Australia Blog

Detention Stories, Continued

After almost seven years on detention,
Qasim learns how to tackle life again as someone with a 'pending removal visa'. As soon as Kashmir is deemed safe (out of curiosity - who determines that sort of thing? Is the US safe? Is London safe? What are degrees of security?) he must return to his homeland. Australian government officials really can jackasses.

ID system for Aussies

In 1987, people still cared about Big Brother. But now, in the time of terrorism, it's open season and big wigs are once again calling for an ID system for Australians. Of course, the funny thing about big brother is that people don't think big brother is ever going to look at them...

Australia to defy US in UN

Australia gets a backbone! SWEEEET. Reps from the country say that despite what big ol US wants, the Aussies are going to vote in favor of expanding the UN security council from 15 to 25 members. I'm thinking this must be one of those "we don't want everyone to know, just our exclusive bunch of rich, big countries." Dorks.

World's Best City: Sydney

It's the rock star of the world for the eighth time: Sydney claimed top honors in American mag Travel and Leisure's poll of best places in the world. Bali remained the number one island. Perth was named the number two city in the region.
CNN.com article
Yahoo article
ABC article

John Marsden Interview

Lawyer celeb John Marsden recently granted an interview. The Australian version of a recently passed Johnnie Cochran, Marsden's most famous trial is that of serial killer Ivan Milat. He managed to free the rapist in the 1970s, who went on to rape, torture and kill several women from 1989-1992. Marsden's second most-famous 'client'? Himself, investigated for accusations of pedophilia. Never one to shy from the spotlight, the terminally ill solicitor claims that a woman helped Milat kill his victims - even offering a name. Police say they are, as always, investigating.

Cornelia Rau Story, Part 2

A follow-up investigation of the Cornelia Rau incident, where a mentally ill Australian woman was held in detention centers for 10 months while German and Australian governments determined her fate, reveled a lot of 'no duh' verdicts such as 'we screwed up'. Yes, this is the same government that deported an Australian woman to her country of birth, but not citzenship.

Part One
Part Two

Here's the summary, if you don't want to read the whole thing:

Processes failed. It was not a failure of instructions � the instructions were not followed. It was a serious failure of management process and corporate oversight.

Everyone saw themselves as "only a bit player"; no one was managing the process. The defined clinical pathways did not work effectively. The "system" failed Cornelia Rau.The mental health care delivered at Baxter is inadequate by any standards.

A culture that ignores criticism and is unduly defensive, process motivated and unwilling to question itself.Reform must come from the top. Executive management must demonstrate consistent commitment to establishing new values and perspectives. These will guide the new way of doing business.

Cancelled Air NZ Flights

Air New Zealand is going to have a lot of dissapointed passangers after forty eight outgoing and 37 incoming flights from Australia, Asia and the Pacific region, have been cancelled due to strikes. The cause of the problem? Money, what else?

Aussie Wins World Series of Poker

Guest post from Jen Leo of Viva Las Vegas Blog.

Aussie Wins World Series of Poker

Joe Hachem won $7.5 million dollars this weekend in the World Series of Poker. His friends were there to cheer him on, and shouted "Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie, Oi! Oi! Oi!" throughout the final table tournament which lasted nearly 14 hours. Hachem beat out more than 5600 people to get the coveted bracelet. For those of you who know poker, he won with one of the worst hands in the game � 73 offsuit. This picture is shortly after the win at Binon's in Las Vegas, where the World Series of Poker has been running for 36 years.

If you'd like to know more about the event, here are some links:

Tao of Poker
Card Player
Aussie Chris Newton's Blog on Poker Pages

Secrets of skilled didgeridoo playing revealed

Didgeridoos are as Australian as kangaroos, koalas, boomerangs and billabongs. This ancient instrument perfected by Aboriginal musicians has enticed many a backpacker to pick up the long tube-shaped creation to attempt to play. Unfortunately for them (and those nearby) it's not nearly as easy as it looks. A cool new study shows what the pros know - and you don't. Secrets of skilled didgeridoo playing revealed

Package Tours to Norfolk Island

Underwritten by the Norfolk Island Government, Qantas is offering great packages to this up-and-coming tourist island. The government is hoping to boost booking following the collapse of Norfolk Jet Express in early June.Purchase by July 31 and travel until Aug 31. Check out Qantas.com

Rethink on rail security

Travel around Australia may become a little more intimidating following the London Tube and bus bombings last week. Dogs and armed police would roam train stations, with passangers undergoing random bag checks. Some BnA Members aren't too happy about the prospect. Read more about it at Rethink on rail security

True or Not: Qantas Gripe Sheet

So, this may or may not be true, but it's a good Aussie forwarded email.

After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet,"which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems and document the repairs. Then pilots review the gripe sheet before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor.

Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Qantas' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers. By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never had an accident. Enjoy!

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're for.

P: IFF inoperative.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

Affects of the London Attacks on Australia

The attacks in London last week affected Australians in a variety of ways.

Airlines and airport related stock were down in morning trading following the terrorist attacks in London overnight, as people worried about decreased travel to that area: Travel stocks lower after London attacks

The fears are justified, as a variety of airlines have offered Australian travellers the option to cancel flights to London. Although you have to apply for the refund, Telstra is offering rebates to its customers phoning immediate family members in London. Airlines offer to cancel and Telstra promises rebates

However, it doesn't seem that a lot of people are taking up the airlines on their offer:
"So far there is no notable trend in ticket cancellations, but it is still too early to tell," Juliette Ryalls, a Qantas spokeswoman, said. Qantas offers refund on tickets to Britain

In fact, some experts are saying that although there may be a short-term slump in travel, there will be a boom in three months, as people begin to feel that 'it's safe now'. Travel boom to follow bombings

Go west, young woman!

As many of you may already know, I'm a huge fan of Western Australia, especially the Margaret River region. I'm not positive, but I have to assume this is directly related to my love of wine and stuffing myself to the gills. In Go west, young woman!, the writer was fortunate enough to go on a freebie trip to same such wares. Although you (and I) probably won't be so lucky, there is listing of places to visit if wines are your thing.

When it comes to travel, Aussies like it cheap, easy and outdoors

Yeah! Another study that proves what most people already know: When it comes to travel, Aussies like it cheap, easy and outdoors. Highlights include the "must do" in each state: walking in NSW and TAS; heading to the beach in WA and QLD; watching the footy in VIC and SA; visiting museums in ACT and gazing at the stars in NT. The top ten overall experiences were:

Walking along the coast, in national parks or through quaint towns
Going to the beach
Eating out whether it be in five star restaurants or sampling local produce
Watching or playing AFL
Visiting museums to experience Australia's history and culture
Parks & gardens in and around towns and cities
Enjoying art galleries
Hitting the shops in cities countrywide
Staying in local accommodation, hotels, motels and resorts
Browsing local markets

Got anything you think they missed? I wonder if scuba diving falls under "going to the beach"...

Australia: The Confusing Country

It is interesting to note here that the Europeans always consider themselves vastly superior to any other race they encounter since they can lie, cheat, steal, and litigate (marks of a civilized culture, they say) whereas all the aboriginals can do is happily survive being left in the middle of a vast red-hot desert, equipped with a stick.

Eventually, the new lot of people stopped being Europeans on Extended Holliday and became Australians. The changes are subtle, but deep, caused by the mind-stretching expanses of nothingness and eerie quiet, where a person can sit perfectly still and look deep inside themselves to the core of their essence, their reasons for being, and the necessity of checking inside your boots every morning for fatal surprises. They also picked up the most finely tuned sense of irony in the world, and the Aboriginal gift for making up stories. Be warned.

From this BBC article

Fear and Loathing in Australia

Now now, this is interesting. Due to their support of the war in Iraq and the death of more than 200 British backpackers in three years, Britain has declared Australia "danger island". The world's second largest insurance broker (its HQ were in the Twin Towers), Aon, has elevated the terrorism watch for Down Under to "elevated". Among Australia's scariest encounters? Crime, homophobia, deadly exotic wildlife, tropical diseases, bushfires and killer roads.

State of Origin III - Second Half

NSW score. 24-0.
Early pressure from QLD came to naught and once again NSW go down the other end of the field and Andrew Johns pulls a few strings and the Blues score. Can't see QLD coming back from here. They just haven't shown anything that makes me think they can score.

NSW score. 28-0.
Sloppy play by QLD backs leads toa dropped ball, picked up by NSW and run back for a try in the corner. This is turning into a slaughter and it's not pretty. The only thing worse than watching this train wreck is having it commentated by Gus Gould, the smarmiest, smuggest NSW ex-coach that no one likes.

NSW score. 32-0. 64th minute
Another soft penalty towards the end of a set of six and QLD put themselves under more pressure, which results in another try in the corner for NSW. The penalty count favours NSW 5-0 which is unusual in a game like this. Time to drown the sorrows...if only it wasn't 4:30am.

QLD scores. 32-6. 75th minute
Finally something to cheer about and at least the Cockroaches won't blank us. Matty Sing makes a break and it's finished near the posts by Thurston. Too little too late, of course, but something to get the remaining crowd on their feet.

QLD scores. 32-10. 77th minute
A penalty for QLD and they score from the next set of 6. Would have been nice to get some of that a little earlier in the game. If the game ends this way, the teams will be even in number of tries scored over 25 years of Origin football. And it's the first time NSW has led in the number of games won (37-36).

State of Origin III - Game Time

QLD nearly turned attack into tragedy with a dodgy kick by Lockyer run back by Minichello for an almost certain score. A great tackle by Matty Bowen to save a try, but how did QLD not score?! So much pressure but great NSW defense. Love this stuff!

After all the early pressure on both lines, NSW comes away with 2 points from a weak penalty. The crowd is starting to get back into it with cries of "Queenslander!!" My brother and a one of my buddies are a t this game, no doubt yelling their lungs out. 14 minutes gone.

NSW score!
Nothing fancy, but when you give NSW a second set of six after a weak penalty by Michael Crocker, QLD only have themselves to blame. The world's greatest player, Andrew Johns, is starting to direct traffic and it doesn't look good for the Maroons. 23rd minute.

Another NSW try. A simple Johns bomb to one of the shorter QLD players on the line and the bigger NSW centres jumped and came down with the ball.

And again NSW score. This is getting ugly fast. After all the early pressure, QLD have nothing and NSW have 18. Andrew Johns again influential, attacking the line and drawing defenders before offloading and allowing the NSW backs to come into play. 33rd minute.

Half-time
NSW 18-QLD 0
We suck! Can't defend, tired in attack. After such a blistering start and coming up with nothing, it appears as though the Maroons are out of ideas while the Blues go from strength to strength after weathering that early storm. Hopefully the boys can suck some wind over the break and come out firing like NSW did in the first game of the series where they came back from 19 points down to nearly win it it. The crowd has been a non-factor in the face of so much NSW scoring but they will be the 14th man in the second half if QLD can rise to the occasion.

The Decider

Let the war begin! Game just kicked off in the third and deciding State of Origin game of rugby league. Queensland has started well putting real pressure on the NSW line with consecutive sets of six. Go the 'Rones!!

OzJet to take flight within three months

The ring of Australian air carriers is about to get a little more squeezed. Backed by Formula One racing team owner, Paul Stoddart, OzJet is shooting for the lucrative business travel market with swift check ins and extra room. However, analysts aren't sure the Adelaide-based airline is up to snuff. It'll be good news for east coast travelers if OzJet is able to elbow its way in. More at OzJet to take flight within three months

Drug Smuggling Idiots Part 2

The arrested wanna-be heroin mules have been hit by another setback. Trial of Aussie 'mules' has been delayed in Hong Kong for up to a year, as a case winds it way through the court system. The young perps (15, 17 and 21) will certainly have quite awhile to sit in 'time out' and 'think about what they've done'. Naughty Naughty....

Promoting Australia

The Australian tourism board is busy promoting the country as an ideal destination, focusing efforts in Latin America, to GIs (Off-Duty Travel Opens Australia As Vacation Destination) and around Australia (Authentic Australia - How do I find that?). Personally, I'd like it if people didn't discover just how awesome some of the hidden parts of Australia are...