Phillip Young - Mansfield

Never mind the conflict, let's report the Parliament

2010-09-12T06:08:00.001+10:00

"Conflict is quicker and easier to report; it makes a simple headline and the requirement for even-handedness can be satisfied by including quotes from both sides of the argument."
An article by Annabel Crabb
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/09/3007376.htm?site=thedrum

Outrageous Waste of Water

2010-08-14T07:58:00.002+10:00

Steven Wardill
Courier Mail

ALMOST $40,000 worth of water a day is being flushed by the State Government as it refuses to use its flagship recycling pipeline to supply households.

The Courier-Mail can reveal 33 million litres of water a day are being passed through the high-priced purification process and then ditched in the Brisbane River.

The 33ML would be valued at nearly $15 million a year if sold to council-run retailers at the current wholesale price, rising to in excess of $73 million based on the rate at which it is sold on to households.

The revelation comes as southeast residents are encouraged to conserve water while being hit with higher bills to pay off the pipeline and drought-proofing infrastructure.

The waste – equivalent to about 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools a day – comes after the Bligh Government dropped a pre-election plan for permanent use of recycled water.

The waste is set to continue until commercial customers are found for recycled water or a decision is made to mothball most of the $2.5 billion pipeline's treatment plants.

Department of Environment and Resource Management director-general John Bradley yesterday conceded the level of water loss would continue until two of the plants were completed at the end of the year.

However, Mr Bradley insisted that given the production costs were $300 a ML, or $3.5 million a year, this was "value for money" for a project that eventually could supply up to 232ML a day.

"So proceeding to go through and commission these plants makes good economic sense in terms of providing a strategy that is helping us drought-proof southeast Queensland," he said.

Mr Bradley said purifying the water also meant 86 tonnes of phosphorus from sewage was not pumped into Moreton Bay.

However, Opposition water spokesman Jeff Seeney said the pipeline was an " absolute white elephant" forced on Queenslanders by a Government that had done nothing about water for a decade.

"The wastewater treatment plants were the result of political panic from a Government that didn't plan to build the infrastructure at the right time," he said. "And they will be an economic burden for generations to come.

"The fact is that Queenslanders are not only paying for the interest on the $2.5 billion it cost, they are now paying a weekly cost for water that is actually wasted."

The pipeline is producing 75ML a day on average with Government-owned power stations taking about 42ML. Dam levels are not expected to drop to 40 per cent, triggering recycled water use, until 2013.

Mr Bradley said the water grid manager would have to decide how the pipeline would be operated once the final two plants were commissioned.

"You can mothball them and pickle the membranes," he said.

"Or you can operate them at low load and cycle through the membranes."

He said negotiations with some industrial customers were nearing completion.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-wasting-40000-in-recycled-water-every-day/story-e6freoof-1225905084507

Election nonsense . the media pack

2010-07-19T01:01:00.000+10:00

One of the most annoying aspects of the election is the media circus that will follow the major leaders. How boring!. They take the pictures the minders want, record the rehearsed and authorised sound bite then board the bus like well behaved school children to go to the next stop on the mystery tour. Why not something interesting? Follow the new candidates, actually acknowledge there are Senate candidates, look for the interesting stories the Party minders would rather not be given coverage.

I can't believe that Julia Gillard's advisers may allow her such a short stint as Prime Minister!
An article by John Wanna confirms my view they should have gone to the election on the last possible date in 2011 so they could demonstrate the new leadership team has what it takes to serve the Australian people. An August election means more waste and inefficiency.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/julia-gillard-gambles-on-her-political-capabilities/story-e6frg6zo-1225893663552

Mt Gravatt Outlook - tree removal

2010-07-08T11:16:00.001+10:00

I support establishment of Echidna Magic cafe as a training facility at Mt Gravatt Outlook.
The educational gardens featuring a wide variety of native plants are excellent.
Even though the view is spectacular it is disappointing that so many trees had to be removed.

Response to Griffith Electorate Office

2010-07-08T11:08:00.002+10:00

Thanks for the information you provided even though it is a disappointing outcome.

Many people, if they saw Omar this week, bandaged, stitches from his latest fall – inability to move freely – the violent coughing - depressed condition etc would question how much more difficult his life would have to be to reach 30 points.

A two day stay in PA hospital because his head needs stitching uses significant resources. It confirms my view, Omar needs a family carer, or, convincing he should return to Iraq if the Government believes a threat to his life and violent religious discrimination is no longer an issue.

Labor Governments set up expensive agencies(MHS/MSA etc) with power that, I believe, should be retained by the Parliament. Elected members should have an opinion about bureaucratic decisions that affect people’s lives.

All very well to tell a man in Omar’s (financial, physical and emotional) position to visit specialists and doctors to obtain opinions that would help him reach 30 points. How many expensive opinions will convince a bureaucrat to overturn the decision of his colleague?

There has to be a fairer way.

Are you willing to ask if Kevin has an opinion about Omar’s situation.

With the strong possibility that the Naru solution will be used by the Labor Government I hope that he would have an opinion about the experience of one detainee.

Does Kevin agree with the 30 point rule that prevents Omar, as an Australian citizen, from having a family member come to assist him?

Would your media team consider if some public attention via South East Advertiser would assist?

My efforts at attempting to help tell his story have been unsuccessful.

I thought the ACL forum (Make it Count) may have been relevant but no reply.

Sorry Omar ... You don't have 30 points

2010-07-08T11:05:00.001+10:00

A response from the Griffith Electorate Office tells a sad story, Omar does not reach 30 points needed to apply for a family member to join him in Australia as a carer. (Emphasis added by me.) I acknowledge that they have been trying to assist Omar but they can't submit or write his application. Immigration should manage an application process to gather information they will use to make a decision.

I refer to previous correspondence regarding your request for assistance in relation to your family’s visa application. I have been liaising with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on Kevin’s behalf to make enquiries in relation to this matter.
As you are aware, Medibank Health Solutions (MHS, formerly known as Health Services Australia) provides medical assessments for Carer visa applications on behalf of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
MHS has determined that you do not meet all the requirements to be issued with a satisfactory certificate and therefore any Carer Visa application is likely to be unsuccessful.
While the Department appreciates your desire to have the support and assistance of a family member in Australia, the Department must accept the findings of the qualified doctors and radiologists employed or approved by MHS under the Migration Regulations.
This means that if you do not receive a rating of 30 or more in your assessment by MHS, the Carer visa cannot be granted.
It should be noted that if you are able to provide new and compelling information regarding your medical conditions, you may seek a reconsideration of the decision.
I understand that reassessments are referred to a more senior MHS doctor and will only be considered if new information has been submitted.
As part of this process, it may be beneficial to obtain additional medical reports from as many sources as possible.
I suggest that you explore this option prior to preparing a visa application for your family.
You or your migration agent are welcome to contact MHS on 1300 361 046 to discuss the options available to you.
Please advise Kevin’s Electorate Office once you have received an outcome to your review so that further assistance can be provided.

Tones Road ... disgusting conditions

2010-07-07T10:51:00.001+10:00

Brisbane City Council had a plan drawn up proposing a remedy for third world conditions on Tones Road, near a housing commission area and sporting fields at Mansfield. Sufficient funds were not allocated in the budget but small sections will be rehabilitated.
Nearby, the council is constructing new crossings over Bulimba Creek and more bike paths which will be appreciated by the community. The landscaping that has been completed should be a dramatic improvement to the well being of Bulimba Creek.

Omar ... "Australia has been bad luck for me..."

2010-07-07T10:47:00.007+10:00

Omar Al Haddad, from Iraq, had significant cause for concern his life was threatened under the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein.

Leaving behind his practice as a Physiotherapist, family and friends in Baghdad, he escaped, searching for an opportunity of a safe and stable life. People smugglers took his money, assuring him he would be accepted in Australia.

They threw his documentation to “the bottom of the sea” before the boat was intercepted by Australian authorities.

Detained on Naru for two years Omar worked hard to make the most of his situation, using his physio skills in the hospital and assisting meal preparation for over 2000 people.

Omar was commended for his diligent assistance and wiling participation to help those detained on Naru by the Australian Government.

Finally gaining refugee status he moved to Brisbane and undertook a TAFE course, delivering Pizzas and driving a taxi.

However, he began falling over regularly and, with his medical training, realised something was wrong..

A diagnosis of spinal cerebella ataxia lead to 12 months treatment in PA Hospital.

Omar is unaware of any family history of the disability.

He believes his traumatic experiences and a chemical reaction to the phosphate on Naru where residents did not have footwear for many months may be a contributing factor to the continuing disability.

Omar was provided with a ground floor unit at Coorparoo, for which he remains very grateful.

He works limited hours at Mission Australia, packaging shampoo and giveaway products.

Omar desperately needs the support of his family.

His brother Baker, works in Germany in the computer industry, his sister, Huda, is a pathologist in Baghdad.

His parents have a medical practice.

Efforts to have the support of his local Griffith Electoral office have been unsuccessful.

Recent representations have not been acknowledged.

Senator Hogg’s office did make enquiries and advised Omar has a migration agent.

Omar seems unable to understand why his application, on compassionate grounds for a family reunion was rejected.

Senator Brett Mason’s office has given a commitment to raise Omar’s case with Opposition Immigration spokesman, George Brandis.

This week, Omar has 12 stitches after falling from a chair at his computer.

He spent two days in PA hospital as he has no family support to manage the wound and his condition.

Spending time in hospital and the lack of family support has Omar saying that “Australia has been bad luck for me.”

Issues …

1. On compassionate grounds, Omar Al Haddad, as an Australian citizen, deserves the support of a family member to act as a carer.

2. When Labor introduces Pacific Island detention of desperate people seeking asylum they should commit to minimizing any possibility their health will suffer as a result of their experience.

Background

My name is Phillip Young, I live at Mansfield.

I met Omar in 2007 while we were in Doctor Adel El Mesin’s waiting room

I have Omar’s verbal and written permission to tell his story, hoping it may help gain some assistance.

Due to Omar’s language, spinal condition and depression I have tried my best to ensure this is an brief, accurate representation of Omar’s experience.

Omar is grateful for all he has received from Australia but without the support of family, constantly feels distressed and overwhelmed.

I have found Omar to be a kind, generous and appreciative person.

He sold a car but after accepting a small deposit, the adult with a disability who purchased the car has not made any payment.

Omar refuses to feel bitter or take action to recover the debt, wishing the person well, even though they broke his trust.

Omar ... "Australia has been bad luck for me..."

2010-07-07T10:47:00.006+10:00

Omar, from Iraq, had significant cause for concern his life was threatened under the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein.

They threw his documentation to “the bottom of the sea” before the boat was intercepted by Australian authorities.

Detained on Naru for two years Omar worked hard to make the most of his situation, using his physio skills in the hospital and assisting meal preparation for over 2000 people.

Omar was commended for his diligent assistance and wiling participation to help those detained on Naru by the Australian Government.

Finally gaining refugee status he moved to Brisbane and undertook a TAFE course, delivering Pizzas and driving a taxi.

However, he began falling over regularly and, with his medical training, realised something was wrong..

A diagnosis of spinal cerebella ataxia lead to months of treatment as a patient in PA Hospital.

Omar is unaware of any family history of the disability.

His traumatic experiences and a chemical reaction to the phosphate on Naru where residents did not have footwear for many months may be contributing factors to his disability.

Omar was provided with a ground floor unit at Coorparoo, for which he remains very grateful.

He works limited hours at Mission Australia, packaging shampoo and giveaway products.

Omar desperately needs the support of his family.

His brother Baker, works in Germany in the computer industry, his sister, Huda, is a pathologist in Baghdad. His parents have a medical practice in Baghdad.

Senator Hogg’s office made enquiries and advised Omar has a migration agent.

Omar seems unable to understand why an application, on compassionate grounds for a family reunion was rejected.

Senator Brett Mason’s office has given a commitment to raise Omar’s case with Opposition Immigration spokesman, George Brandis.

This week, Omar has 12 stitches after falling from a chair at his computer. He spent two days in PA hospital as he has no family support to manage the wound and his condition.

Spending time in hospital and the lack of family support has Omar saying that “Australia has been bad luck for me.”

Issues …

1. On compassionate grounds, Omar, as an Australian citizen, deserves the support of a family member.

2. When the Labor Government introduces Pacific Island centres to detain desperate people seeking asylum they should commit to minimizing any possibility their health will suffer as a result of their experiences.

Background

I met Omar in 2007 while we were in Doctor Adel El Mesin’s waiting room

I have Omar’s verbal and written permission to tell his story, hoping it may help gain some assistance.

Due to Omar’s language, spinal condition and depression I have tried my best to ensure this is an brief, accurate representation of Omar’s experience.

Omar is grateful for all he has received from Australia but without the support of family, constantly feels distressed and overwhelmed.

I have found Omar to be a kind, generous and appreciative person.

He sold a car but after accepting a small deposit, the adult with a disability who purchased the car has not made any payment.

Omar refuses to feel bitter or take action to recover the debt, wishing the person well, even though they broke his trust.

He is currently trying to sell his car, in case he can visit his elderly parents.

I am aware Omar has had significant support from the Romero Centre but as their resources are limited, it highlights the need for Omar to have a family member supporting, protecting and helping him manage.

Omar ... "Australia has been bad luck for me..."

2010-07-07T10:45:00.002+10:00

Omar Al Haddad, from Iraq, had significant cause for concern his life was threatened under the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein.

They threw his documentation to “the bottom of the sea” before the boat was intercepted by Australian authorities.

Detained on Naru for two years Omar worked hard to make the most of his situation, using his physio skills in the hospital and assisting meal preparation for over 2000 people.

Omar was commended for his diligent assistance and wiling participation to help those detained on Naru by the Australian Government.

Finally gaining refugee status he moved to Brisbane and undertook a TAFE course, delivering Pizzas and driving a taxi.

However, he began falling over regularly and, with his medical training, realised something was wrong..

A diagnosis of spinal cerebella ataxia lead to 12 months treatment in PA Hospital.

Omar is unaware of any family history of the disability.

He believes his traumatic experiences and a chemical reaction to the phosphate on Naru where residents did not have footwear for many months may be a contributing factor to the continuing disability.

Omar was provided with a ground floor unit at Coorparoo, for which he remains very grateful.

He works limited hours at Mission Australia, packaging shampoo and giveaway products.

Omar desperately needs the support of his family.

His brother Baker, works in Germany in the computer industry, his sister, Huda, is a pathologist in Baghdad.

His parents have a medical practice.

Efforts to have the support of his local Griffith Electoral office have been unsuccessful.

Recent representations have not been acknowledged.

Senator Hogg’s office did make enquiries and advised Omar has a migration agent.

Omar seems unable to understand why his application, on compassionate grounds for a family reunion was rejected.

Senator Brett Mason’s office has given a commitment to raise Omar’s case with Opposition Immigration spokesman, George Brandis.

This week, Omar has 12 stitches after falling from a chair at his computer.

He spent two days in PA hospital as he has no family support to manage the wound and his condition.

Spending time in hospital and the lack of family support has Omar saying that “Australia has been bad luck for me.”

Issues …

1. On compassionate grounds, Omar Al Haddad, as an Australian citizen, deserves the support of a family member.

2. When the Labor Government introduces Pacific Island detention of desperate people seeking asylum they should commit to minimizing any possibility their health will suffer as a result of their experiences.