privatisation

For most of the past decade, Australia was basking in the sunshine of good economic times. It was easy to think these good times would last forever.

The sudden collapse of the global financial system last year, however, was a reminder that we take economic prosperity for granted.

It also reminded us of the critical role of government in providing essential services

We were reminded that leaving things to the 'market' means leaving things to chance.  And some things are simply too important for that.

Read the rest of this entry »

Through the Autumn of 1997, Adelaide residents were holding their noses. A nasty smell set in for three months to become known as Adelaide’s ‘big pong’.

It emerged the pong had been caused by a major breakdown at a major Adelaide sewage plant. The treatment lagoons were overflowing and the systems in place for breaking down the city’s raw sewage weren’t working.

Adelaide residents suffered nausea and respiratory problems. Businesses suffered as people stayed home.  

Read the rest of this entry »