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news / cover story
Imagining a twist to Ned Kelly’s final hours By Helen Musa
WRITING another play about our most celebrated bushranger might not seem high on the list of theatrical priorities these days, but it was for Matthew Ryan, the prizewinning Queensland playwright who has, in his play “Kelly”, put a new face to the relationship of brothers Ned and Dan. Dan Kelly? Wasn’t he burnt to death in the siege at Glenrowan in June, 1880, before the armour-clad Ned was arrested and carted off to Pentridge? Well, maybe not, for (as with Elvis) sightings of Dan went on for years after Glenrowan and, indeed, his remains were never properly identified. Ryan turns us, the audience, into the flies on the wall when, on the eve of Ned’s execution, the disguised Dan turns up within the walls of Old Melbourne Gaol to beg for a blessing from his big brother. It’s one of those Elvis-meetsMarilyn moments that never happened, but the resulting play has been a hit for the Queensland
Theatre Company and its director Wesley Enoch. Ryan has nurtured an interest in Kelly for a long time. He lived in Shepparton as a kid, close to Kelly country, where young children were exposed to “grotesque and gruesome” pictures about the shooting in nearby Glenrowan. “These figures permeate you, you become aware of what they mean to you,” he says. He was taken to Glenrowan and Old Melbourne Gaol, finding both “very spooky” and it is that which has stayed with him, not the broader picture. “I had a desire to find Ned Kelly as I experienced him rather than as a nationalistic figure.” Years later when writing a work about two brothers in a jail cell it hit him that the Kelly brothers would make very good characters for a play and “Kelly” was born. “My idea was to look at Kelly, the man,” he says. Ryan has read a lot of Kelly literature and soon discovered that Dan was always getting into situations that Big Brother Ned strove to get him out of, and he resented it bitterly. Take the massacre at Stringybark Creek. Ned was mak-
ing an early exit when he realised Dan was in danger and returned to become the country’s most wanted man. At Glenrowan. Ned was seen in his armour coming back to rescue Dan, who turned on him. Ryan shows him coming to the prison to beg for forgiveness. There’s the drama – while the bond between the two brothers was strong – Dan wanted freedom from Ned, as the confrontation in the play shows. Although there is a prison guard who also plays flashback characters, “Kelly” is a two-hander, largely an encounter between two brothers. Ned had a way with words and Ryan exploits that to the hilt, avoiding Australian colloquialism in a nod to the outlaw’s Irish heritage. “Most of the time the battle is in the words as they go hell for leather at each other,” he says. “The use of language amongst the Irish is quite different, it’s filled with joy… our Australian vernacular is a bit repetitious, so it’s really a shame not to do the Irish language.” “Kelly”, The Playhouse, June 24-27, bookings to canberratheatrecentre. com.au or 6275 2700.
index
contacts
Cover: Steven Rooke as Ned Kelly. Photo by Justine Walpole.
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Steven Rooke, left, as Ned Kelly and Kevin Spink, dressed as a priest, as his brother Dan… “I had a desire to find Ned Kelly as I experienced him rather than as a nationalistic figure,” says playwright Matthew Ryan. Photo by Rob MacColl
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seven days
Week of giddy rides on the media roundabout If Abbott hasn’t renounced the British element of his citizenship, as the law demands, then the roof will fall in on his prime ministership. OUR leaders leapt on to the media roundabout this past week, waving and shouting to the crowd but to decidedly mixed applause. First off the blocks was Treasurer Joe Hockey who reckoned he had the perfect answer for young people seeking their first home in Sydney where the prices have just entered the stratosphere. First, he said, get a “good job”. Oh, right, why didn’t we think of that? Joe reckoned all this talk of a housing bubble there was so much hot air. That’s when Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens stepped in and called the housing prices “crazy”. But Joe should know – it turns out he and his wife have four between them. Well, he certainly has a good job. But for how long, I wonder. NEXT it was Bill Shorten’s turn in the spotlight as the Royal Commission into Trade Unions revealed that when he was AWU secretary, a Melbourne building company paid almost $40,000 in annual dues for his members. Then he “billed” them for the following year. The effect was to give Bill a bigger say
in Labor Party pre-selections and made him an even more influential operator behind the scenes. And we all saw how that played out in the Rudd-Gillard imbroglio. BUT PM Tony Abbott then swung into view with another of his wild yodels, this time on those futuristic wind turbines we see decorating the hills beyond Bungendore as we head to the coast. It turns out that Alan Jones doesn’t like them, so Tony hates them with a passion. Not only are they “visually awful” but they have “potential health hazards”. Indeed, Tony reckons the whole idea of a renewable energy target was a big mistake. But an even bigger one, I reckon, was his non-denial/confirmation of paying people smugglers to turn back to Indonesia. That was a real barbecue-stopper, especially since Foreign Minister Julie Bishop flatly denied it. AND for the first time, the rumbles about his dual nationality went from the social media into the mainstream. We’d passed it off as a beat-up. But if he hasn’t renounced the British element of his citizenship, as the law demands, then the roof will fall in on his prime ministership. To end the chatter he
dose of dorin
of our own “CityNews” as a newsmaker. Last week’s cover story of the Christian couple, Nick and Sarah Jensen, who decided they would divorce if the parliament opted for gay marriage went viral worldwide. It even reached the “Time” magazine website. Nick appeared on TV and we were inundated with emails. Only one thing bothered me – if their God only created marriage for men and women then, by their reasoning, He also created divorce for them, too. Now that was really thoughtful of Him (or Her). robert@robertmacklin.com
just has to produce the document – Form RN – that includes the renunciation. How hard is that? ON the bright side, our own Lib Leader Jeremy Hanson swung into view warning that if he won the election the light rail
contracts weren’t worth diddly squat. And when the Feds Assistant Infrastructure Minister Jamie Briggs protested, Jeremy and deputy Alistair Coe reckoned he should just butt out. BUT even more gratifying was the arrival
ROBERT MACKLIN Helping you create a more sustainable Canberra and the Region. Pictured: Nebi Cani Team Leader at Cook
Have you visited Canberra’s sustainability hub? “ We found the assessment report very useful and without Actsmart we would not have been able to afford this upgrade. It is a great initiative and we’re happy to be a part of it ”. Nick Spinocchia and George Raad, Owners Cook IGA/Friendly Grocer.
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O N T H E L AW N S M A N U K A , 2 1 B O U G A I N V I L L E S T 0 2 6 2 3 2 7 6 6 6 路 E S C A L A S H O E S .C O M . A U
lowbrow
property
New hell of no-name drives
How heritage listing would stifle the city
THE news on the digital security front rarely gets better, but this week I was reminded how much worse it’s becoming. A decade ago I walked into a newsroom and saw one of the morning shift had her phone plugged into one of the office computers. We actually had written policies that she’d signed off against specifically banning this sort of thing. I freaked out then and one hopes a lesson was learned. The scary thing is that in the intervening time randomly plugging devices into other devices has only become more common, while the risks have grown exponentially. In human disease control one has to remember that when interacting with another person we also interact with every other person they’ve previously slept with, kissed or otherwise exchanged lurgies. We think less about where that USB drive has been (one shudders to think of public library computers), but with rivers of gold flowing through the fields of
ondom – The one thing that can actually make or C break your future as a young adult.”
cybercrime we need to think about it a lot more. Plugging phones in for a charge, or sticking a USB thumb drive into a port to swap “Game of Thrones” has always been less advisable than we’d like. To make matters worse we can’t even trust our cables any more. Increasingly, the demand for high-speed file transfers means the new cables have tiny computers built into the plugs. These little computers are eminently hackable and who on earth is going to remember to update the firmware of their cables? But wait, you’re nowhere near scared enough! Those no-name cables, chargers, and thumb drives sold from the funny kiosks at the mall? How do you know what the manufacturers have installed on those and what they might attempt to do to your computer/tablet/phone? An enterprising cyber thief might well get them made to order and sold at a very competitive price just to push their malware out into the public. It would be well worth it as the compro-
– Urban Dictionary
mised devices start feeding back identity information and credit card numbers. What’s the solution? Sadly we’re going to have to pay the brand tax. Buying from a well-known, big company is not a guarantee of safety, but it is a promise. The likes of Sony might occasionally be compromised, but one knows they’re actively working to prevent it, rather than turning a blind eye or worse. Companies with a reputation for hunting down counterfeiters are going to increasingly be able to demand a premium in the terrifying marketplace of the future. And then there are condoms. One can actually buy a socket that allows electricity to flow down a USB plug without exposing your device to any of the other data interference that can come through the connection. A bit like a VPN, this is one of those things we really should use but most of us won’t. John Griffiths is the online editor of citynews.com.au
JOHN GRIFFITHS
By
Catherine Carter AT a time when the government is trying to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate investment in our city, a heritage listing would impede development and compromise our ability to create a vibrant, modern and liveable national capital. A living city isn’t one dipped in amber and preserved; a living city changes to accommodate the evolving needs of its citizens. Local experts have recently called for Canberra to be placed on the national heritage list in recognition of its significance as a symbol of federation and an exemplar of 20th century planning. Walter Burley Griffin’s vision for Canberra, laid out more than a century ago, was one of the great city plans of an idealist age – and we can be proud to be living in the Griffin legacy. However, today the vast majority of Canberra’s residents have very different life expectations to those imagined by Griffin. Family sizes have contracted and disposable incomes have expanded. Residents are living longer and people
– young and old – want the choice to live close to work, services, entertainment and public transport options. Canberrans want a vibrant café culture, galleries tucked into hidden laneways, restaurants overlooking the lake, libraries and museums just a walk away – and all of these things require development. And its development would be at risk if wholesale heritage listing were to occur. Chief Minister Andrew Barr has acknowledged that the regulatory burden would have a “negative impact on jobs and the economy in the ACT by hitting business confidence and investment”. A heritage listing would not provide any additional protection of heritage values above and beyond those enshrined in existing legislation and statutory planning documents. And a heritage listing may bring out the worst of Canberra’s NIMBYism, providing an additional avenue through which vexatious or frivolous objections to development could be made. This would further increase the costs and reduce the viability of development. Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia
briefly
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THE University of Canberra has launched its UC-Vision Song Contest, offering musicians the chance to win $10,000 for their tune. Open to individuals or groups from anywhere in the world and all genres of music, entrants are invited to write, perform and submit a video of their original song. All songs submitted to the contest will also be open to the public and the most popular entry will win a $1000 People’s Choice Prize. UC Music program director, Rasa Daukus, said: “This may be the first time an Australian university has run a worldwide song contest, and it shows the university is serious about music.” Entries close on September 15. More information at canberra.edu. au/uc-vision-song-contest.
mum in the city
briefly
We’re off to Big School, almost
Patients clog emergency
FINDING the right school isn’t easy, particularly when it comes to a high school. Our children spend a lot of their lives at school and in that time they learn more than their A-B-Cs. By the time they get to high school they’re learning skills and making choices that will influence their lives for decades to come. So for more than several months my husband and I, and our soon-to-be teenage son, have been sweating over the question of which high school he might attend next year. Sure, there’s another seven months before the big transition, but decisions have to be made now. I’ve never been good with choice. Along with a number of our friends, we’ve all been highschool hunting and I’ve found it a particularly daunting task. That’s not a reflection on the state of our schools in the ACT, quite the contrary, it’s the range of options available – public versus private, local or the other side of town, religious or not, academic focused or one that might offer more for creative and sporting pursuits.
It seems like only yesterday I started writing in this column about the dramas of new motherhood with my squawking bundle who wouldn’t sleep and wouldn’t feed. We’ve done our research. We’ve heard a lot of recommendations by word of mouth. There are also the practical questions of cost and day-to-day logistics. For some this can be easy – especially if the local high school is close at hand and your tween has friends from their primary school who are going there. But for many it’s a big challenge to find the high school that might be the best fit. Certainly, nothing beats going and visiting, speaking to the staff and kids, and having a close look around to get the vibe. That’s what we’ve been doing, even though it has involved quite a few visits, trials and chilly evenings out attending information sessions.
If nothing else, the exercise has helped clarify both for us as parents, and for our son, some of the things we’re looking for at a high school. Above all is a sense that the school is going to look at and value our son as an individual, not just another statistic. Surprisingly, one can sometimes get a sense of this pretty quickly. At some schools the interview process is brief, mainly a question of ticking off boxes on a checklist. At others it’s been a much more intensive process, a real in-depth exchange as we got to chat with the teachers and senior staff and get a really good sense of what the school has to offer. At one school in particular the principal engaged our son
brilliantly, giving a great exposition of the school’s priorities and values while really getting the measure of our young man. Though I think we’re now pretty confident about where our boy is going, it’s a big milestone in family life. It seems like only yesterday I started writing in this column about the dramas of new motherhood with my squawking bundle who wouldn’t sleep, wouldn’t feed and who had Houdini’s gift for escaping from everything from his nappies, his cot and the car-safety capsule. Now he’s nearly as tall as me and getting ready for high school. How time flies.
CANBERRANS are being urged to save the Canberra Hospital’s emergency department for genuine medical emergencies following one of the highest number of patients presenting at the ED during May. Clinical director Dr Michael Hall said: “For the month of May, we saw a total of 6415 people present to Canberra Hospital ED; this is one of the highest numbers of presentations recorded for a single month at Canberra Hospital. “If you are unsure if your condition requires emergency medical intervention, you can seek advice through healthdirect, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 022222.”
Mrs Robinson returns THE Tuggeranong 55 Club’s Seniors Saturday Movie Matinee will feature the 1967 film “The Graduate”, the American satirical comedy-drama starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Katherine Ross, at 101 Cowlishaw Street, Tuggeranong, 2pm on June 20. Also on the program is an episode of the 1940s serial, “The Phantom”. Members $4; non-members $7, including ice cream. Bookings to 6293 4004 or email tugg55plusclub@gmail.com
Helping an athlete SPECIAL Olympian Bronwyn Ibbotson will be the beneficiary of an auction night to help with her $8000 cost of participating in the Special Olympics World Games. It will be held at the Silver Fox Bar and Grill, 83 Theodore Street, Curtin, on July 15. Bookings to 0430 441883.
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sport / the PM’s XI
The match we can’t dismiss If there are no international games, the PM’s XI game is often the only time people in the ACT get to see top-level cricket.
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A WALLABIES test, the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras, the Socceroos, the Australian men’s and women’s cricket teams, an Anzac rugby league test, City versus Country Origin, the Davis and Fed Cups… these are the events the ACT Government is looking to attract to Canberra in the foreseeable future. While it would be great to see the Wallabies back in Canberra for a test against Argentina in 2017 or the Socceroos playing a World Cup qualifier in spring at Canberra Stadium, there is one existing event that needs to be locked away as a priority. The Prime Minister’s XI cricket game has been an institution in Canberra since Sir Robert Menzies established it in 1951. It has been a permanent fixture at Manuka since 1984 when Bob Hawke resurrected it after it went missing from the calendar in 1966. While the games have gone ahead it hasn’t been without pain at times with varying significance given to the matches by both the visiting teams and Australian Cricket. It has sometimes resembled an exhibition game while at others it has been an important test for young developing cricketers, such as David Boon. It has developed into a vital part of the sporting year in Canberra and, if there are no international games, it is often the only time people in the ACT get to see top-level cricket.
STUDENTS AND YOUNG WORKERS EXPLORING FAITH LD0171.indd 1
At Manuka Oval in 1961 when the PM’s XI played the West Indies, from left Ray Lindwall, Prime Minister Robert Menzies, Lindsay Hassett and Frank Worrell. More recently, it has been a battle to fit the game into Cricket Australia’s program with visiting teams playing a plethora of T20, one dayers as well as tests. It has become increasingly difficult to schedule the game into a permanent time slot each year. The date of the games has shifted from December, January to February. In the past it has been one of the main sources of revenue for junior development in Canberra. That brings with it uncertainty over funding of the sport in the ACT if there is a washout. I have been hearing that Cricket Australia is looking to take control of the fixture, which is a positive move as it eradicates the reliance on the game for ACT Cricket. It could also lead to Cricket Australia permanently factoring the game into the schedule thus alleviating the current ad
hoc approach. The PM’s XI has managed to attract sponsors and good crowds and, for many, it is an important and entertaining spectacle. For its part, the ACT Government has been seeking clarity from Cricket Australia to ensure the PM’s XI has a permanency in Canberra. The government has done its part with state-of-the-art lighting and improved facilities. There is also the government’s multimillion-dollar investment in the new headquarters for ACT Cricket at Phillip Oval, complete with lights, indoor and outdoor training facilities and administration. Canberra, it would appear, has done everything possible to support cricket, it is now up to Cricket Australia to provide certainty for the PM’s XI.
TIM GAVEL
28/05/2015 11:15 am
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“Part of our business is providing consumables, which can be expensive if you get the wrong type. We match the right consumable to the machine. We have over 1000 different types of toner and ink cartridges and it is still growing”. With experience as a research scientist at the Australian National University, Dr John Yu says his academic background has given him an attention to detail. “I always make sure things are done right, we provide a precise, efficient, prompt service and we make sure the customer has a good experience with us,” he says. OfficeEssential Office National is an authorised dealer of OKI mono and colour LED printers. LED technology in printing creates high-definition colour and uses fewer parts and energy due to its smarter design. Dr Yu says: “OKI printers are very reliable machines, we have had customers come in with the same printer they have had for 10 years without any problems. “The LED design uses single-pass technology, which aligns the four print stations in a straight line, printing all four colours in a single pass. This makes it more flexible and faster than other print systems. “An office is run with machines, furniture, stationery and paper, so we have everything you need. We have the benefits of volume without the sacrifice of local, personalised service. “Once customers get to know us they stick with us, we are definitely here to stay”. OfficeEssential Office National, 17-19 Altree Court, Phillip. Call 6282 6383 or visit officeessential.com.au. Email enquiries to sales@officeessential.com.au
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INC GST CityNews June 18-24, 2015 11
politics / marriage equality
Debate reveals more than party tensions SERIOUS issues within political parties have been highlighted as the marriage equality debate heats up in Australia. The debate also exposes religious influence and the failure of a clear separation between church and state has come into sharp relief. This is not the first time religious influence in political decision making has raised its ugly head. The voluntary active euthanasia legislation of the ACT and NT in the mid-90s was overruled federally thanks to a combination of religious influence in both the Labor and the Liberal parties. Every time there is a debate on women’s right to abortion in any jurisdiction in Australia the same issues arise. These are all issues of individual conscience where governments ought not to interfere with the right of individuals to choose. For such a serious matter, watching the political parties writhe under the pressure is entertaining. While Labor Leader Bill Shorten and his deputy Tanya Plibersek offer leadership in supporting gay marriage through a non-party “private member’s bill” there are strong elements in the party opposing their action. PM Tony Abbott’s attempts to provide opposition to gay marriage have caused considerable turmoil for many of the elected members of the Liberal Party.
The political problem lies with the pressure of religious influence on decision making for ordinary Australians. For example, he used his influence to ensure no MP from the ruling Liberal Party would co-sponsor the private member’s bill. The ACT Liberals have maintained solidarity in the past by arguing the matter was really about federal legislation – and in the end this was supported by the High Court. With the matter now being debated nationally they no longer have this way out. As community leaders they are expected to take a stance. The non-religious leader Jeremy Hanson is maintaining the view he expressed in his inaugural speech in support of marriage equality while others remain stridently opposed. The political problem lies with the pressure of religious influence on decision making for ordinary Australians. Why should religious views dictate to Australians on matters of conscience? Where has the genuine conscience vote gone? At what point does religious influence make Australia at least a demi-theocracy? Isn’t the threat of theocratic governments one of the reasons that Australians
are involved in conflict in the Middle East? (Oh, but that is a different religion!) This debate also reveals just how heavily “party discipline” has become embedded in Australian politics. Marriage equality could simply be a conscience vote. However, politics is never quite so simple. There are always wheels within wheels as influence is ruthlessly exercised. Most backbenchers want to become ministers, they want support for their electorates and they want to position themselves in a favourable way with the leadership. Those within parties who oppose gay marriage know that they have strong support, for example, from the formalised Christian Lobby and they are keen to retain such support. This lobby has a strong perspective – even to the ludicrous notion proposed by Mr and Mrs Jensen in the “CityNews” last week suggesting they would
divorce if other people of a different view were able to share their marriage privilege. On the flip side, supporters of marriage equality understand how powerful the gay lobby can be if it determines to attack particularly vulnerable members in marginal seats. Neither lobby can bring all the people of similar backgrounds to vote for one party or another – but they do influence a fair proportion. Starting with the Prime Minister and the Treasurer, the upper echelons of the current federal Cabinet are heavily of the Catholic faith. However, they seem to practice a much more conservative form of Catholicism than that in Ireland, where a national referendum overwhelmingly supported marriage equality. Of course, their religion influences their thinking. Such a small proportion of Australians has caused so much angst! The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports same-sex couples as a proportion of the population just 0.7 per cent in 2011. According to the Australian Marriage Equality website, nearly two thirds of Australians support marriage equality for this small
percentage of our population and things are changing rapidly with more than 80 per cent of 18-24 year olds being supportive. The reality is that the vast majority of our community, as with the overwhelmingly Catholic Irish, recognise rights of ordinary individuals with a difference of opinion or lifestyle to make their own decisions. As UK comedian Ricky Gervais points out: “Same sex marriage isn’t gay privilege, it’s equal rights. Privilege would be something like gay people not paying taxes. Like churches don’t.” Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.
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By Timothy Nicholls & Jessica Symonds
LAST week’s edition of “CityNews” included an article entitled “Gay law change may force us to divorce”. The article attracted significant local, national and international attention provoking a myriad of negative responses. Some responses were more articulate and respectful than others. This backlash may be indicative of the momentum supporting samesex marriage. The issue of legalising same-sex marriage was sensationalised so greatly in Mr Jensen’s article that it seemed more intent on perpetuating the scare campaign, adopted by a few extreme voices, than having any meaningful discussion. Mr Jensen was successful in getting his view heard. We would like to address some of the more problematic aspects of Mr Jensen’s article in order to redirect the debate to one of rationality, without personal attacks or pejorative terms. It is also important to address some of the more problematic aspects of his position. Respectfully, the argument that marriage is purely a religious union between a man, woman and God, is ultimately no longer accurate. Marriage is now a legally binding, State-recognised
Mr Jensen’s article seemed more intent on perpetuating the scare campaign, adopted by a few extreme voices, than having any meaningful discussion. agreement. Our constitution, a document that has been in force for 114 years, confirms that the federal government has powers to make laws in relation to marriage. The Marriage Act, enacted in 1961, regulates the institution of marriage. An amendment to this Act in 2004 defined marriage as between a man and a woman. A marriage has to be performed and registered in accordance with specific regulations. For it to be terminated, the parties have to make a legal application under the Family Law Act. While a person’s religion may play a role in any decision to marry, it is not a prerequisite. The fact that Mr Jensen sees amendments to legislation to broaden the access to a legal agreement would undermine his own marriage because of its sacred religious connotations makes little sense. By this logic, the marriage of two non-religious people would devalue his relationship. Or the thousands of marriages across the globe in countries where same-sex marriage has already been legalised. Or for the few days the ACT legalised same-sex marriage. Perhaps his marriage has already fundamentally altered. Mr Jensen’s article does raise broader issues regarding the power of government and the intervention of the State in the lives of individuals. We live in a democracy. Governments make decisions. We may not always agree with them, but we hope that they are reflective of societal views and norms at the time. Legislation is an ever-evolving beast which, given that society is also an ever-evolving beast, is not a bad thing. Without question it should be the people, either
directly or via their representatives in Parliament, who have the power to amend the legislation regulating marriage. Even a deeply religious Christian country such as Ireland recognised this. It is disappointing that Mr Jensen can equate the commitment of two loving individuals to undermining freedom of speech and religious freedom. It would be like saying we’re going to tell certain people in society that they cannot be legally bound to one another because some religions don’t agree with who they are in love with. We do not agree that redefining the definition of marriage will have any impact on an individual’s marriage or their personal relationship with God. Being permitted to marry outside of a church does not appear to have led to that consequence. Interestingly, Mr Jensen made no reference to the fact that Christianity has not traditionally been supportive of divorce. As family lawyers, we should also perhaps mention that Mr and Mrs Jensen, if they were to follow through as proposed in the article, wouldn’t legally meet the requirements for a valid divorce. It only seems logical that the Jensens continue to live in their loving, happy marriage and let other people have the same opportunity for happiness as they have experienced. Jessica Symonds is a family lawyer at Yeend & Associates and Timothy Nicholls is the firm’s senior litigation clerk. He is due to be admitted as a lawyer at the end of the year.
letters / marriage equality EDITOR’S NOTE OUR cover story last week captured the imagination of national and international media and was read by millions of people around the world. Nick and Sarah Jensen’s threat to divorce if the government were to amend the Marriage Act struck a raw nerve, especially with proponents of equal marriage, and the Christian couple’s protest became a viral sensation on social media. This paper has supported marriage equality for a long time. We have published, over recent years, many serious columns looking at the issue from political to social viewpoints by accomplished writers such as Michael Moore, Robert Macklin and, more recently, Marcus Paul. But we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t have regard for
those who oppose it and, as a Christian lobbyist, Nick Jensen, in particular, has had an occasional column to take a contrary stand. We don’t agree with him, but we always respect all sides of the argument. It’s called a fair go or freedom of speech. But it is a lack of respect that has saddened me deeply this past week as I cast an eye down the verbal sewers of posts on Facebook and Twitter as the menacing, mindless trolls dish out personal abuse on the Jensens and their innocent two kids. It is a sickening glimpse of a humanity I don’t recognise. “CityNews” was also taken to task for, well, essentially doing its
job and reflecting our community and its differing views through this magazine and its news website. There was some fair criticism from sensible people and I accept and respect it; we’re not perfect. But much of the predictable caterwauling came from keyboard warriors in other places and I chose to ignore that. However, a couple of the damaging conspiracy theories do need a reply. One is that we are a mouthpiece of the Australian Christian Lobby, a laughable accusation that is totally rejected (the theorists clearly don’t know me); another is that we were paid to run the story on the cover is also totally false. A third is that I am a personal friend of Nick Jensen. I’m not, but so what? He’s pleasant company and I’ve shared a beer with him at our office Christmas party. And so it goes. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a paper to put out. Ian Meikle
Who is the true Christian? THE photo of Dr Sarah Jensen and her husband Nick Jensen on your front cover in the last issue gives a false impression of a wholesome loving pair emanating goodwill to all, but reading Nick’s article quickly dispels that impression. They are peddling a long since discredited version of Christianity, which equates intolerance of other people’s differences with piety. I fully support the Jensen’s right to hold their views and have them published in “CityNews”, but the prominence you give to the photo (which is repeated on page 3) is out of proportion to the importance that should be attached to such superstition, which really belongs in a deep, dank hole. Nick’s brother Soren wrote a very sensible, measured response to some of the nasty commentary which the original article inspired. I don’t believe that abuse is the best way to counter outmoded religious interference in people’s lives, but it is understandable that people who want nothing more than to be treated equally with others, would be frustrated at the prominence given to the views of such fanatics. It was interesting that in the same issue an article about former sex worker Fiona Patten, now a member of the Victorian Upper House as a representative of the Sex Party, portrayed a tolerant, far-sighted individual who promotes eminently sensible policies that if adopted, would benefit all of us. I wonder which of these three people is the true Christian? John Franze, Gowrie
We just don’t care I’VE seen your post on Facebook that a couple threatens divorce if same-sex marriage is legalised. How do those of us in the rest of the world get the word to this couple that we just don’t care, and that they are totally Irrelevant? Please suggest to them that if they feel so strongly about it that there is another group of religious nuts fighting to set up their own State in Iraq and Syria, and this couple would fit right in! If they move there quickly, they might even be able to participate in the pleasure of beheading same-sex couples! Duane Grindstaff, Kent, Washington, US
We don’t want you AS a married couple of 40 years, we’re glad that you intend to get divorced when marriage equality is introduced. We don’t want our marriage associated with you and your perverse religious views. May your god forgive you. Bernard and Kathy Walsh, Dunlop
Destroying the sanctity of divorce I AM offended that Nick and Sarah Jensen plan to destroy the sanctity of divorce with their pathetic protest against marriage equality (CN, June 11). The Jensens say they intend to “...continue to live together, have more kids, and refer to each other as husband and wife.” How then will they meet the legal requirement of being separated for a period of at least 12 months before being able to apply for divorce? Are they planning to lie on their application? How about the Jensens just get on with their own life and leave the rest of us to do similarly?
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‘Ridiculous’ actions I HAVE to write to say that the actions that Nick and Sarah Jensen are contemplating if there is a change in the marriage law is ridiculous. Marriage is not as Nick says “a sacred institution ordained by God”. In the early days the church was against marriage believing that it would create an emphasis on looking after family at the expense of concentration and loyalty to the church. This changed over time as it suited society. If Nick and Sarah believe in “God” and believe he made people in his image, then he made those people that are same-sex attracted. They are equally as good in his eyes, contribute equally as well as heterosexuals, they are as loving and caring to a family, and have a right to be married if they wish. What a strange message they are giving their children. Patti Wilkins, Ainslie
Divorce is divorce, of course, of course Re “Gay law may force us to divorce” (with apologies to Wilbur and Mr. Ed.) Divorce is divorce, of course, of course And no force could make us divorce of course That is of course unless the force Is Australian gay marriage Go right to the source and say of course If gays can be married then we’ll divorce Don’t knock us off our steady course Australian gay marriage
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Louis Desjardins, via email CityNews June 18-24, 2015 13
opinion / marriage equality
Zero tolerance to tolerance is just intolerance I’M neither bent nor bigoted, but I am confused. Baffled would be a better word. Baffled by the appalling attitude and blatant hypocrisy displayed by people who demand a tolerant and inclusive society, but fail to apply it to people who don’t share their opinion. For a good chunk of the past dozen years I ranted and raved daily at Canberrans on talkback radio. I have an intimate understanding of the “average Canberran”. Though many would be offended at the very term “average”. This month the outstanding weekly glossy magazine “Canberra CityNews” ran a front-page story about Nick and Sarah Jensen, a local Christian couple who have threatened
One lesbian friend doesn’t understand why I’m a Christian about as much as I don’t understand why she’s gay, but it doesn’t impact on our relationship. We respect that and don’t judge each other. to divorce each other if same-sex marriage legislation gets up. Call it a stunt or a foolish protest if you will, but the massive backlash to the story is a sad indictment on the parts of society who not only prides themselves on being tolerant, they demand it. Some Canberrans believe they are not only better educated and remunerated, but more cultivated and couth than the rest of the country. Fact is, they pride themselves as being sufficiently civilised to tolerate the diversity necessary for the “social utopia” that is Canberra, be they cyclists, prisoners, or the pornographers. All manner of groups in the community are tolerated and some are even celebrated, but there is a limit to which the tolerance of this smart and civil city can be stretched. Christians. Yes there are plenty of
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14 CityNews June 18-24, 2015
Christians in Canberra and I have been one of them. “CityNews” editor, Ian Meikle, a veteran newspaper man, was neither shocked nor offended by the avalanche of vile and vicious criticism of him and the hideous hate slogans levelled at the Jensens, which swamped the paper’s website after the article. The ugly onslaught did leave Ian utterly depressed. Depressed by the obvious and total inability of a powerful section of the community to discuss an important issue in a mature manner. “Having a conversation” is the new phrase that has crept into the lexicon to replace “debate”. But when was the last time you had a conversation that begun with “Filthy bigoted pigs” and ended with “Hope you homophobic morons rot in hell”? The hate that “CityNews” copped did not all come from Canberra, in fact, the filth flooded in from around the globe to the scores of publications that picked up the story. Still, plenty
came from the locals when there should have been plenty of support for the magazine’s courage. Ian could only read a dozen “comments” at a time without becoming morose. Many had to be moderated, such was the disturbing content. He is simply the editor of a magazine that chose to publish the other side of an emotionally charged and important issue. He is not the Christian couple pulling the controversial stunt. Seems few are sadly prepared to make that distinction. In 2011, ACT Brumbies and Wallaby player David Pocock and his partner Emma, both committed Christians, declared they would NOT marry until same-sex marriage was legal. The couple had a wedding ceremony in 2010 and describe themselves as married, but didn’t sign documents confirming their union. So the Pococks, like the Jensens, who will continue to live together after the “divorce”, are actually married. I can’t recall any public outcry over their stunt. Dare to say you don’t agree with same-sex marriage and the odds are you’ll be labelled homophobic and bigoted. Politically correct individuals and lately, corporates, cover their potential homophobic and bigoted butts with the worn-out phrase: “Some of our friends are gay”. Which is to
say they are magnanimous enough to squeeze some gay colleagues into their vast array of besties in order to tick a few inclusive boxes. Most of my friends are gay, but then again I don’t have many friends. I’m sure one lesbian friend doesn’t understand why I’m a Christian about as much as I don’t understand why she’s gay, but it doesn’t impact on our relationship. We respect that and don’t judge each other. There are many things we don’t understand in society, but to disparage and denigrate each other will not lead to a better understanding of anything. Up on a hill in Canberra, our pugnacious PM and former Howard head-kicker is seemingly hemmed in by the pressing same-sex issue – a lesbian sibling and a man who thinks he’s the PM, shock jock Alan Jones, are both rubbing his nose in the rainbow. Yet Tony Abbott hasn’t seen fit to resort to the gutter warfare waged by the keyboard warriors and trolls who relentlessly refuse to concede opinions opposing theirs may be valid. Sadly a policy of zero tolerance to tolerance is just intolerance. Former Canberra radio announcer Mike Welsh’s piece was originally published on the national website The Big Smoke (the bigsmoke.com.au)
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opinion
Unaffordable housing is my biggest regret For a large and growing sector of Canberra residents, extending possibly beyond the two lowest quintiles, housing is not affordable.
It’s where you start from…
S
I used to stuff chickens at the Penrith charcoal chicken joint for about $50 on a Thursday night and a bit extra on weekends. I loved it.
INCE leaving politics I have often been asked what was it that I most enjoyed about being chief minister and what things that the governments I led (between 2001 and 2011) did that I felt particularly proud of. Interestingly, I have never been asked, presumably out of politeness, whether there was one thing I would nominate as my greatest frustration or regret while chief minister. The answer is “yes” and the issue is housing affordability, and land planning and supply. The Affordable Housing Action Plan, which I initiated in 2006, was not fully implemented at the time I left office in 2011 and has clearly still not been realised. This is despite all the levers for implementing the plan being in the hands of the ACT Government. It is not only in the position of a monopoly owner of all the land for sale it also controls and operates the land planning and regulatory regime applying to its use and disposal. The Affordable Housing Action Plan is a comprehensive and innovative plan aimed at improving housing affordability for renters and these entering ownership. In particular, it provided a blueprint for overcoming barriers to home ownership experienced by a growing proportion of Canberra residents. Those most affected by the crisis in affordability are, of course, young families and a large and growing cohort of Canberra households on moderate incomes who have been priced out of the market for a modest sized (three bedroom) detached house in suburban Canberra. The extent of the affordability problem for entrants into home ownership in Canberra is consistently masked by the aggregate affordability indicators that are rolled out to illustrate, for instance, how Canberra compares to Sydney or Melbourne or the other capital cities. The use of aggregate indicators to prove that Canberra housing is affordable ignores the unique double-peaked nature of the income distribution in the ACT, which illustrates the high proportion of households on moderate or high incomes and the relatively low number on average income. The reporting of housing affordability in the ACT is seriously distorted as a result.
dose of dorin The median household income according to ABS is around $110,000 but there are, of course, thousands of households in Canberra on incomes less than that. Rather than relying on aggregate affordability indicators, a far more relevant and meaningful way to assess affordability is to focus on the majority of households that are below the median income, and count the number of affordable houses available to them in the market. The generally accepted standard measure of affordability applied to the lowto-moderate income, is: “Housing that is safe, appropriate and accessible and where housing services are purchased for 30 per cent or less of a household’s gross income”. Applying the standard affordability measure to a household with a gross income of, say, $90,000 (which is more likely to be prevalent than the median income) an “affordable house” would be one valued at around $360,000. As we all know there are virtually no houses in Canberra for sale for under $400,000 and very few available for under $500,000. A family on a gross income of under $100,000 would be under financial stress servicing a mortgage on a house valued at more than $400,000 assuming that they could raise a deposit in the first place. It is insulting in the extreme to suggest to all those families that housing in Canberra is affordable.
A
mong specific initiatives that were mandated in the Affordable Housing Plan was a requirement that over-thecounter sales of land be introduced by the LDA at a range of block sizes and prices with a particular emphasis on the release of land for between $60,000 and $120,000 to provide the capacity for houses in the price range of $200,000 to $300,000 (2007 prices). The Plan did not presuppose that this
16 CityNews June 18-24, 2015
JON STANHOPE
requirement would be met by providing units within this price range. At least one third of land releases were to be through regular englobo sales; land development costs were to be independently benchmarked every two years; a four-year builders’ and developers’ pipeline (one year builders and three years developers) maintaining inventory on the shelf at each stage of the pipeline to ensure responsiveness was to be established; an additional onthe-shelf inventory of development-ready land for housing for up to eight to twelve months of demand was to be established and maintained at all times.
T
he Land Development Agency advises that it currently has no land for sale in Canberra. The advice I received consistently as chief minister from officials was that the affordability of housing in Canberra is directly related to the rate, timeliness and manner of release of development-ready land. Although the pace of implementation was frustrating, I was mindful that establishing a responsive land supply system would take some time. However, I am disappointed that eight years after the Plan was adopted, some of the key measures have not been achieved. I believe that for a large and growing sector of Canberra residents, extending possibly beyond the two lowest quintiles, that housing is not affordable. I think it is time to look again at the Affordable Housing Action Plan and to undertake an audit of the effectiveness of its implementation. Jon Stanhope was Chief Minister from 2001 to 2011 and represented Ginninderra for the Labor Party from 1998. He is the only Chief Minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly.
I WORRY about my two young blokes ever being able to afford to buy their own home. Housing affordability was again thrust firmly on the national agenda this past week after our (often clumsy) federal Treasurer, Joe Hockey, came out with this clanger: “The starting point for a first-home buyer is to get a good job that pays good money”. Some in the media have pointed out the comment was reminiscent of a former prime minister’s “get-a-job” comment to student protesters a couple of decades back. Hardly. It is correct to say the only way young people can afford housing in desirable areas of our capital cities is by having a well-paid job. After all, the frightening stats show the median cost of a home in Sydney is around $1 million and nearly half that in Canberra. What Joe should have said is: “Look, I know it’s hard – but if you work your backside off as a young Australian, maybe even work two or three jobs – you’ll be able to save a deposit on a unit. Okay, so it’s not Vaucluse in Sydney or even Yarralumla in Canberra, but it’s a start. “And, if you continue to work hard, within a few years you’ll then be able to sell that unit and buy a house – maybe in a suburb you’d prefer to be in. And then, you’ll be able to sell that...” You get my drift. My eldest son is 14 and works part time at an animalwelfare agency. When I was 14, I used to stuff chickens at the Penrith charcoal chicken joint for about $50 on a Thursday night and a bit extra on weekends. I loved it. I felt like a king, and my parents loved it, too, as I became a little bit independent at a young age. It’s fair to say, a lot of young people these days won’t want to stuff chooks or wash dishes or even mop floors. And this is where the problem starts. It’s all about teaching responsibility and letting young Australians learn that life is not predicated by a hand out. We may live in such a wonderful, generous country that, from time to time, is able to provide a hand-up, but as a taxpayer – and someone who struggled to save for a first-home deposit by working three jobs – I get a bit annoyed with the “entitlement” mentality. There are incentives to buy a first home. There have been grants, and even some states offer stamp-duty concessions. And, as we keep hearing interest rates are pretty low – and another rate cut could be on the cards. As I said, I do worry about my boys being able to afford to buy their own home. However, with a strong work ethic and realistic expectations about where they may have to start, I think they’ll be okay. Marcus Paul is the drive announcer on 2CC.
MARCUS PAUL
Croatia Statehood Day / June 25
Remembering freedom’s struggle
PROUDLY SUPPORTING CROATIAN NATIONAL DAY
CROATIA celebrates Statehood Day on June 25, marking the nation’s Declaration of Independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991. About a month earlier the people voted 93 per cent “yes” to independence. It was a dream come true for many Croats – including those in Australia – but powerful Serbian-aligned forces inside and outside the country were willing to fight to keep it from self rule. Although independence did not take effect until three months later on October 8, which is now celebrated as Independence Day, the declaration on June 25 also sparked the beginning of Croatia’s War of Independence, which lasted until 1995, and so Statehood Day is a solemn reminder of this terrible conflict, too. Local forces eventually turned the tide against a more powerful, well-equipped enemy and at the end of the war Croatia was absolutely devastated, but it had defended itself and retained its territory. On their National Day, Croatians express gratitude to all who took part in the creation of independent Croatia, including its defence and liberation. Independence after the end of the Cold War was a new beginning for a
Providing Construction, Carpentry, Fitout & Cladding services to Canberra and the surrounding regions Contact us at info@civionconstruction.com 0422 137 140 or 0421 800 375 Croatia has always belonged in Europe, culturally, historically and geographically. nation with a long history, stretching back well over 1000 years to the age of kings and emperors. Croatia first became a kingdom in the 9th Century AD and retained its sovereignty for two centuries before joining with neighbouring Hungary under the same monarchy. This state of affairs lasted another 400 years or so until 1526, when King Louis II of Croatia, Hungary and Bohemia died without an heir. Threatened by the armies of the conquering Ottoman Empire, Croatia’s nobles got together to select a new king who could protect the country. This brought Croatia under the protection of the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand I, a member of the powerful Habsburg Empire whose older brother was Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. Croatia has always belonged in Europe, culturally, historically and geographically, and its accession to the European Union on July 1, 2013 brought it back in from the cold.
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• Phone: (02) 6288 0198 • Fax: (02) 6288 7635 • Email: admin@adria.org.au • Website: www.adria.org.au • Address: 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling, ACT 2611 CityNews June 18-24, 2015 17
Canberra Airport Business Parks
Big lease renewals endorse office location BIG things are happening at Brindabella Business Park at Canberra Airport, with global firms renewing their leases and expanding into larger office spaces, thanks to an increase in Canberra business sentiment, says Canberra Airport head of property, Richard Snow. “As the Federal Government lifts the hiring freeze imposed on the public service and the uncertainty of the past few years is lifted, we are seeing increased movement in the property sector, particularly around the sleek Brindabella Business Park,” says Richard. The Canberra Airport business parks, including Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park and Fairbairn, now accommodate a working population of about 10,000 people, making the area one of Australia’s largest master-planned business communities. “It’s a unique location, offering a quality product and the ability to expand in the one location,” says Richard. Richard says that two major businesses, Deloitte and KPMG, have renewed their leases and that, combined with other renewals, represents just under 10,000sqm of privatesector office leasing activity this year. “Deloitte will consolidate its Canberra operations on a long-term lease at 8 Brindabella Circuit from August, and KPMG has renewed its lease on 20 Brindabella Circuit,” he says. In addition, global IT services provider CSC will consolidate its Canberra operations at 12 Brindabella Circuit (for a seven-year lease), centralising around 150 staff from offices in Barton and Northbourne Avenue. A leading international IT provider with 72,000 people globally, CSC has significant clients in the Australian public sector. The new office will cover two floors (ground and first), totalling around 2,000sqm, with the option to expand into a further 500sqm. The CSC consolidation follows recent moves by two of the “big four” global accounting and consulting firms already in the business park to strengthen their presence there. “To have two of the ‘big four’ accounting firms and a global IT company commit to the business park within six months is a great vote of confidence in our product and shows
“The precincts have everything we need and it’s a fantastic environment to work in – the architecture, the colour, the gardens, it’s not a concrete jungle and we love that,” says KPMG’s Craig Sloan.
Director of Orima Research, Rodney Latimer... “We have been here for eight years now.. and we have been fortunate enough to be able to move into the larger space next door which fit the bill.”
when you offer quality and service, clients respond positively,” Richard says. Richard says that organisations believe the airport precinct is an excellent base to work from, particularly those dealing with government. “There are sometimes initial hesitations about how staff will react to moving, but when they can get here in under 20 minutes pretty much from anywhere in Canberra and they experience the quality of the buildings, fit-outs and the other facilities available to their workers, they realise what a difference a great workspace can make to staff cohesion, morale, productivity and to their bottom line,” he says. “Time and again, we see people who are resistant to change become the biggest advocates of working here because of the quality of their surroundings, the amenities and the precinct approach to creating workplaces.” And the companies agree. Deloitte’s office managing partner in Canberra, Lynne Pezzullo, said the Deloitte consolidation at Brindabella Business Park
KPMG’s partner-in-charge of management consulting practice for Canberra, Craig Sloan, says that in the 10 years that KPMG has been based at Brindabella Business Park, he has seen the whole park come to life. “The precincts have everything we need and it’s a fantastic environment to work in – the architecture, the colour, the gardens, it’s not a concrete jungle and we love that,” he says. “We like the way that the public and private sector come together in the community. “There’s also great parking which is extremely important to our business.” Director of Orima Research, Rodney Latimer, said the company is also very happy with being based at Brindabella Business Park. “We have been here for eight years now, and our company has grown here, from 20-odd staff to now having 45,” he says. “The landlord is very accommodating and co-operative, and we have been fortunate enough to be able to move into the larger space next door which fits the bill, and the landlord was able to facilitate a quick transition for us.”
was “a win for the connectivity of our teams, our collaboration, our business synergies and, of course, our clients”. Ms Pezzullo says that Deloitte’s services have diversified substantially in recent years to include a new focus on human capital, restructuring services, forensic, digital, infrastructure and contestability. “The acquisition of Analytics Group, which joined us in July 2014, increased our finance and performance-management services,” she says. “The move will enable the firm to bring all its suite of services together at one site. “Canberra Airport’s development activity, new hotel facilities, ease of parking, quality and diversity of amenities, as well as value for money, ultimately drove the decision to expand at 8 Brindabella Circuit. “We can now build our office of the future.” “Plans are afoot for a refit of the new office space, including co-design workshop spaces, flexi-offices that can convert to internal meeting rooms as well as adjustable stand/ sit workstations available on all floors.”
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4 BRINDABELLA CIRCUIT, BRINDABELLA BUSINESS PARK Located just metres from Canberra Airport’s terminal, an opportunity exists in the award winning Brindabella Business Park - 4 Brindabella Circuit. This A-grade fitted out space offers flexibility, staff amenities and ample parking for visitors and staff. For more information on this building or others for lease at Canberra Airport please contact: Andrew Singer, Leasing Manager 2 Brindabella Circuit, Brindabella Business Park ACT 2609 M 0431 001 558 E a.singer@canberraairport.com.au www.airportbusinessparks.com.au 18 CityNews June 18-24, 2015
According to Richard there is plenty of flexibility for tenants. “With the quantum of space we have, we are able to offer tenants the ability to trade their lease in for a larger space during their lease term,” he says. “We are saying to people, if you are part way through your lease and you need more space and you want to move somewhere else on the airport, then that’s no problem,” he says. “It’s all about helping other businesses grow their business and being flexible.” Richard says that the Capital Airport Group delivers the workplace needs of its tenants using a holistic precinct approach, which extends beyond just high-quality office accommodation to the quality of the surrounding amenity and the natural environment in a central, accessible location. “Canberra is still seen as the place to be to secure and deliver major government business, and the airport is increasingly becoming a hub for defence, IT and security providers especially,” he says.
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There’s lots to love about working here! “The gardens, bronze statues and water features all make it a delightful place to work,” says Orima Research’s Rodney Latimer.
“Instead of the sounds of a city, we hear the sounds of a community bustling through every day – the markets, the sporting fields,” says KPMG’s Craig Sloan.
“We like being able to… watch the changing seasons, sit on the grass to eat lunch when the weather is good, take shelter under a tree in the shade,” says one tenant.
THERE’S no doubt about it – the people who come to work every day at the Canberra Airport business precincts enjoy the healthy, balanced and friendly work environment that has been created at Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park and Fairbairn. Capital Airport Group manager, commercial and retail marketing, Melissa Evans, says it’s important that people enjoy coming to work every day. “It creates a peaceful, relaxing work environment and research shows us that the work environment does have an impact on productivity,” she says. KPMG’s partner in charge of management consulting practice for Canberra, Craig Sloan, agrees. “For us, we love the community out here, the quality of the buildings, the landscaped gardens and the cafes,” he says. “Instead of the sounds of a city, we hear the sounds of a community bustling through every day – the markets, the sporting fields. “We also appreciate the public art and the support of arts programs and community groups. It’s a dynamic and inspiring place.” Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park and Fairbairn feature award-winning architecture, open-plan offices that bring the outside in and maximise natural light, as well as a raft of environmental credentials. Through a recent survey conducted at the precincts, tenants have praised the green spaces and lawn areas, which offer a range of outdoor places to eat and relax at lunchtime. “I think my favourite aspects are the open air spaces – the gardens, trees and places to sit are wonderful!” says one tenant. “I’ve spoken with other colleagues and they agree – we like being able to walk around the park, on the Brindabella side, and watch the changing seasons, sit on the grass to eat lunch when the weather is good, take shelter under a tree in the shade. “The care taken to keep garden beds pretty and cycling through the flowers and plants of the year is fantastic, and something we all notice and frequently comment on.” Director at Orima Research, Rodney Latimer, says it’s clear that the owners invest in the landscaping. “I believe that has an impact on staff morale – it’s energising to be able to take short breaks in an
environment like this; you can recharge and relax just by stepping outside,” he says. “The ambiance of the area is fantastic, very inspiring, and we really enjoy that. The gardens, bronze statues and water features all make it a delightful place to work.” Tenants at the precincts also say they appreciate the location, with its ready access to the airport, and the ever-improving ease of access from Canberra and Queanbeyan through the new Majura Parkway. Mr Latimer says that Orima Research moved to Brindabella Business Park in 2007, and had been located in Civic before that. “At first it seemed like a long way to come, but now that the roadworks are somewhat better, it’s much easier,” he says. “As Orima Research has offices in Sydney and Melbourne too, we really appreciate being located so close to the airport. “Our staff can travel to other cities up to three or four times a week, so it’s great to be located a short walk from the plane.” Another tenant at Brindabella Business Park praised the architecture and the bright colours of the modern buildings, as well as the high standard of the facilities. “I’ve been working at Brindabella Business Park and now Fairbairn since 2005, and worked in several buildings,” says one tenant. “These have to be the best office accommodation I’ve ever worked in.” Mr Latimer says: “There’s a certain wow factor to the architecture and the entire precinct and we take pride in inviting our clients here. “It’s a talking point and even on the second or third visit people will comment on it.” Another highlight for tenants is the community atmosphere and regular events and fun happenings. “This is a great work environment, both visually and in terms of the community,” one worker says. “We are well serviced and there are great efforts at providing the community with opportunities to come together. Last year, my particular favourite was the Christmas drinks. “The regular events are wonderful and nice touches such as the deck chairs or music in the square bring me out of the office over lunch more easily and socialising with workmates. “I also like being able to support various community needs through the Lifeline Book Fair and World’s Biggest Morning Tea, without having to go off-site.”
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SPECIAL OFFER - 30% OFF FOR NEW CLIENTS* Located just 8 minutes from Civic, Canberra Airport has meeting and conference facilities located within all three office precincts – Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park and Fairbairn. Ample parking is available and public transport services operate from each location. Whether private or public sector, a seminar or conference, training session or product launch, we will help tailor a package to your needs. Phone us on 02 6275 2222 or email meetings@canberraairport.com.au to take up this limited offer. *The offer is valid until 30 September for new clients only and conditions apply. Visit
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CityNews June 18-24, 2015 19
Canberra Airport business parks
Shopping, amenities plus abundant parking THE perks of working at the Canberra Airport business precincts are wide-reaching, and offer so much in terms of amenities and access to services, according to Canberra Airport Group manager, commercial and retail marketing, Melissa Evans. “All the Airport’s precincts include childcare facilities, cafes, an abundance of affordable parking, sports and recreational facilities, public transport, and conference and meeting facilities,” she says. What Capital Airport Group can offer those on the lookout for office space really is unlike anything else out there, says Capital Airport Group’s head of property, Richard Snow. “If you’ve got a building in the city, you’re just leasing those four walls and that’s it,” he says. “That’s pretty much where it starts and stops, whereas we’re about providing very high-quality accommodation as well as the landscaping, the conferencing facilities, recreation facilities, shopping precinct, the ability to easily park your car and everything else as a package of environment and workplace, rather than just the tenancy.” Melissa says that Majura Park’s comprehensive amenities provide another benefit for those working in the airport’s business precincts. “It includes a large shopping centre, featuring Woolworths, BIG W, Dick Smith,
“Parking at the precincts is generous and cheap, and we make it a priority to have plenty of spaces, including for visitors,” says Canberra Airport Group’s Melissa Evans. Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us, and a food court with kids’ play area,” she says. “There’s also a childcare centre, 25-metre pool at Kingswim, Eighty Eight Fitness gym and a large medical centre, sporting field and barbecue facilities. “Majura Park also houses PetBarn, Jim
Murphy Airport Cellars, Masters Home Improvement, McDonald’s and Costco, and of course IKEA will be opening across the road later this year.” She adds that the Majura Park Conference Centre includes world-class facilities for big meetings, including a 97-seat tiered theatre.
Melissa says that working at the airport is incredibly convenient, with ACTION bus services available for all precincts from Civic and Woden every 20 minutes in peak times, while Qcity ferries people to and from Queanbeyan several times a day. In total this equates to 146 services daily.
“Parking at the precincts is generous and cheap, and we make it a priority to have plenty of spaces, including for visitors,” she says. “It’s a very important factor, compared to Civic or Barton where parking is a challenge.” Melissa says that workers are entitled to a variety of parking products, for one year, six months or three months. “We have the best parking deals anywhere in Canberra, which makes it 50 per cent cheaper than parking in Civic, 45 per cent cheaper than in the Parliamentary Triangle, and 30 per cent cheaper than town centres,” she says. There’s also the green credentials of Brindabella Business Park – a high-tech, quality, campus-style commercial office development, constructed using leading techniques and sustainable building practices. It has been described as Australia’s greenest business centre, incorporating a number of landmark sustainable buildings, achieving a number of environmental “firsts” and receiving a number of environmental achievement awards. The office precinct has grown rapidly since the first building went up at Brindabella Business Park almost 15 years ago. “We are one of the largest office precincts in Canberra now, with more than 200,000sqm of office space,” Melissa says. “This is evidence in itself that it’s attractive to a significant number of businesses and people.” Brindabella Business Park was the first development in Australia to use recycled concrete and steel on a commercial scale, resulting in buildings that use less embodied energy and more recycled materials. It was also the first office space in Canberra to have waterless urinals and commercial property water recycling plants. “We try to design all our landscaping so the water stays on site so there is very low demand on potable water for irrigation. Fairbairn is the third commercial precinct at Canberra Airport, encompassing more than 90 hectares set in an established urban landscape and is home to both private and government organisations. Fairbairn provides its tenants with a wide range of services and facilities including car parking, public transport, cafes, a functions centre plus many sport and recreation facilities including an 18-hole golf course, basketball court, volleyball court, tennis courts, barbecue facilities and plenty of space for a lunchtime walk or jog.
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Shiny hotel promises a new Vibe for the airport WITH stylish rooms centred around a breathtaking full-height atrium, the new Vibe Hotel currently under construction at Canberra Airport looks set to be absolutely stunning and a real drawcard for the area, according to hotel manager Ben Saxton.
Tours for new tenants
WHEN new tenants join Capital Airport Group, a tour with morning tea is held to welcome and help orient them to the precinct. Photos by Paul Sadler
A NEW VIBE FOR CANBERRA AIRPORT
“We’re all very excited about the hotel – construction is going really well, and all on time, we expect to be opening its doors on November 2,” he says. Offering majestic views over Lake Burley Griffin to Parliament House, and across the runway to the east, the new 4.5 star Vibe Hotel will house 12 suites, five one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments and 170 guest rooms, each with a balcony. “We are using a lot of airline language at the hotel – we have the Lower Deck King Rooms, the Upper Deck King Rooms and the First Class Suite,” Ben says. “The nine apartments on the top floor are beautiful, with amazing views, and are perfect for longer stays.” The seven-storey hotel is located 150 metres from the entrance to the new terminal, and will have primarily a business travel focus. Conference facilities will include one large room, which can be split into two, five boardrooms and a pre-function space. Ben says the conference facilities at the hotel are plentiful, with five meeting rooms, one executive boardroom for high-end private lunches or dinners with waiter service available, and a boardroom that seats 140 people theatre-style. He says the meeting rooms are all named after large airport codes, with LAX for Los Angeles International Airport, CBR for Canberra International Airport, LHR for London Heathrow, CDG for Charles De Gaulle International Airport in Paris, and JFK for John F Kennedy International Airport in New York. “We are all about connecting people, and so the Vibe Hotel will also have a beautiful restaurant and public space,” Ben says. He says the central atrium will feature a large ground floor “intermingle zone” with reception, bar and restaurant. “There’s also a large gymnasium, which is going to be amazing.” Canberra Airport head of property, Richard Snow,
The new Vibe Hotel awaits completion at Canberra Airport… “We’re all very excited about the hotel – construction is going really well, and we expect to be opening its doors on November 2,” says hotel manager Ben Saxton. says the new Vibe Hotel adds to the amenities for tenants and will provide additional conferencing, restaurant and bar facilities available for use. “The new hotel will also help facilitate fly-in fly-out business and add 191 rooms to the very tight hotel industry,” he says. “An airport hotel has been long envisaged in our master plan and will strengthen the case for international flights and increased domestic capacity by delivering a premium accommodation option for travellers.” RIchard says the project has created more than 600 direct and indirect jobs during the
An impression of the new Vibe Hotel’s lobby.
construction phase, and will generate more than 200 ongoing direct and indirect jobs once it commences operation. Richard says that the Canberra Airport is excited to be embarking on this venture with Toga Far East Hotels (TFE Hotels), under the Vibe Hotel brand, as it strengthens the regional relationship with Singapore, one of Australia’s most important economic, intellectual and trading partners. “The partnership brings a market of 900,000 highly-educated, high-income Australians a step closer to Singapore,” he says. Richard says the hotel has been designed by architectural firm Bates Smart, and is being built by local firm Construction Control. Construction is expected to be completed by October, with the first guests welcomed in November. CEO of TFE Hotels, Rachel Argaman, says that TFE is honoured to have been selected to operate the hotel in such a prominent position in the nation’s capital. “The location will service travellers using the beautiful new airport, as well as the surrounding business parks and defence precincts,” she says.
A NEW VIBE FOR CANBERRA AIRPORT
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CityNews June 18-24, 2015 21
Canberra Confidential
Know something? / confidential@citynews.com.au
Sally’s blooming talent in the buff Trots take their toll
Doomed… “Sick” trees marked for demolition.
Timber! They’re logging Northbourne LOOKS like the felling on Northbourne Avenue “urban meadow” has begun by stealth. Our Watson snout spotted numerous eucalypts along the proposed tram route – particularly opposite the motor registry – and took photos of the signs attached, all dated May 25. With nary a mention of light rail they gloomily say: “The health of this tree has deteriorated to the point where removal is required. “Its removal has been scheduled. A new tree will not be replanted as
22 CityNews June 18-24, 2015
space may be inadequate or it will cause on-going conflict with infrastructure, such as pipes, pavement or interfere with line of sight.” We put it to our gardening guru Cedric Bryant who posed the question: “Has an independent arborist assessed these trees, as the reasons are very broad and not specific to each tree and are specious with the reasons?” He also mused that it was interesting that “they all seem to have all these problems at the same time.”
WHAT would inspire local classical pianist and composer Sally Greenaway to bare all, lie on the floor and get body painted? “Obviously being naked for several hours lying on a lounge room floor on top of a canvas is not how I tend to spend my Sunday afternoons, but it was a very interesting experience,” she told CC. “I needed a new portrait photo, the picture I had been using is now 10 years old and I don’t look like that person any more. I wanted something fresh, unusual and eye catchingly beautiful. So I commissioned local Yass artist Anne Hind to paint a canvas with flowers and colours inspired by the music from my new album ‘Aubade & Nocturne’. “I then lay down on the canvas and she finished the painting by painting my skin so Sally Greenaway in the buff and loving it. Painting is by Anne Hind and photo by Ivor Hind I disappear into the canvas. “I really like it – it was a me – my own identity, body image, wonderful opportunity to collaborate with societal pressures on women’s figures and a local artist in a different artistic field to nakedness et cetera. create something beautiful and striking, as “I recommend everyone try it. Especially well as functional for my portfolio as a new those whose bodies don’t align with the portrait promo shot. traditional ‘beauty’ or ‘young’ image “It challenged so many things for pressures.”
“NEARLY every day commercials tell men to have their prostate checked,” writes 81-year-old pensioner Wolfgang Strunk. In an email to “CityNews”, he says that for about three months now he has been having to get up five times at night to go to the toilet and during the day has to stay around his home to be close to his loo. His GP sent him to a specialist who popped him on the surgical waiting list. Wolfgang phoned and found himself 14 months away from prostate surgery. Back to the specialist who wrote another referral marked “urgent”. “I rang again a week later. By now I have to go up to six times at night and was told: ‘Sorry, Mr Strunk, but you are still far down the waiting list, tell your doctor to make it more urgent’. “I’m a welfare pensioner and can’t afford the private operation I know I need. “Why do men get reminded to have a regular check up when one can’t even be seen by a surgeon?” Meanwhile, poor, old Wolfgang gets less and less sleep as his unattended prostate wakes him six times a night.
Not for old ‘Times’ HELEN Musa, the “CityNews” arts editor, was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday honours and she was feted by this paper, the ABC and 2CC. Before joining us, Helen served with distinction in the role of arts editor of “The Canberra Times” for the best part of a decade, something her citation noted and we reported. But not so the Pride of Fyshwick. The best the “Times” could do was describe her in the general listings as a “critic and magazine editor”. Despite this, the relentless Helen Musa OAM was to be rewarded by an interview with her hometown paper, the “Forbes Advocate” that, like us, was proud to share the pride in her achievement.
scene / around canberra
invite us / scene@citynews.com.au
Social event of the week / Big hArt’s “Ghosts in the Scheme” launch, Barton BIG hArt is an arts and social change theatre company with 25 years of collaborative creativity to find, write and tell the stories that form the layers of our Australian communities and working with them to involve and engage often with those most marginalised. In a launch of a different kind at the Ottoman, a place that has become a kind of ancestral home for the company as the closingnight choice for all its previous Canberra seasons with feasting and imbibing depending on the box-office receipts, some famous locals were in the spotlight telling their immigration stories. The Cataldos, Angelo and Emilio relived theirs with Mikelangelo (Mikel Simic, of the Black Sea Gentlemen) putting to song the story he’d arranged from their family story with Dino Nikias and Con Tsoulias adding to the reminiscing, which gave us all an idea of Big hArt’s new project. It’s called Project Cosmopolitana and will culminate in the production “Ghosts in the Scheme” at Canberra Theatre in September with Cooma in the spotlight as writer director Scott Rankin delves into the underbelly of the town that saw a multicultural influx of mammoth proportions for the Snowy Mountains’ Scheme.
Andrew Gray, Elyse Heslehurst and Mario Marangoni
Tadusch ‘Teddy’ Zuschlag
David Caffery, Mikelangelo and Emilio Cataldo
Harriet Elvin and Rosie Ricketson
June and Laurie O’Donnell
Peter and Dot Barclay
Bruce Carmichael and Scott Rankin
Geoff Rowland and Lex Marinos
Olivia Gesini and Richard Refshauge
Con Tsoulias and Sophia Marinos
Grant Batersby and Yolande Norris
Dr Alastair Taylor
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scene / around canberra At the Queen’s Birthday lunch, Yarralumla
At Braddon Tailors’ store opening, Braddon
Trish Keller and guest speaker Jon Stanhope
Alice Brown and Georgia Holgate
Michael and Meredythe Crane with Len Goodman
Margaret Royds with Robert and Jean Macaulay
24 CityNews June 18-24, 2015
Bruce Sinclair with Karlie and Bill Crews
Stephen Brown and Bruce Trewartha
Beverly and Bill Wood with David Marshall
Rob Andersen, Matt Baillie and Luke Furner
Jon Shirley, Luke Kayal, Chris Fusca and Darryn Barnes
Aidan O’Sullivan and Pip Morgan
James Fricker and Aaron Dixon
Noah, Clint and Andrea Hutchinson
Brad and Amy Pedley
Photos by ANDREW FINCH
At the launch of the Tara Costigan Foundation, Hyatt
At the National Day of Russia, NGA
Ashlea Matthews with Maria and Rachelle Costigan
Kaarin and Nina Dynon
Lisa Richards, Mel James, Senator Claire Moore and Meredith Horne
Veronika Cox with Brooke and Karen Morris
MLA Nicole Lawder, Annette Ellis, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and MP Gai Brodtmann
Francis and Suzi Owusu
Sally Fitzmaurice, Rachel Curtis and Karlie Brown
Tanya and Elizabeth Jackson
Sarah Toh and Jason Shea
Reverend Father Nikita Chemodakov and Katherine Chemodakov, Olga and Father Samuel Vichnevski and Nick Chubukoff
Adam O’Sullivan and Charissa Dunkley
Russian ambassador Vladimir Morozov and wife Elena
Allanah Bannister and Georgie Horton
At ‘Canada’s Arctic’ exhibition launch, High Court
SUNDAY ROAST Stay in touch with the names making news on Sundays from 10am as 2CC and “CityNews” present Canberra’s only local weekend news and current affairs program.
Canadian acting high commisioner Charles Reeves and Matt Murray
Angela Hopkins Grixti and Michael Lazaruk
Tony Dos Santos and Dean Barry
Pierre Polar Bear, Chief Justice Robert French, Krystal Novak and Mary Lou Hayman
Vincent Brousse and Edwige Bonnaire
It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities. Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.
Joan xx Scott, Shane Breynard and Dr Mathew Trinca
Ainslie Moore and Kerrie Thornton CityNews June 18-24, 2015 25
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MANY Muslims in Australia welcome Ramadan as a period of fasting, selfevaluation and spiritual growth.
Looking for some casual employment? Available Wednesdays and Thursdays? We need someone to help deliver our magazines in the city area. You will get fit and earn extra dollars at the same time. Email your application to jobs@citynews.com.au We are looking for someone to start by the end of the month.
once, if possible. The revelations that continued for the rest of The Prophet’s life, and form the verses of the Koran, confirmed the devout religious people of Varying from country to country, the exact the Middle East including Jews and Christians timing of Ramadan depends on the sightings were already on the right track with pilgrimage of the moon, signifying the ninth month in the to sacred sites, giving to the poor and fasting – a Islamic calendar. This year, Thursday, June 18, profound act of bodily purification that brings is the start of the month-long dedication to the devotee closer to God and helps them give increased religious devotion. thanks, atone for sins, and think of those who are Muslims believe it was during the same month less fortunate. more than 1400 years ago that the Prophet MohamIn line with these ancient beliefs, observing med first received messages from God, delivered Ramadan means a lot more than just not eating to him by the archangel Gabriel as he prayed or drinking during daylight hours. and pondered the world’s ills in a small cave on a mountain near the city of Mecca, where he lived. THE word “Ramadan” is derived from an In the most important of those revelations, Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground the angel explained to The Prophet the meaning and shortness of food and drink, additionally, of Islam, or “submission” to God, by breaking it the word “fasting” (sawm) literally means “to down into five precepts that are widely known refrain”, not only from food and drink but from as the Five Pillars of Islam and form the basis of evil actions, thoughts and words. living a good life for Muslims everywhere. Muslims also make extra effort during the holiFasting during Ramadan is the fourth of the est month of the year to refrain from smoking, Five Pillars, which begin with testifying there is sexual activity and speaking harshly to others, one true God and Mohammed is His Messenger, and to avoid things such as profanity, obscenity, and continue for the rest of a Muslim’s life with violence, anger, envy, greed, lust and gossip. In daily prayers, charity towards the less fortunate, short, they do their best for God, themselves and and making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least everyone around them. Fasting is not just physi-
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cal, it is rather a total commitment of the person’s body and soul to the spirit of the fast. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to undertake charity and humanitarian work, as well as read the Koran and do the maximum of prayers, including special voluntary prayers. The usual practice is that people generally wake up before dawn to have their breakfast, do their morning prayers and express their interest to fast. At sunset, it signifies the breaking of the fast known as iftar and people usually break their fast with dates and savouries before performing their prayers and having their dinner. In Canberra, iftar falls between the hours of 5pm and 6pm over the month of August and until September. Although iftar tends to fall within the working hours in winter, most employers are typically understanding and flexible regarding their working hours. When it’s over, it’s time for the festival of breaking the fast, Eid al-Fitr, a day for everyone to come together to celebrate unity and, of course, eat lots of delicious food. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one, two or three days. Muslims are also encouraged on this day to forgive and forget any differences with others or animosities that may have occurred during the year.
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arts & entertainment
Cooking up a storm for fabulous food
Wendy Johnson
‘To be honest I’m a little bit worried. It’s an M15+ rating, I’d say.’
Rep’s raunchy romp with randy Casanova By Helen Musa
WE’VE all heard of Don Juan and Casanova, both legendary womanisers. But there’s one crucial difference – Giacomo Girolamo Casanova was a real person, an adventurer who romped his way through the bedrooms of Europe in the mid-1700s. I’m talking to Jarrad West, the director of Canberra Rep’s next show, “Casanova”. Unusually, it’s a play adapted from a film scripted by Russell T Davies of “Queer as Folk” and “Doctor Who” fame. “That kind of attracted me to it,” West says. “I liked Mark Kilmurry’s adaptation, it was light and fun.” So when Rep offered him a list to choose from, he went for it. I’ve contacted West after receiving an enthusiastic email from his production manager, Marya Glyn-Daniel,
about how the actors were all “horsing around”. Yes, indeed, West confirms, in particular, there are some very familiar faces in the show who are having the time of their lives. Specifically people such as Geoffrey Borny, Liz Bradley and Tony Turner – “the old work horses,” he says. What is more, West adds mysteriously, “I’ve gone very meta.” Because the play notionally whizzes around Venice, Paris, England and Naples, he’s located it in the fictional “Teatro Tre” with the actors illustrating the unreliable memoirs of the old Casanova (Turner). It is, of course, actually being staged at Theatre 3, Acton. More horsing around. Costume designer Anne Kay has played around with old ballroom gowns for the different characters and veteran set-man Russell Brown built a complete boat on wheels overnight when West floated the idea. In casting the central role of the young Casanova, West was lucky.
Fellow-director Jordan Best recommended Ben Russell, “a 21-year-old with cocky, lopsided grin you’d like to punch him in the face for and a lot of charisma” – just right. West has his doubts about the “facts” in the play but he’s not worrying too much about it, because “this is a much better story”. We do know that the real-life Casanova started his sexual adventures when he was 17 and he died in 1798, so he enjoyed himself for nearly 50 years. And did he swing both ways? “Yes, there were a few men along the way,” West says, “but that is not referenced.” Is it too raunchy for respectable Rep audiences? “To be honest I’m a little bit worried,” West tells me, but there’s no nudity and while sex scenes are simulated, nothing is explicit. “It’s an M15+ rating, I’d say.” “Casanova”, Theatre 3, Acton until July 4. Bookings to canberrarep.org.au or 6257 1950.
Margaret Hadfield-Zorgdrager... winner of the inaugural Gallipoli Art Prize.
arts in the city
Margaret paints the heroes “STANDING Room Only for Heroes” is a collection of 22 paintings and drawings in the “Gallipoli” series by Margaret Hadfield-Zorgdrager, winner of the inaugural Gallipoli Art Prize (2006) with her painting “Ataturk’s Legacy”. At The Q Exhibition Space, Queanbeyan, until June 27.
events include a talk with the project facilitator, Margie Medlin, in the Ralph Wilson Theatre, 7pm, on Monday, June 22 and two public showings at 6pm on June 27 and 28 at the Main Hall (formerly the Bogong Theatre). Bookings to strangeattractordance.com or tickets at the door.
CUBA’S Ballet Revolución is touring Australia, beginning at the Canberra Theatre on June 24. They’re promising “sensual moves from ballet to street dance”. The 19 dancers are backed by the Ballet Revolución Live-Band performing hits made famous by Sia, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Rihanna and the like. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.
THE 35th Yarralumla Midwinter Arts and Crafts Show at the Yarralumla Uniting Church Centre, Denman Street, June 26-28, will support community causes such as Sids for Kids and Companion House. Local MP Gai Brodtmann will open the show at 6pm, Friday, June 26. Saturday and Sunday afternoon concerts from 1.30pm feature Gospel Folk, Lady’s Mantle and the ABC 666 Community Choir.
CANBERRA Academy of Dramatic Art has six scholarships for new students. CADA managing director Elizabeth Scott is keen to hear from students wanting to enrol mid-year in the Certificate III in Performance (Acting). Prospective students must attend a drama workshop and information session. details at cada.net.au/scholarships.html and inquiries to elizabeth@cada.net.au
A MIXED media exhibition by members of the Burrunju Aboriginal Corporation will show at gallery@bcs in Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, June 25July 3 as part of the centre’s “RESPECT” series. Burrunju was established in 2006 to provide local Aboriginal people with an opportunity to realise their dream of self-determination by providing an avenue to sell art.
“STRANGE attractor: the space in the middle” is the third installation of a program developed and produced by local dancer-choreographers Adelina Larsson, Jamie Winbank and Alison Plevey. Open
HELEN MUSA
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Ben Russell as Casanova, centre, and guards Bradley McDowell, left, and Teig Sadhana.
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arts & entertainment / cinema
Flawed fun fleeing nasty guys with guns “Hot Pursuit” (M)
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” (M)
BACK in the day, visiting the cinema typically went like this: All stand for the National Anthem (God save the monarch). Cartoon. At Saturday matinees, a 15-minute episode of a serial. Featurette (a Pete Smith doco or Fitzpatrick travelogue, perhaps also a short story). First film. Interval to patronise the lolly boy or the candy bar. Main feature. Go home. Ah, thems was the days! I recount their structure to remind readers how it was before TV. Note that cryptic “first film”, in trade parlance the “B” movie. A shoestring budget. Often shot on the studio’s backlot with a two-dimensional screenplay performed by a never-quite-reached-the-top cast. Anne Fletcher’s “Hot Pursuit” reincarnates the B-movie, modernised in production aspects but still unmistakably a B-movie. Reese Witherspoon plays Cooper who, as a child, absorbed cop culture and procedures in the back seat of her father’s cop car. For three years now, she’s managed the evidence store in the basement of the San Antonio Police Headquarters. An unexpected career change sees Cooper assigned to accompany a US Marshal to escort Filipe and Daniella Riva from witness protection to give evidence in tomorrow’s trial of drug lord Cortez. That’s when it hits the fan big-time, as Cooper and Daniella find themselves fleeing nasty guys with guns. David Feeney’s screenplay delivers humour mixed with defects of continuity and perspective, but heck, this is a B-movie where such things don’t matter. The film gets its energy from the interaction between Cooper and Daniella (Sofia Vergara pulling out all the stops), a kind of “Thelma and Louise” reprise well-supplied with comic moments that pardon those defects.
IN Michael Winterbottom’s documentary, comedian Russell Brand rants against the financial inequality that he alleges has given more wealth to 80 billionaires than the wealth shared by the rest of the world’s population. In the film’s 101 minutes, Brand delivers a polemic reflecting a strong socialist attitude, angry, noisy and irreverent, a mass of statistics interspersed with interviews and crowd scenes alleviating his exhortations. He invites a group of Union-Jack-waving primary school children to express their views. Their vociferous, unwavering agreement strikes me as contrived, responses rehearsed. Brand attacks the heirs to wealthy ancestors. The film doesn’t mention philanthropy, at least not in the passages for which I succeeded in staying awake. Like so many heart-on-sleeve documentaries that charge full tilt at a particular issue, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” commits the sin of information overload. After about 40 minutes, Brand and Winterbottom have given us all that need be said. The rest is boring. Does it command our support? We’d all like enough wealth to support a comfortable, safe life from cradle to grave. Brand scarifies that band of brothers and sisters enjoying more wealth than they would ever need for life’s necessities, while at the bottom of the income heap are daddy’s workers toiling at two or more jobs to make ends meet. The solution that the USSR tried didn’t work. China has many billionaires. Those with much want more. Those without enough wish they could get more. Inequality’s an insoluble problem. The film avoids mentioning the amount of the filmmakers’ personal wealth.
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Daniella (Sofia Vergara) and Cooper (Reese Witherspoon) in “Hot Pursuit”... a kind of “Thelma and Louise” reprise, well-supplied with comic moments.
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END2ENDEVENTS.COM.AU 28 CityNews June 18-24, 2015
“The Mafia Only Kills in Summer”... a warm story of love amid political turmoil in 1980s Sicily.
“The Mafia Only Kills in Summer” (M) PIERFRANCESCO Diliberto’s professional name is “Pif”, a boon to reviewers because in this warm story of love amid political turmoil in 1980s Sicily, Pif has credits for directing, writing and playing the adult Arturo whose observations of the confrontation between the Mafia and law enforcement provide the film’s structural framework. Since primary school, Arturo (played as a child by Alex Bisconti) has been smitten with Alicia (Ginevra Antona as a child and Cristiana Capotondi as an adult). Arturo shows a talent for journalism. Alicia’s family moves to Switzerland. Arturo, a somewhat callow young adult, works as straight man in a vox pop TV show. Pif’s screenplay then tosses a few coincidences across Arturo’s path to give the film purpose. In a time and place where law enforcement is not the safest profession, Arturo reports freelance on the reallife chaos of the federal and provincial governments’
attempts to bring the Mafia to justice, and the Mafia’s equally determined opposition. The TV footage Pif uses to explain that confrontation works well. Alicia, back in Palermo as a staffer for a leading backroom politico, gives Arturo a month’s exclusives covering the Christian Democrats’ election campaign. Obnoxious Fofo, who pursued Alicia at school, still hasn’t caught her. Alicia is in no hurry to choose between them. The film combines concern about bringing the Mafia to book with wondering whether Arturo will discover enough assertiveness to claim Alicia. Predicting the latter is easy. Suburban serenity may be a bit of a disappointment, but it’s a better alternative than violent death. At Palace Electric
dining
Lanterne is cooking up a storm for fabulous food AT the Lanterne Rooms, head chef Jeffrey Shim is cooking up an Asian-style bistro storm – an innovative take on traditional South-East Asian food. It’s an approach that works, which is one reason Lanterne Rooms, even though it’s quietly tucked away at the Campbell shops, has been serving very happy customers since the late summer of 2008. Another reason, no doubt, is that Lanterne Rooms is part of the professional and knowledgeable Chairman and Yip Group. I promise you. The food is excellent and true to the word “innovative”. The service is impeccable and the décor designed to “immediately invoke in the imagination a Malaysian Penang farmhouse”. The place is divided into smaller rooms, some of which can be transformed into larger dining spaces. The coloured glass tiles are delightful and the dark wood beams and bamboo shutters intriguing. The seats are comfortable. It’s all really, really lovely. At the Lanterne Rooms you focus on the oriental-style experience of food sharing, whether it’s for two or a large group. We selected the dinner banquet, excellent value at $66.50 per person (minimum four) for no fewer than seven dishes, each generous in portion and loaded with flavour. Where do I begin? Perhaps at the top of the menu with the tom yum-infused crispy prawns. The prawns are plump, beautifully cooked and served with a fresh and inviting rock melon and apple slaw. The slow-cooked pork belly was equally sensational, but my favorite entrée was the slowcooked lamb cutlets with cucumber, capsicum and bean sprouts. Honestly, this is amazing food and shows how you don’t have to put up with mediocre food when dining out.
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Fish of the day, barramundi masak lemak. The fish of the day was barramundi, cooked with full respect to this premium fish. Shanghai noodles anyone? These are served with caramelised pork and scallions. For a bit of veg it was crunchy, bright-green snow peas, lightly sautéed, with a housemade XO sauce, the recipe for which is no doubt tucked away in a vault under lock and key. Then it was time for the sensational slowcooked, multiple-award-winning Blackmore Wagyu beef. If you haven’t read David Blackmore’s story do so on his website. And to top off the meat we enjoyed every bite of the warm,
Photos by Andrew Finch roasted veggie salad. What you get at Lanterne Rooms is a wonderful food experience. To quote the establishment, this is: “Malay Indian spices, coastal Fukien and local Nyonya cooking, blended, skillfully refined and redefined to become the distinctive flavours of Lanterne Rooms.” It’s soooo worth trying. Lanterne Rooms, fully licensed with an excellent list, byo accepted ($10 bottle). Open Tuesday-Friday lunch; Tuesday-Saturday dinner. Call 6249 6889 or book online. Bookings recommended.
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CYMBIDIUM orchids have arrived! They flower for months and make a great indoor plant
To illustrate, here are two examples – one is a daphne and the other a rose. Firstly, Daphne “Perfume Princess”, which is claimed to have more flowers than any other daphne, of which there are more than 200 varieties. While the most popular variety is Daphne odora, from China (together with Daphne odora variegata), most varieties come from the hottest part of the world, namely around the Mediterranean. So, how did this new daphne come about? New Zealander Mark Jury is the breeder. Ten years ago
he tried crossing Daphne odora with Daphne bholua, the latter being blessed with the best of daphne scents. Mark then worked for years gathering seeds from both with little joy until, finally, out of a total of six seeds harvested, just one seed grew, but was so underwhelming he more or less forgot about it. After lying around the nursery for more than six years, Mark took another look at the daphne seedling and was astounded with the resultant flowers, which were exactly what every grower of a new plant was looking for: a compact bush, lush green foliage, huge flowers, flowers at the branch tips and down the stems, and a perfume to die for. Mark then spent a few more years testing his D. “Perfume Princess” to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. It performed beyond expectations with the claim that it had a perfume like no other.
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Secondly, “The Beauty of Being Single” is the title of an article in the Royal Horticultural Society’s journal “The Garden”, which says that the simple elegance of single roses wins them a place in many gardens. After waning over recent years,
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the act of giving a single rose has returned to popularity. One classic example, namely Rosa “For Your Eyes Only”, was voted the Rose of the Year for 2015 in the UK, which means it is really something special. A repeat-flowering floribunda rose that has blooms all summer (provided it is dead-headed regularly). This is a distinct new rose bred by Charles Warner in the UK after more than 30 years of breeding and is ideal for our conditions. It is lightly scented with shades Daphne Perfume Princess... more flowers than of pink, peach any other daphne. and apricot. Being slightly out of the ground. extremely drought resistant, this is an important factor • Break the ice on the bird bath in growing roses in our climate. before leaving for work Another single rose that has • A heaped tablespoon of Epsom always remained popular is Rosa salts dissolved in a watering can “Dainty Bess”, which has flowers and applied to rhodos, azaleas and of exquisite beauty with shell pink daphne is a great tonic. on the upper side of the petals and • Cut old flowers off Callistemon salmon pink underneath. (bottle brush) for more spring flowers. BOOK now for the next garden• Feed pansies and polyanthus ing talk at The Garden, Parkwood “weakly weekly” – a weak solution Nursery, on growing Cymbidium once a week with Maxicrop SeaOrchid by well-known local expert weed Plant Paul Tyerman. It’s on July 1 and Nutrient. bookings to 6254 6726.
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canberragardens.com.au 30 CityNews June 18-24, 2015
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puzzles page Joanne Madeline Moore
General knowledge crossword No. 505
your week in the stars – June 22-28, 2015
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GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
Get your skates on Gemini! Jupiter and Uranus send a lucky opportunity via social media or community connections, but you may have to jump in and make a split-second decision, which is your speciality. Make sure you communicate with family and work mates clearly, otherwise misunderstandings are likely as Neptune scrambles your communication antennae. It will be very easy to misinterpret what others are saying so take the time to double-check.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Lady Luck is on your side this week Lions, courtesy of the Jupiter/Uranus trine. So do all you can to milk the good fortune that comes your way – especially involving personal projects, publishing, travel, education, commerce or international connections. But don’t complicate matters by overthinking things. Roll your sleeves up and strike while the iron is hot! Be inspired by actress Meryl Streep (who was born on June 22, 1949): “Keep going. Start by starting.”
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Are people aware of the substantial amount of work you’re doing behind the scenes? Don’t be disappointed if others aren’t showing their appreciation ATM. Your efforts will be applauded (and rewarded) further down the track. Attached Virgos – are you seeing your partner clearly? Singles – this week you’re more gullible than usual, so don’t fall for an online dating profile that’s all gloss and no substance. If someone looks too good to be true then avoid them like the plague!
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
It’s a wonderful week to shake up a stale marriage; start a romantic relationship; reboot a business partnership or steer a close friendship in a fabulous new direction. A dynamic new person or peer group could enter your life, bringing a breath of fresh air to tired old routines. It’s also a great time to join a group, club or organisation as Jupiter and Uranus boost your social side, and increase your confidence in crowds. Go for excitement and change and you won’t be sorry.
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CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
With Jupiter and Uranus giving you a beneficial boost, plus mighty Mars marching through your sign (from Wednesday until August 9) it’s time to crawl out of your cosy Crab cave and take on the world with confidence and plenty of chutzpah. No excuses Cancer, get motivated and get moving! Be inspired by birthday great, the writer, lecturer and political activist Helen Keller (who was also blind and deaf): “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”
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TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Awesome opportunities are around – but they aren’t immediately obvious. They are hidden in unexpected places, waiting for you to discover them. So don’t waste the chance to get ahead Bulls! Is a fair-weather friend or acquaintance leading you up the primrose path to financial trouble? Strive to keep a sensible head on your bovine shoulders this week. Are you sick of being single? An introduction from a family member could lead to long-term love.
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ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Aries folk are the natural entrepreneurs of the zodiac. This week the Jupiter/Uranus trine galvanises your entrepreneurial side and smart, savvy Rams will take a creative idea and spin it into a viable venture. With the Sun and Mars shifting into your domestic zone, it’s also time to focus concentrated attention on your nearest and dearest. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great Meryl Streep: “My family really does come first. It always has and always will.”
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Across 1 Name an imaginary creature of Aboriginal legend. 7 What do we also call a telephonist? 8 What is an official enumeration of inhabitants? 9 Which term describes a particular branch of trade? 10 Name one of the only words in the English language that ends with the letters “amt”. 11 Name a town in north-eastern NSW, on the Macintyre River. 14 Which gland secretes an important digestive fluid? 18 What is another name for the hard substance deposited on the teeth by saliva? 19 What do we call a particular taxation worker? 21 Name another word for a resident member of the medical staff of a hospital. 22 Which class of basic nitrogenous substance can be very poisonous?
Solution next week 23 Name the term used by Ali Baba to open the door of the robbers’ den, Open ...
Down 1 What is the painted screen hanging behind a theatrical set? 2 Name an obedient or sycophantic follower? 3 Which pole of a battery is designated by a plus sign? 4 Name the heavy metallic element with the symbol Pb. 5 Who was the conqueror of Britain in 55 BC? 6 What is a light reddish brown horse? 12 Name rooms attached to churches, sometimes used as chapels, or for prayer meetings, etc. 13 Who was one of Australia’s most renowned sopranos (1907-79), Marjorie ...? 15 Name an Australian aviator and airline founder, Sir Reginald ... 16 What do we call the white clothes, as worn by cricketers? 17 Who was one of the assassins of Julius Caesar? 20 What is a slight parody, satire, or caricature?
Sudoku hard No. 152
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Your career gets a welcome boost from the lucky Jupiter/Uranus trine. It’s the perfect time to launch a professional project, apply for a promotion or look for employment. If you’re doing volunteer work – others will notice and appreciate your efforts. Your moody, mysterious and sensitive Scorpio nature is emphasised on the weekend. So make sure you surround yourself with family members and close friends who understand your particular peccadillos.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
The terrific Jupiter/Uranus trine favours sport, study, social events, research, creative projects, communication, conversation, commerce and travel. So you’re set for a successful and stimulating week, but some caution is required. If you say the first thing that pops into your head (which is a Sagittarian specialty), you could find yourself in hot water. Current relationships are more complicated and situations more complex than they appear on the surface.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Be careful in the way you communicate, otherwise you could say too much or be misunderstood. When it comes to family members, it’s time to completely change your current modus operandi. Plenty of praise and ebullient encouragement will get you much further than random negative remarks or constant criticism. With Jupiter and Uranus on your side you’ll find the more positive energy you put into close relationships, the more they will sparkle and shine.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Solution next week
Solutions from last edition
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2015 Daily astrology updates at twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore
Crossword No. 504
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Tricky Neptune aspects can aggravate sensitivities or trigger allergic reactions, so steer clear of food and drink that doesn’t agree with you. And avoid making important decisions, especially involving family or real estate, as your feelings are likely to change many times throughout the week. The weekend stars stimulate the artistic, humanitarian and spiritual sides of your Piscean personality. So it’s a great time to create and contemplate, plus help someone in need.
A T A L F R E T E B O M B A E L A L G E B V E B R E S E R X A W A R D E C L S T R E A
I M S C O I R S T S R E R A C H O V E E A S N T O M E M W
O O M B A C L E E V E S L A P O R T S T O V U D I N I A E E M E N T P O L E T T E R E
Pete’s carpentry business has been running for almost two years and he came to see me about his casual employee, Jack. “I have employed Jack as a casual for the last year and the business is doing well enough now to offer him full-time work,” he told me. “What do I need to know about employing a full-time staff member?” I told Pete I could give him only an overview, that the Building and Construction General Onsite Award 2010 is complex and he might also need to speak to a specialist in this area. “There are a number of classifications in the award and each employee is required to be classified and paid in accordance with it,” I told him. “You can pay more. I know Jack has been receiving a higher rate as a casual and you intend to continue to pay him at that rate. “It is a requirement that you pay him at least the award wage and meet all the award conditions. However, not all the conditions are specified in the award. “There is another document called National Employment Standards, which specifies such things as annual leave and personal leave entitlements. You will need to have both these documents available to your staff in the office. “The award also requires that you provide each employee with a letter setting out their terms and conditions. This is particularly important when you are paying above the award or varying anything in the award. “The award, in clause 7, specifies that the letter must include such things as ‘arrangements for when the work is performed, overtime rates, penalty rates, allowances and leave loading’. It also states that these conditions can be varied, but any variation must be stated in the letter. “Basically, this document is your agreement and protects you both in the event of a dispute.” Pete had another question: “I understand that I can get a $20,000 deduction if I buy a new drill now.” I told him he would only get a deduction for the cost of the item and how much was it worth? Pete said it was $750 “at half price”. “In that case, Pete, you get a deduction for $750 less GST,” I told him. Pete then suggested he go and buy a ute he’d seen for $19,990. “There’s a lot of confusion about this $20,000 deduction,” I advised him. “The law, which is currently still before Parliament, says that you can claim up to $20,000 for an item of plant or equipment as an outright deduction. “If it costs more than $20,000 then you depreciate the item as you do at present. “You have only just started the business, which made a loss last year. It would be more prudent to buy the ute in the next financial year as you won’t get a lot of benefit from the purchase this financial year.” Pete agreed, saying that with all the things he had to do in employing a full-timer, buying a new ute might just be too much. If you require any information on tax law changes or how to deal with new employees call the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd
6295 2844
9/71 Leichhardt St, Kingston ACT 2604 ABN 57 008 653 683
Sudoku medium No.152
Many Aquarians can look forward to a shift in fortune – especially involving a romantic relationship or business partnership. Your mind’s buzzing with creative and innovative ideas so it’s a terrific time to broaden your mental horizons, as you communicate with family and friends from home and away. Social media is also favoured, and you could find something you post unexpectedly goes viral! When it comes to a financial transaction, read the fine print thoroughly.
What needs to happen to give Jack a job
Listen to our tax tips on 2CA and 2CC (Chartered accountant, SMSF specialist advisor and Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892)
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