broken though the winning barrier. They will not have the support of the conservative liberal party supporters who gave them a snow flakes chance in a world of global warming back in 2006.
Kevin Chamberlain
The best contender to date is former Lord Mayor, Kevin Chamberlain. Kevin has the skill, knowledge and commitment to do the job and would be candidate worthy of consideration. Problem is Kevin is his own worst enemy at times. A former member of the ALP with strong community ties his brash style has alienated himself from those that would otherwise support him. Melbourne needs Kevin and there are many that believe Kevin would be best running as a Councillor and be assured of a seat at the table then to gamble once more by running for the top job.
In the background
The other player behind the scenes is the State Government of course. Their biggest mistake was letting the genie out of the bottle, thanks to Bob Cameron (former Local Government Minister who recommended, against sound advice, the adoption of a directly elected Lord Mayor).
The Lord Mayor's position has the potential to turn against its creator.
A politically astute Lord Mayor contender can be a thorn in the State Government's side, and if won by the opposition, is a position that could be the means and down fall of the State Government. (Remember Yeltsen) Whoever holds the position of Lord Mayor has the possibility to wage a war against the State and could prove a strong tactical position for an opposition to win the next battle scheduled for 2010. This is why there is so much interest in who may and who may not be running.
This most certainly would have the premier and his cabinet concerned if a hostile person was to win the robes and chains. One reason why one John may support the election of the other John.
Winners versus losers
In the midst of the media circus and speculation of who will be the main contenders, it is the City's residents and ratepayers that really lose out - as the focus of the public attention is on the personalities and not the policies or performance of the Council.
It is early days and the race is not yet in the starting blocks but the fun and games and media speculation has most certainly started.
The search for Melbourne's new Lord Mayor begins
Michael Warner, Herald Sun Newspaper
August 02, 2008
IN the heady days of the early 1960s Sir Maurice Arnold Nathan, lord mayor of Melbourne, occupied a post of genuine power.
By the time Sir Maurice had hung up his chains in 1963, the long-serving councillor had overseen the establishment of Tullamarine airport, Moomba and the Southern Cross Hotel, and headed the Melbourne Olympic Games organising committee.
He was the VFL chairman and a racing industry board member; he was responsible for widening CBD streets and formed the Victorian Promotion Committee (the original Victorian major events company) with premier Henry Bolte.
Forty-five years later about the best our Lord Mayor can claim is a name change for a city laneway to recognise rockers AC/DC.
But John Chun Sai So, Lord Mayor since 2001, has soared to superstardom anyway.
He's yet to decide whether to run for a historic third term on November 29, but either way his critics say his legacy will be a series of publicity stunts rather than reform, cultural or concrete.
So's popularity skyrocketed during the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
The So show peaked when the wealthy restaurateur was crowned the world's best mayor in an online poll.
But the anti-So forces, and there are plenty, say he's been nothing more than a Melbourne mascot, a yes man to premiers Bracks and Brumby, and is short on policy or plans for the CBD.
His defenders, and there are a few of those, too, say he's overseen a council that brought the city's laneways to life and delivered on minor projects such as CH2, the environmentally friendly building in Little Collins St.
Birrarung Marr and retail hubs at Melbourne Central, QV and the GPO emerged under his stewardship, even if they weren't his doing.
Others argue that state government reforms of the 1980s and 1990s rendered the lord mayor's position largely ceremonial.
But the emergence of former premier Jeff Kennett and Collingwood president Eddie McGuire as potential candidates - although McGuire has said he will not run - has raised questions over whether Town Hall and the Lord Mayor can still exert significant influence.
Liberal city councillor Peter Clarke says yes.
He says the only major power lost by the council in the 1980s was when control of planning projects bigger than 25,000sq m was handed to the State Government.
This saw major construction projects such as Crown casino, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, CityLink, Telstra Dome and Federation Square taken out of the council's hands.
"Outside of that, not much has really changed over all of those years. But the role of the lord mayor is played out differently, given the nature of the personality of the person who inhabits the seat," he says.
"John So has played the role of a marketing mascot for Melbourne. He's been all about what famous person you can stand next to. Everything is good news, there's no bad news.
"The criticism a lot of people would level against John is that he's a policy vacuum."
Clarke says a new lord mayor will have the power and legislative authority to shape several key issues
facing the city: traffic congestion, public transport, security, 2am lockouts, festivals, amenities, taxis, the drought and the health of parks and the Yarra River.
"That's why I think people got more excited about Jeff Kennett running than Eddie McGuire. As much as Eddie has a range of good ideas . . . it might be more marketing - and they're tired of that with John. They actually want some policy and some action," he says.
Formed in 1842, the Melbourne City Council predates the Parliament by nine years and played a vital role in forging the city.
Monash University historian Dr David Dunstan says the responsibility for planning, utilities and city trams was once the domain of powerful Town Hall figures such as Sir Maurice, Bernard Evans and Edward Leo Curtis.
"These were very successful, powerful and prestigious figures," Dr Dunstan said. "And the city council was a much bigger institution geographically."
Dr Dunstan believes a lord mayor that exerts authority could again emerge. "I don't think John So has been a good Lord Mayor. There are real issues facing the city to do with energy conservation, global warming, planning, transport and social equity, which he has not handled and I think Kennett would," he says.
". . . I don't think it would be a comedown for Jeff Kennett to be lord mayor of Melbourne. I think that's the level at which the contest should be played out.
"He'd get a lot of media play. He'd be in the papers every day and would be a de facto leader of the Opposition."
Dr Dunstan says No silence on CBD binge drinking is typical of his failures to capitalise on his powers.
"John So is no doubt a very nice and capable man, but he's been completely inarticulate on all these important issues. I think the mayor of the future needs to be much more engaged with urban issues and issues of planning, transport and well being."
But not everyone is critical.
City councillor David Wilson, who has worked closely with So, says he's a man of action. "I think he's been a very good leader. He has a passion for Melbourne and makes decisions on what is best for the city."
Brisbane's Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman, oversees a council that controls the city's public trans-port network and most major planning projects.
New York's and London's mayors also have far greater powers and multi-billion-dollar budgets.
London's flamboyant new mayor, Boris Johnson, is a case study for what might be achieved by a man such as Kennett.
Johnson, a supremo of conservative politics, has made a splash by banning alcohol on London's underground tube trains.
He's also leading a crackdown on street violence and weapons.
New York's Rudy Giuliani is another legendary mayor who famously enforced an apparently successful but controversial zero-tolerance policy on street crime.
Businessman Ron Walker, lord mayor in 1974, declined to comment on the council, but is believed to be bemused by the declining standard of mayoral candidates.
Former Lord Mayor Kevin Chamberlain (1983-84) says it will take 16 years, or four more terms, for Town Hall to recover from So.
"In the past, the City of Melbourne's strong financial position gave it significant independence and it was always a sore point for the state government," says Chamberlain, who is spokesman for city business and residential groups trying to reform the council structure and voting system.
". . . there is a need for a strong civic leader at the Town Hall who can advocate on behalf of the community and provide independent views on many of the important issues facing the city."
A candidate such as McGuire or Kennett would also have about $300 million a year, funded by rising rates and parking tickets, to spend.
Clarke says there is only a 50-50 chance Kennett would run.
"People are saying to me: 'If you speak to Jeffrey, encourage him do it.' Not because of any political basis, but because they see him as a person who does things."
John So
John So has yet to declare his hand but everyone expects he will be in in the race to become Melbourne Mascot Lord Mayor for a third term.
If John So will run he will find it a much more difficult challenge then he did last time around.
Most, if not all, of John's opponents will be seeking to ensure he does not win a third term. John So is unlikely to secure the level of support he received back in 2004 and his ploy of pleading to the electorate to give him their second preference may not deliver the same result as it did last time around. Odds are he will not secure a majority of the Council and will at best only win two of the seven Council seats on offer placing a So lead team in a not so strong position.
Jeff Kennett
Speculation has been rife that former Premier Jeff Kennett will put in a bid to be restored to public life. Jeff is not seen as a serious contender by insiders as he previously has toyed with the media and the idea of nominating for the City's number one but never followed through with the notion. It is unlikely he will do so again either. However he has John So and his team spitting dim sims at the prospect of facing such a political legend - a legend in his own mind.
Jeff Kennett really did not serve Melbourne well under his reign of terror, bad planning and municipal reform. In many ways Jeff Kennett is to blame for much of the mess and malice that the Council now faces. Jeff stripped the city of its asserts and reduced its size and influence to the point that the Council is perpetually dysfunctional.
Major projects under Jeff Kennett was a complete disaster that saw ill-considered and poor planning have a negative impact on Melbourne's future. (over 12 years on and we still are suffering the effects). The relocation of the Melbourne Museum to the Carlton Gardens and the development of Federation square being the classic tale of missed opportunities and poor long term strategic planning.
Eddie McGuire
The famous and talented Eddie McGuire gets a nomination but he also is not a serious player. Why would he when is doing fine what he is doing now and taking on the LM's position is not part of his long game play. Having to deal with the Council bureaucracy is such a daunting task. (But he would be welcomed if he nominated)
Bill Fowles
Young Bill Fowler, son of the Fowles auction house emporium, jumped the gun and announced his bid to seek ALP pre-selection and endorsement for the right to run as Lord Mayor. His proposed running mate is Kate Redwood, who could be his down fall. (Surely if he is serious he can and should find someone better to run with)
Kate Redwood, a former City Councillor and part time member of the ALP, has been a non-event careerist in the past. Redwood is more interested in securing lurks and perks, postings on various governmental boards to top up her meager salary and taking advantage of the numerous career advancement opportunities that being a City Councilor can offer then good governance. (Who can forget her $20,000 ten-day, first class accommodation, world tour junket she took paid for by Melbourne's ratepayers just before she lost office back in 2004).
The ALP has yet to decide if it will endorse any candidates and in the past it has been reluctant to do so.
A team with Redwood as a support act is unlikely to attract any serious attention and it is doubtful that the ALP will endorse candidates anyway. If it does then it is the Party that will decide who is to head-up and comprise an ALP endorsed team.
If Bill Fowles does run, chances are he will end up going the same way as Peter McMullin, former one-year-term Deputy Lord Mayor's efforts back in 2001.
Adam Bandt
The Greens nominated Adam Bandt. The Green's feel their on a roll having Richard Di Natale come within 2-3% of winning the State seat of Melbourne agianst embattled Local State ALP Member Bronwyn Pike in 2006 and Adam Bandt trying to bump-off Lindsay Tanner in 2007. Whilst the Greens will be expected to win a position on the Council it is unlikely they will have the chance to win the Lord Mayor's "Bicycle" seat. The Greens did well in Melbourne under David Risstrom but since his departure they have not really broken though the winning barrier. They will not have the support of the conservative liberal party supporters who gave them a snow flakes chance in a world of global warming back in 2006.
Kevin Chamberlain
The best contender to date is former Lord Mayor, Kevin Chamberlain. Kevin has the skill, knowledge and commitment to do the job and would be candidate worthy of consideration. Problem is Kevin is his own worst enemy at times. A former member of the ALP with strong community ties his brash style has alienated himself from those that would otherwise support him. Melbourne needs Kevin and there are many that believe Kevin would be best running as a Councillor and be assured of a seat at the table then to gamble once more by running for the top job.
In the background
The other player behind the scenes is the State Government of course. Their biggest mistake was letting the genie out of the bottle, thanks to Bob Cameron (former Local Government Minister who recommended, against sound advice, the adoption of a directly elected Lord Mayor).
The Lord Mayor's position has the potential to turn against its creator.
A politically astute Lord Mayor contender can be a thorn in the State Government's side, and if won by the opposition, is a position that could be the means and down fall of the State Government. (Remember Yeltsen) Whoever holds the position of Lord Mayor has the possibility to wage a war against the State and could prove a strong tactical position for an opposition to win the next battle scheduled for 2010. This is why there is so much interest in who may and who may not be running.
This most certainly would have the premier and his cabinet concerned if a hostile person was to win the robes and chains. One reason why one John may support the election of the other John.
Winners versus losers
In the midst of the media circus and speculation of who will be the main contenders, it is the City's residents and ratepayers that really lose out - as the focus of the public attention is on the personalities and not the policies or performance of the Council.
It is early days and the race is not yet in the starting blocks but the fun and games and media speculation has most certainly started.
The search for Melbourne's new Lord Mayor begins
Michael Warner, Herald Sun Newspaper
August 02, 2008
IN the heady days of the early 1960s Sir Maurice Arnold Nathan, lord mayor of Melbourne, occupied a post of genuine power.
By the time Sir Maurice had hung up his chains in 1963, the long-serving councillor had overseen the establishment of Tullamarine airport, Moomba and the Southern Cross Hotel, and headed the Melbourne Olympic Games organising committee.
He was the VFL chairman and a racing industry board member; he was responsible for widening CBD streets and formed the Victorian Promotion Committee (the original Victorian major events company) with premier Henry Bolte.
Forty-five years later about the best our Lord Mayor can claim is a name change for a city laneway to recognise rockers AC/DC.
But John Chun Sai So, Lord Mayor since 2001, has soared to superstardom anyway.
He's yet to decide whether to run for a historic third term on November 29, but either way his critics say his legacy will be a series of publicity stunts rather than reform, cultural or concrete.
So's popularity skyrocketed during the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
The So show peaked when the wealthy restaurateur was crowned the world's best mayor in an online poll.
But the anti-So forces, and there are plenty, say he's been nothing more than a Melbourne mascot, a yes man to premiers Bracks and Brumby, and is short on policy or plans for the CBD.
His defenders, and there are a few of those, too, say he's overseen a council that brought the city's laneways to life and delivered on minor projects such as CH2, the environmentally friendly building in Little Collins St.
Birrarung Marr and retail hubs at Melbourne Central, QV and the GPO emerged under his stewardship, even if they weren't his doing.
Others argue that state government reforms of the 1980s and 1990s rendered the lord mayor's position largely ceremonial.
But the emergence of former premier Jeff Kennett and Collingwood president Eddie McGuire as potential candidates - although McGuire has said he will not run - has raised questions over whether Town Hall and the Lord Mayor can still exert significant influence.
Liberal city councillor Peter Clarke says yes.
He says the only major power lost by the council in the 1980s was when control of planning projects bigger than 25,000sq m was handed to the State Government.
This saw major construction projects such as Crown casino, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, CityLink, Telstra Dome and Federation Square taken out of the council's hands.
"Outside of that, not much has really changed over all of those years. But the role of the lord mayor is played out differently, given the nature of the personality of the person who inhabits the seat," he says.
"John So has played the role of a marketing mascot for Melbourne. He's been all about what famous person you can stand next to. Everything is good news, there's no bad news.
"The criticism a lot of people would level against John is that he's a policy vacuum."
Clarke says a new lord mayor will have the power and legislative authority to shape several key issues
facing the city: traffic congestion, public transport, security, 2am lockouts, festivals, amenities, taxis, the drought and the health of parks and the Yarra River.
"That's why I think people got more excited about Jeff Kennett running than Eddie McGuire. As much as Eddie has a range of good ideas . . . it might be more marketing - and they're tired of that with John. They actually want some policy and some action," he says.
Formed in 1842, the Melbourne City Council predates the Parliament by nine years and played a vital role in forging the city.
Monash University historian Dr David Dunstan says the responsibility for planning, utilities and city trams was once the domain of powerful Town Hall figures such as Sir Maurice, Bernard Evans and Edward Leo Curtis.
"These were very successful, powerful and prestigious figures," Dr Dunstan said. "And the city council was a much bigger institution geographically."
Dr Dunstan believes a lord mayor that exerts authority could again emerge. "I don't think John So has been a good Lord Mayor. There are real issues facing the city to do with energy conservation, global warming, planning, transport and social equity, which he has not handled and I think Kennett would," he says.
". . . I don't think it would be a comedown for Jeff Kennett to be lord mayor of Melbourne. I think that's the level at which the contest should be played out.
"He'd get a lot of media play. He'd be in the papers every day and would be a de facto leader of the Opposition."
Dr Dunstan says No silence on CBD binge drinking is typical of his failures to capitalise on his powers.
"John So is no doubt a very nice and capable man, but he's been completely inarticulate on all these important issues. I think the mayor of the future needs to be much more engaged with urban issues and issues of planning, transport and well being."
But not everyone is critical.
City councillor David Wilson, who has worked closely with So, says he's a man of action. "I think he's been a very good leader. He has a passion for Melbourne and makes decisions on what is best for the city."
Brisbane's Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman, oversees a council that controls the city's public trans-port network and most major planning projects.
New York's and London's mayors also have far greater powers and multi-billion-dollar budgets.
London's flamboyant new mayor, Boris Johnson, is a case study for what might be achieved by a man such as Kennett.
Johnson, a supremo of conservative politics, has made a splash by banning alcohol on London's underground tube trains.
He's also leading a crackdown on street violence and weapons.
New York's Rudy Giuliani is another legendary mayor who famously enforced an apparently successful but controversial zero-tolerance policy on street crime.
Businessman Ron Walker, lord mayor in 1974, declined to comment on the council, but is believed to be bemused by the declining standard of mayoral candidates.
Former Lord Mayor Kevin Chamberlain (1983-84) says it will take 16 years, or four more terms, for Town Hall to recover from So.
"In the past, the City of Melbourne's strong financial position gave it significant independence and it was always a sore point for the state government," says Chamberlain, who is spokesman for city business and residential groups trying to reform the council structure and voting system.
". . . there is a need for a strong civic leader at the Town Hall who can advocate on behalf of the community and provide independent views on many of the important issues facing the city."
A candidate such as McGuire or Kennett would also have about $300 million a year, funded by rising rates and parking tickets, to spend.
Clarke says there is only a 50-50 chance Kennett would run.
"People are saying to me: 'If you speak to Jeffrey, encourage him do it.' Not because of any political basis, but because they see him as a person who does things."
Friday, August 01, 2008
One Vote One Value Implementing Change that Counts
Now where had I heard this story before...
Antony Green, ABC Election WHIZ kid, has just confirmed what we have been saying for years.
To top it up he has also done a detailed analysis based on our hypothetical situation designed to highlight and demonstrate the serious flaw in the way in which the Government counts elections.
Using the 2007 Victorian Senate Election results and the "what if" scenario of One Nation preferencing the Liberal Party before the ALP and then the Greens. Under the Government's flawed system the Greens would have received an added vote bonus of around 7,000 votes. Affirmative Action for minor parties. This is 7,000 additional votes that the Greens did not win but the system gave them. The Greens Candidate would have been elected in Victoria unfairly instead of the ALP's David Feeney.
Using a correct proportionally weighted system, as we have been advocating, David Feeney's election would have been secured.
Clearly there is need for change in the way we count the votes
The problem we identified is exponentially magnified when the system is applied to smaller electorates, such as Victoria's Local Government Elections. For those municipalities that do not have "Above the line" voting the potential of being disenfranchised by the system is even greater.
Last week we made a plea to the State Parliament to address this issue and implement change before the November Poll.
Western Australia has done it now it is Victoria's turn.
Rather then just fix the problem with the way in which they calculate the Proportional Surplus Transfer Value were are also advocating a fix for the flawed "Segmentation system". The system in use was designed for larger electorates (Such as the Senate) and was implemented to assist with a manual count. With the advent and use of computer based technology now is the time for change.
We are advocating the "Wright System" a system using a reiterative counting process where the count is reset and restarted following every exclusion, so there is a top down flow of preferences and not a bottom up bias distibution. The Wright System uses a weighted value of the vote based Surplus Transfer formula and addresses the serious inbuilt shortcomings that Steve Tully and the VEC have ignored. (Prefering to play "Shadow Pupperts" using the EMC's projector to fixing potential problems)
Extract from Antony Greens submission to the Federal Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters
Antony Green, ABC Election WHIZ kid, has just confirmed what we have been saying for years.
To top it up he has also done a detailed analysis based on our hypothetical situation designed to highlight and demonstrate the serious flaw in the way in which the Government counts elections.
Using the 2007 Victorian Senate Election results and the "what if" scenario of One Nation preferencing the Liberal Party before the ALP and then the Greens. Under the Government's flawed system the Greens would have received an added vote bonus of around 7,000 votes. Affirmative Action for minor parties. This is 7,000 additional votes that the Greens did not win but the system gave them. The Greens Candidate would have been elected in Victoria unfairly instead of the ALP's David Feeney.
Using a correct proportionally weighted system, as we have been advocating, David Feeney's election would have been secured.
Clearly there is need for change in the way we count the votes
The problem we identified is exponentially magnified when the system is applied to smaller electorates, such as Victoria's Local Government Elections. For those municipalities that do not have "Above the line" voting the potential of being disenfranchised by the system is even greater.
Last week we made a plea to the State Parliament to address this issue and implement change before the November Poll.
Western Australia has done it now it is Victoria's turn.
Rather then just fix the problem with the way in which they calculate the Proportional Surplus Transfer Value were are also advocating a fix for the flawed "Segmentation system". The system in use was designed for larger electorates (Such as the Senate) and was implemented to assist with a manual count. With the advent and use of computer based technology now is the time for change.
We are advocating the "Wright System" a system using a reiterative counting process where the count is reset and restarted following every exclusion, so there is a top down flow of preferences and not a bottom up bias distibution. The Wright System uses a weighted value of the vote based Surplus Transfer formula and addresses the serious inbuilt shortcomings that Steve Tully and the VEC have ignored. (Prefering to play "Shadow Pupperts" using the EMC's projector to fixing potential problems)
Extract from Antony Greens submission to the Federal Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters
One Nation had lodged a preference ticket that had Labor ahead of the Liberal Party, with the Greens last. If One Nation had put the Liberal Party ahead of Labor on the ticket, then when Family First was excluded, Labor's David Feeney would not have reached a quota and the preferences of the Liberal Party's surplus to quota votes would have been distributed.
What is even more remarkable is that if One Nation had put the Liberal Party ahead of Labor, then the Greens' Richard Di Natale would have won the final vacancy, not Labor's David Feeney.
This would have occurred due to the formula used by the AEC to weight votes when determining the preferences of surplus to quota votes. There are different methods in which preferences can be weighted. The purpose of this discussion is to look at the different ways in which votes could be weighted and the impact this can have on a Senate Count.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Wright System Advocating change that counts
The current electoral system that is used to elect representatives to the Australian Senate and the Victorian Upper-house is outdated and contains some serious flaws in the way the vote is counted.
The system was designed to facilitate a manual count and in the trade-off has inbuilt distortions in the election process that have the potential to effect the overall outcome.
With the coming November Municipal poll where many councils will for the first time also be adopting the system used to elect the Senate and Victorian Upper-house the potential for the results of the election to be effected by the flaws in the system are increased exponentially
The Western Australian Government has realised the impact of this error and has acted partially to correct the mistakes in adopting a system for its upper-house elections, but the Victorian and Federal Government are yet to follow in the WA steps.
WA has made one step forward but there are more steps that should be taken to improve the system and ensure that the outcome of the election reflects the voters' intentions.
To try and address the shortcomings of the system in place we have made a submission to both the State and Federal Parliament advocating change. Change that would see the implementation of what we have named The Wright System. (Named after the late Jack Wright author of "Mirror of a Nations Mind" and past President of the Proportional Representation Society of Australia.)
The Wright System advocates the use of a formula used in the calculation and distribution of a Candidates Surplus in a proportional representation count based on the value of the vote as opposed to the number of ballot papers .
The system also recommends the adoption of a reiterative count process where the count is restarted and recounted following any exclusion of any unsuccessful candidates whose votes are to be redistributed.
Copies of the submission and rules of the proposed count can be found on our sister site http://melbcity.topcities.com/
The system was designed to facilitate a manual count and in the trade-off has inbuilt distortions in the election process that have the potential to effect the overall outcome.
With the coming November Municipal poll where many councils will for the first time also be adopting the system used to elect the Senate and Victorian Upper-house the potential for the results of the election to be effected by the flaws in the system are increased exponentially
The Western Australian Government has realised the impact of this error and has acted partially to correct the mistakes in adopting a system for its upper-house elections, but the Victorian and Federal Government are yet to follow in the WA steps.
WA has made one step forward but there are more steps that should be taken to improve the system and ensure that the outcome of the election reflects the voters' intentions.
To try and address the shortcomings of the system in place we have made a submission to both the State and Federal Parliament advocating change. Change that would see the implementation of what we have named The Wright System. (Named after the late Jack Wright author of "Mirror of a Nations Mind" and past President of the Proportional Representation Society of Australia.)
The Wright System advocates the use of a formula used in the calculation and distribution of a Candidates Surplus in a proportional representation count based on the value of the vote as opposed to the number of ballot papers .
The system also recommends the adoption of a reiterative count process where the count is restarted and recounted following any exclusion of any unsuccessful candidates whose votes are to be redistributed.
Copies of the submission and rules of the proposed count can be found on our sister site http://melbcity.topcities.com/
Municipal BluesThe VEC sets course for November ship wreck
Electoral reform is back on the agenda.
With the coming of the November municipal poll and both the Australian and Victorian Government undertaking a review of the election system Now is the time to make necessary changes to Australia electoral system and the way we count the vote.
The system that is currently in place is outdated and designed to facilitate a manual count. Analysis of the vote in the last State and Federal election has highlighted some of the inbuilt errors in the system. Whilst Steve Tully, Victoria's Electoral Commissioner, is in denial and avoidance mode about errors in the way he conducted the last State election the State Parliament continues to probe the facts behind the count that did not tally.
There is growing concern that the November Elections will create mass confusion and rebound on the State Government. At issue is the number of various representative models put in place by the Victorian Electoral Commission. The hybrid systems where there is a mix of multi-member and single member wards and those wards that will elect different number of councillors will all add to the confusion and dissent over the recent Municipal reforms.
The Introduction of proportional representation for Local Government was the correct policy, but its implementation and deployment by the Victorian Electoral Commission has not been effective or well managed.
There will be resentment and confusion over the fact that some Municipalities will have a postal voting system and other an attendance poll with both closing on different days. Postal votes elections will close earlier then attendance polls and without doubt many voters will front up on "Polling Day" and be told that they can not vote. There is no provision for absentee voting across Municipal boundaries and Postal vote elections will close on the Friday before the normal Saturday poll. (A better option would have been for postal votes to close on Election Day or if need be the Monday following "Election Day" so that voters are not unnecessarily disenfranchised)
Although most of these mistakes are due to poor administration and management in the VEC. In the end Iit is the State Government that will cop the flack and criticism for the system that has been put in place. A system that could have and should have been better managed in its design and implementation.
Prediction: The November poll will be the first main stumbling block for the State Government which if it is not properly address could be the down fall of what is otherwise a responsible and effective Government. The Chief Commissioner will come under review and his contract will not be renewed but this will be too late.
With the coming of the November municipal poll and both the Australian and Victorian Government undertaking a review of the election system Now is the time to make necessary changes to Australia electoral system and the way we count the vote.
The system that is currently in place is outdated and designed to facilitate a manual count. Analysis of the vote in the last State and Federal election has highlighted some of the inbuilt errors in the system. Whilst Steve Tully, Victoria's Electoral Commissioner, is in denial and avoidance mode about errors in the way he conducted the last State election the State Parliament continues to probe the facts behind the count that did not tally.
There is growing concern that the November Elections will create mass confusion and rebound on the State Government. At issue is the number of various representative models put in place by the Victorian Electoral Commission. The hybrid systems where there is a mix of multi-member and single member wards and those wards that will elect different number of councillors will all add to the confusion and dissent over the recent Municipal reforms.
The Introduction of proportional representation for Local Government was the correct policy, but its implementation and deployment by the Victorian Electoral Commission has not been effective or well managed.
There will be resentment and confusion over the fact that some Municipalities will have a postal voting system and other an attendance poll with both closing on different days. Postal votes elections will close earlier then attendance polls and without doubt many voters will front up on "Polling Day" and be told that they can not vote. There is no provision for absentee voting across Municipal boundaries and Postal vote elections will close on the Friday before the normal Saturday poll. (A better option would have been for postal votes to close on Election Day or if need be the Monday following "Election Day" so that voters are not unnecessarily disenfranchised)
Although most of these mistakes are due to poor administration and management in the VEC. In the end Iit is the State Government that will cop the flack and criticism for the system that has been put in place. A system that could have and should have been better managed in its design and implementation.
Prediction: The November poll will be the first main stumbling block for the State Government which if it is not properly address could be the down fall of what is otherwise a responsible and effective Government. The Chief Commissioner will come under review and his contract will not be renewed but this will be too late.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Liberalised Democracy overtakes ALP policy
The Liberal party in addressing recent changes to local government legistation has spoken out in support of a proper selection review for the City of Melbourne.
Opposition local government spokeswoman Jeanette Powell said the changes to voting laws for Melbourne City Council did not go far enough.
"We have asked for a complete review of the City of Melbourne elections, it is the only local council that doesn't have an electoral review every second election," she said.
The fact that the Labor Government has not initiated a proper review of the electoral changes and external boundaries of the City of Melbourne is an indictment against the current minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne. There are a number of anomalies in the act that must be addressed before the November 2008 municipal elections. Richard Wynne rightly had come under criticism for the government's refusal to include the City of Melbourne in a review process as every other municipality, except Melbourne is required.
The last review of Melbourne's electoral system, which introduced the direct elecion of the Lord Mayor took place in 2001/2, was held by Bob Cameron behind closed doors and submissions were never published.
Opposition local government spokeswoman Jeanette Powell said the changes to voting laws for Melbourne City Council did not go far enough.
"We have asked for a complete review of the City of Melbourne elections, it is the only local council that doesn't have an electoral review every second election," she said.
The fact that the Labor Government has not initiated a proper review of the electoral changes and external boundaries of the City of Melbourne is an indictment against the current minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne. There are a number of anomalies in the act that must be addressed before the November 2008 municipal elections. Richard Wynne rightly had come under criticism for the government's refusal to include the City of Melbourne in a review process as every other municipality, except Melbourne is required.
The last review of Melbourne's electoral system, which introduced the direct elecion of the Lord Mayor took place in 2001/2, was held by Bob Cameron behind closed doors and submissions were never published.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
One vote One value Bringing Australia's electoral system into the 21st Century
Australia's electoral system in need of reform to ensure one vote one value
The Australian Joint Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Matters is currently reviewing Australia's electoral system following the 2007 Federal election
Australia's electoral system was designed in the early 20th Century to facilitate a manual counting system to elect Members of the Australian Senate. The system in use has also been adopted in various forms for State and Municipal elections.
With the use of electronic computerised counting system now is the time to bring Australia's electoral system into the 21st century and in doing so remove a serious distortion in the method of counting proportional representation ballots.
The current system seriously distorts the one vote one value principle of proportional representation.
Analysis of the 2007 Victorian Senate election has highlighted the extent of distortion in the electoral system. Based on a realistic hyothetical with One Nation placing the Liberal party ahead of the Australian Labor Party the system currently in use delivers an additional 6,200 votes disproportionally to the Greens and produces a different outcome. (Under a pure proportional system based on the value of the vote the Australian Labor Party would have secured the six position)
This issue also effects the Victorian Municipal elections scheduled for November 2008. The effect of the in-built distortion in the value of the vote is greater in Municipal elections where there is no above-the-line voting. This is an issue that MUST also be addressed by the Victorian State Government. (Copies of the submission have been sent to John Brumby, John Lenders and Richard Wynn)
Link to Submission. http://melbcity.topcities.com/submissionSenate01.htm
The Australian Joint Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Matters is currently reviewing Australia's electoral system following the 2007 Federal election
Australia's electoral system was designed in the early 20th Century to facilitate a manual counting system to elect Members of the Australian Senate. The system in use has also been adopted in various forms for State and Municipal elections.
With the use of electronic computerised counting system now is the time to bring Australia's electoral system into the 21st century and in doing so remove a serious distortion in the method of counting proportional representation ballots.
The current system seriously distorts the one vote one value principle of proportional representation.
Analysis of the 2007 Victorian Senate election has highlighted the extent of distortion in the electoral system. Based on a realistic hyothetical with One Nation placing the Liberal party ahead of the Australian Labor Party the system currently in use delivers an additional 6,200 votes disproportionally to the Greens and produces a different outcome. (Under a pure proportional system based on the value of the vote the Australian Labor Party would have secured the six position)
This issue also effects the Victorian Municipal elections scheduled for November 2008. The effect of the in-built distortion in the value of the vote is greater in Municipal elections where there is no above-the-line voting. This is an issue that MUST also be addressed by the Victorian State Government. (Copies of the submission have been sent to John Brumby, John Lenders and Richard Wynn)
Link to Submission. http://melbcity.topcities.com/submissionSenate01.htm
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Rate rise as sun sets on So Residents face hike in City Rates to pay for Johns Travels
The Melbourne City Council has published its budget which shows an eight percent increase in Council rates and income. With CPI recorded at 4% that's a net 4% increase in Council rates.
BUT the council figures have been though the Council Finance laundry and the whites look whiter then white.
Here are some of the tricks they try
The budget comparison is based on the mid year review of last years budget. The Council underestimates the income and low and behold come mid year review there is more money received then they expected. The mid year budget is revised and the Council spends the win-fall which is then used to set the bench line in the following years budget.
In spite a recommendation by the Council Auditors the City Council has not listed a budget allocation for overseas trips and Council expenses. They have an open check as the costs of Councillors expenditure is concealed in the overall expenses.
Prior to the Kennet financial review the Council was required to publish a full detail budget./ Nowe they just published the minimum. Previously;y the Council cam under criticism for printing what was considered to be a City size telephone book budget. Many trees dies to publish this document. Now we have the Internet there is no real reason why the Council does not publish the full breakdown. It could be that with this information readily avail;able the Council does not really want it published.
NAV
The City of Melbourne operates on a NAV (Net Annual Value) as property values increase so does the Council's take - A windfall in times of plenty. Many resident's in the city will be faced with much higher rate bills as their property value has increased substantial above and beyond their income and CPI
Many residents might be seriously considering selling up and moving to less expensive rateable areas.
The Council is renowned for its over inflating costs and estimates. A recent quotation on air flights to China and accommodation was four to six times the going market rate. Our City fathers are big spenders with no expense spared in luxury or budget costs when it comes to overseas junkets. The council tried to provide Councillors with a per-diem payment when they travel. The Administration conviniently forgot that whilst Councillors are entitled to receive reimbursements for "Out of pocket expenses" they are not entitled to receive an allowance above and beyond the allowances set by the State Government. Question are still unanswered as to the legality of the Council's decision to provide Outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Garry Singer a fully paid Limousine, free petrol and running costs (Including a hefty repair bill). Garry Singer is a part time "employee of the Council. I appears that Cr Singer uses his Council funded vehicle for private non-council use and does not pay tax or reimburse the City for his non-out-of-pocket use of the car. The Government and auditor general appear to be turning a blind eye to this unauthorized additional allowance which is not available to other Councillors. It is understood that the City must also pick up the Fringe Benefit tax for these "questionable additional benefits" Of course it is not the Councillors and staff that foots the bill but the City ratepayer.
Our City Council shows no care and no responsibility when it comes to spending our money and increasing the costs of living in the city once claimed to be the worlds most livable city..
Unlike private businesses, who struggle to obtain an increase in Income, The Council income and expenditure is in reality another impost on the City ratepayers.
Artcle ABC news
Article Herald Sun
BUT the council figures have been though the Council Finance laundry and the whites look whiter then white.
Here are some of the tricks they try
The budget comparison is based on the mid year review of last years budget. The Council underestimates the income and low and behold come mid year review there is more money received then they expected. The mid year budget is revised and the Council spends the win-fall which is then used to set the bench line in the following years budget.
In spite a recommendation by the Council Auditors the City Council has not listed a budget allocation for overseas trips and Council expenses. They have an open check as the costs of Councillors expenditure is concealed in the overall expenses.
Prior to the Kennet financial review the Council was required to publish a full detail budget./ Nowe they just published the minimum. Previously;y the Council cam under criticism for printing what was considered to be a City size telephone book budget. Many trees dies to publish this document. Now we have the Internet there is no real reason why the Council does not publish the full breakdown. It could be that with this information readily avail;able the Council does not really want it published.
NAV
The City of Melbourne operates on a NAV (Net Annual Value) as property values increase so does the Council's take - A windfall in times of plenty. Many resident's in the city will be faced with much higher rate bills as their property value has increased substantial above and beyond their income and CPI
Many residents might be seriously considering selling up and moving to less expensive rateable areas.
The Council is renowned for its over inflating costs and estimates. A recent quotation on air flights to China and accommodation was four to six times the going market rate. Our City fathers are big spenders with no expense spared in luxury or budget costs when it comes to overseas junkets. The council tried to provide Councillors with a per-diem payment when they travel. The Administration conviniently forgot that whilst Councillors are entitled to receive reimbursements for "Out of pocket expenses" they are not entitled to receive an allowance above and beyond the allowances set by the State Government. Question are still unanswered as to the legality of the Council's decision to provide Outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Garry Singer a fully paid Limousine, free petrol and running costs (Including a hefty repair bill). Garry Singer is a part time "employee of the Council. I appears that Cr Singer uses his Council funded vehicle for private non-council use and does not pay tax or reimburse the City for his non-out-of-pocket use of the car. The Government and auditor general appear to be turning a blind eye to this unauthorized additional allowance which is not available to other Councillors. It is understood that the City must also pick up the Fringe Benefit tax for these "questionable additional benefits" Of course it is not the Councillors and staff that foots the bill but the City ratepayer.
Our City Council shows no care and no responsibility when it comes to spending our money and increasing the costs of living in the city once claimed to be the worlds most livable city..
Unlike private businesses, who struggle to obtain an increase in Income, The Council income and expenditure is in reality another impost on the City ratepayers.
Artcle ABC news
Article Herald Sun
Thursday, May 15, 2008
So Financially Challenged Melbourne goes into deficit for second year running
Melbourne City Council expected to go into deficit for a second year running as rates soar in order to pay the exhorbanent costs of the City Council .
Meanwhile John So, Melbourne Million Dollar a year Lord Mayor who hardly ever attends Council's finance and governance meetings, will take leave when the City Council brings down its budget that will see in the election of a new Council,
Property values in the City have soared in the ;last two years and as a result the amount of money paid in rates has increased substantially, providing a win-fall for the city. Melbourne City Council works on a NAV (Net Annual Value) rating system based on the valuation of rateable property in the City. As property values increase size does the amount of rates paid top the extravagant financially irresponsible city council.
On top of the rate increase that Council is also expected to gain a windfall in funding thought secondary incomes streams such as the Road Congestion tax and additional service fees that have crept in under John So's watch.
Asset rich income poor. The hardest hit in the rate increase will be pensioners and residents on a low income. Many ratepayers and residents of the city will soon find it too expensive to live within the City boundaries will be forced to sell up and move to a cheaper place to live outside the city.
Deficit budget is not good for Melbourne.
A deficit budget would see Melbourne's financial position worsen yet again as John So continues his high spend fest, minimal care over Melbourne's future.
Melbourne City Council and John So faces re-election in November and it is unclear if John So will run for a third term as Melbourne's Lord Mayor. John So has become Melbourne Most travelled lord Mayor has he and his staff continue to milk the City's treasury to funds John So's Chinese adventures. A deficit budget will add further financial pressure on the new City Council.
If the new Council does not come to terms with Melbourne high cost big spending administration it will soon face bankruptcy adding further to the financial pressure and possible future devaluation of property which will further diminish the City's financial stability.
Meanwhile John So, Melbourne Million Dollar a year Lord Mayor who hardly ever attends Council's finance and governance meetings, will take leave when the City Council brings down its budget that will see in the election of a new Council,
Property values in the City have soared in the ;last two years and as a result the amount of money paid in rates has increased substantially, providing a win-fall for the city. Melbourne City Council works on a NAV (Net Annual Value) rating system based on the valuation of rateable property in the City. As property values increase size does the amount of rates paid top the extravagant financially irresponsible city council.
On top of the rate increase that Council is also expected to gain a windfall in funding thought secondary incomes streams such as the Road Congestion tax and additional service fees that have crept in under John So's watch.
Asset rich income poor. The hardest hit in the rate increase will be pensioners and residents on a low income. Many ratepayers and residents of the city will soon find it too expensive to live within the City boundaries will be forced to sell up and move to a cheaper place to live outside the city.
Deficit budget is not good for Melbourne.
A deficit budget would see Melbourne's financial position worsen yet again as John So continues his high spend fest, minimal care over Melbourne's future.
Melbourne City Council and John So faces re-election in November and it is unclear if John So will run for a third term as Melbourne's Lord Mayor. John So has become Melbourne Most travelled lord Mayor has he and his staff continue to milk the City's treasury to funds John So's Chinese adventures. A deficit budget will add further financial pressure on the new City Council.
If the new Council does not come to terms with Melbourne high cost big spending administration it will soon face bankruptcy adding further to the financial pressure and possible future devaluation of property which will further diminish the City's financial stability.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)