CityNews 200820

– ALISTAIR

ELECTION 2020 / West Basin

Libs vow to save West Basin and end the secrecy

By Danielle NOHRA

THERE’S still time to save the West Basin from ACT Labor’s controversial commercial and residential development plans, says Alistair Coe, but it will involve a change in government.

The Canberra Liberals leader says the Barr government’s plans for Lake Burley Griffin’s West Basin, rebranded as “Acton Foreshore”, should be stopped and will be stopped if he forms government in October.

“The Canberra community still can, should and will have a say about the future of West Basin if the Canberra Liberals are elected,” Mr Coe says.

The government has announced plans to build public spaces and hundreds of apartments as well as reclaiming 2.8 hectares of lake bed in and around West Basin.

The ACT government secured the land as part of a controversial and secretive land swap with the National Capital Authority, which saw the Barr government handing over most of North Curtin’s horse paddocks.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr has since said low-rise apartments in the hundreds, not the thousands that he

INDEX

Arts & Entertainment 19-21

Canberra Matters 8

Cinema 20

Crossword 23

Dining 21

Gardening 22

Horoscopes 23

Letters 12

News 3-13

Politics 11

initially proposed, would be built at West Basin in the second half of the decade.

The City Renewal Authority pre dicts that construction will begin by the end of this year for the part of the development that includes public spaces.

But according to Mr Coe, it won’t go ahead as Mr Barr has proposed if the Canberra Liberals have anything to do with it.

“Whilst the Labor government to date has steamrolled the commu nity, there is still time to stop their bad plans and to ensure that there is genu ine community consultation about how to ensure how this iconic public land is best utilised,” Mr Coe says.

“The land at West Basin is prime and cherished public land that should remain as an important part of the public realm of the lake. Under what Andrew Barr has proposed, a great deal of it, a majority of it, will be privatised and will be made inaccessible for Canberrans.”

go to recreate and to appreciate the national capital,” Mr Coe says.

ment does seems to be about a cash grab,” he says.

tional consultation, then they go ahead and do what they were going to do anyway,” Mr Coe says.

“When you have a government that is as secretive as the Labor ACT government you’ve got to ask the question what it is that they’re worried about the community finding out.

“We certainly want to see all the information about the West Basin deal. We think that the government has been very secretive when it comes to their plans for the site and I think it would be reasonable for Canberrans to fear the worst when it comes to Andrew Barr’s plans for the area.”

He also says a Canberra Liberal government will also fight to end the deal with the National Capital Authority to ensure the highly valued North Curtin horse paddocks can remain a recreational asset for the inner south.

Coe says a Liberal government will properly consult with the community about what is the best way to improve this area, noting that it is already much loved in its current condition.

“What’s clear is that Canberrans do love Lake Burley Griffin, they love the accessibility of the area and they want to ensure that it is a place that people, that families, that communities, can

“Whilst I think the community would be happy to see some investment in a cafe or two, to have numerous apartment buildings along the lakefront at that location is very unwarranted.”

Estimated to cost the government about $100 million up front, Mr Coe says it suggests they’re planning on reaping in huge revenue through the sale.

“Everything that the ACT govern-

Since 1993: Volume 26, Number 33

Seven Days 6 “Welcome to Ngambri country”, says Paul House.

Photo: Holly Treadaway. Story Page 9. Ph

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So what would the Canberra Liberals do differently?

Mr Coe says the Liberals would make sure that all agencies of the ACT government, including the City Renewal Authority, are charged with the responsibility of working with the community and undertaking genuine consultation, and then responding to that consultation.

“We have a government doing no -

Liberal member for Murrumbidgee Giulia Jones says she understands that 30 per cent of the block has not been given to the NCA and remains in ACT government hands.

“Our very real concern is for apartments, high rise, on Adelaide Avenue,” Ms Jones says.

“Our commitment is to not co-operate with this plan, to tear up the plan, to go back to the beginning and have a conversation with the NCA that’s public and not a secret one about such a huge asset for the ACT as the Curtin horse paddocks.”

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What’s with Labor luvvies’ hammers and sickles?

ONE of the inescapable election themes is that the Canberra Liberals are being pasted by their opponents as being lip-curling conservatives.

What makes them so, muses the Labor member for Fenner Andrew Leigh, in a mischievously timed forensic op-ed piece we publish on Page 12.

And the Liberals-as-conservatives call was jarringly helped by this past week’s short, sharp candidacy of Peter McKay in Kurrajong. Announced one day, he was quickly bundled under the campaign bus the next by leader Alistair Coe. The ex-army parachutist was ousted over controversial comments from a couple of years ago when he condemned the “Welcome to Country” ceremony and alleged the ACT’s “homosexual chief minister” influenced a police investigation.

But if conservatism is the ugly face of the right it must follow that Communism sits on the far left.

And it would seem Communism might be beating deep in some of the young hearts fighting for the Labor Party’s re-election in the ACT.

There’s nothing that says Communism like the hammer and sickle, symbols of the industrial worker and the peasant used as the emblem of the former Soviet Union and of international Communism.

And lo, while Labor’s red army kicks the blue shins of the Canberra Libs, here’s a glimpse of the other side.

campaign HQ saying her team made hundreds of calls into the electorate and inviting others to join her. But what’s that on the wall above her smiling face? A hammer and sickle.

Elsewhere on Facebook, comrade Henri Vickers, who is running the campaign for Labor’s Tim Dobson in Murrumbidgee, poses wistfully with a hammer and a sickle captioned “Ironically unironic gardening mood”, whatever that means.

IN a press conference tra-la-ing Labor’s never-ending Canberra Hospital expansion promises, a journalist asked Chief Minister Andrew Barr: “The government’s been facing ongoing criticism from a former chief minister, he says you’ve underspent on health and that this project will be underdone and won’t cope

ministers obviously have contributed a lot to our city, but I don’t think there’s a great deal of value entering into those sorts of discussions and debates with heroes of the past.

“What I would say is that in the development of this project we’re very consignate of our city’s health needs but also of our future population growth.

“I would note that at this point in time our rate of population growth is going to be but a fraction of what it was for obvious reasons of the shut down of international migration and severe limitations in relation to movement within this country.

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“So I think some of what the former chief minister has written about, and his assumptions about future population growth, are just not correct and certainly not based on current circumstances and might reflect a world view from about 2000.”

But no matter the ageist backhander, Jon wants to know: “What are the population forecasts you’re relying on?”

RESIDENTS around Watson and Downer aren’t holding their breath, but the PM’s comments that border restrictions may not be over by summer holidays has raised hopes of no Summernats in January.

My inner-north snout says residents are pondering the perverse outcome of COVID-19 being clean air, quieter days and nights, being able to walk around without being harassed and sleeping at night with windows open.

NINE out of 10 Canberrans believe that the territory should have laws that enforce truthful political advertising, according to unsurprising new research from the Australia Institute. What worries me is the 10 per cent who don’t.

On the Labor side, 91 per cent chose truth; 94 per cent of Greens voters, but only 84 per cent of Liberal voters. According to the research, the ACT Electoral Commission is the preferred adjudicator of truth in political

advertising laws (37 per cent), followed by the legal system (31 per cent). Only 9 per cent select an industry body as their preferred adjudicator, 8 per cent select a special panel of former politicians.

UNTRUTHS in political advertising caught the eye of Leon Arundell, of Downer. He reckons the ACT government is spending money on a misinformation campaign that coincides with Labor’s announcement of its election policy on food waste.

“Sponsored Facebook advertisements link to an ACT government web page that includes false claims such as ‘ACT households waste up to $3800 every year by throwing away food that could have been eaten,’” he says. That figure comes from the 2017 National Food Waste Strategy and includes nonedible food waste such as bones and coffee grounds. It also includes waste from primary production, processing and manufacturing, distribution, retail, and hospitality and food services.

Ian Meikle is the “CityNews” editor and can be heard on 2CC’s “CityNews Sunday Roast”, 10am-noon.

ELECTION 2020 / the Budget mess

‘Stuffed’ Budget has ACT on road to bankruptcy

THE ACT’s Budget is the sickest in Australia and has been so for most of the last decade.

This becomes apparent in the published chart from my colleague and friend Dr Khalid Ahmed, which is based on data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, on the Government Finance Statistics (GFS) measure of all state and territory budgets in Australia.

When Andrew Barr became Treasurer, just under a decade ago, he inherited from outgoing Treasurer Katy Gallagher a Budget with negative net debt of $736 million and a GFS net operating balance not only in surplus but higher than the average of all other states and territories.

A decade later and net debt is approaching $4 billion (a dramatic turn-around of more than $4.5 billion or approaching $500 million a year). That is, mind you, before the advance of COVID-19. Because of the exigencies of the pandemic, it is conceivable that the ACT’s net debt will climb to $5 billion.

Net debt of $5 billion would, depending on how long it may take us to get there, likely equate to more than 75 per cent of our operating revenue.

A quick look at any of the other major Budget metrics will tell you that there is no joy to be had there.

To take just one example, a couple of months ago Barr tabled the General Government Sector Operating Statement as at April 2020 that revealed at that time, i.e. before covid had settled in, that based on the nationally agreed measure of budgets, namely the UPF operating balance, that the ACT Budget was in deficit to the tune of $543,718,000 or an amount equivalent to almost 10 per cent of operating revenue.

I am not an economist and have never pretended to understand the detail of economic theory or principle, but I understand enough to know that the ACT Budget is, as they say in the classics, stuffed!

Which brings me to my point, which is, I would have thought that with net debt conceivably on the road to $5 billion and with a Budget deficit of more than half a billion dollars and growing that the three main

I am not an economist and have never pretended to understand the detail of economic theory or principle, but I understand enough to know that the ACT Budget is, as they say in the classics, stuffed!

the imminent election to be granted the honour of governing us, namely the ALP, the Liberals and the Greens, would by now have set out how they plan to address the parlous state of our finances, pay down our debt, continue to meet all of the primary needs of the community and avoid the ACT becoming bankrupt.

I do not think it is alarmist to suggest that if the Budget trajectory we have been on for the last six or seven years continues over the four years of the next term of the Assembly, then the only way to avoid going bust will be by further major cuts to the central and essential services of government namely health, housing and education.

My concern, of late, has been triggered by the lack of detail, particularly in the costings, of the “election” commitments which are beginning to flow from the parties.

I think it is revealing that the ALP and the Greens are being unusually coy about the cost of the promises they are rolling out. I assume because they know the true state of the Budget and are aware that whatever it is they are promising isn’t affordable.

I note for example media reports in the last week that the commitment by Labor and the Greens to proceed with the reclamation of West Basin was “not costed”. The fact is the Chief Minister has advised the Commonwealth that the works will cost $100 million.

It is fair to ask: where will that $100 million come from? In light of the state of the Budget there are three possible sources of funds for a capital project such as this, namely: defer a

and expansion of Canberra Hospital or a social housing initiative; hit ratepayers with the cost of servicing extra borrowings or pass on the $100 million in the price of the land to be sold to developers for the construction of apartments. What’s your guess?

The people of Canberra deserve to be treated with respect in relation to the costing of commitments. They also have a right to be told where, with a Budget already burdened by massive debt and a frighteningly large deficit, the money will come from. This should include being open about which existing services will be

cut, or whether extra charges will be imposed, noting that while the major parties have promised a rates freeze the promise has not extended to a freeze on other taxes or charges. However, the bottom line is whether any of the parties seeking election have a plan for getting us out of this mess.

Jon Stanhope was chief minister from 2001 to 2011 and represented

CANBERRA MATTERS

Time’s up on City Renewal Authority experiment

FOLLOWING a commitment at the 2016 election, the ACT government abolished the Land Development Agency and replaced it with two agencies, the Suburban Land Agency (that sells land) and the City Renewal Authority.

The City Authority’s coverage is the inner north from the lake, Civic and north along both sides of Northbourne including the Dickson shopping centre.

The authority’s spin (and no laughing, please) states that it: “will lead design-led, people-focused urban renewal in the designated City Renewal Precinct and encourage and promote social and environmental sustainability. To achieve this the authority will forge strong and constructive partnerships with the community, industry and all stakeholders to create a place for people to live, explore and enjoy”.

The authority set its own benchmarks by which it is to be measured. They are:

“A revitalised precinct that is sustainable, liveable and attractive; a diverse and active

The city-wide objections to the outrageous West Basin foreshore proposal have been sidelined and treated with a patronising tone by the City Renewal Authority. It is ignoring the resident groups of the inner north. This is engagement?

residential population that has a strong sense of community; and the take-up of economic and business incubation opportunities for enterprises, small start-ups and creative people.”

What could go wrong?

This authority costs a heap of money. By now it must have achieved a lot. Sadly, if you look at those benchmarks, there’s very little to be said about why this agency should exist. It has failed its own benchmarks. It is largely a waste of time and money.

The major failing is about design.

The buildings that are appearing are more of the same towers as in the previous years – bland boxes of glass, concrete and steel. Drive along Northbourne and spot the new, wonderful architecture and the advances in urban design. Not there. This is why we have this expensive agency – to keep architecture as

ordinary as possible?

The inner north has a federated community council that joins all the suburban residents’ groups and would be the logical conduit through which the City Renewal Authority could engage with the inner north’s individual groups. Does not happen. Instead, the authority invented its own group – and is paying for contracted advisory services. Maybe they are doing something. Who knows? Not the residents! Fail.

The City Renewal Authority is notoriously pushing ahead with the apartment suburb on the West Basin foreshore of the lake. And thanks to the NCA skewing its national capital responsibilities, the authority is also filling in part of the lake.

The city-wide objections to this outrageous proposal have been sidelined and treated with a patronising tone by the authority. It is ignoring the resident groups of the inner north. This is engagement?

They blunder on like a foreign invader and push aside the most im-

Paul Costigan

portant stakeholders – the residents. Another big fail.

In Dickson there remains a scattering of left-overs from the authority’s 2019 big spend on pop-ups and other temporary distractions that largely had no impact.

There are colourful bits scattered around the streets and pavements as a reminder of the money and opportunities wasted. Another fail.

New money is currently being spent on some further distractions. Murals are appearing and new potted plants

are scattered about. Here we go again. Locals remain sceptical. Wonder why?

The best laugh last year was the signs by the authority within the Dickson shopping centre encouraging people to go to the Dickson shopping centre! World-class, stupid, bureau-

Before the authority decided to intrude into the workings of the shopping precinct, it was a great place to visit thanks to the local traders and the friendly atmosphere (and some good coffee). It still is, but is messier than previously with a couple more closed shops. The agency has added It is a fail – again. Whoever forms the next ACT government needs to abandon the experiment that is the City Renewal Authority. Candidates should commit to a better and more efficient way of working with residents to discuss achieving real design outcomes for the whole city, including better architecture and landscape design. And to cancel the stupid West Basin development and instead enhance the foreshore parklands for the future by employing realistic landscape-design professionals.

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters.

‘Welcome to Ngambri country’, says Paul House

By Danielle NOHRA

A NGAMBRI descendent of Henry “Black Harry” Williams is calling out the ACT government, accusing it of “cultural genocide” after Canberra’s first people, the Ngambri people, have been excluded from its own history.

“Our family [has] produced our genealogy, as evidence of our con nection to country since the arrival of Europeans into the Kambri or the Ngambri region,” says Paul House, who has watched his children grow up with “Welcome to Ngunnawal” signs, while the Ngambri people continue to be written out of the ACT’s history.

“I’ve got twin daughters that are nearly 18, and they go to school here and all they see is welcome to Ngun nawal. They’re actually Ngambri people, they’re born here, our ancestors were born here.

“We’ve proved connection right across the Canberra landscape and the ACT government totally ignores it.”

Paul says the ACT government recognises members of the Ngunnawal nation as descendants of the original inhabitants of this region, but there is no specific recognition of the Ngambri

ment, in the House of Representatives, acknowledges the Ngambri and the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the Canberra area, and so does the ANU. So, why doesn’t the ACT government?

“This current government is stealing the identity away from Ngambri people on country. They’re stealing it, they’re trying to reinterpret, they’re trying to whitewash the true history

the management of Namadgi National Park. Almost 20 years later and they are still waiting on this agreement to be honoured.

“Our Ngambri ancestors were the custodians of the country south-west of Weereewa (Lake George), which includes the modern ACT. The name of the capital, Canberra, is derived from that of our ancestral group, the Ngambri,” Paul says.

“What concerns many Ngambri the most is the lack of formal recognition by ACT governments and the broader ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of the special place of Ngambri descendants in this region.

“Today, the Ngambri as a group do not own or control any land. We’ve only been given token recognition as having historical connections to Namadgi, and our relatives from neighbouring groups piggy-backed on those connections and now dominate discussions.”

So, how did the government get things so wrong? Well, according to Paul, it goes back to when Ngambri (Kamberri), Walgalu speaking “Black Harry” married a Wallabalooa, Ngunnawal-speaking woman from Yass, Ellen Grosvenor.

“It is because of his marriage to Ellen that Black Harry’s descendants could identify as Ngunnawal-speaking Wallabalooa as well as Ngambri,” he says.

Things became more complicated following the passing of the “Native Title Act” in 1994, and more specifically, according to Paul, beginning with Kate Carnell’s government, who allegedly forced false alignments between a few indigenous family groups.

“For our native title claim to Namadgi National Park, Ngambri descendants were told that the so-called ‘three claimant groups’ had to ‘merge as one, otherwise you’ll get nothing’,” he says.

“The only way the other two claimant groups could be involved in native title claims was by piggy-backing on Ngambri genealogies. Some of these so-called claimants are related to us through our great, great grandmother Ellen’s line and also through the line of our grandmother, Pearly Williams, but this does not give them rights to Ngambri country.

“Some of them are related to Ngambri descendants through inter-marriage but our own lore and custom do not recognise them as bona fide Ngambri, with rights to Ngambri country.”

Paul accepts that this is a complicated issue for the ACT government, but believes, since they had a role in creating the issue, that they should have a role in fixing it.

“It is more convenient for the government to throw all of us under the linguistic name ‘Ngunnawal’ so we’ll be easier to ‘govern’,” Paul says.

“We realise governments are in a hurry to demonstrate their support of Aboriginal peoples in modern times, but their endorsement of false claimants serves their own purposes, not ours.”

The Ngambri people refuse to go away, according to Paul, who says they will continue to speak up until they get formal recognition.

“We are prepared to negotiate with the ACT government and with our relatives from non-Ngambri descent lines, but on our terms,” he says.

Now you see him, , and now you don’t!

Political reporter through the flotsam and jetsam of another week on the 2020 ACT election trail...

ACT Labor will be rubbing their hands together, in fact I can hear the champagne corks popping, over the Canberra Liberals’ decision to dump newly minted candidate Peter McKay, two days after the party announced his candidature for Kurrajong.

Liberals Leader Alistair Coe called for McKay’s resignation on Tuesday after controversial comments he made condemning the “Welcome to Country” ceremony and alleging the ACT’s “homosexual chief minister” influenced a police investigation.

McKay, an ex-army parachutist, has now resigned. The major “whoop sie” has landed the Libs in hot water with many political pundits suggesting the controversy could destroy the party’s election chances.

“There’s no question this could derail the party’s campaign,” observed “CityNews” columnist Michael Moore, citing the bungle as a major “distraction” for the Liberals.

McKay entered the Assembly race as a replacement for dumped candidate Vijay Dubey. That’s two discarded Liberal candidates in a matter of months, let’s hope the next contender lasts longer in the ring. I

northern electorate of Ginninderra.

ELECTIONS have always been full of two types of ham, the pork barrel and the porky pie. There’s nothing new about fear-mongering election campaigns, based on embellishment and exaggeration, but it seems something may be getting done about those naughty little lies in political advertising.

Canberrans have raised their voice loud and clear, overwhelmingly deciding that the time is ripe for truth in political advertising. Hear! Hear! New polling released this week from

will drive Canberra further into debt.

have really brought in this food-waste [bin policy], back when the green bins rolled out,” shadow environment minister Elizabeth Lee said. “They miss[ed] a great opportunity and are now rebadging this as this brand new policy announcement. They are just playing catch up.”

Under a Canberra Liberals government, Ms Lee said they would bring food waste bins to all Canberra households. Are ACT Labor’s election commitments just more of the same old same old or is this a case of sour grapes? I’ll let you decide.

or misleading political advertising. The ACT Greens have drafted laws to amend the territory’s Electoral Act to outlaw false material during local elections, but it’s unlikely they’ll be passed anytime soon. Let’s hope something changes soon before campaigns turn completely feral.

JUST last week the Canberra Liberals slammed Labor’s interest-free loans scheme for rooftop solar panels, household battery storage and hotwater heat pumps, labelling it as just another example of a “tired old Labor dusting off old, existing policies” that

accusing ACT Labor of “rebadging” an old announcement on food waste and calling it an election promise. On Monday, the Labor Party committed to rolling out the city-wide food-waste collection scheme, which would cost about $12 million, if re-elected in October.

It seems the announcement sounds eerily familiar to a commitment made in this year’s Budget where the ACT government said it was planning for a food and garden organics processing site and facility to help work towards more food waste being recycled instead of ending up in landfill.

“The reality is that Labor should

AND hot on the tail of our election slogan story, Yerrabi MLA Deepak-Raj Gupta has created his own snappy catchphrase that ticks all the right boxes for a good slogan: “We Back Deepak”. It’s short, pithy, catchy and fun and is coming to a roadside near you. Deepak’s catchcry could give independent candidate for Murrumbidgee Fiona Carrick’s “Barrack 4 Carrick” slogan a run for its money. Keep the battle cries coming Canberra.

Trusting politicians to deliver on their promises

WHO can I trust? This is the real test for the coming ACT election. Casting a vote, in theory, ought to be about weighing up the policy options put forward by candidates and selecting the candidates who will deliver in alignment with your own philosophies and interests.

However, there are too many examples of parties and politicians simply failing to deliver on their promises. Not to mention the examples of rorts, on favouritism and cronyism. As ACT voters go to the polls for the October election there are some hard choices to be made.

Trust in politicians to act in the “interests of the people” and to deliver on their promises is at an all-time low. In late 2019 a survey of Australians conducted by ANU professor Ian McAllister identified a downward slide in trust of politicians since 2007. He identified “a little over one-in-10 Australians, 12 per cent, believe the government is run for “all the people”. In contrast more than half, 56 per cent, say the government

The hospital construction did not start in this term of office. Now Labor is running it again as an election commitment, asking voters to trust them to ‘commence in 2021 and be completed in 2024’. Can they really be trusted to deliver in the next term?

is run for a “few big interests”.

Trust is not to be confused with difference of opinion. When the convictions of politicians are understood, sensible decisions can be made to support or not support. Unfortunately, politicians of conviction seem to be becoming rarer.

Regrettably, most prominent are those of the hard right whose convictions oppose gay marriage, are against women’s right to choose and who are standing against the right to die with dignity. Vehement disagreement ought not to be confused with lack of trust.

On the flip side are those whose convictions support a healthier, more sustainable society. The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a

platform for action for a raft of politicians of conviction to deliver on the goals by 2030. However, complacency and lip service confound voters’ trust on these commitments.

The failure to deliver effectively on the commitment for an anticorruption and integrity commission bodes ill for the ACT.

Four years beyond the commitments of all parties, the ACT Integrity Commission has been established – but, as outlined in this column on August 6, not soon enough to report before the October election. Deploying delaying tactics has undermined voters’ trust that any form of corruption, lack of integrity or embarrassment would be exposed within the current term.

Labor promised major hospital refurbishments at the last election.

The “SPIRE” project was to provide “a bigger, better Canberra Hospital to meet the needs of our growing city and region”.

In 2016, then Labor Health Minister, Meegan Fitzharris, outlined as part of her key ministerial priorities: “When it comes to health infrastructure, this government’s most significant investment will be the construction of the Surgical Procedures, Interventional Radiology and Emergency, or SPIRE, Centre”.

The hospital construction did not start in this term of office. Now Labor is running it again as an election commitment. They are asking voters to trust them to “commence in 2021 and be completed in 2024”. A previous election promise has slipped through to

this coming election. Can they really be trusted to deliver in the next term?

A more transparent government has been a long-term promise. After nearly two decades of Labor in government, “CityNews” and other media outlets have questioned again and again the transparency of planning decisions.

The most fundamental issue of trust is the state of the ACT finances. The actions of the federal government have not been helpful for the Canberra Liberals. The problem is that federal Liberals and their coalition partners have, with the advent of COVID-19, put aside their ideology and taken on major debt to look after health and support the economy.

The downside for the local Canberra Liberals going into an election is that these actions reflect just how empty their campaigns have been for bringing the country and the ACT back to surplus. Federally, there are now arguments that it does not really matter as interest rates are so low. ACT finances are different – but the fundamental question remains as to who can be trusted with the money. Who can be trusted with government and how can they be held accountable?

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has written politics for “CityNews” since 2006.

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Why are the Canberra Liberals so extreme?

WHEN the marriage equality vote was held in 2017, the prime minister supported it. Every premier and chief minister backed it. Every opposition leader – federal, state or territory –voted for marriage equality.

Except one. In the ACT, Canberra Liberal leader Alistair Coe opposed marriage equality. Three out of four Canberrans voted yes to marriage equality, the highest share in Australia. Yet Canberra was the only place where a major party leader voted no.

Marriage equality isn’t just an isolated incident. On a broad swathe of issues, the Canberra Liberals have shown themselves not just to be more conservative than the typical Canberran, but to be the most conservative Liberal branch in Australia.

The Canberra Liberals opposed the National Arboretum. They opposed light rail. They opposed reducing stamp duty for new-home buyers: a tax reform that other jurisdictions are now looking to emulate.

On climate change, they claim to support

LETTERS

What makes the Canberra Liberals so extreme? With just a few hundred members, the branch is about the size of the ACT’s Dante Alighieri Society. This makes it prone to takeover by reactionary forces.

a zero-emissions target, but oppose the measures that would get us there, including voting against the ACT’s Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme. Echoing Scott Morrison’s claim that electric vehicles will “end the weekend”, the Canberra Liberals claim that the Barr government plan to “ban cars”. With this much hot air, the party may soon have to register as a major emitter.

Now, I realise that claiming the ACT Liberals are the most right-wing branch in Australia is a big call, so let’s take a look at the competition. In 2014, NT Country Liberal Party MLA Dave Tollner was forced to resign after making homophobic slurs against the gay son of a colleague. The next year, CLP MLA John Elferink told a female Labor member during a debate that he was “really tempted to give her a slap right now, figuratively speaking”.

In the NSW Liberal government, Police Minister David Elliott has

enthusiastically defended the police’s ability to strip-search minors and described Black Lives Matter protestors as “certifiably insane”. Last year, Elliott was involved in a traffic altercation with a 17-year-old, who he claimed had clipped his Lexus. In response, Elliott allegedly grabbed the teenager’s arm and said he “worked for the cops”. When the boy asked to see Elliott’s badge, the minister replied: “I pay for the badges, I don’t get one”.

But the Canberra Liberals have given Liberals in other states a run for their money. They claim that the anti-bullying Safe Schools program “traumatises” and “grooms” children, despite clear evidence of the high rates of mental distress among LGBT+ teens. They opposed the creation of a noprotest space around the Civic health centre, so that women seeking advice on legal pregnancy termination can do so without being harassed. Some members of the Canberra Liberals want to wind the clock back on abortion rights. Liberal candidate Jacob Vadakkedathu called Quentin Bryce’s support for Australian Republicanism “disgusting and laughable”. Odd stuff

from someone who hopes to represent the territory that recorded the highest support for a republic in the 1999 referendum.

Canberrans pride ourselves on our multicultural diversity. Yet the party director of the Canberra Liberals, Josh Manuatu, once defended a television host who called for a ban on Muslim migration to Australia. So much for the principle that our immigration system should not discriminate by race, ethnicity or religion.

If Manuatu’s name rings a bell, it might be because he has previously worked for Eric Abetz, one of the country’s most conservative politicians. Then, as a staffer to Angus Taylor, Manuatu was embroiled in a scandal involving the forgery of a Sydney City Council report in a bungled attempt to embarrass Clover Moore. He also believes the ABC should be privatised.

What makes the Canberra Liberals so extreme? With just a few hundred members, the branch is about the size of the ACT’s Dante Alighieri Society. This makes it prone to takeover by reactionary forces. This was vividly demonstrated in 2013, when Zed Seselja ambushed Gary Humphries in the Senate preselection vote.

Before entering the Senate, Humphries was the last Liberal to serve as Chief Minister – the kind of centrist conservative that Canberrans could

support. But in a remarkable show of force, Seselja organised every Liberal MLA to sign a letter opposing Humphries. Seselja won the preselection by 168 votes to 138. Humphries’ moderate credentials were demonstrated by his willingness to cross the floor to vote against the Howard government when the interests of the ACT were at stake. By contrast, Seselja has been one of the most conservative members of the federal Liberal Party, backing cuts to penalty rates that were too radical for Michaelia Cash and abstaining from the same-sex marriage vote in the parliament. When Peter Dutton made his quixotic tilt for leadership, Seselja was one of his key lieutenants. Humphries, and many other moderates, have now quit the Canberra Liberal Party. Party membership is now so low that the Liberal preselection in Brindabella attracted just 34 votes. Over the coming months, we can expect plenty of dirty political tricks. Last year, the Canberra Liberals were willing to imply that federal Labor was going to reintroduce an inheritance tax, a policy that Labor has not supported since 1979. So be prepared for plenty more black trucks, festooned with a farrago of falsehoods. Canberrans deserve better.

Andrew Leigh is the Federal Labor Member for Fenner at andrewleigh.com

Shocked that Hughes had dodged a land-swap bullet

I ALWAYS seek out Jon Stanhope’s articles, which are invariably informative and topical, but this one – “What’s hidden behind secret land-swap values?” (CN, August 6) really caught my attention.

As a Hughes resident living in a street adjoining the Hughes public open space, former secretary of the Hughes Residents’ Association and current member of local Landcare groups, the Friends of Hughes Grassy Woodland and the Red Hill Regenerators, it is news to me that this public open space was being considered for diplomatic housing in May 2017, and possibly later.

I am certainly not aware of any residents or local community organisations being informed or consulted.

This area is part of the ACT government’s “Draft Integrated Plan for Red Hill Nature Reserve and Surrounds”, the subject of a 2017 petition with over 3000 signatures, a support motion passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly in late 2017, and two years of work by a dedicated Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate team, including several meetings with community organisations and public consultations last year.

While we hope that Hughes has “dodged a bullet”, as Mr Stanhope says, the lack of consultation on the Curtin Horse Paddocks land-swap indicates that nothing has changed.

The public open space on the Deakin side of Hughes, next to the current embassy area in Deakin, comprises Section 57 (above Kent Street and adjoining Red Hill Nature Reserve) and Section 58 (below Kent Street, bounded

by Carruthers Street). Both comprise mainly endangered Yellow Box Red Gum Woodland and are cared for by the Friends of Hughes Grassy Woodland, an ACT Urban Parkssponsored landcare group.

The group has just received a grant of $8050 to improve bird habitat in this area. One tree on Section 57 is already on the ACT Tree Register, and trees on both sections are currently on the ACT Provisional Tree Register.

I am appalled to think that this area could ever have been considered for bulldozing.

Many thanks to Mr Stanhope for seeking out this information through the freedom of information process and for an excellent and frightening article.

Dr Jacky Fogerty, Hughes

How green are the Libs?

TO back up the Liberals’ new-found “Green Space Guarantee”, a flyer from Kurrajong’s shadow minister for the environment offers a “long-term vision to plant one million trees and preserve precious green space in new suburbs”. Many will wonder why the Liberals are making no commitment to address the need for additional, well-designed green spaces, parkland, and tree-canopied pathways in and around existing suburbs that are being rapidly densified and burdened with hotter “cookie-cutter” spaces for public use and movement, while still suffering from years of loss of established tree cover.

Are the Liberals sufficiently interested in and capable of addressing and delivering on critical liveability and green infrastructure needs across the ACT?

Sue Dyer, Downer

More to election than main parties

I SYMPATHISE with John Lawrence ‘s comment about a “clown election” (Letters, CN August 6). It is important for voters to know something about the candidates standing, but it is near on impossible for independents and small parties to get any traction with the mainstream media and who has the money needed to buy publicity unless you are a Clive Palmer. ”CityNews” is one media outlet that does seem to consistently give smaller parties and independents a fair go, and 2CC isn’t bad, either.

Might I suggest that the two main local media outlets in town, the ABC and “The Canberra Times”, have a duty to give their listeners and readers respectively details of who is standing, what they stand for and what (if any) their policies are – and not just cover the main parties as they seem to do.

Bill Stefaniak , Belco Party Convenor and election candidate

The trouble with Goyder Street

THE August 13 “CityNews” article, “Unhappy street cruelled by endless traffic woes”,

points to issues with the Territory Plan and also to issues with road management.

The Commercial Zones Development Code permits merit track developments only if “the existing road network can accommodate the amount of traffic that is likely to be generated by the development.”

The three large traffic-generating developments on Goyder Street have been allowed because they are in residential zones. The Residential Zones Development Code does not currently include traffic requirements like those of the Commercial Zones Development Code.

Traffic congestion at the intersection of Goyder and Dalrymple Streets can be reduced or eliminated by building a second traffic lane from Goyder Street to Hindmarsh Drive. That would allow twice as many cars to pass through the Hindmarsh Drive intersection in each cycle of the traffic signals. Waiting cars would no longer back up through the Goyder Street intersection. Reducing traffic on Goyder Street will require a little more thought. People like me use Goyder Street because it is quicker than going the long way via Hindmarsh Drive and Jerrabomberra Avenue. Efforts to discourage people from using Goyder Street might increase traffic on other nearby residential streets.

Leon Arundell, Downer

THE GADFLY

Nothing like a good pandemic to save the world

HERE’S the good news: the pandemic is just what we needed to save the world for our grandchildren.

The way it’s going, COVID-19 will cause a worldwide depression at least comparable to the Great Depression of the 1930s.

And that’s the good news?

You bet. It’s probably the only hope we have to survive and eventually to prosper. Because if the depression now in the making is deep enough, the fall in economic activity might just be sufficient to put the brakes on the climate change that will otherwise destroy our way of life on planet Earth.

Let’s do the maths. According to the latest research, global temperature has risen, on average, about one deg C. And if the nations who pledged action in the Paris Agreement all keep their promises, we will reach 2C by 2030, 3C by 2050 and 4C by 2075. By then, the world as we now know it will be unrecognisable.

Think of south-east Australia and the

Instant worldwide communication has brought the plight of all nations to global attention; and we’re all learning from each other’s successes and failures.

drought, the hailstorm, the mammoth bushfires and the pandemic. Spread that across the globe, add rising seas and multiply by five… without end. That’s the future we are preparing for our children and theirs.

Indeed, it’s almost as though Gaia – the ancient Greek personification of the Earth – has roused herself to give us fair warning: “Here’s where we’re heading; we have one chance left; please grab it now.”

So, over to us. Do we have the gumption as a species to take that last card in the pack. Or (pun intended) will it get trumped by stupidity?

We have quite a lot going for us. Already, the pandemic has beheaded some of the atavistic shibboleths standing in our way – notably the “debt and deficit” furphy that emerged each time the government took action to regulate economic activity.

These days even the most reactionary regimes give some support to those thrown out of work by

COVID-19.

Instant worldwide communication has brought the plight of all nations to global attention; and we’re all learning from each other’s successes and failures. The struggle against an invisible virus has taken precedence over our foolish local conflicts against each other. These are our weapons in the making.

On the other hand, the temptation to politicians to use phoney patriotism to enhance their images is never far beneath the surface. Witness the silly, triumphalist cackling of Annastacia Palaszczuk, “defending” Queensland against intruders from NSW and the ACT (with no active cases for many days).

Not surprisingly, she’s next in line for election.

However, hers is barely a sideshow compared with the race that stops the world (or not) in the U.S. of A. Trump mounted on the Republican elephant has come to represent everything to be beaten over the jumps to the winning post.

And having divided his stables, shattered its health system, debased its

Children of the Great Depression in the

reputation and shuttered much of its economy, he squirms in terror at the prospect of defeat in November.

He will do anything – anything at all – to avoid it.

His opponent Joe Biden, a fading 77-year-old aboard the Democrat donkey, can barely raise a canter against the elephant. Putin is riding interference on social media. The

1930s.

handicap system is gerrymandered. And the punters are drawn from a population where 60 per cent reject the role of natural selection in the evolution of life on Earth.

Yet these are the surrogates carrying humanity’s colours to the starting gate. No wonder Gaia trembles. robert@robertmacklin.com

BELCONNEN

The best people serving the hub of the north

COMPRISING

25 suburbs surrounding the Belconnen town centre and Ginninderra Lake, Belconnen is the most populated district of the ACT.

Originally farming land, Belconnen was developed in 1966, with Aranda as its first suburb.

Now, Belconnen as we know it, is a thriving hub for north Canberrans, with so much to offer residents and visitors.

Bringing warm vibes, coffee, dogs and pub food

RUBY’S Cafe and Bar, and its neighbour, Her bert’s at Evatt are creating a warm community vibe and a welcoming destination for locals, says owners Matt Morrissey of Ruby’s Cafe and Kristin O’Neill of Herbert’s.

Matt says Ruby’s Cafe and Bar is a lovely little coffee house with locally roasted coffee, assorted housemade sweet treats and a range of sandwiches and light meals that can be enjoyed at the cafe or taken home. Matt and his partner Katie Hancock named the cafe after their kelpie, Ruby, and are welcoming of four-footed friends with outside seating and a “puppicino” on the menu.

“Inside we have a play area so a lot of parents enjoy a coffee with their little ones, before or after school,” says Matt.

Next door, Kristin O’Neill and her partner Dino Martiniello opened Herbert’s at Evatt earlier this

Relaxed cosy atmosphere and genuine welcoming hospitality as soon as you walk in.

Quality range of craft beers and ciders on tap and available to take away. Take away menu also available.

A great selection of Canberra region wines available when dining in.

opened to such a positive response,” says Kristin who grew up in Evatt.

Offering craft beer, local wines and a menu featuring small bites and casual pub favourites such as burgers and fish and chips, Kristin says they are open for dinner Wednesdays to Saturdays, lunch on Thursdays to Saturdays and offer brunch on Sundays.

After 26 years in hospitality Kristin says she’s delighted to have opened Herbert’s, named after politician Herbert Evatt and recommends getting in touch to make a booking.

Ruby’s Cafe and Bar, and Herbert’s at Evatt, Heydon Place, Evatt shops. Search for both businesses on Facebook.

Please call us on 6169 7593 to make a reservation!

While we are limited for space due to current restrictions, we are available for functions – please speak with our friendly staff and we’ll see what we can do!

Supporting people with chronic fatigue

RECOVERING from the chronic, debilitating condition, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is a long-term process, but Arthritis ACT has information and support to help.

ME/CFS is often the result of a viral infection that a person never really recovers from, says Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey.

“It affects the central nervous system and the brain. Some people become bedridden and they can’t do what they used to do,” she says.

With other chronic conditions, building low-impact exercise into people’s lives is generally very beneficial, but she says in the case of people who are unwell with ME/CFS exercise exhausts them too much.

“We support people with ME/CFS by offering support networks for both people living with it and those who care for them,” she says.

The condition, she says, can also affect children and teenagers, and is often triggered by glandular fever in young adults.

“It’s a big job to care for people living with ME/CFS as they are often housebound,” she says.

“When people recover, we can work with them to introduce hydrotherapy and low-impact exercises that we run to help them during this long-term process of recovery,” says Rebecca.

People living with ME/CFS can contact Arthritis ACT or visit the ACT ME/CFS Society website for information about their support networks, which are offered via teleconference and social media.

Arthritis ACT, Building 18, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, email info@arthritisact. org.au or visit arthritisact.org.au or mecfscanberra.org.au

Myalgic Encaphalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

ME/CFS is a very poorly understood, hard to diagnose, and harder to live with disease.

The ACT ME/CFS Society provides regular self help courses and support for people living with ME/CFS and their carers (parents in particular).

These are available in person, online or through video conferencing.

The Society also provides regular health and wellbeing seminars as well as access to free counselling for members.

Online courses support health care providers with education regarding ME/CFS.

The ACT ME/CFS Society works closely with Arthritis ACT and Society members have access to all the programs delivered at Arthritis ACT.

Home Care Pakage Coordination

No basic daily fee. Use up to 85% of your funding. All 4 levels of packages available.

Deakin Cottage

A home away from home. Day program & Overnight stay for the frail aged.

Mobility and technology aids

To help you live safely in your home.

Taking a break from Caring (Respite)

Other Carer Supports

BRILLIANT BELCONNEN

CARERS ACT, the delivery partner of Carer Gateway in the ACT, says it has a comprehensive suite of aged care services to support carers.

Canberra resident Delia is a carer for her dad and says she’s been able to relax a little from the support she’s received from Carers ACT over the years.

“Carers ACT explained to me that I could have a break through their aged care services respite program,” says Delia, who found herself doing more to assist her dad on top of working and managing her own house.

It became exhausting, and as her father’s needs changed, it was difficult for Delia to have any time away, so Carers ACT introduced them to the Deakin Cottage, which is a low-needs respite service that provides professional care for people who are ageing while

supporting carers who need a break from their caring role. For Delia, it’s meant she’s been able to go away for a few days when needed.

Through Carers ACT information sessions, the team at Carers ACT has also helped Delia understand the aged care system and, as her dad needed more support, suggested he get assessed for a “home care package”.

The home care package has come through and Carers ACT has helped coordinate the services, Delia says.

“The staff have all been wonderful to work with and I can relax a bit, knowing dad is being supported,” she says.

Carers ACT, 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt. Call 6296 9900 or visit carersact.org.au

ULTIMATE Skin and Beauty owner and therapist Samantha Henderson loves helping clients feel better, look great and achieve the results they want.

Backed with 12 years of experience in the industry, Samantha works alongside therapist Brenda Dunlop, who has 38 years of beauty knowledge, and together, Samantha says their combined expertise ensures every client feels and looks great.

“We take the time to listen to our clients and work with them to achieve what they want,” says Samantha.

“With our years of beauty experience, we just get it!”

And, with a newly renovated salon, Samantha says clients love the relaxed, modern feel and the

tanning, massages, manicures, pedicures, lash lifts and extensions, and facial treatments, which use the internationally-recognised skincare product, Murad.

deal

“A current beauty trend that our clients are loving is a henna brow tint. It’s a natural product and gives greater definition than a regular chemical-based tint,” says Samantha, who is offering “CityNews” readers a free eyebrow wax with every henna brow tint booked. Samantha is also delighted that the salon has a five-star rating across their social media and Google and looks forward to welcoming new clients to the salon, which adheres to covid-safe hygiene practices.

Ultimate Skin and Beauty, Shop 3, 16 Hardwick Crescent, Holt. Visit ultimateskinandbeauty.com.au or call 6255 3851.

Unique fitness club offers free trial

BACKED with more than 15 years’ experience in Canberra’s fitness industry, Marie Anagnostis was motivated to open the ACT’s first 12RND Fitness Club after she went to one of the club’s classes in Queensland.

“There’s nothing like it in Canberra,” says Marie, who opened the boutique Belconnen-based studio in February.

The 45-minute workouts replicate the physical demands of a 12-round championship boxing bout, with 12 circuit-style rounds of three minutes, with a 30-second rest (and sanitising) in between.

Marie says the workouts are boxing-based but also include cardio, core and strength-based exercises, giving people a fantastic workout.

The beauty of 12RND Fitness,

according to Marie, is that people can turn up at any time and join the circuit, which is led by a team of experienced boxing coaches.

“[It] doesn’t matter if you hit the snooze button in the morning or run late leaving work, you can join in at any time,” says Marie.

“Our coaches teach everything from scratch - no experience of boxing is necessary. People love that boxing is incorporated with other exercises and you don’t have to partner with others [and can] work individually to your pace.”

Currently 12RND Fitness is offering a free trial for people keen to give it a go, Marie says.

12RND Fitness, 102 Emu Bank, Belconnen. Call 0478 779300 or visit 12rnd.com.au

Charity’s always willing to help

THE doors at the West Belconnen charity, UnitingCare Kippax, are open to anyone in need of help, says its acting CEO Meg Richens.

“Especially during these difficult times, people are coming to us for support and we are looking at how we continue to help them either online or face-to-face,” she says.

UnitingCare Kippax provides a range of services such as case management, early childhood programs, food relief and employment and training.

The Mower Shed is one of UnitingCare Kippax’s social enterprises, which is a business set up to achieve social good by helping people find mainstream employment.

Meg says The Mower Shed offers garden maintenance training to people who have found it difficult to find and maintain

employment, giving them the opportunity to leave the program with a set of skills, a certification and some work experience.

“For people who need basic garden maintenance, including mowing, pruning and garden rubbish removal, and cannot pay the full fees, it [allows] UnitingCare Kippax to continue to support people in need,” says Meg.

Meg says their “wrap-around” support process enables them to work with people who need support at any level, saying they offer a range of programs from support with parenting, unemployment issues or training.

UnitingCare Kippax, corner of Luke Street and Hardwick Crescent, Holt. Call 6254 1733 or visit kippax.org.au. For information about The Mower Shed, call 0410 083846.

UnitingCare Kippax values our committed business supporters in Canberra.

Volunteers support people with Parkinson’s

PARKINSON’S ACT supports and promotes the wellbeing and interests of people with the degenerative neurological disease, Parkinson’s, says Parkinson’s ACT president John Sheldrick.

“We are a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation providing information, support and education for people living with Parkinson’s, as well as their families, friends and carers in the ACT and region,” he says.

“As part of this we run eight support and activity groups, including two dance groups, one of which is conducted at the Belconnen Arts Centre, a singing group, [a] painting with Parkinson’s [group] and a young onset support group. Our groups are places for people to improve their lifestyle, chat and share experiences.”

John says Parkinson’s ACT also hosts information seminars, publishes a monthly bulletin, contributes to Parkinson’s research, supports aged-care nurses in improving their knowledge of the disease, and provides scholarships to medical and nursing students in the region.

Parkinson’s ACT, 7 Collett Place, Pearce. Call 1800 644189 or email actparkinsons@gmail.com

These partnerships allow us to employ individuals that need support in gaining and maintaining mainstream employment.

At the Mower Shed and Kippax Trade Start we are training people to be trade ready!

You can do good in your community by having us tend to your garden, home repairs and maintenance.

New Service Coming Soon

UnitingCare Kippax is introducing a new service that will help vulnerable people relocate from difficult situations.

Kippax Movers is set up to minimise the financial burden and additional stress at times of physical relocation for those families and individuals requiring support.

Competitive rates with quality service

When you pay full cost we can:

• Employ people who otherwise find it difficult to gain and maintain employment

• Provide low cost and no cost garden services to vulnerable members of our community

For quotes and bookings Monday to Friday 7:00am to 3:00pm please visit our website or call

Parkinson’s ACT can help

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition which affects movement and mood. It affects an estimated 1,500 people in the ACT and surrounds. More than that, it affects carers, families and friends.

Parkinson’s ACT is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation providing information, support and education. Our purpose is to promote the well-being and interests of people living with Parkinson’s in the ACT and nearby region.

The support of people who share your experience is invaluable. Parkinson's ACT can help.

BRILLIANT BELCONNEN advertising feature

Art centre reopens with double the space

AFTER a period of closure during COVID-19 restrictions and the completion of its $15 million expansion, the Belconnen Arts Centre is ready to open its doors to the community, with a number of exciting exhibitions and events.

The centre, which is now double its original size, includes an extra 160 square metres of exhibition space and a new 400-seat theatre.

The Belconnen Arts Centre artistic director and co-CEO, Monika McInerney, hopes the centre becomes a place where artists and the community connect with each other to make memories, share stories and create new work.

“It’s an exciting time for us. We are blessed to be able to have the capacity and room to safely bring people into the space,” says Monika, whose team has devised some wonderful programs for people to “explore, engage in and gather” both inside the centre and online.

Four exhibitions are opening this week, including Ngunnawal elder Loretta Halloran’s first solo exhibi

tion, which celebrates her love of working with clay and connection to her Ngunnawal culture.

Another exhibition titled “Kamberra” by Marissa McDowell and Lisa Fuller, explores local traditional owners, their connections to country, as well as diverse communities who’ve lived here for years, decades and in some cases, generations.

In the other exhibitions, local artist David Roberts will exhibit “It’s Elementary”, featuring acrylic paintings inspired by the elements and Julie Bradley’s “Evocation” is a mixed-media exhibition that invokes spiritual connections to land.

Monika says she is very excited to work with local artists and offer new residencies and opportunities for collaboration as well as explore what the new theatre space will be able to offer.

Bringing balance back to carers’ lives

www.parkinsonsact.org.au | actparkinsons@gmail.com

FOR 25 years, Carers ACT, a Carer Gateway service delivery partner, has been dedicated to supporting unpaid family and friend carers through a range of support services to carers in the ACT.

Services include counselling, online coaching, emergency and planned respite, peer support and a dedicated carer planner.

Canberra resident Joanne became the carer of her 45-year-old brother, pictured, who lives with an intellectual disability, when her elderly mother found it too much to care for him, and says it was a stressful time and a big adjustment for everyone when he relocated from country NSW to the ACT.

Struggling to juggle work with being a carer and

family life, a friend suggested that Joanne call Carer Gateway to get

“When I found the time to call and got through to Carers ACT, what a godsend it has been. My care planner really listened to me and understood,” she says.

“We are working on an action plan with the aim of bringing my life back into balance. It’s early days yet in my caring journey, but I feel with the support of Carers ACT and the Carer Gateway, I am on a path to success.”

Carer Gateway, visit carergateway.gov.au or call

422 737 carergateway.gov.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The art that opened Enrico’s eyes

By Helen Musa

“WHEN the penny drops, it drops,” retired public servant and art collector Enrico Saccardo says of his passion for Australian Aboriginal art.

He’s been collecting for around 35 years, starting with the “bright, striking” pictures of Pro Hart, then moving to general Australian art, with a few Archibald finalists under his belt, with a firm view that “European art is pretty well uncollectible now, and if you happen to own a Picasso print, you’d best send it to London, Paris or New York”.

But Aboriginal art, which he now regards as one of the glories of Australian culture, that’s a different matter altogether.

Right now he’s showing off the very tip of his collection at Kyeema Gallery in an eclectic mix of the art he loves most by Australia’s Aboriginal artists.

Not surprisingly, the exhibition is called “An Eclectic View” and, with an exceptional range of artists and prices ranging from under $100 into the thousands, he’s hoping that Canberrans who come to see the show will also “get it” when it comes to our indigenous art.

Saccardo’s arm was twisted by the co-owner of Capital Wines, Bill Mason, to exhibit at Kyeema, normally the home of local landscape art, and now they’re looking forward to staging at least two more shows this year.

Born in Rome and as a young child surrounded by

art, even in small churches that boasted Caravaggios on their walls, Saccardo emigrated with his family aged nine in 1971, coming directly to Canberra because his mum had a sister here.

He was schooled at Hackett Primary and Copland College in the late 1980s, before joining the public service, from which he has now retired.

All the while, Saccardo was collecting Australian art, but early on he didn’t “get” Aboriginal art, putting it in the too-hard basket culturally.

That was until noted collector Michael Eather of FireWorks Gallery in Bowen Hills, Brisbane, and the late Judith Behan of Chapman Gallery in Manuka, began to educate him, to train his eye.

“Judy began trying to get me in, to guide me, but I couldn’t see it,” he says.

But eventually the penny dropped and he’s never looked back and continues to travel Australia looking for art works, admitting that his search sometimes drives his family up the wall.

Through Eather, he was to befriend the celebrated Papunya artist Michael Nelson Tjakamarra while he was here to execute his mosaic in the forecourt of Parliament House. Nelson is represented in the Kyeema show.

and it’s an ‘eclectic’ collection representing not just different parts of Australia but different eras,” he says.

Saccardo’s knowledge shines out in the walkthrough as he shows me works by Nelson, devout Catholic artist from the Kimberley, Shirley Purdie, and Gloria Petyarre, exponent of the healing yam leaf imagery that permeates her work and that of her descendants such as Rosemary and Anna Petyarre, also on show.

“I’m showing lots of paintings in a decent price range

Then there’s the work of Marlene Young Nungurrayi, a Pintupi woman strongly influenced by the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye, of whose work he says: “I love the way people explore different media… it used to be just ochres and acrylics but now everything is in the mix, I love it”.

One of the most exciting components of this exhibition, to him, is work by a group of young artists working west of Maningrida in Arnhem Land, whose recent paintings he bought through a friend. These are the lowest priced paintings, but he predicts a bright future for the artists.

Saccardo is not buying so much work now, saying, “my main problem is letting go of things… some paintings will have to go into the coffin with me”.

“As a collector I’m filling in the holes,” he says.

“I’m not an academic but I know what I need for my collection. Although I hope I never complete it. I always like to push forward.”

“An Eclectic View, Australian Aboriginal Art: Exploring 50 Years of Modern Indigenous Art From Papunya to Now”, Kyeema Gallery, at Capital Wines 13 Gladstone Street, Hall, Thursday-Monday until August 30.

By Helen MUSA

“LAKE March” will be a spontaneous dance and music performance unfolding along the pathways of Lakes Burley Griffin, Ginninderra and Tuggeranong throughout August, as eight of Canberra’s top dancers move in a spatially-distanced procession to live musical accompaniment. Final performances are at Lake Tuggeranong at 11.15am and 12.30pm, August 23. All details and bookings via eventbrite.com.au

THE Design Canberra Festival “car wrap” competition is expanding to wrap four brand-new BMW models in art. Originally conceived by the festival’s partners, Rolfe Classic BMW, this year’s competition has an open section and categories for CraftACT members, and university and high school students. The winners will have their designs applied by ROJO Customs. Entries by September 30 to designcanberrafestival.com.au

SOPRANO Sarahlouise Owens and pianist Phillipa Candy will be performing a newly-commissioned song cycle by 2019 “CityNews” Artist of the Year Michael Dooley as well as performances of works by Linda Phillipa, Phyllis Batchelor and songs by Horace Keats. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 3pm, Sunday, August 23, book at trybooking.com

MEGALO Print Studio + Gallery is gearing up for an exhibition that will highlight artists involved with Megalo over its 40 years, in its first physical exhibition since its print prize in March. The show launches at 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, on August 25.

ARTS and game design collective Boho Interactive will be asking both live and online audiences to help explore how our city recovers after the last 12 months of drought, bushfires, and COVID-19 in “FUTURES with a Capital F”. Cocommissioned by Canberra Theatre Centre and Where You Are Festival, it will be developed in the centre’s Courtyard Studio before moving to the Canberra Theatre stage from August 31 to September 5. Limited bookings at canberratheatrecentre.com.au

AMBUSH Gallery and Kambri at ANU have opened entries for a poster prize and exhibition called “The Hero’s Journey” and are seeking works from Australian visual artists, graphic designers and digital agencies to capture their 2020 journey through the crises of the year, in the form of a movie poster. Entries to info@ambushgallery.com close on September 10, with winners announced on October 15.

THE inaugural Far South Film Festival will be held online because of COVID-19 restrictions, on Sunday, August 23. Run by an association of professional and emerging filmmakers and content creators from the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Snowy/Monaro shires, it will show films involving at least two key creatives who reside in a regional area. All details and access at farsouthfilm.org.au

Going back to the future, but just for the fun of it

“La Belle Epoque” (M)

How would you like to experience living in a time past of your choice?

That’s the underlying premise of this zany, entertaining, puzzling French movie that’s sometimes comedy, other times drama. The second film written and directed by Nicolas Bedos delivers all those elements at breakneck speed, sometimes confusing, never disappointing.

Antoine (Guillaume Canet, who wrote and directed “We’ll End Up Together” which opened here on August 6) has a way to separate wealthy people from memories they’d prefer to forget. For a big bunch of money, he will engage actors and wardrobe masters and stage technicians to recreate the past in La Belle Epoque restaurant.

The internet is eroding the professional comfort zone of artist Victor (Daniel Auteuil) whose wife Marianne (Fanny Ardant) detests him and loses no opportunity to remind him so. Victor asks Antoine to take him back to the 1970s, when the sexual revolution had achieved a measure of stability and Victor met Margot (Doria Tillier) the love of his life. Antoine’s response forms the principal body of the film. It’s fun. The actors playing the four principal characters are great and so are those whom Antoine engages to deliver the time shift. The story’s sometimes bitty flow turns out not to be so much a defect as an affectionate challenge to the audience to keep up with what Bedos is

At Dendy and Palace Electric

“Made in Italy” (M)

THE cost of engaging Irish-born Liam Neeson to act in a movie has been known to reach eight significant digits.

We in Australia know him only by his movies. In Britain and the US, he’s a stage actor as much as he is one whose movie castings (133 credits) are as ready to use his gravelly voice just as a narrator as much as his 193-centimetre height.

the reason for only two stars.

Writer/director James D’Arcy pals Jack up with Natalia (Valeria Bilello) in a relationship that as soon as we meet her we know will end as it does. Robert still mourns a wife who died in a road accident when Jack was a child. Her place in his life is taken cautiously by realestate agent Kate whose function in the story is less than actress Lindsay Duncan deserves but as up close and friendly as Robert needs.

I’ve no idea how much Neeson charged to play Robert. Or how much the whole movie cost to make. After its opening week in the US, its cumulative worldwide gross takings totalled $US176,498. I didn’t think it was that rancid.

At Dendy, Palace Electric and Hoyts Belconnen

“Force of Nature” (MA)

Bosworth) is trying to persuade him to leave. And there is an old man of European extraction who refuses to leave.

To this mix of good people needing evacuation from the building, add trigger-happy psychopath John the Baptist (David Zayas) and his bunch of villains carrying military-grade long arms that they use on anybody they don’t like. What in the building is so valuable that they are prepared to slaughter innocent bystanders to acquire?

Around that collection of characters and environments, director Michael Polish sets about telling a small collection of stories comprising the feature-film debut screenplay of Cory Miiller.

It’s a copybook application of the dramatic unities (place, time, environment, people) with rising and falling tensions and the weather’s embrace never far from the action.

That’s the narrative framework for this film that doesn’t match its often lovely visuals with the dramatic cohesion that it needs, deserves but doesn’t always get. That’s inviting us to enjoy.

whose spirit is depressed. His son Jack (played by his real-life son Micheal Richardson from his late wife Natasha Richardson) owns a London art gallery in partnership with a wife in a loveless marriage. Jack would like to buy her out. Sale of the family home in Tuscany will provide the necessary capital.

That house has not been occupied for two decades. It needs renovation big time. So Jack takes his father along to help prepare it for the sale.

SET in Puerto Rico, the film begins with an altercation about Afro-American Griffin (William Catlett) who’s trying to buy all the mince meat in a supermarket fridge for a pet named Janet.

When a category five storm hits the island territory, job-weary cop Cardillo (Emile Hirsch) together with female cop Jess Peña (Stephanie Cayo) is sent to supervise the evacuation of an apartment building. Griffin lives in that building. So does ailing retired cop Ray (Mel Gibson) whose medico daughter Troy (Kate

Those three stars at the top of this review are down principally to Mel Gibson who dies usefully and gracefully. And Janet. Remember Griffin’s pet Janet? When John the Baptist has all the good folk at his mercy, she’ll save the day. It’s only a two-second appearance but an effec tive one, only minutes before the film ends and worth waiting for.

At Dendy and Hoyts

In “Made In Italy”, he plays Robert, an artist whose painting career is stalled and

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horror’ WATCH IT! / streaming and stuff

Craving a slice of ‘cosmic

By Nick OVERALL

FOXTEL Binge, one of the newest streaming services in Australia, is set to stir up August’s competition with one of the biggest new shows this year: “Lovecraft Country”.

There’s a good chance the name “Lovecraft” rings a bell, even if you might not be exactly sure why.

Howard Phillips (HP) Lovecraft wrote strange and terrifying tales for American pulp science-fiction magazines of the 1920s and ‘30s, and was responsible for the wide popularisation of a sub-genre known as “cosmic horror”.

Unlike the more famous horror tales of the 19th century, which would go on to see names such as Edgar Allan Poe still widely known today, Lovecraft shifted from the psychological and gothic, to the existential and unknown.

He found terror in the idea of humanity’s insignificance when placed in comparison to the universe around us. His stories focused on parallel dimensions, dream worlds, strange cults, alien civilisations and, most notably, god-like creatures

from

Most famous of his stories is “The Call of Cthulhu” (try pronouncing that one), which created one of the most influential monsters of all time. Cthulhu is a gigantic, cosmic entity that sleeps at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, that waits to awaken and end the world. Mind you, nice and close to Australia, which is actually one of the major settings of the story. Looks like we’re first on the chopping block. Thanks, Howard. They are fascinatingly weird and riveting tales. What’s amazing about Lovecraft’s work though is how much of it has slithered into modern popular culture.

Countless authors and directors have been captivated by his works. Stephen King cites the author as

being one of his most prominent influences. King’s widely popular stories like “It” are doused in Lovecraftian inspiration.

Now HBO has produced a new show capitalising on this resurgence of fascination with the author. Here we enter “Lovecraft Country”, based on a 2016 novel of the same name by Matt Ruff.

Rather than adopting the setting of New England, the backdrop of most of Lovecraft’s stories, this new show moves the plot into the deep south of America in the 1950s, aiming to put a modern twist on the source material.

Despite his creativity, the young Lovecraft was viciously racist, with a very open fear of foreigners.

Though I personally don’t think this takes away from what the writer

has offered fiction and literature, the way his works are examined has changed with a modern perspective.

“Lovecraft Country” looks to be a show that wants to tackle such an examination head on, by weaving together a story of the monsters that lurk within the pages of Lovecraft’s tales, as well as illuminates the terrible racism endured by people living in the era of racial segregation.

The story follows Atticus Black, an African American war veteran and sci-fi enthusiast who must travel across America in search of his missing father. This bold combination of ideas has the potential to offer a unique turn and astute perspective of Lovecraftian horror. The previews have seen it awash with critical praise.

This is personally one of my most anticipated series of the year as a long-time mega fan of Lovecraft’s work who is also confronted by the extremism of some of his attitudes.

I think it’s the most famous of his quotes that illuminates both the psychology of Lovecraft, and what’s found in his writing better than anything else: “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.”

“Lovecraft Country” on Foxtel Binge.

expansion.

Big reveal for Belco Arts Centre’s new expansion

By Helen Musa

THE Belconnen Arts Centre is putting on its best face for the “big reveal” of its Stage 2 development on Friday, August 21.

A sweet slice of Brittany

By Wendy Johnson

FROM the minute we walked in the door we were embraced with the warmth and affection of Breizh Café – not physically, because of COVID-19, but emotionally.

This little slice of Brittany at the Ainslie shops is a must visit.

The owners, Bruno Paressant, born in Brittany, and Bronwyn Thomson, with decades in the food industry, opened their crêperie after returning from living with their two sons in the quaint coastal town of Vannes.

The café’s décor is inspired by their French sojourn – pretty blue paintwork, Breton memorabilia and artwork, and textures and colours from the stone-wall cottages of charming coastal Brittany.

Breizh specialises in crepes and patisserie from Brittany and France.

It was lunchtime and while the items on the specials board were enticing, we settled on savoury galettes made with gluten-free buckwheat flour.

The smoked salmon – presented as a rose in the centre – was pretty on the plate and so simple yet sophisticated. It came with Gruyère, cut into perfect

parsley and garlic butter and baby spinach ($22.50). It was loaded with flavour but not heavy.

We enjoyed lunch with a quality rosé – a Grenache/shiraz blend from Provence ($11 glass or $45 bottle).

Our table was close to the big glass cabinet, loaded with gorgeous sweet and savoury items. Fresh breads stacked in baskets are lined on top of the cabinet and we drooled over what was lined up inside, including cakes and pastries, all made with butter not oil.

in August 2009, the then-Chief Minister Jon Stanhope put out the challenge to the arts centre to fill it with activity if it wanted to be granted funds for stage two – and they’ve done just that, with visual art exhibitions, dance, classes, events and concerts, an artist-inresidence program, with minioffices housing arts organisations like Musica Viva and The Griffyn Ensemble and individuals, such as actor Christopher Samuel Carroll. The original design by Williams Ross Architects for both stages 1 and 2 was abandoned when, during the run-up to the 2016 election, the ACT government pledged funding for stage 2 and a totally new design process was set in motion, which resulted in the engagement of DJAS (Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn) Architecture and PBS Building for construction.

Now the two designs, old and new, are visually linked by the evocative yellow whispering “reeds” sculpture, “Dancers on a Lakefront”, by Konstantin Dimopoulos.

I took a tour of the new facility with staffers Skye Rutherford and Shan Crosbie recently, skirting around a lot of wires being wrestled into submission by technical manager Linda Buck.

The state-of-the-art facilities include audio-enhancement for people with hearing disabilities, new public toilets and a small art

gallery facing the street.

That joins the previous main gallery, now called the West Gallery. The old foyer, now called the Generator Gallery and the central Pivot Gallery (“because everything pivots around it”, they tell me) to make a suite of four substantial exhibiting spaces.

The Pivot Gallery adjoins the grand foyer, which leads to stage two. There’s a coffee shop and a rehearsal room/dance studio, but without doubt the essence of it all is the new, large theatre.

Equipped with lighting catwalks, impressive acoustics, a cyclorama and curtains, it is essentially a big black box with retractable seating for around 200 people and movable seating for another 200.

Backstage is impressive, with several dressing rooms, a green room, a substantial loading dock giving access to the whole centre and high-ceilinged corridors leading to production offices and dressing rooms.

Co-CEO/artistic director, Monika

McInerney and fellow-CEO, Jack Lloyd, have inveigled Minister Gordon Ramsay and a bunch of insiders and media to wake up early on August 21 for a sunrise smoking ceremony overlooking Lake Ginninderra, performed by Duncan Smith’s group, Wiradjuri Echoes. Then there’ll be some fun and music in the evening in a staged opening to the public that McInerney calls “singing the space into life”.

As for showbiz, that will kick off in September with a daring circus called “L’entreprise du Risque” in which aerial expert Bernard Bru, costume designer Olga Dumova, circus performers Adam Read and Jake Silvestro and young artists from Canberra’s Warehouse Circus will weave aerial magic under the 6.5m high catwalks, plainly signalling joy and fun at the recently re-named Belco Arts.

Bookings to Belco Arts’ opening night function on August 21 at tinyurl.com/ belcoarts

Speaking of butter, Bruno recommended the traditional Kouign-Amann for dessert, which originated in Brittany around 1860. He promised, with a massive grin, that it was calorie-free.

folded with butter and sugar, and then more butter and sugar and then more butter and sugar.

The cake is slow baked and eventually the sugar caramelises the outside. It’s as rich and delectable as promised. What a sweet deal at only $7 – and we didn’t give a hoot about the calories.

We also shared the gluten-free chocolate fudge cake ($5.50). There are no words to describe the experience. And we loved that both desserts were served warm, bringing out the flavours.

The staff at Breizh Café are all super friendly.

Breizh Café, 15 Edgar Street, Ainslie shops.

GARDENING

deciduous shrubs have retained a proportion of leaves. Based on advice from the Royal Horticultural Society, roses can be pruned at any time. On the other hand, if it doesn’t get done this winter, fret not, do it next year. They will flower just the same. The exception is the rose aficionados who only grow roses to win prizes at flower shows. Although they will be disappointed this year, with most shows cancelled.

Q: “Can I plant potatoes now?”

A: The quick answer is yes, but generally it’s better to delay until the weather warms, say late September/October.

Q: “I’ve found a bag of bulbs in the shed; I think they’re daffodils. They’re solid, looking in good condition. Can I still plant them?”

Why not?

It’s better to plant them than

first early frosts. Firstly, when can I dig them up to divide and secondly, when is the best time to plant new bulbs?”

A: The answer to both questions is in early summer. It can be deceiving as not all outlets selling bulbs and seeds put them out for sale according to the season, so check with trained staff at the local garden centre.

Q: “I have some big clumps of tall bearded iris that have been getting ever larger year by year. Can I divide them now, and are there any rules on this?”

A: Bearded iris can grow into quite a formidable clump, which at the same time reduces the number of flowers. It can be quite a challenge to split them up and some people are concerned about damaging the rhizome. Don’t stress; these are as tough as rhinos. Once out of the ground, even large rhizomes can be broken into pieces, and providing they have roots, they’re ready for immediate planting. Trim off long scraggly roots as illustrated here and vitally important, do not bury the whole rhizome; leave it exposed to be baked by the sun. These are native to Spain and

Portugal and simply love getting sunburnt! Plant north/south with the leaves facing south. There are exceptions to the spring/summer flowering iris, such as Iris Unguicularis or winter flowering iris. These have thin, strappy leaves which should be cut to ground level in late summer to allow the sun to promote the winter flowers, exactly the same as hellebores. Incidentally, hellebores are great for an indoor floral display. Change the water regularly and as a cut flower they’ll last for a couple of weeks or more.

Lilies are the perfect companion plant for tall bearded iris, flowering from early spring to summer. While bearded iris just love the sun, lilies are more fragile and subject to strong winds. So a partially shaded spot, perhaps on the easterly side of the home, may be preferable.

PUZZLES PAGE FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Are you feeling rather restless? Are you sitting around berating the world for not being the way you want it to be? It’s time for Rams to venture into brand new territory, as Mars charges through your sign. But Saturn squares Mars on Monday so don’t be too hasty. Learn to make frustration your friend! Feisty spontaneity must be tempered with a pinch of patience and a dollop of discrimination. Thursday is the time to write down your dreams and move towards your destiny.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

This week Uranus, Jupiter and Neptune increase enthusiasm, boost creativity and activate your aspirational side. So it’s a good week to dream big dreams and take plenty of positive action. Even in tough times – nothing ventured; nothing gained! Be inspired by Swedish movie star Ingrid Bergman (who was born on August 29, 1917): “I don’t regret a thing I’ve done. I only regret the things I didn’t do.” But resist the temptation to be jealous or possessive on the weekend.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

The Sun and Mercury highlight your domestic zone so you could entertain at home, buy or sell real estate, move house, get a new housemate or renovate your place to make more living space. Don’t let a slap-dash approach trip you up though! You’re also keen to help a family member in a practical and hands-on way. So your motto for the moment is from Mother Teresa (who was born on August 26, 1910): “Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

With the planets activating your romance, travel and aspirations zones, it’s time to dream big dreams for the future. They won’t materialise overnight so you need to be extremely patient and persistent. Then – when the right moment manifests further down the track – you’ll be ready, willing and able to take flight. Be inspired by birthday great, singer-songwriter Florence Welch: “I like the idea of taking off like a bird.” But resist the urge to be sulky or defensive on Sunday.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Uranus sends an unexpected opportunity your way involving work, career, money or business. Just make sure you are smart enough to recognise it when it materialises, and enterprising enough to utilise it for maximum benefit. You’re feeling impatient but slow and steady wins the race at the moment Lions. With Saturn slowing things down in your daily life, it will take a while to reach your goals. In the meantime stay keen, be patient and keep moving forwards!

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

The Sun and Mercury are moving through your sign, so it’s time to be the efficient and engaging Virgo you were born to be. Confidence is the rocket fuel that will take you where you want to go. But don’t just focus on facts, figures and the minutiae of daily life. Strive to expand your creative horizons as you do your best to make the world a better and more beautiful place. Be inspired by birthday great Mother Teresa “The world is hungry not only for food, but also for beauty.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

With Mercury and the Sun both stimulating your self-sabotage zone, are you being your own worst enemy? Is the only person undermining your efforts actually you? Stop trying to please everyone else and instead, start focusing on what really matters for your future health, wealth and happiness. So your mantra for the week is from birthday great, singer-songwriter Florence Welch: “You should have high expectations for yourself, and others should come second.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Scorpios can be strong, sexy, passionate, powerful, resilient and resourceful. You’re also pretty good at holding grudges against other people, but then the only person who actually ends up hurting is you. So make it a priority to forgive and forget, especially when Pluto (your patron planet) opposes Venus on the weekend. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, nun and missionary Mother Teresa: “If we really want to love we must learn how to forgive.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Are you feeling bored to bits with the daily grind? Seek out stimulating people this week Sagittarius as you shake up your usual routine, celebrate your versatility and do something wildly different. Avoid taking on too much on Tuesday and Wednesday though, when your generous nature and good intentions could eclipse your ability to deliver. The best day of the week is Saturday when your verbal ability, sense of humour and positive attitude will stand you in good stead.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

When it comes to a personal project, creative idea, domestic problem or family matter, things will be very frustrating (especially on Monday). So heed the wise words of billionaire (and birthday great) Warren Buffett: “I’ve had periods of my life when I’ve had a bundle of ideas come along, and I’ve had long dry spells.” So be patient, keep things in perspective and keep on keeping on, as you put your clever Capricorn mind to good use via reading, writing, researching and rehearsing.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Uranus (your power planet) forms a fabulous aspect with Mercury on Tuesday when your bohemian side shines brightly and you inspire others with your quicksilver mind, innovative ideas and quirky conversation. You think you know how a loved one is feeling but jumping to conclusions (without checking the facts) is a recipe for trouble. So slow down and take the time to talk things through. Attached Aquarians – plan something romantic with your partner. Singles – love and work are linked.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Creativity and spirituality are highlighted this week as Neptune (your Piscean power planet) links up with artistic and romantic Venus. It’s also a terrific time to express your Good Samaritan side as you nurse a family member, support a friend in need, do some volunteer work or lend a helping hand in your local community. Be inspired by birthday great, nun and missionary Mother Teresa: “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2020

1 Name a mysterious light of the Australian outback. (3,3)

8 To deliver a person from evil spirits, is to do what? (8)

9 Which musical term describes “having no key”? (6)

10 What is a sunroom also known as? (8)

11 What is an organism in the earlier stages of its development? (6)

12 Name a small semi-aquatic salamander. (4)

13 What is a sacred song or hymn? (5)

16 Which sweet, viscid fluid is produced by bees? (5)

19 The Orient is also known as the what? (4)

21 What is a national song of patriotism? (6)

22 Which figure has seven angles and seven sides? (8)

23 Which instrument did George Harrison play? (6)

24 Name a type of appliance designed to be worn to support a damaged part of the body. (8)

25 To breathe out, is to do what? (6)

2 What is a narrow strip of land bordered on both sides by water? (7)

3 What is another name for an axle, spindle, etc? (7)

4 What was the given name to Mr Mandela? (6)

5 Name an alternative term for width. (7)

6 What is an illicit relationship called? (7)

7 What is Deutschland more commonly known as? (7)

13 Which colloquial term implies that which is the most elegant, luxurious, etc? (7)

14 What is a large airfield called? (7)

15 Which dark pigment occurs in coloured races? (7)

17 Name a large two-toed, swift-footed, flightless bird. (7)

18 To look at, especially to observe closely, is to do what? (7)

20 What is another term for a confused jumble? (6)

Yang's business has been receiving JobKeeper since March, but takings are still down.

"It would be helpful if I could continue to receive it until we are back to normal. Am I eligible to receive JobKeeper after September?” he asked,

I confirmed that the federal government had announced JobKeeper 2.0 and then JobKeeper 3.0 and told Yang that all my comments related to JobKeeper 3.0, which supersedes JobKeeper 2.0.

"The most important thing to tell you is that the legislation has not gone through parliament yet," I said.

"The next sitting of parliament is on August 24 so we should have the new legislation by early September. So everything I tell you is based on the announcements and not actual legislation which could be slightly different.

“To find out if you can continue to receive JobKeeper you need to compare your actual GST turnover for the September 2020 quarter against the actual GST turnover for the September 2019 quarter.

"If your GST turnover has gone down by 30 per cent you are eligible to continue to receive it as your business turnover is less than $1 billion. "However, the amount of the JobKeeper fortnightly payment also reduces from $1500 to $1200 per fortnight for eligible employees who worked an average of more than 20 hours per week in the four weeks before March 1, 2020.

"For those employees who worked less than 20 hours a week on average in that four-week period then the payment reduces to $750 per fortnight.

“Similarly, in January 2021 there is another extension to JobKeeper. To be eligible for this you compare your actual GST turnover for the December 2020 quarter against the actual GST turnover for the December 2019 quarter and if your turnover has gone down by 30 per cent then you are eligible for JobKeeper for the next three months. Again this is at the reduced fortnightly rate of $1000 for eligible employees who worked an average of more than 20 hours per week. For those who worked less than 20 hours per week the fortnightly rate reduces to $650 per fortnight.”

Yang said he was sure his business would continue to be eligible based on the business turnover since March.

"There are a few other things I need to tell you," I told him.

"If you have any employees who were not eligible for JobKeeper 1.0 they may now be eligible. If you have new employees who were employed by July 1, they may be eligible if they satisfy the other criteria that are required to receive JobKeeper.

"Casuals who did not have 12 months of employment at the original date of March 1, may now have accumulated 12 months continuous service so they may be eligible for JobKeeper from July 1.

“I should also remind you that the cash flow boost will cease at the end of September and that will not be extended. So your last cash flow boost payment will be received by you in October.”

Yang said: “Thank you so much, Gail. I am happy that I should be able to claim JobKeeper after September and I will come back to see you to assist me with the claim.”

If you need help with your JobKeeper eligibility or any other tax or accounting matter, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co.

Disclaimer

This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser.

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