I encourage you to share links to breaking news and interesting information at this thread. 
I intend to post more in the future about the need for Australia to have a comprehensive climate policy. In the meantime get informed by reading Bob Carter's new book entitled 'Taxing Air'. Electronic copies available on Amazon for instant download for $8.
Yes Minister episode on health.
"HUMPHREY," I said, "when cholera killed 30,000 people a year in 1833 we got the Public Service Act ... But cigarettes kill 100,000 people a year and what do we get?"
"Four billion pounds a year," he replied promptly ... "Cigarettes pay for one-third of the total cost of the National Health Service. We are saving many more lives than we otherwise could because of those smokers who voluntarily lay down their lives for their friends. Smokers are national benefactors."
Yes Deb - sure is.
It's like driving fines and tolls don't go into road maintenance.
John Sayers @ 4.40pm.
So. . . . the VERY LAST THING that State and Federal Govts would want is for too many people to give up smoking?
I also note that the justification re public health costs seems to be suffering from a similar 'kindy maths' problem that Neville always refers to re mitigating AGW?
I am a 'reformed smoker' too. . . but this is total 'bi polar' nonsense.
Unless the vast majority of the funds are going to the health budget (AND THEY'RE NOT!!!!!!!!) Then this is another example of 'same S**T different day!
This is serious;
A seven year old boy was at the centre of a courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of him.
The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with the child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible.
The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.
After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him.
After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Australian Cricket team, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.