WINNUNGA NIMMITYJAH ABORIGINAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am-5pm | Ph: 6284 6222 | 63 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah www.winnunga.org.au Our aim is to provide a culturally safe, holistic health care service for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the ACT and surrounding regions. The holistic health care provided by Winnunga AHCS includes not only medical care, but a range of programs to promote good health and healthy lifestyles. recent deaths of at least two children. What’s gone wrong? JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED reveal how the ACT government got us into this deadly mess. SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 There’s still time to plant a peach tree JACKIE WARBURTON SAVAGE TRUTH Dance director DANIEL RILEY on his latest show Berry treats community spaces like a land bank PAUL COSTIGAN WILLSPARKSFLY ANDERSONSIMON meets the Caps’ latest recruit From Tramalot Castle, smile-weary King Andrew the Worst plots his next move… KEEPING UP THE ACT is there
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As CEO of the ASE, Jahin says workshops, education programs and conferences that teach fundamental communication skills to those in need of them will be his priority.
How an young Jahin found his voice
His bedroom start-up was not only acquired by the ASE earlier this year, but the organisation would soon after
anxious,
“It’s so fundamental, but we don’t put emphasis on it. I think it needs to be part of the curriculum, parallel to science, maths and English.”
“We know communication is the number one, most employable skill in any work you go into,” says Jahin.
“How do you pay your taxes? How do you start a business? There were just so many skills I should have learned
Photo: Nick Overall
selected as 2021’s ACT Young Citizen of the Year as well as a finalist for Young Australian of the Year at the national
“There is no ‘adulting 101’ class in high school that can prepare young people for the big, wide world,” says
CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship Jahin Tanvir... “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Amidst the covid pandemic, his pas sions would culminate with Breathe, an enterprise he created that aimed to teach the same public-speaking skills he’d learnt to others similarly strug gling to find their voice.
July 11: Senatore is appointed voluntary administrator. In his “Declaration of Independence’’, he provides reasoning that the pre-appointment interactions did not affect his independence and attests that he provided no further information or advice to Samaras.
Above: Lindy Lee, Palace of Sunlight (detail), 2017, flung bronze, image courtesy the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney and Singapore, © the artist.
a voluntary administration and a creditors’ voluntary liquidation,” Senatore reports.
mission (ASIC) dated June 24,
What the ATO or ASIC choose to do next is unknown, but I fancy the printer will be left to suck it up. Not a place for paragons.
Lose yourself in the work of influential Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee. Slow down and take in shimmering, meditative and thought-provoking works in her survey exhibition, which draws on her experience of living between two cultures.
Ian Meikle is the editor of “CityNews” and can be heard with Rod Henshaw on the “CityNews Sunday Roast” news and interview program, 2CC, citynews.com.auhisThere9am-noon.aremoreofcolumnson
Exhibition organised and toured by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program.
I have pieced the chronology of Newstate’s demise and the phoenix-like rise of Newstime mostly from Senatore’s diligent subsequent filings (as liquidator) to ASIC.
Kerry Stokes made a rhetorical observation at a board meeting that, as a media company, we had always to be paragons of the business community.
I have written about the collapse of Newstate Media on our website citynews. com.au, as has the Riotact website through some credible reporting by Ian Bushnell Samaras, 65, has posted a statement on his website saying: “Some of our media competitors in this town, with ulterior motives and hidden agendas, will want to have their say to suit their purposes.”
June 24: Samaras signs and dates ASIC liquidation forms for Newstate Newcastle and Newstate Holdings, reporting combined debts of $490,742 (but not received by the liquidator until July 21).
4 CityNews September 22-28, 2022 Canberra Museum and Gallery | Civic Square, Canberra City | Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm | P 6207 3968 | cmag.com.au
June 28: Senatore is approached by Samaras requesting he act as liquidator to Newstate Media.
June 2: “I received a telephone call from the director [Samaras] who advised he had now received a final notice of demand and statutory winding up by IVE Group… on the same day I had further discussion with the director for the available options to the company including
It started on May 3 when Samaras went to discuss his group’s burgeoning debt problems with Eddie Senatore Advisory.
filing on the same
Meanwhile, his ex-wife and editor, Julie Samaras, has been busily spinning sunshine on social media that, no really, all’s well around “Canberra Weekly”.
And outside the local spotlight, there is more debt in two associated companies that slipped into liquidation at around the same time – Newstate Media (Newcastle), which published the “Newcastle Weekly”, and Newstate Media Holdings.
My colleague and friend at that time was accountant Nick Samaras, these days owner of “Canberra Weekly”.
According to Samaras’ signed report on “company activities and property” to the Australian Securities and Investments Com
He was saying that as we were in the privileged position of exposing wrongdoing and criticising others, it was contingent on us to be totally compliant with paying taxes, suppliers and creditors.
June 10: Samaras registers the new company Newstime Media Pty Ltd, with its address at Griffith accounting firm MGI Joyce Dickson. He is the sole director, secretary and shareholder.
Nick Samaras
SOME years ago, when I was managing director of “The Canberra Times”, chairman
The liquidator of the Newstate group, Eddie Senatore, might be good enough to explain to her why the creditors, owed a total of $2,063,057, may be less sanguine, in particular the total owed by the group to the printer ($1,237,435) and the ATO ($678,980).
In the minutes of a Newstate creditors’ meeting on August 15, Senatore advised there may be an insolvent trading claim against Samaras, “however, the liquidator would need to be funded in order to pursue the claim, as there was limited funds in the external administration”.
July 20: Senatore chairs a meeting of Newstate’s creditors at which he advises his appointment as administrator is “as a result of the insufficient assets to meet its obligations as and when they became due”.
I have no ulterior motive, nor hidden agenda, but I believe this story is in the public interest and instructive to the Canberra business community.
That’serstheBank,Commonwealth–$103,723,owingNewcastleNewstatecollapsedtheATOitsprinterIVE–$186,760,$38,044andAustralianWorkUnion,$9913.atotalof$338,440.And,inaseparateASIC
sale of Newstate’s assets to Newstime and that he would report to ASIC during the course of his administration. If the sale was deemed undervalued he would seek to overturn the transaction, saying he would seek funding from ASIC to pursue the claim.
August 15: A second creditors’ meeting of 27 minutes resolves to wind up Newstate Media and that the liquidator disposes of the books and records of the company in three months “or earlier at the discretion of ASIC”.
Of paragons, lost millions and shifting assets
He did not dispute the accuracy of any earlier reporting, which also revealed how he sold the magazine from the indebted company, in which he is the sole shareholder, to a new company, Newstime Media, in which he is the sole shareholder.
He’s correct. There is $50,000 in outstand ing advertising revenue available to the liquidator, pretty well the same number that Senatore is charging to put Newstate to sleep.Inresponse to questioning from the printer
SEVEN DAYS
On questioning from the printer, Senatore says he’s in the process of investigating the
June 20: Samaras sells the magazine and its assets to Newstime for an unknown price, effectively removing all assets from Newstate Media.
about trading while insolvent, Senatore advised the meeting that, from preliminary enquiries, Samaras had “limited personal financial capacity in order to satisfy such a claim, and investigations were still ongoing”.
He’s been attracting public attention over recent weeks because his printer IVE Group Australia (to whom he owes $1,050,675) and the Australian Tax Office ($422,955) were pressing in on his Canberra publishing com pany. Newstate Media has now collapsed with debts totalling $1,573,215 leaving them, and the Commonwealth Bank ($80,129) with little prospect of being paid.
Left: Installation view, Lindy Lee, Buddhas and Matriarchs, 2020, Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2020, flung bronze, image courtesy the artist and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, © the artist, photograph: Anna Kučera
day, Samaras reported the holding company owed the ATO another $152,302.
17 September – 3 December
In summary, as his Newcastle business fails and in the shadow of the threat of closure from his creditors, Samaras sells the principal asset of Newstate Media – “The Weekly” – to Newstime leaving the company bereft of assets, and its creditors without hope of being paid.
– you need professional advice, not a sales pitch
A second opinion on hearing loss
If you get the feeling the person you’re dealing with is just trying to sell you something, then take a step back and get a second opinion.
3. There are a range of hearing aid prices. Finding the right hearing aid might save you money and it will also give you the best chance of 4.success.Hearing aids can be expensive.
if you can afford them. There are a range of top up options and prices, if you are disappointed after a trial, you should return them and trial the free-toclient hearing aids.
theretothereunregulatedanmarketisalotofopportunitytakeadvantageofpeople.Yesyouhavereadcorrectly,isnolicensingofpeoplewhosellhearingaids.”–DrVass
Here are some things to do to avoid getting ripped off:
5. If you are a pensioner or partpensioner, or a DVA gold or white card holder, you should carefully consider if you want to use the free-to-client government hearing aids or if you’d like to top-up to a different hearing aid. The top-upthenexamplebackgrounddifficultyifpeople,appropriatehearingfree-to-clientaidsareformanyhoweveryouhavegreathearingnoise(forinrestaurants)youmighttrialthehearingaids,butonly
Dr William Vass Suite14, John James Medical Centre, 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin Phone: 02 6282 2717 • Email: williamvass@bigpond.com • Website: drvasshearing.com.au ADVERTISMENT
Recently I was told by two different patients that they were quoted $16,000 for a pair of hearing aids. This seems a ridiculous amount of money to pay and is most likely not appropriate for the majority of people (or possibly anyone).
An elderly woman with hearing loss came to my clinic for a second opinion, after she had recently been to a hearing aid sales person. I found the cause of her hearing loss was simply the fact that she had build-up of wax in her ears, the salesperson had failed to inspect them. You might be surprised how often this happens!
“In
1. A visit to the GP may save you independentsomeone2.inproblemwhensomethingbeingfrom‘sold’youronlyiswaxyourears.Lookforwhoisand can offer you unbiased advice, not just give you a sales pitch.
This was a quote from the ACT Greenslabor Minister, Yvette Berry. Many would be puzzled by her statement given she is not known for fighting for green spaces and community facilities.
Photo: Paul Costigan
The well-designed playground was built by the developers several years ago. Since then there has been a lot of energy put into trying to get toilets provided for this central play area. The government kept saying no. The par ents kept asking, otherwise children cannot stay long. The latest story is that the government has said yes (the developers can build them) but that the developers have to maintain them.
When the Ainslie residents tried in vain to get some sense in the debates around the YWCA proposal to squeeze too many housing units on to the community facilities to the side of Bill Pye Park, everyone knew it was an uphill battle.
There’s a story around Ridgeline Park Playground, Denman Prospect.
When taking over open spaces, this minister argues the importance of social housing – which most people agree with. The reality is that her actions are about treating community lands and green spaces as a land bank.
list of community facilities that had dis appeared from around the town centre and set out their preferred list of what the government should be building. It was this same minister who, more or less, said: “Not going to happen”.
The Woden town centre serves not only Woden but also nearby areas such as Weston and Molonglo. Places for the community to meet and to enjoy com munity activities are minimal around this massively developed town centre. The impression she made on the night was that she was not interested. The minister was not for moving – except to make a quick exit.
The land is in government hands and is being used as a subsidy towards the social housing budgets – that this
6 CityNews September 22-28, 2022 CMYCYMYCMYMCK coffee with EL half page 260 x 145 PR.pdf 1 12/9/2022 11:48 am CANBERRA MATTERS
The park is already very popular. It is wonderful to see it built even though there are not many homes in
Paul Costigan is a citynews.com.auofThereurbanoncommentatorculturalandmatters.aremorehiscolumnsat
Meanwhile, back to that quote from Berry. She said this during the opening of a major playground in the new suburb of Whitlam – not far from Denman Prospect but in the minister’s electorate.
People are not fools –they know when Greenslabor politicians make worthy sounding but disingenuous statements (prepared by spin doctors) and when they make statements of values they adhere to.
In the 21st century people should be able to take it for granted that green spaces are important. However, the Greenslabor government quietly changed the definition of community so that it included social housing on community lands and parks. This sleight of hand allowed this same minister to justify using community sites for housing.
Whitlam playground… no shops, no school and no community facilities, but they have a wonderful playground with toilets.
A few years back when this minister announced she was to build housing on community lands and parks, the community raised objections.
The minister’s compliant colleague, the planning minister, ruled the project must go ahead – meaning this recrea
this new suburb. No shops, no school and no community facilities – but they have a wonderful playground with toilets. There will be many who will wonder why this same minister and her colleagues continue to take away green spaces, and continue to knock back requests for toilets in their parks and near their local shops (Watson for instance).Berryand her Greenslabor col leagues make loads of statements and enjoy frequent photo opportunities standing around in high-vis vests in parks and next to trees. It seems that this is what they think their job is about.People are not fools – they know when Greenslabor politicians make worthy sounding but disingenuous statements (prepared by spin doctors) and when they make statements of values they adhere to. The latter rarely occurs.
The locals requested the facili ties be handed back and re-used as community facilities of their choice. Buckley’s chance of that happening given who was the backer of this proposal and her track record with dealing with residents over green spaces and community facilities.
WHEN a politician says something such as: “Recreational areas in a suburb create a vital meeting point for the community”, then people should celebrate having such a person in government.
Berry treats community spaces like a land bank
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“The playing fields need to stay as they are. It’s a complete waste of money that anyone would consider building on them.”
Some of the development would be built on the playing fields, despite community opposition to the loss of green space.
The rezoning of the playing fields formed part of
to the rezoning as “foolhardy”, Watson said planning authorities in the capital appear to have learnt nothing from flood events in the ACT and elsewhere.
By STRAHORNBelinda
Voices of West Belconnen members, from left, David Proctor, Linda Medic and Chris Watson at the Kippax Playing Fields… “We feel as if the politicians don’t care about us because we live in West Belconnen and not Yarralumla,” said Medic.
“They don’t happen every day but I’ve lived here for 22 years and we have had five floods in that time,” said Proctor.
“Anything they [the ACT government] does not agree with they ignore or they say that flood mitigation is up to the developer, so essentially there is very little responsibility taken,” he said.
One report, updating the results of an origi nal 2015 study, was commissioned by the ACT’s planning directorate and found that develop ment could increase the risk of flooding danger for residential blocks if mitigation measures, estimated to cost about $2 million, were not undertaken.ACTPlanning Minister Mick Gentleman
WEST Belconnen residents are calling on the ACT government to revisit its decision to permit major development on floodprone land at the Kippax Playing Fields.
She said it’s time the government spared a thought for future, unsuspecting residents who buy off the plan without realising their home is on a “Infloodplain.termsof the risk of flooding, I feel for those poor people who will eventually buy there,” said Medic.
Local resident Linda Medic feels like the gov ernment is treating West Belconnen residents as second-class citizens and has ignored their concerns about permitting “risky” develop ments on a floodplain.
“This issue has been around for a long time and, while we won’t give up, we feel as if the politicians don’t care about us because we live in West Belconnen and not Yarralumla,” said Medic, 54.
Proctor, 74, is calling for the fields to remain as they are, arguing they pose too great a flooding risk for residential and commercial development.
The request comes on the back of a wet winter in the ACT, and in response to flood events across the country – most notably in Lismore.
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the shopping centre, a retail and dining precinct and residential development.
Long time Latham resident David Proctor has
A spokesperson for the ACT government confirmed that work is progressing on a staged
“In terms of development they are going to have to do some major work on the playing fields like installing a massive underground pipe system, but even that won’t cater for major floodDespiteevents.”previous governments electing not to change the zoning to allow for developments, and flood studies indicating the risk a rezoning would pose, this government has decided to push ahead, Proctor said.
Recent flooding on the Kippax Playing Fields… “The ACT government says that flood mitigation is up to the developer, so essentially there is very little responsibility taken,” says David Proctor.
“There will be buildings on stilts, and insurance issues due to flood problems in years to come, par ticularly with the implications of climate change.
Recent flooding on the PlayingKippaxFields.
“Like those poor people in Sydney or Lis more, no one will be listening to them when
Voices of West Belconnen action group chair Chris Watson is concerned by the flooding risk posed to potential residential development on the site of the playing fields, given its propensity to flood.Two years ago, the playing fields – located behind the Kippax Fair shopping centre in Holt – were rezoned by the ACT government to allow for residential and commercial development up to fiveReferringstoreys.
“After the last lot of decent rain we had, the fields were almost totally submerged.”
“Recommended floodway improvement works, and water-sensitive urban design works are not considered to be critical for public safety for the future development of the site,” said Mr Gentleman.
“The future developer will be required to undertake their own due diligence and works as part of their development in line with the 2020Proctorstudy.”has criticised the decision to put the onus of responsibility for future flood mitiga tion upon the developer of the site, arguing this should be the responsibility of the government.
“When you get heavy rain the Kippax Creek floods out over the playing fields and makes it very soggy,” he said.
“It would be completely foolish to build on those playing fields because it’s a flood plain, and it could end up like another Lismore,” said Watson, 87.
“The studies were damning and raised the issue of flooding but it hasn’t been taken into account as it should be,” he said.
Flooding will dog park development, say residents
These independents had won their seats before the last election and had demonstrated how successful com munity independents could be. Haines had a 7.35 per cent swing to her in the 2022 election. This is the sort of swing that changes governments.
interested in politics”.
The grouping as “teals’’ had the advantage that it demonstrated just how out of step the Liberal Party was with its constituencies on the issue of climateManychange.weresupported financially by philanthropist Simon Holmes à Court and the Climate 200 group. Their success across a number of electorates made the term even more common.
The newly elected community independents may well have a diverse range of views on this issue as well as many others. What they will seek to do is to represent their community. Steg gall has set a standard in considering legislation. Is the proposed legislation ethical? Compatible with human rights and international law? Adequate con sultation? Sufficient time for debate? Properly scrutinised? Finally, what are the politics behind the bill?
E x e r c i s e h a s t h e m o s t e v i d e n c e o f a n y a v a i l a b l e t r e a t m e n t .
Session 2, 8 Oct: Exercise and self management for osteoarthritis
IT is so much easier for the media to group politicians than to
a minor political party? Community support expects them to look at the evidence and use their own judgement issue by issue, so probably not.
23 Petrie Plaza, Canberra City
Beyond climate change, what bonds the ‘Teals’?
David Pocock… unanimously endorsed by proACT.
Session 1, 24 Sept: Understanding osteoarthritis & it's treatment options
In Canberra, a group calling itself proACT, operating much like Voices for Indi, had been working for some years to prepare a campaign provided they could find an appropri ateProACTcandidate.was founded by Glenn Cummings and Clare Doube. The candidate selected by them has not really been seen as a teal independ ent, although he has much in common with the others who have this label.
1:30 3:00pm at Higher Function Physio & Pilates
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an in dependent minister for health. He has been a 2006.“CityNews”columnistpoliticalwithsince
To register your interest, call 6262 9664 or email reception@higherfunction.com.au
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However, apart from the focus on climate action, what do these independents really have in common?
Both McGowan and Haines were endorsed and supported by a group of concerned community members, who branded themselves Voice for Indi (V4i). This support was essential in the success and put a lie to a statement of the last Liberal member who held the seat. Sophie Mirabella claimed in the months before her defeat that “the people are not
The grouping as ‘teals’ had the advantage that it demonstrated just how out of step the Liberal Party was with its constituencies on the issue of climate change.
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Holmes à Court prefers to use the term “community independents”. He suggested that the term may have been deliberately pejorative “for some commentators, but for many it’s just
that this was not a colour that was adopted by independents for their own branding. There was quite a diversity of colours across the country with candidates’ individuality on display.
The committee of proACT unanimously endorsed David Pocock stating: “David is an outstanding, authentic leader and will be able to reach out to a diverse ACT commu nity and act in support of priorities identified by the proACT community, such as climate impact and integrity.”
About 2.1 million Australians are estimated to have osteoarthritis.
As the newly elected independents in the federal parliament find their feet, it will be interesting to see the differences in the way they consider legislation and other policy issues. With such a slim majority in the House of Representatives and the increasing popularity of independent candidates, this is something the major parties will have to watch very closely.
The term “teal” independent was conveniently coined to iden tify a group of candidates who were running in safe Liberal seats, but were seriously concerned about the environment.Theideaof Liberal (blue candi dates) who have taken on Greens politics may have been an attempt to discredit them. The misunderstand ing by those conservatives running the Liberal campaigns was that these independents for this election had a strong focus specifically on climate change. In contrast, the Greens Party has a much broader agenda that differed in many ways from the independent candidates.
They are all looking for integrity and accountability in politics. Oth erwise, is it appropriate to continue to group them as though they form
accept differences.
The teal terminology was not applied to Cathy McGowan and her successor Helen Haines in the seat of Indi nor to Zali Steggall, who was able to defeat former prime minister Tony Abbott and win the seat of Warringah.
How will teal independents exercise their vote? Steggall provides an indication pointing out that when a matter has been controversial enough to be counted (about 20 per cent of legislation) she has voted with the (Morrison) government “over 50 per cent of the time”. One example where she voted against was with regard to increased university fees of students of business, arts and law.
The most regressive aspect of the health policy adopted by the government is the disparity between access and treatment times for Aboriginal peoples and statusisBudgettheyedgingforandtoashasthatforpersonsurgerypercentileCanberrans.non-indigenousIn2020-21,the90thwaittimeforelectiveforanindigenouswas52daysmorethananon-indigenousperson.Atonelevel,itisremarkabletheACT’shospitalsystemcontinuedtooperateaswellithasandweeachowethanksthededication,perseveranceprofessionalismofitsstaffthat,allthewhileacknowltheunacceptablecosthavebeenaskedtopay.Regrettably,the2022-23signalsthegovernmentintentonmaintainingthequo.Itisimportanttonotein
Sources: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; Productivity Commission.
By adjusting the Budget estimates for increases in wage costs of staff, and consumer prices for nonsalary expenditure, the latest ACT Budget reflects a cut in health expenditure in real terms, before any considera tion is given to an increase in population or of per-person demand for health services.
Child deaths put health system failings into focus
We have on several occa sions in recent years written about what we have described as a “crisis” in health care in Canberra.Wehave ascribed the central cause of that “crisis” to ongoing and persistent cuts, in real terms, to health funding and an associated shift in funding policy for health care.
In similar vein if health ex penditure in the ACT had grown
Over the last decade, there has been a significant change in the ACT government’s priori ties and an associated shift in funding policy for health care. The changes are clearly demonstrated, for example, by a review of bed numbers in our public hospitals (Chart 1).
The change in funding policy coincided with the retirement in late 2014 of the then Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher, before her move to the Senate.
THE recent unutterably sad deaths of two children presenting at the emergency department of the Canberra Hospital has again brought the state of our public health system into focus.
billion in the redevelopment of the Canberra Hospital campus, faithfully pursued the imple mentation of the plan.
Over the four-year pe riod that the growth in health expenditure averaged 1.4 per cent in real terms, the popula tion grew, according to the ABS, by 2.4 per cent a year. In other words, health funding per person, in the ACT, is currently lower than it was seven years ago.The impacts of the persistent funding cuts have been severe. Emergency department per formance in treating patients on time, once better than the national average, is now the worst in Similarly,Australia.overall waiting times for elective surgery are also among the worst in the nation. It goes without saying that low and moderate-income households, especially those without private health insur ance, have been disproportion ately affected by the underfund ing of health care.
Here it is, laid bare, the funding disgrace that reveals the depth of the ACT government’s financial neglect that’s led to today’s deadly crisis in the hospital system. JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED trace what happened when Andrew Barr and Shane Rattenbury scaled back hospital spending in 2015 – and the years the ACT was the only jurisdiction in Australia to cut health expenditure.
Table 1 details popula tion growth and demand as measured by hospital separa tions over the two respective periods, ie before and after the decision was taken to abandon the Capital Asset Development Plan.Remarkably, the Productivity Commission reports that real recurrent expenditure on public hospitals in the ACT decreased at a rate of 1.6 per cent a year over the period 2015-16 to 2018-19.Wehave previously noted that if the ACT government had simply maintained per-person health expenditure at the 2015-16 level, in real terms, that public hospital services in the ACT would have received about $175 million more funding in 2018-19 than was the case.
Chart 2: Recurrent Expenditure on Public Hospital Services (2018-19 Prices) – Average Annual Growth 2016-17 to 2020-21
10 CityNews September 22-28, 2022 COVER STORY / the crisis in health care
It is notable that until 2015 public hospital bed supply increased in line with demand projections and actual hospital separations. In a similar vein, recurrent expenditure on health increased in real terms at a rate greater than popula tion growth. In other words, the funding policy during that period (taking inflation into ac count) provided for population growth as well as increasing demand.However, from 2015 onwards, under the leadership of Andrew Barr and Shane Rattenbury, the hospital redevelopment was scaled back to less than half of the original plan, and then deferred with bed supply re maining essentially unchanged over a three-year period.
community mental health services. We would have thought, in light of the regular highlighting by clinicians, service providers and the families of loved ones with mental-health issues, of the paucity of services and care options for the mentally ill that this level of funding is indefensible.Duringthe hearings of the Select Committee on Estimates, when asked by the Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee about the low expenditure growth factored into the Budget, the Treasurer Andrew Barr explained that the 2021-22 Budget base was inflated due to one-off covid-related expen
the estimates period will remain above 3 per cent and the Consumer Price Index, while decreasing from 3.75 per cent in 2022-23 remains above 2 per cent across the out years.
ditures, and that the actual growth (presumably when such temporary expenditures are removed from the base) wasWhilehigher.Ms Lee’s question related to total Budget expenditure, it nevertheless begs an important question, most pertinently in respect of the health budget. Namely, can the Treasurer advise what expenditures in the 2021-22 allocation for health care were temporary and have they been discontinued?
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
at the same rate as the national average, the additional funding, in that year, would have been in the order of $238 million.
While the increase in funding for health in 2019-20 and the following year has taken the increase in health expenditure into positive territory it never theless remains scandalously lower than all other Australian jurisdictions (Chart 2).
We note, in particular, the almost flat expenditure profile in nominal terms (annual growth of 0.4 per cent) for
Gallagher had, consistent with a decision of cabinet in 2011 to adopt and fully imple ment a Capital Asset Plan that involved an investment of $2.8 billion in the ACT’s health infrastructure, including $1.3
By way of example, between 2015-16 and 2018-19, presenta tions at emergency departments in Canberra, that resulted in admission to hospital, increased at an average rate of 2.5 per cent a year, while expenditure was cut at a compounding rate of 2.5 per cent annually. Nationally, such presentations grew at 3.5 per cent a year while expendi ture increased by 4.8 per cent annually. The ACT was the only jurisdiction in Australia to cut expenditure.However,the funding constraint has not been limited to emergency departments.
Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official.
Table 2 that Budget estimates are nominal and not expressed in real terms, ie not adjusted for inflation.Theeconomic parameters un derpinning the 2022-23 Budget, as detailed on page 8, reveal that the Wage Price Index over
Chart 1: Average Available Beds in ACT Public Hospitals (Actual and Capital Asset Plan Projections)
Stunningly, the number of beds decreased in 2017-18 despite continued population growth and the demand for services increasing at a rate greater than population growth.
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Vinnies clarification
Two Richard Calvers
HOLY Cross Anglican Church and St Marga ret’s Uniting Church, Hackett, are hosting their fourth Sustaining Our Future Festival on the weekend of September 24-25.
Festival with a futuresustainableinmind
From 11am to 4pm on Saturday there’s a line-up of stalls, workshops and activities, from kids’ e-bike rides to a slow fashion op-shop; mosaic making to composting. There will be Labyrinth Spirituality workshops, a textile repair cafe, ethical fashion Q&A and Tim Hollo will host a night of “Jazz and Living Democracy” from 7pm.
READER enquiries oblige us to affirm that “CityNews” wine writer Richard Calver is not the Richard John Calver, of Oxley, cur rently facing charges in the Magistrates Court of possessing child-exploitation material.
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St Vincent de Paul ACT says this is incorrect. “We are a lay organisation separate completely from the Catholic Church, and the funds from our stores help support our many frontline services and they provide a place where people in need can get practical assistance,” says marketing director Phillip Jones.
ROBERT Macklin’s “Gadfly” column (CN September 15) asserted that profits from Vinnies’ second-hand shops supported employees of the Catholic Church.
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Antonio Di Dio is a local GP, medical leader, and nerd.
In recent years, AFL and NRL and sporting coaches in general are often given a bizarre and counterproduc tive ultimatum to succeed in the first 6-10 weeks of a season or be sacked from their jobs. The story goes that they will change their training methods, and even resort to picking injured players too soon, just to
There’s more of his “Kindness” citynews.com.auon magic of a whack in the melon
KINDNESS /
Gary “Whiz” Freeman… maintained the admiration of everyone he knew.
doctors to cheat and let players play.
“Whiz” Freeman eventually lost his job, as 90 per cent of all sports coaches do anyway, but maintained the admira tion of everyone he knew. Their welfare came before his career. We could all learn much from people like him.
purchase building report full of your bandages, with a Gasnier sidestep and was indeed our best player. And in his
achieve that KPI, and once their job is safe, just sit back and watch their teams fall off a cliff by the time finals approach. Secure coaches such as the Bennett, Bellamy, Sticky and Robbo carefully pace their teams to have a post-origin slump and be fit for finals.
“Whiz” Freeman was a Bears coach and by definition his career was on the edge from half an hour before it started, yet I recall so clearly almost every week our conversations would go thus:
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This year marks an even century since their Premiership win in 1922, the year my dad was born and the last time the Moreton Bay Fig at North Sydney oval jumped up by its long subterranean roots and danced a celebratory quadrille on Falcon Street for the mighty men all covered, like the Stendhal novel from which they derive their constant tragedy, in the red and the black.
The coach was one Gary “Whiz” Freeman, the first and only character to have captained four NRL sides, in between leading the mighty NZ teams of the late 20th century, and knew everything there was ever to be known about footy. I learned little tactical nous, but a lot about decency and generosity from him.
I once brought some Kiwi sailors I was looking after at the Naval Hospi tal to the Bears’ dressing room. Their countrymen in the room greeted them like brothers and they stayed with us on the sidelines and at the post-match afterwards, and I have no doubt “Whiz” gave them the cash to escape my lift back home to the hospital. They eventually returned, hungover and smiling, well fed and hydrated by the most decent of people.
Kindness is all around us, in the values of those who put our welfare before their own.
says to me after hello. But it would be mean to tell him, so I just nod and do my best and hope it’s what he wants of Soundsme”. like several successful marriages I know of, and it was good.
Kindness is all around us, in the values of those who put our welfare before their own. Best wishes to all.
SELL FAST AND SELL FOR MORE
When the coach put welfare before his career
He was also the beneficiary of some dressing room love, too. The injured Boof and I would follow him around as he gave breathtakingly profane and detailed treatises to what used to be called prop forwards minutes before a game about where, who, why, what and how they would do what they had to. “Gosh”, I once said mid-season to a simple front-row automaton after the delivered instructions, more detailed than anything the Apollo 13 boys got before they had to suit up for the moon. “How do you understand and remember all that?” said I.
BOOF, also known as Macca, Nanga, Rang and Oz, was a starting full back for the mighty North Sydney Bears in the mid 2000s, just after their most recent tilt at NRL glory.
In those days I would fret about concussions and “Whiz” would never pressure a player to return too soon, unlike some of his peers.
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“Doc”, the uncomplicated young blokes would reply, “I fair dinkum do not understand a word the coach
Sykes was named the WNBL’s 202122 Robyn Maher Defensive Player of
“I never got it fixed or anything, I just rehabbed and came back. I finally got it fixed when I went to the WNBA,”
“It just kind of happened, and it happened perfectly because I am ready to get back to playing.”
In April, Burrell realised a dream when she was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks as the ninth pick of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The first-round selection came after Burrell excelled with the University of Tennessee under head coach Kellie Harper.
Burrell will bring plenty to the Capitals’ squad despite the injury in her senior year at Tennessee, and this setback early in her WNBA career, which were both to the same knee. Missing game time in her first year as a professional has her hungry to get out and win in Canberra.
“I just want to get back to how I was before, when I was 100 per cent healthy, and then get even better,” said Burrell.
“We believe Rae will complement the Caps line-up this season and eat up every opportunity to win basket ball games,” Veal said.
“I’ll work on getting stronger because the league is against grown women, so I have got to make sure I can hold my own when I am out there.
said“ItBurrell.washard not playing but at least I got a feel for what the league was like, and I got to sit back and watch and see how everything was done and have an idea for when I come back nextKnowingyear.” what she has been through already this year, Burrell is optimistic about how she can return from the injury.
“She is an intense competitor who had to overcome an unfortunate injury suffered early during her senior season.
She underwent surgery in May and is ready to make her return to the court in Canberra.
When she touches down in Canberra this month, new Capitals’ signing Rae Burrell will be among the former, particularly given the year she has had, full of ups-and-downs.
The move to Canberra during the WNBA offseason is one that works well for Burrell, who always wanted to play abroad even after signing with theSeeingSparks.the success of one of the Capitals’ previous imports, Brittney Sykes, made the ACT an attractive option for Burrell.
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At the time Harper credited Bur rell’s work ethic as the reason for her going so high in the draft.
“And, honestly, I just want to win. I love winning so I want to win games and win a championship.”
“They mentioned Australia and I saw that Sykes was there, so I am actually going to hang out with her and pick her brain a little bit.
PRESEASON is something every sports person approaches others
Rae’s planning on creating sparks for the Caps
“She is a physically-gifted player with a high motor who worked very hard to put herself in position to be selected in the WNBA Draft,” Harper said at the time.
championship.“I’llbebackand ready by the time I get out to Australia. It is feeling good, thank goodness, because it wasn’t for a minute before I got surgery, so I am just happy that it is feeling good again.”
Rae Burrell in action playing for the University of Tennessee.
Thatcareer.”blossoming professional career took a hit in May when she suffered a knee injury after playing just three games for the Sparks, ruling her out for the rest of the WNBA season.
loathe the sight of the trainers waiting to put them through their paces.
“I haven’t played in a couple of months, so I am excited to get back on the court and try and compete for a
the Year last season.
differently. Some people thrive under the intense training, readying themselves for the start of competition, while
“I am super excited,” said Burrell.
Burrell’s signing is a big coup for first-year head coach Kristen Veal, who is excited to see what the WNBA rookie can bring to the WNBL.
“Rae brings versatility, score power and a competitive focus that will see her win fans on and off the court. I’m looking forward to watching Rae find
“I knew I wanted to go overseas, and my agency picked where they thought the best option would be for me coming off my injury,” said Burrell.
“We’re proud of the development Rae made during her time at Tennes see and look forward to watching her continue to blossom in her profes sional
Justin Scarr, CEO, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia
I could go on, but any intelligent reader should now be convinced that global heat ing and climate change are being caused by our use of fossil fuels.
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Clive assumes the writing of the past was accurate, where in many instances, it has been far from it; witness the extended denial of the shocking treatment of our First Australians and the often over-emphasis on the “grand spiritual ity” of our participation in overseas conflicts.
Icing on the salary cake to come
New gas and coal exploration projects?
Take time to check pool fences
I RECENTLY spent six and a half weeks at Canberra Hospital following a fall requiring multiple surgeries.
I particularly wanted to thank the staff at the Hospital in the Home (HITH) unit (I never knew you existed ‘til my stay at respite care necessitated daily visits from you wonderful people). They work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to patients discharged from hospital but still requiring additional care.
Eric Hunter, Cook
This year, we’ve all experienced a lot more wet weather than usual. The La Niña conditions can wash away topsoil and weaken
Keep up the pressure on this arrogance
Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin
drivers and other workers if they incorrectly believe they could be at risk.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria
The likelihood of saliva containing a substantial amount of blood and it passing into the recipient’s bloodstream, such as through an open wound, or the eyes or mouth, is so small, that the risk of hepatitis from spitting is near-zero.
Cartoon: Paul Dorin
I HAVE much respect for “Whimsy” columnist Clive Williams, but to suggest pejoratively that “a noisy vocal minority wants to rewrite the past” (CN September 15), is off the mark.
All the staff were amazing, caring, profes sional and patient. Thank you so much for all you do for those of us lucky enough to be under your expert care.
The accusation that “past meteorological readings” have been “adjusted” to suit a particular theory (“adopted narrative”) is no more than a red herring reeled in by people who are losing the argument. There is no reason why any meteorologist who values his or her job would “fiddle the data”.
Why Clive’s ‘off the mark’
Max Flint, via email
You cannot get hepatitis B or C through casual contact such as touching, kissing, hugging or sharing food. You also cannot get hepatitis B or C from blood or body fluids having contact with intact skin.
Blood tests typically detect hepatitis B virus in one to three months and hepatitis C in three Anyonemonths.canaccess confidential informa tion and support via the national hepatitis infoline on 1800 437222.
Anyone who takes a look at the carbon emissions graph at climate.nasa.gov/ evidence/ will be shocked. While Gavin’s “own studies in meteorology, astronomy and science” are interesting, they are not as significant as the nearly 200 international scientific organisations that “hold the posi
Amazing staff; caring, professional and patient
tion that climate change has been caused by human action. “Given Gavin’s interest in meteorology, he will be interested to know that one of the organisations is the World Meteorological Organisation, which recently reported that “Four key climate change indicators – greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification – set new records in 2021. This is yet another clear sign that human activities are causing planetary scale changes on land, in the ocean.”
Gavin is also wrong about the reliability and cost of renewables compared to fossil fuels, but that’s another story.
Changes in Earth’s orbit are periodic and always revert to an earlier state: there is no trend that matches the change of climate as
To begin, “volcanic emissions” generally have short-term effects on the climate of parts, but rarely all, of Earth because by far the most voluminous emissions are of fine particulate matter, such as ash.
Clews LETTERS
Guy
Yes, there are natural climate cycles but these are being overwhelmed by the mas sive amounts of greenhouse gases arising from industrialisation over recent centuries.
A GREAT issue of “CityNews” this week (September 15). Keep up the good work and pressure on this arrogant and ideologicallydriven government that has lost its way and, for a long time now, has not given a fig for what communities and taxpayers think or need, in the knowledge that they will never lose office.
Lorraine Glander, via email
I REFER to the article “Human rights offend ers are ‘put above’ police” (CN September 15). This article incorrectly suggests a link between spitting and viral hepatitis. No one should be spat on; and I am not aiming to devalue the stress experienced by the person on the receiving end.
However, the media and other bodies have a responsibility to not spread misinformation. Misinformation about viral hepatitis transmis sion increases stigma and discrimination and causes undue stress for police officers, bus
Checkfences.nofence posts have come loose. Make sure the gate is still self-closing and self-latching.Byspending a bit of time checking the pool fence, pool gate and the area around the pool is secure, including no furniture or structures that little people can climb to access the pool, you could prevent a tragedy this summer.
For example, as Solar Cycle 24 declined from 2014 to 2020, average global tempera ture continued to rise, 2016 and 2020 being the hottest years on record.
GAVIN O’Brien (Letters, CN September 15), it’s not about “belief in man-made climate change”, it’s about the evidence.
Finally, the record of proxy and direct average global temperatures over the last 880,000 years shows that Earth was in a gradual cooling trend, broken only by the slight “flattening” of the Medieval Warm Period and the slight “dip” of the Little Ice Age, until about 1750, when we humans began burning coal and oil, and average global temperature began climbing at an ever-increasing rate.
Global heating caused by fossil fuels
The big bounce in their fortnightly salaries from July 1, 2024, may turn some MLAs into quite desperate campaigners as the ACT’s October, 2024, election approaches.
ROBERT Kerry (Letters, CN September 15) is right about 40 years being an “incredibly short” time in which to distinguish and meas ure meaningful trends in Earth’s climate.
Hepatitis risk from spitting is near-zero
we observe it.
While the eventual outcome was mas sively disappointing, I wanted to thank the hard-working staff at the hospital – from the nurses; cleaning staff; wardspeople (if that’s the correct title?); clerical staff; pathology staff and all the others behind the scenes.
Wrong about reliability and cost of renewables
Mario Stivala, Belconnen
ROYAL Life Saving Society – Australia is asking owners of backyard pools to check their pool fences and pool gates as a matter of urgency.
HOW can the Albanese government be taken seriously about climate change and achieving net zero emissions by 2050 when it has recently approved new gas and coal exploration projects, also substantially increased immigration levels. As both will result in further degradation of the environment, an explanation is required.
It has been recorded several times that there is no correlation between solar irradi ance and the global heating component of climate change. Earth’s magnetic field and poles do change, but there is no measurable effect on climate.
Children under five are curious and fearless, and their love of water puts them at risk of Tragically,drowning.everyyear in Australia we lose on average 22 young children to drown ing, more than half of those drowning in backyard swimming pools. The majority are aged just one year.
THANKS to the ever-so-sacrosanct Stage 3 tax cuts, the pay rises (“Seven Days”, CN September 15) enjoyed by our ACT ministers and a growing number of hapless ACTPS senior executives will grow by $9000 a year each.
However, he makes a number of questionable claims about climate change and the influences of burning fossil fuels.
Write to us: editor@citynews.com.au
In fact, the “vocal minority” or perhaps more accurately, a growing majority, are seeking a rewrite of the rewrite, that is we want the truth – at last. If that is “woke”, I’m all for a reawakening.
Sarah Ahmed, executiveHepatitisofficer,ACT
Sue Dyer, Downer
Ensure you have a functioning and compliant pool fence and working gate as an additional barrier between young children and water for all those moments when life intervenes – the phone rings, the doorbell rings, another child needs your attention – can literally be life saving.
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“I told my parents afterwards that I wanted to be a princess on ice when I grew up, and that’s what I’ve carried with me,” says Tanisha.“That’s why I started and that’s why I keep going.”
Canberra ‘princess on ice’ gets to live her dream
The 22-year-old from Gun gahlin, who has been ice skating since she was five, has scored a role with the Australian tour of “Fairytales on Ice”.
“I’m living the dream I had as a little kid, it’s so crazy and I’m still shocked that it’s something I get to do,” she says.
By PASSLily
Ice skater Tanisha Jory… “I like to say I’m pretty good competitively, but there is always more learning to do.”
Tanisha’s dream came about when she was five-years-old, when her parents took her to see “Disney on Ice”.
Tanisha has also been skating in competitions since she was six, and has represented the ACT four times at the Australian Fig
Photo: Lily Pass
NOT many people get to live out the dreams of their childhood, but Canberra ice skater Tanisha Jory’s life has become its own fairytale, as her dreams become reality.
“Not many local architectural practices are run by women. It’s a field that isn’t easy for women, as it is a male-dominated profession.
HYPERSPACE
“I’ve had experience working in so many coun tries and cities, I wanted to know if it was possible to set up a better example of architectural design in Canberra which itself is an inspired city in its conception,” she says.
“As a person who has entered later into this process of running my own firm, I am very proud of our Meetuevolution.”saysthat a lot of work that they do is in residential design, but both her and Vishal are experienced in working on large projects. They have worked on the refurbishment of public schools, multi-use residential, large retail spaces and heritage projects.
Meetu has worked as a hands-on heritage consultant during the refurbishment of Old Parlia ment House, the Australian War Memorial and National Film and Sound Archive in partnership
Having met at university in India in the ‘90s, Meetu and Vishal say that by combining their skills and expertise gained overseas and locally, they offer something special to their clients.
The Hyperspace team, clockwise from left, Vishal Saxena, Meetu Sharma Saxena, Yimeng Liu, Shyam K Menon, Soviya Bhandari, Ayuna Karmacharya and Djuan Hartanto.
are more connected to the design and have more ownership of the end product,” says Meetu’s husband, Vishal, who joined the business in 2020, following a successful career at large architectural firms in India, the UAE and Australia.
Meetu Sharma Saxena and Vishal Saxena bring a combined experience of more than 50 years as architects to their business, Hyperspace, a firm dedicated to breaking the barriers in how space can be conceptualised.
Hyperspace delivers high end contemporary and sustainable design solutions for the built environment. Hyperspace is an A+ Architectural Practice of the Australian Institute of Architects and a Registered provider of above services with the ACT Government and in NSW.meetu@hyper-space.com.au;hyper-space.com.au vishal@hyper-space.com.au +61 404 334 430 +61 406 972 585 G26, 55 Currong Street North, Braddon ACT 2612
“The industry is not set up with someone to ensure what is designed is actually built,” she says.
“We believe that a project or space’s maximum potential can only be truly realised when we can seek and develop harmonious connections across various disciplines,” says Meetu, who founded
PARTNERS in architecture and life,
Meetu says she was enjoying her role as a senior project manager at ANU, but she always felt passionate about opening up her own business.
Partners in architecture building
With a background in planning, architecture, construction management and a specialty in heritage internationally, Meetu says she could see that there was a clear space, especially in small and medium architecture projects in Canberra that could benefit from a planned and process-
18 CityNews September 22-28, 2022
“In a small firm, we feel that our employees
She says that by engaging Hyperspace for architectural services you get a team providing holistic design solutions who take responsibility for the outcome.
‘Our inspiration comes from the beauty of cities and the
“We look at the existing structure and building and ask, what can we reuse? What can we modify to suit the client’s requirements rather than completely knock the original building down?” says“WeMeetu.recently worked on a home in Garran. It was a solid-brick building and it didn’t make sense either from a sustainability or financial perspective to knock it down. We were able to redefine it according to contemporary context and the client’s needs,” says Vishal.
Too often, Meetu says the planning, design and construction aspects of a build are disconnected, with the process heavily influenced by the builder
Hyperspace principals Vishal Saxena and Meetu
“We follow a rigorous process where we define
Hyperspace is also proud of the community
Hilltop House Throsby
Showroom in Mitchell
advertising feature
Meetu says that most of the new housing is constructed for the immigrant population of Canberra both interstate and international, and as migrants themselves, she says she and Vishal are well placed to plug that gap and in the process, educate the new residents of this amazing city.
Shyam K Menon Associate B. Arch, M.Arch.
Vishal Saxena, Principal Architect RAIA (ACT 2456) Urban Designer – B. Arch, M.Arch. (Urban Design)
“Our inspiration comes from the beauty of cities and the quality of the built environment. What’s going to be the heritage of the future? In years to come we want our children to come to Canberra and still recognise the streetscapes and what makes Canberra special.”
“Our architectural vision has an altruistic aspect – we want to give back and make a difference,” says Vishal.
the potential of their client’s asset is their work on a warehouse in Mitchell.
Hyperspace specialises in following areas - Single residences : new builds and renovations - Interior Design : residential and commercial projects - Dual occupancies - Multi-dwelling : apartments and townhouses - Schools and education spaces - Childcare centres - Heritage conservation - Industrial buildings - Commercial offices - Showrooms and retail - Master planning and urban design
Meetu Sharma Saxena, Director B. Arch, M.Arch (Arch. Conservation) Grad. Dip Urban Planning
Hyperspace, visit hyper-space.com.au or call 0406 972585 or 0404 334430.
Ayuna Karmacharya Graduate Architect B. Arch, M.Arch.
Djuan Hartanto Graduate Architect B. Arch, M.Arch.
work they do with the local community helping with design and construction of a church in Rivett as well as an expansion of the Hindu Temple in Florey. Both designs allow for expansion in the future as the community grows.
After renovation
Yimeng Liu, Graduate Architect B. Arch, M.Arch.
Meetu Sharma Saxena.
CityNews September 22-28, 2022 19
“We helped add value to the site by not just redeveloping a warehouse for the client, but by providing an office, warehouse and showroom but also accommodating a community centre. Our client wanted to give back to their com munity, so we created a multi-use development with a community centre that allows activities to happen in Mitchell over the weekend, activating the neighbourhood,” says Vishal.
Before renovation
“It’s also about passing on our skills and knowl edge to help the next generation of architects coming through. We found an opportunity and a place in this city and we have had five graduates come through our practice, giving them their start in their careers.”
Dual occupancy in Garran
“Our motto is do your role to the best of your ability, be honest and transparent. At the end of the day it’s most important that the built environment benefits from what we are doing,” says Meetu.
building clients’ dreams quality of the built environment’
Before becoming a lawyer, Andrew had an extensive career in journalism, including as federal political correspondent, chief of report ing staff and news editor at “The Canberra Times”, as well as stints with “The Sydney Morning Herald” and “The Sun”.
Solicitor Peta Taylor.
“If you have a problem, we will work to help find a solution that is within your budget and works with your priorities
Andrew works only in criminal and traffic law – and has done so in Canberra and the surrounding region for 14 years.
20 CityNews September 22-28, 2022
Where to turn for clear and informed legal advice LAWYERS
WHEN it comes to legal matters, it’s easy for things to get confusing, stressful and expensive. But that doesn’t have to be the Throughoutcase. the ACT and surrounds there are many theirthethemselvesandexperiencedtheshowcasesHereselectionspecialisepractitionerspassionatewhoinadiverseoflegalfields.“CityNews”someofregion’smostlawyerssolicitorswhoprideongettingbestoutcomeforclients.
“With the law there is no ‘one-sizefits-all’ approach to issues,” she says.
LAWYER in RMB Lawyers’ Queanbeyan office, Peta Taylor, says the firm prides itself on customer service that’s both
RMB Lawyers, 70 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6284 2855 or visit rmblawyers.com.au
Andrew Fraser.
Peta says RMB offers fixed fees for most of their services, so that clients know from the start what their costs are likely to be .
“Good representation can be the difference between remaining in the community, or serving time,” he says.
advertising featureLEADING
he frequently achieves acquittals, or making submissions to achieve the best possible result for clients at sentence.
Fraser Criminal Law, Level 7, AMP Tower 1, Hobart Place, Canberra. Call 0411 043401 or visit frasercl.com.au
With 17 offices located throughout the region, Peta describes the experience of RMB as both diverse and detailed.“Weare involved in ‘everyday’ matters like wills and estates, family law and traffic offences, as well as more specialised law pertaining to corporate transactions, wind farms, agribusiness, compensation and not-for-profits,” she says.“We also assist with more specialised matters such as business structuring, mortgages, family loans, business and farm succession and court work.”
Lawyers offer diverse and detailed services
IN a city that is home to the nation’s democracy and in a territory known for its commitment to human rights, it still surprises criminal lawyer Andrew Fraser that so many people are unaware of their own rights.
Andrew says his message is simple: “If you are apprehended by police, remember that you have a right to silence – that means you don’t have to have an interview – and you have a right to speak to a lawyer. Exercise your rights.”
He appears regularly for clients in the ACT Magistrates and Supreme Courts, either defending and contesting matters, where
Traffic Law
A long-time Canberran, Andrew has developed relationships with judicial officers and prosecutors and knows Canberra, and its people, well. Andrew Fraser has been appearing in the ACT Magistrates and Supreme Courts as well as the Local and District Courts of NSW for more than 14 years and can help you with your criminal-law matter.
• If someone is hurt or killed in an accident and it’s my fault, what will happen to me?
• Are they different in NSW and the ACT?
You need to know your rights – and you need someone on your side. The criminal process can be long, involving many court appearances before you get your “day in court”. Depending on the seriousness of the charge, you might be appearing before a Magistrate or you might have to go to the Supreme Court before a judge and jury.
Make sure you get the right answers.
You need to know all available options.
Contact with the criminal-justice system can be one of the more traumatic experiences people have.
• What are the penalties for drink-driving?
Call Andrew on 0411 043 401 or visit frasercl.com.au andrew@frasercl.com.au Level 7, AMP Tower 1 Hobart Place Canberra
• Can I appeal a licence disqualification?
Criminal Law
Helping Canberrans at court with all criminal, traffic and protection-order cases
A great majority of matters before the ACT Magistrates Court and the NSW Local Court come from actions, and accidents, on our roads.
• What is the Interlock and can I get it?
“We offer legal services across a wide range of areas,” says Georgia.
Craig says the experienced team at MEJ
Proud to help people through the tough times
“Julie works in employment and migration law, particularly skilled migration, contract, environment and water law, govern ment and commercial law.
“MEJ’s philosophy is simple – if you’ve been injured through someone else’s fault then you deserve fair compensation,” says Craig.“However, it’s important that you act quickly to achieve the best possible result.
“Operating from two locations ensures that our clients have access to all the areas they work in. Clients can make appoint ments to attend either of our offices, or via telephone or video link, whichever is the most convenient.
“We are always mindful of the costs of the work involved and the specific circumstances of each of our clients.
Georgia says people place their trust in Briggs Law, “knowing that we will provide them with clear advice that helps them make well informed decisions about the way forward.”
MEJ, call 6257 2999, or visit mej.com.au
“I work primarily in criminal defence law, family law, care and protection law and wills and estate management law.
“We do this work because we genuinely love it. We are proud to help guide people through what can be the hardest moments of their life and ensure that they have someone in their corner, providing them with timely, affordable and most importantly quality legal advice.”
Briggs Law, Level 10, 15 London Circuit, Canberra and 81-83 Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga. Call 6971 9020, or visit briggslaw.com.au
“Personal law is just that: personal. All the expertise in the world doesn’t mean anything if you don’t also have the emotional IQ to truly put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” she says.
Georgia has been practis ing since 2015, and principal solicitor Julie Briggs since
Tanya says that their focus is on estate planning, making wills, and organising people’s power of attorney, as well as answering questions about guardianship issues and tribunal issues.
MEJ offers a free initial consultation and work on a “no win – no fee” basis.
MALIGANIS Edwards Johnson (MEJ) has been protecting the rights of injured Canberrans since 1985, says partner Craig Edwards.“MEJare the legal specialists in personal injury and understand the complexity of the laws that govern compensation in the ACT,” he “Beingsays.injured can have a traumatic effect on your life and on your family and it is important that you act quickly after an injury has occurred.”
“I love the people side of it, I love hearing people’s stories, hearing their issues or problems and helping them to work out a path forward.”
MEJ CraigPartnerEdwards.
MV Law, Level 2, 121 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6279 4444 or visit mvlaw.com.au
Principal solicitor Georgia Briggs.
MV Lawyer partner Tanya Herbertson.
She says her team offers a wealth of experience in wills and estate planning and disputes.
know that without the right legal advice and representation, you can miss out on fair compensation and incur unnecessary costs.
Tanya’s been in the industry for more than 20 years and loves connecting with her clients.
BRIGGS Law opened in Canberra in February 2021, says principal solicitor Georgia Briggs, and has branches in Canberra and Wagga Wagga.
22 CityNews September 22-28, 2022 CANBERRA OFFICE Level 10, 15 London Circuit, Canberra WAGGA WAGGA OFFICE 81-83 Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga • Criminal law • Contracts • Wills & Estates SERVICING CANBERRA, WAGGA WAGGA AND ALL SURROUNDING AREAS • Family • Migration law • Children’s Court • Government relations • Employment law and more Call 02 6971 9020 | Email admin@briggslaw.com.au | briggslaw.com.au LEADING LAWYERS
If you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident or at work, you could face time off work, loss of income and mounting medical costs. Maliganis Edwards Johnson help families protect their rights and get fair compensation. And if you don’t win you don’t pay us anything. 02 6257 2999 | mej.com.auPersonal Injury Lawyers Don’t delay. Call MEJ.
Julia says another big focus of Infinity Legal is trying to resolve matters before they go to court, if possible.“Courtproceedings aren’t pleasant for anyone. They just cause more disruptions to life on top of what many people are already going through, especially with family law matters,” she says.
24 CityNews September 22-28, 2022
“You can argue about your rights and entitlements, but at the end of the day, what’s most important to each party?” he says.
Best-known as a family lawyer, but experienced in all areas of law, Ken says his approach is to find what is important to each party and work out an appropriate mix.
“We will always use common sense, respect, courtesy and good judgement when dealing with clients,” she says.
the firm, says he similarly takes great pride in helping anyone in the property sphere.
“Our firm recognises that family law can hap pen across all genders, backgrounds, religions and language groups and we take that into account in our practice,” says Julia.
“A big focus for us is being open and transpar ent with clients and working with them to deliver an outcome they are happy with.”
Family lawyers build trust with clients
Infinity Legal director Julia Shavaiz.
Ken Hubert and Ashilpa Khanna of Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators.
“It allows us to offer so much more than I could have by myself,” says Ken.
Ashilpa Khanna, a notary public and wills and estateplanning lawyer for Capon & Hubert, says she’s focused on giving honest and expert advice at all times.
Infinity legal can help you protect yourself, your children and your property. To view our affordable and effective services please go to our website infinityfamilylawyers.com.auTobookanappointmentcall 02 6230 1839 • Divorce • Separation • Parenting Arrangements • Property Settlement • Adoption • Consent Orders • Family Violence Orders • Personal Protection Orders 1/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin ACT advertising feature
“I like to be able to get inside a client’s business knowledge and see how I can value-add to that,” he says.
Court of the ACT as well as representing clients at mediation and Family Dispute Resolution Conferences.“Wetrulyknow the depth and breadth of family law and know how to build that sense of trust,” says Julia.
“It’s about people’s livelihood. We want to reduce the stress they have to go through as much as we can.”
Infinity Legal, 1/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin. Call 6230 1839 or visit infinityfamilylawyers.com.au
practice, Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators has grown over more than three decades, but continues to provide a friendly service, says Ken Hubert.
Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@chsol.com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au
Do you need family law advice?
“We’re friendly, approachable and we each work in areas that complement each other.”
Having operated in Canberra for more than eight years, Andrea says Infinity Legal are specialists in all areas of family law including separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlement, family violence, adoption and consent orders.
Together, Ken says the firm is proud to provide concise legal advice across a wide range of legal fields.
“The experience and diverse backgrounds of our solicitors, as well as our admin and legal support staff, go a long way in helping people feelInfinitycomfortable.”Legalwas started by family law spe cialist Julia Shavaiz, who regularly appears in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Family Court, Children’s Court, ACAT and the Magistrates
WHEN it comes to family law, the experienced team at Infinity Legal pride themselves on building a sense of trust with their clients, says director Julia Shavaiz.
Working with you for the best result
Experienced in all areas of Family Law, including adoptions. Ken is an accredited business and family mediator.
30 years serving Canberra For the best outcome when it matters
Over how it’s done call Capon & Hubert on 6152 9203
KhannaAshilpa
Property CommercialandSolicitor
Planning Lawyer. Notary Public
Family Law and Mediation
HubertKen
Wills and Estate
A valid and up-to-date Will can help reduce stress for your family & friends, limit administration costs, and lessen the possibility for dispute over your estate.
First Floor, 32-38, Townshend Street, Phillip ACT chsol.com.au
| enquiries@chsol.com.au
Let us help to navigate the complexity of conveyancing laws in the ACT & NSW including stamp duty, identity verification, and tenancy laws. We also specialise in retirement village agreements.
GriffithsDaryn
26 CityNews September 22-28, 2022 LEADING LAWYERS advertising feature Commercial and Residential Conveyancing for ACT & NSW For successful results in a cost effective manner call 6281 0999 or email kjblaw@kjblaw.com.au Ground Floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden These services include: • Off the Plan Purchases • Commercial Leasing • Business Succession Planning • Business Franchising • Retirement village entry & exit • Aged care entry PROVIDING CANBERRA WITH THE BEST VALUE LEGAL ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION Call 6253 9766 Email office@wmglegal.com.au | wmglegal.com.au Suite 4, 75 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin ACT Conveyancing and Property Law | Business and Commercial Law Estate Planning and Administration | Litigation and Dispute Resolutions Work and Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
“I was recently recognised by Doyle’s Guide for 2022 as a Pre-eminent Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer.”
KJB Law, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au
WMG Legal’s dedicated service has seen it become the longest serving law firm in Gungahlin and one of Canberra’s most respected, says principal solicitor WayneSpecialisingWarton.in a wide range of legal fields includ ing property and conveyancing, wills and estate planning, business and commercial, debt recovery and more, Wayne says WMG offers dependable advice that’s tailored to client’s specific needs.
“Especially when the parties have children, as coparenting and communication about the children is critical as everyone in the family moves on from the relationship.”Lucybelieves it’s important to establish a connec tion with clients from the first time they meet.
“Our aim is to offer the best possible solution, whether you need advice about estate planning, buying or selling a business, family law, conveyancing or if you need an advocate in court.
Principal solicitor Wayne Warton.
“Our lawyers are highly experienced and respected in the community and can help you by producing successful results in a cost-effective manner.
The foundation of the KJB Law firm, Andrew says, are the strong relationships they have with their clients.
“That’s why we ask our clients at the first meeting what the most important thing is for them as a goal in the process before they leave the appointment,” she“Wesays.keep this in mind throughout the case and we talk about many different ways this can be achieved.”
Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law, suite 2, ground floor, 11 London Circuit, Civic. Visit nsfamilylaw.com.au or call 6152 0493.
KJB Law is a general law firm, specialising in family law, residential and commercial conveyancing, retirement village entry, estate planning and estate management says principal Andrew Freer, who specialises in wills and estates.
“For parents, their top priority is the kids. Life gets turned upside down and what used to be normal is no longer “Couplesnormal.without kids who are going their separate ways still have to grapple with that parting. Often they’ve built a life together and it can be hard to picture the rest of their lives without their partner.”Witha team that has decades of combined experience, Lucy says Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law strives to be a place where people can come to find“Mosthelp.people want to keep things amicable and stay out of court. We encourage that very
Law firm that puts clients first
“For over 40 years KJB has serviced the Woden area, we are reliable, forward thinking and here for clients legal needs over their lifespan,” says Andrew.
“From a personal perspective it is interesting – in fact, there is never a dull moment.
“We put our clients first, we treat them with respect and explain their options to them in plain English.”
Responsive legal firm prides itself on value
“We’re really efficient. With most law firms you have to wait days for a call back but we try to get on top of things as soon as possible, usually within the sameWayneday.”says the experienced team of professionals at WMG are also dedicated to providing the most cost-effective solutions to legal issues.
“Our team recognises that sound legal advice should not cost the earth,” he says.“Wework closely with our clients at every step of the process to keep them informed and up to date. Our professional services are available throughout Canberra and the surrounding areas.”
WMG Legal, Suite 4, 75 Gozzard Street, CallGungahlin.62539766 or wmglegal.com.auvisit
Principal Andrew Freer.
Anna Neilan, left, and Lucy Stramandinoli of Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law.
“Legal matters can get complicated for people so we try to take care of the whole experience for them,” he says.
never had to talk to a lawyer about what happens when you separate,” says Lucy Stramandinoli, co-owner of Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law.
“I enjoy contact with people. Estate planning and estate administration involves understanding family and financial circumstances. Gaining this understanding is critical to providing good advice.
At Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law, we pride ourselves in our proven track record, our commitment to excellence, and expert knowledge of family law. We understand how difficult and emotional family law matters can be, we are compassionate and empathetic, guiding you towards the best possible solution for you. For separating couples: • Parenting arrangements • Dividing property and superannuation • Family violence matters New or existing relationships: • Best arrangements for your children • Protecting assets and yourself • Preserving entitlements For a fixed fee initial appointment phone us on 02 6152 0493 Email: info@nsfamilylaw.com.au Suite 2 Ground Floor 11 London Circuit, Canberra City, ACT 2601nsfamilylaw.com.auLucyStramandinoliFamilyLawyer
Anna Neilan Lawyer
Family
We adhere to Covid 19 community safety measures
Working for the best possible solution
“The team offers a personalised service and recognises every client is different and has different needs and expectations.
Renee says they also offer a full walk-in walk-out service, where clients hand over their keys and the staff completely clear the property, remove the furniture, take necessary items to a charity store, get the old property cleaned, and set everything up again in the new home.
ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners offer three main lines of cleaning – carpet clean ing, tile and grout cleaning and flood restoration – says certified technician Frank“WeBartorilla.arecertified for all three of those areas, and there’s not many in Canberra that are actually certified. Doing the job well and making sure you’re satisfied is our number one priority” he says.
House to Home. Call 0457 456767 or visit house-to-home.com.au
Time to started on that annual clean sweep
get
SPRING CLEANING IT’S time to pack up the winter done.getwhofewgarage,gardenthedeclutteringWhetherspringwithsummertobetterThere’shasbecausewooliesspringsprung.nowaygetsetforthanagoodclean.it’shouse,theorthehere’sabusinessescanhelpthejob
Experienced packers that save time and stress
28 CityNews September 22-28, 2022 ANDDOWNSIZINGDECLUTTERING Whether you are preparing for sale, renovations, or making your home safe our expert packing specialists can pack and clear rooms or whole houses quickly and efficiently. We can organise and provide all packing materials to complete these clearing tasks for those who are busy and unable to complete these tasks in a short time frame. house-to-home.com.au info@house-to-home.com.au 0457 456 767 • Carpet cleaning • Tile & grout cleaning • 24/7 Floor Restoration • And Canberra'smore.... Certified Cleaners You Can Trust Visit actcarpetcleaners.com for an instant quote! Or call us 0438 449 999 Bookinfo@actcarpetcleaners.comOnlineandreceive a FREE Stain Removal Spotter with unlimited Refills! Locally owned and operated
“Our expert team will save you hours of time and stress by packing all your personal belongings, household items, right through to packing up the shed,” she says.
“Some people want the kitchen, bathroom and wardrobes packed, others want everything that is in a cupboard or behind a closed door.”
ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners, call 0438 449999, or visit actcarpetcleaners.com
“Customers can take advantage of our fast book online as well.”
“I’ve been doing this work for six and a half“ACTyears.Carpet & Floor Cleaners is a fivestar rated, locally owned and operated business.”Franksays
Certified cleaners produce satisfying results
ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners give out a bottle of stain remover and free top ups with every job.
“And for carpet cleaning, people can go online and get an instant quote. They don’t have to ring us up or anything, they just punch in the number of bedrooms in the house, put the living room in, the hallways and the stairs and we’ll give them a quote, and it’s pretty accurate,” he says.
THE local team at House to Home are experienced packers who have been helping Canberrans get their property ready for sales, renovations, insurance work, downsizing and relocating for over 10 years, says co-owner Renee Le Grande.
with many jobs in the Canberra region.
0412 109 584 Or visit indetailcleaningservices.com.au or email us indetailcleaning@gmail.com advertising feature Leigh loves working with water tanks
Owner Leigh Maxwell.
“Our customers are always happy to see us and we get great feedback for our customer service – we turn up when we say we will and return all our calls.”
Upholstery cleaning & more Call
AFTER establishing Leigh’s Water Tank Cleaning eight years ago, owner Leigh Maxwell says the successful two-man business has been thriving ever since. They can vacuum-clean plastic, galvanised and concrete tanks, and also provide liners and repair cracks.
Luca says they also have allergy and bacteria treatments.“Ourallergy and bacteria treatments are an effective way to keep nasties at bay. We recommend this treatment every six months,” he says.
“I really enjoy my work and sorting out problems for people,” Leigh says.
“It uses hot water and chemicals to break down the dirt and grime that has accumulated on your carpet. Steam cleaning is more effective than other methods when it comes to removing pet urine and other stains.
In Detail Cleaning Services, call 0412 109584 or visit indetailcleaningservices.com.au
•
•
Leigh says the Australian Government Department of Health recommends that water tanks be inspected every two to three years for accumulation of sediment, which can lead to harmful bacteria building up and possibly causing health issues.
Luca says In Detail is known as an affordable carpetcleaning“Pricesservice.startfrom just $40 per room. Our carpetcleaning treatments typically take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the size of the space,” he “Havingsays. your carpets professionally cleaned creates
“If you’ve got a water tank that runs your washing machine and flushes the toilet, you can potentially have the dirt and dust washed in, which also damages the systems,” he says.
•
IN Detail Cleaning Services offer carpet steam cleaning, spot and stain removal and end-of-lease carpet clean ing services, says director Luca Di Zillo.
End of lease cleaning
• Luca
“If you want to remove stains from your carpet, then steam cleaning is the best option.
CityNews September 22-28, 2022 29 WATER TANK CLEANING WITH ZERO DOWNTIME! cleanedwaterYourtankshouldbeevery2-3years • Why risk your family’s health with water that is polluted by sediment? • You could be damaging your washing machine by running dirty water through it! • Water tank crack repairs, liners and banding also available. • We use an underwater camera and monitor to ensure a complete clean. Leigh’sWaterTankCleaning –Bigenoughtomatter,smallenoughtocareCallLeighTODAYon0412267600 E: leighswtc@bigpond.com W: leighswatertankcleaning.com.au Yes, we clean your water tank without having to empty it! Powered by Hard Work and Attention to Detail We are your one stop shop for
Director Luca Di Zillo.
Carpet steam cleaning
The business is based in Picton, but services the area from Hawkesbury down to the Snowy Mountains,
“We are known for our range of high-quality, yet affordable cleaning services for floor coverings, upholstery, car seats, mattresses and more,” he says.
Spot & stain removal
“Multiple clubs across Canberra and Queanbeyan enjoy our high-quality service featuring our commit ment to provide an unsurpassed level of attention to detail and service excellence.”
a healthier environment for your family and pets.
“We use an underwater camera and monitor, as well as remote start/stop and full-throttle control on our pumps, to ensure a complete and efficient clean, with minimal water loss,” Leigh says.
When it comes to spring cleaning your tank at home, Leigh likes to remind his customers that having a water tank “is low maintenance, not no maintenance.”“Don’tforget to clean out gutters, leaf screens and drain your first flush system and if you are still putting up with brown water after recent rain events, give us a call,” he says.
Leigh’s Water Tank Cleaning, call 0412 267600, email leighswtc@bigpond.com or visit leighswatertankcleaning.com.au
“Our allergy and bacteria treatments are hypoal lergenic – using non-toxic and dye-free products.”
They like a lot of compost, a rich soil, mulch and full sun. They are vigorous growers and can start fruiting after three years of being
shrubs, such as honeysuckle bush, camellia sasanqua, and some viburnums, will need a little prune this time of year. Prune no more than a third of the shrub at one time. Mulch and fertilise with a pelleted organic fertiliser around the drip line of the tree and water it well.
tarragon.SUMMER
There’s still time to plant a peach or nectarine tree before the weather gets too hot. There are many compact, small-size trees that can also suit a pot or a small courtyard.
Peach blossoms… still time plant nectarine grows to at least two metres but can be kept as little
30 CityNews September 22-28, 2022 PLUMBING GAS FITTING & DRAINAGE • No job is to small • Provide fast reliable service • Clear Blocked Drains | Hot water Installations & Repairs • Service & Install all Gas Appliances • All Plumbing & Gas Services • New Homes & Renovations • We care about our customers • We get it fixed right the first time PAT MORELLA | 0412 628 538 Competitive prices – No surprise fees30YearsServicingCanberra Lic # 1993 14963 Even the magpies think it’s real… Synthetic grass stays green all year round Australian made for Australian climate standards Family owned business - 15 years experience Easy low maintenance & water free For a FREE measure & quote call David 0410 682 457 or Nancy 0410 081 771 Keeping it green .com.au The synthetic grass solution Up to 15 years warranty from manufacture & 8 years commercial use We do Landscaping and paving too! Text or call 0468 695 561 Email cgsact@gmail.com Find me on gumtree.com.au Insured – AAMI * $600 day rate (1 x Tree surgeon) • Tree pruning • Tree removal • Tree maintenance • Hedge lowering • Retaining walls Chris’ Trees MAXIMUMIMPACT!‘High stakes noQuotemistakes’range$300to$600* EXTENSIVE RANGE OF TUBES AND POTTED NATIVE PLANTS Grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees suitable for cool climate gardens available year round. A large range of unusual grafted plants and bush food plants also available. Expert staff happy to advise or answer questions. 02 6257 6666 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo, www.coolcountrynatives.com.auACT OPEN 7 DAYS ISSPRINGHERE! Perfect time to plant TRADING HOURS 8:30am - 4:30pm Your source for natives in Canberra 7 Days - Free phone quote Tony 0419 887 988 Aussie Stump www.aussiestumpgrinders.com.auGrinders Remedial Massage Therapist HICAPS & approved provider By appointment: 0433 915 721 Kay Fredericks Ngunnawal General Practice | 36 Yarrawonga St Over 30 years’ experience restoring structural and muscle balance to relieve pain, improve mobility, flexibility and wellbeing. GARDENING
By WARBURTONJackie
a peach or
Most bonsai plants need special, small pots, a free-draining potting mix and some gravel. The selection of the bonsai trees is endless. Some Australian natives look spectacular when trained as bonsai trees.
to
Summer herbs and plants that can be planted now are lemon grass, Vietnamese mint and
as 30 centimetres as a small bonsai. Photos: Jackie Warburton
THE vegetable garden is getting busy and direct sowing of seeds of carrots, parsley, and silverbeet can be done now.
A common shrub, Forsythia, grows to at least two metres tall,
bulbs, such as liliums and gladioli, need to be planted and get some good growth before summer. Dig over the area and try to plant summer bulbs as quickly as you get them home as they don’t like to dry
soil is still cool. Mulch with pea straw or organic mulch and don’t overwater.Itisthelast time for potatoes, asparagus and other winter vegetables such as rhubarb to be in the ground ready for spring growth. Feed the soil with organic fertilisers as it begins to warm up and the nutrients will be ready for the plants when they need it.
jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au
WINTER-floweringout.
but can be kept as little as 30 centimetres as a small bonsai.
If there already is a problem, remove leaves that are more than 50 per cent damaged by peach leaf curl and dispose of them in the greenThebin.new leaves that follow will not be damaged, but don’t take them off as they grow to shade the fruit in summer.
Planting flowers under fruit trees to attract bees helps with flowers forming fruit on the trees. Flowers in the orchard are beneficial for attracting insects and encouraging biodiversity in the garden.
is limited for growing plants in a courtyard or small garden, then bonsai can be a good plant for indoors or outdoors.
PEACH and nectarine trees are coming into full bloom, but once they’re in flower it’s too late to spray for peach leaf curl.
planted.IFspace
tree before the weather gets too hot. Forsythia…
Use an organic fertiliser with lots of potash and phosphorus to fertilise the tree and water it well.
Plant radishes with carrots if room is limited as they grow well together.Onions and leeks can still be planted in the ground while the
tall,
If sowing carrots, dig over the area so the soil is light and weed free and in full sun. Make a 10-centi metre, small trench and mix small carrot seed with a little sand to help with drainage and even distribution of the seed. Lightly cover the soil and keep weed free.
Still time to plant a peach tree
Carrots will take some time to germinate but will get going once the soil warms next month. Most root vegetables don’t like too much manure in the soil and, with carrots, they grow hairy and not straight if the soil is too rich. Keep the fertiliser away until there is green growth above the soil.
“I am the first First Nations person to be a mainstream director of a dance company, so I have the platform to ask those questions and I feel enabled by it.
“I understand the connotations of that word; my ancestors had to live with it, we were labelled that, but who were the savages? Maybe those who stole the culture and the land.”
CAPO, the Capital Arts Patrons’ Organisation, is opening applications for a record 21 annual awards. Applications close on October 28 at capitalart spatronsorganisation.org. Since 1983, CAPO, a volunteer, non-profit organisation, has disbursed more than $3 million in arts fellowships and awards.
founded on a lie and it has never been properly addressed.”
ARTS IN THE CITY
It’s a provocative title for a provocative work and Riley is inclined to turn it back on me and to find out what I think it means.
Saving stories with imaginationsome
That’s where “Savage” comes in.
independent artist.
I worked with Daniel’s father on a dance work in regional NSW in the ‘90s. He told me that his son, Daniel, who was 12 at the time, was wanting to learn to dance. So, I suggested that Daniel apply to go to QL2.”
Daniel Riley, is about to make his mark with his first fulllength work for the Adelaidebased Australian Dance Theatre.
All the while he and his family are still getting to know Adelaide.
“If you want to know what it means, you need to ask what First Nations people think, what are the truths of our founding myths about power and identity and who holds the power.
Riley’s been working with dramaturg Kate Champion on the structure of the piece and with composer James Howard (Jaadwa) using his original music, but it’s early days.
Riley knows that the Kaurna have been at the centre of restitution of language, but no more so than his own, the Wiradjuri people of western NSW, whose language he is now Althoughlearning.hisheritage is in the DubboWellington area, he grew up in Canberra, studying at Telopea Park High School, Canberra College and QL2 Dance, before going on to tertiary dance studies at QUT, then to fame as an artist with Bangarra Dance Theatre and later as a freelance
“The greatest of all myths was terra nullius because it was a lie, this nation was
By Helen Musa
“Savage”, Canberra Theatre, September 29-30.
DIRECTOR Chris Baldock has chosen one of the 20th century’s most brilliant plays, “Dancing at Lughnasa” by Irish playwright Brian Friel, to showcase the talents of MuSE, his Mockingbird Student Ensemble. Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, September 28-October 1.
Dancer-choreographer Daniel Riley.
By no coincidence at all, his long-time mentor has been Elizabeth Cameron Dalman, who founded the ADT in 1965, but who now lives at Mirramu, Bungendore. Dalman says: “He is a wonderful performer, a talented choreographer and already has a great vision for the company.
CANBERRA pianist Ronan Apcar and flautist Emma Warburton have created a hybrid classical recital/theatre work, “Diary of a Music Student”, built around anecdotes of their highs, lows and achievements at university, interspersed with musical works. Level 5 (Café), ANU School of Music, 7pm, September 29.
By Helen Musa
“Elizabeth and I speak often,” Riley says. “We are constantly emailing backward and forward. I’m looking forward to seeing her at my show and will probably get to spend some time with her afterwards, because it’s not travelling anywhere else this year.”
Provoking a savage truth with dance
But it is notable that he has returned whenever possible to Canberra to work as a choreographer for QL2 projects, most recently in January 2021.
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“This is a full-length work of approxi mately 60 minutes that exposes myth and identity in an abstract way.”
ONE of Canberra’s proudest exports, dancer-choreographer
“It’s beautiful, my family are very happy here and it reminds us of Canberra a bit… Adelaide is an incredibly vibrant city artistically and in its First Nations community, the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains.”
In Canberra, about nine Quantum Leap dancers will join the ADT ensemble, including Riley.
As for his new job, Riley says: “Every day is an adventure, every day it’s different finding out where I need to be, making sure I’m doing things properly and plan ning the administrative work – there is no degree in being an artistic director.”
When I suggest there’s a touch of bitter irony in the title, he responds: “If that’s the way you see it, I’m happy to say the word out loud – I’m taking the power back through the word.
“ROALD Dahl and the Imagination Seekers” is coming to Tuggeranong Arts Centre, October 6-8. Especially made for ages six and up, the show is immersive, involving games and imaginative play. In it, only a secret organisation known as The Ancient Guild of Taletenders can save Dahl’s stories, with help from the young audience.
Riley, who can claim the title of the first indigenous director of a mainstream dance company in this country, will soon be here with his new work, “Savage”.
She was supposed to do the play a couple
By Helen SHAKESPEARE’SMusa
Watson has a long history with Bell as a mainstage actor and a director with its “Players” company, who, after graduating from the National Theatre Drama School in Melbourne, trained with Zen Zen Zo company, known for its physical theatre, so you can be sure that in this production there will be a great deal of slapstick, indeed she promises it.
“By making the twins Dromios non-binary, we see how they live in their real lives. We’re not being politically correct, we’re just placing them in those roles and then letting them take that space.”
Some of the characters are convention ally gendered, like the more upper-crust Antipholus twins, played by Felix Jozeps and Skyler Ellis, but, she says, the flipping of genders is a powerful thing to see.
Comedy afoot when Bard’s twin blokes aren’t
“The Comedy of Errors”, The Playhouse, September 30-October 8.
the play, for – and she suspects Shakespeare wouldn’t have minded at all – she’s also turned Antipholus of Syracuse’s sister-in-law, Luciana, into a male, Luciano.
“The Comedy of Errors” is one of the most popular plays ever written.
Watson argues her case forcefully, adding that it’s not the only bit of gender fluidity in
That means that when “he” finds himself attracted to his brother-in-law, it has a certain frisson of the sort that would’ve been common in Shakespeare’s days when boys played women, but which also allows for genuinely touching moments.
It is also the forerunner to several famous musicals, such as “The Boys from Syracuse.”
But there’s a lot more to “The Comedy of Errors” than meets the eye, as audiences have found in the past when Bell Shakespeare has brought the play to Canberra, including a memorable occasion when former ACT arts minister Bill Wood, himself an identical twin, turned up to a production with his politician twin brother from Queensland and caused both confusion and delight.
of years ago until covid got in the way and has seen “The Comedy of Errors” in various iterations about four or five times, first at age 17 done by Launceston Repertory Society and then as one of the shows in her graduating year.
Often frowned upon by scholars as an early play unworthy of the Bard, it is descended from Roman comedy and Italian Commedia dell’arte and is the prototype for Shakespeare’s mistaken identity scenario, which reaches its apogee in “Twelfth Night”.
32 CityNews September 22-28, 2022 IMAGE © JONATHAN VDK AND DEAN CROSSPARTNERSGOVERNMENT PARTNERSSEASON THEATRESEPTEMBER29–30CANBERRACENTRE CANBERRATHEATRE CENTRE.COM.AU THEATRE / Bell Shakespeare
This is her mainstage debut for Bell and while at first she tended to agree with the “inherited perception” that it’s a silly play with not much depth in the characters, she took the time during lockdown to do a lot of reading and found it “so beautiful and so poignant”.“People argue that comedy is totally dif ferent from tragedy, but the very first speech of the play by Egeon is like a Greek tragedy with a big long prologue, then it moves into comedy,” she says.
“Many people suppose that comedy tells us nothing about the characters, but in ‘The Comedy of Errors,’ we learn something about each of them as they realise their mistakes.“Ilooked deeply into the sensibility of these people who have been ripped apart from their families… just like in ‘Twelfth Night’, Shakespeare used comedy to explore romance and lost love.”
One thing that most people know about “The Comedy of Errors” is that its star turns are the identical twin blokes, the servants calledBlokes,Dromio.didI say? Well, according to Janine Watson, the director of the Bell Shakespeare production coming to The Playhouse soon, that’s not necessarily so. In her version, the twin Dromios, played by Julia Billington and Ella Prince, are neither specifically male nor female, but non-binary, with their personal pronouns changed to “they/them”.
She set it in a hedonistic seaside town during the 1970s, which was known for both its liberation movements and its colourful dressing. Set and costume designer Hugh O’Connor had a lot of fun making it completely over the top.
Director Janine Watson.Ella Prince, left, and Julia Billington in “The Comedy of Errors”.
is what Negozio by Amelia was pouring on my visit. It’s rich and strong, with lovely earthy tones.
The report reveals that demand for highend wines is still present; it says that “photos released by Gongbei authorities showed bottles of Penfolds Bin 389, RWT Bin 789 and Bin 407, which sells for RMB 1119 ($236), RMB 1855 ($390) and RMB 1448 ($313) respectively.” These are excellentCompareprices.the 389 “baby Grange” price here at Dan Murphy’s where a member can get it for just over $85 a bottle (the 2019 vintage).
city
These prices are even more starkly good when you consider the basis on which China imposed around 200 per cent tariffs (more precisely,
There was a young lady of Niger Who smiled as she rode on a tiger; They returned from the ride With the lady inside, And the smile on the face of the tiger.
The deposit tariffs on wine to mainland China are in place for five years (from March 26, 2021). It is alleged that Australia dumped cheap wine.
Wine Australia, and the peak representative organisation for the Australian wine sector Australian Grape & Wine, are working in close collaboration with the Australian government to monitor and support the sector’s interests during thisMeanwhiletime.”
Out of the three breakfast options on the menu, I selected the chilli scramble ($17.50). The silky scrambled eggs were served on top of slices of sourdough. Dollops of Bippi Italian-style chilli and a lovely
That Tiger Stance (which is a real thing in taekwondo, also called the Cat Stance or beom seogi) is despite the fact that there’s an obvious market for Australian red wine in China.
In July, Wine Australia reported that total Australian wine exports declined by 10 per cent in volume to 625 million litres and 19 per cent in value to $2.08 billion in the year ended June 30. Don’t you love bureaucrat speak?
orange dome. It was pretty as a picture – light and not too sweet. The jelly on the outside was a deep ruby red and little gold leaves formed a perfect circle around the bottom. I was called away after it was served, but Negozio by Amelia didn’t skip a beat in packaging it up for me to take home, with the dome placed ever-so-carefully on a gold take-awayAlthoughplate.Ididn’t have a coffee (I was already over my daily limit), I bought a kilo of the Roasting
IN this year of the Tiger, China still has its claws out when it comes to Australian wine.
WINE
Wine Australia has closed its Shanghai office, a decision that, again quoting Ms Triggs, “was based on the current environment and market opportunity”.
Answer: A tiger.
The décor is light, bright and airy at Negozio by Amelia. The café is entirely open and the marble tables with gold bases add a touch of class. Service was super friendly,
On a recent weekend I steered away from the food court and headed straight to Negozio by Amelia, new at the Canberra Centre and in the Beauty Garden, behind Raku.It’s a charming spot with a welcoming vibe… a lovely Italian bottega with great coffee, loads of Italian goodies and deli items to buy, a showcase of sweets, and an impressive breakfast menu (small butWhilemighty).my breakfast was being made, I browsed the shelves lined with coffee, juices, wines, biscuits, and sauces, including Bippi Italianstyle chilli, “approved by nonna”. Also, Italian country-style pasta or a pasta maker for those who want to create their own.
I also browsed the large glass display with rows and rows of beautiful-looking Italian des serts (same style and quality as sister operation Pasticceria Amelia, Belconnen Markets). They’re ir resistible and made with love from Nonna Amelia’s most treasured and traditional recipes.
The dispute about so-called dumped Australian wine is being arbitrated at the World Trade Organization, a process that is set to take years. Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties are tariffs that governments impose on imports that
Claws out against Australian wine in China
anti-dumping security deposits) on the import of Australian wine.
The second breakfast option, which sounded just as lovely, was br uschetta with sauteed greens, confit vine tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fried eggs and salsa verde ($19.90).
I struggled to select a allbecausedesserttheyweresogorgeous,but
DINING / Negozio by Amelia, Civic
In this context Rachel Triggs, a Wine Australia general manager said: “The dispute settlement proceedings at the World Trade Organization continue to follow the process. The proceedings are expected to take a few years to conclude. It is something that our sector is following and we’re keeping exporters up to date as this progresses.
The third was waffles, created with whipped Sicilian ricotta, berries, pistachios, coconut, rose water floss and brulée peach ($22).
coming.thankedgreetedeveryoneandwasandfor
Wine Australia didn’t supply specific commen tary on mainland China in the June Export Report media release, but they supplied the figures to me by email. They spell disaster in paint-bynumbers. The exports for the year to the end of June 2022 were six million litres of wine valued at $24.6 million FOB; this was a decline of 88.5 per cent in volume and a decline of 95.9 per cent in value compared to the same period last year.
they decide are below fair market value, usually at prices lower than the exporting countries’ domestic markets. From the example of the smuggled wine, I just told you about what seems like a pipedream.
Welcoming vibe for a breakfast
I’M not a food court fan, but sometimes I find myself at a shopping centre feeling peckish. What to do?
This is epitomised in the early September report by “Vin Joy News” that Chinese customs authorities in Gongbei, Guangdong seized RMB 35 million (about $A7.5 million) worth of smuggled Penfolds wines that were “funnelled” from tax-free Macau to mainland China.
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Question: What’s the only animal that can go into and then out of a tiger’s den?
The media release telling us these stats says: “The decline in volume and value was not unexpected, as it was largely the result of the continued impact of the significant reduction in exports to mainland China.”
of flavour. Tiny micro herbs danced on top. It was a perfect portion and thumbs up for the sensational eggs, which were not overcooked, clunky or dry. Delightful.
As they passed me after the lights came back up, I asked what they thought about director Halina Reijn’s film of this story by Kristen Roupenian scripted by Sarah DeLappe. “Quite good”, the woman replied, followed by a brief agreement from her companion.Theyasked me what I thought about it. In a George Washington cherry-tree moment, I had to reply that I disliked it intensely.
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Return of the “Railway Children”.
At all cinemas
As its plot about a house party collapses into a pile of blood, party detritus and a quintet of dead bodies, the film’s vocabulary increasingly bespattering its dialogue becomes not so increasingly objectionable as unnecessary.Ihavenoproblems with women using the unprintable word in any or all of its gram matical possibilities. But here, that happens without the character thinking why she is doing it. She is angry. The reasons behind her anger don’t hold up.
It’s the story of what happened to the teenage antagonist of “The Karate Kid”, Johnny Lawrence, 34 years after his defeat at the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament.
Too soon? One could argue a few more years need to pass before the entertainment industry has a chance of tackling these still raw political sagas with any level of objectivity.Still,whether you like Boris or not there’s no denying he’s always been good TV. Branagh’s got big shoes to fill.
treatment in a new drama series charting how the bombastic British PM fumbled his way through the covid pandemic.
“The Lion King”, “Dumbo”, “Mulan” and “Aladdin” have all got the shiny modern makeover and this time it's “Pinocchio”, the classic tale of the wooden puppet and his adventures to become a real boy.
All washed up, Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo and resparking his rivalry with the now highly successful Daniel LaRusso.
In this sequel set in Oakworth village in Yorkshire, Jenny Agutter plays grandmotherly Bobbie whose daughter Annie (Sheridan Smith) is headmistress at the local school. Three evacuees from Manchester extend the family: Lily (Beau Gadsdon), Pattie (Eden Hamilton) and Ted (Zac Cudby) are taken under theirThewing.children come across a young black US soldier hiding in a railway carriage who tells the children that he is on a secret mission. Actually, he is AWOL. The children, promising not to reveal his secret mission and location, now agree to hide him in theirThishouse.sequel has occasional moments of gravity acknowledging racism and a throwaway line with a subtext about immigration and a thinly veiled nod to Brexit.
By MACDONALDDougal
“The Railway Children Return” (PG)
Ophelia Lovibond and Kenneth Branagh as Carrie and Boris Johnson in "This England".
The five-episode series is being marketed as a “look behind closed doors” that will recount Johnson himself catching the virus, the birth of his son, and the mounting criti cism that led to his resignation in July.
It’s a bold thing indeed to take on the role of one of these contentious “characters” in
IN an otherwise empty cinema, there was me in the back row and a pair of young adults several rows nearer the screen.
Rewinding the clock to 2020, “This England” sees Oscar winner Kenneth Branagh step into the shoes of Bojo as he’s first elected to the top job and as that tiresome virus begins to spread across the world.
“Bodies Bodies Bodies” (MA)
OVER on Disney Plus this month, the billionaire mouse continues to turn its most iconic animated films into live action remakes.
“Cobra Kai”, the spin-off of the beloved “Karate Kid” movies, has just dropped its new est set of episodes on Netflix and, yet again, proven itself a black belt in action television.
I became aware of Jenny Agutter as a 19-year-old skinny-dipping in “Walkabout”. Now 70, her filmogra phy lists 118 credits.
Cumberbatch played one of John son’s senior advisers, Dominic Cummings, in the “Brexit” film (on Stan), which hit screens in 2019 and depicted the country’s separation from the EU as a tragicomedy.
REMEMBERworld.the guy who got crane kicked
Following an explosive season four finale, this newest entry in the “Miyagi-verse” will see Lawrence face off against the villain of “Karate Kid Part III” Terry Silver, who wants to make his "No Mercy" style of karate the only game in town.
Tom Hanks plays his maker, Geppetto in this latest take on the story which has been in production for more than seven years and sees “Back to the Future” director Robert Zemeckis in charge of the film.
For anyone needing to refresh their memory, there sadly won’t be much luck find ing the original films on any of the streaming platforms.Netflixdoes have the 2010 remake with Jaden Smith, but let’s just say that’s an iteration of the “Karate Kid” that doesn’t land any punches.
Cummings also gets a spot in this new series (played by Simon Paisley Day) as does Johnson’s wife, Carrie (Ophelia Lovibond).
STREAMING
At all cinemas
I found nothing in the story that I could like or that impressed me about the tech niques applied in its making. Am I becoming antique? Perhaps. And I wish I knew what that trio of creative minds wanted their production to tell the world. And why.
drama series “The Comey Rule” (Stan), where Irish star Brendan Gleeson donned the infa mous toupée to some eerily accurate effect.
Tom Courtenay as a genial uncle figure is a reassuring presence and the children, two of whom make their film debut, are the right age for the roles and delightfully endearing.
The show drops on Binge from September 22, just weeks after the Conservatives announced Liz Truss as his replacement.
IN 1944, there was a second blitz when German rocket bombs began to fall on Fifty-twoBritain.years after the original “Railway Children” film was made, Morgan Matthews directs a sort of a sequel, with some of the original actors repeating the characters they played then; or maybe different characters – I never saw the original.
As the film’s 94 minutes dragged on it became increasingly apparent that economising on lighting was important for the people in the back office waiting to see box-office cash start rolling in. As the plot about a game of murder reduces character numbers, the survivors wave hand-held LED-torches to light the scene!
Johnson’s controversial parties at Downing Street saw him breach his own lockdown rules and make him the only English PM to ever be sanctioned for breaking the law while in office.He’sthe latest in a spate of modern political figures put to screen as a drawcard forBenedictviewers.
Whether a scene where US military police would arrest and handcuff a Brit ish child is debatable. But this is genial, enjoyable stuff filmed in the same location as the original film, which has remained resolutely the same despite the 52 years between films.
The original “Pinocchio” is also available on Disney Plus and remains a charming family flick even 82 years after it was first seen around the
Who would have thought 40 years later he’d have his own TV show that’s still popular five seasons deep.
The kids are alright… 52 years, nothing’s changed CINEMA / reviews
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
9 Which small keyboard instrument resembles the harpsichord? (6)
Be careful when talking and driving, as Mercury reverses through your conversa tion and transport zone. Otherwise you could find yourself smack bang in the middle of an argument or accident. Slow down! There is much inner peace to be found via activities like meditation, contemplation, yoga and tai chi as you listen to the wisdom from within. With the New Moon and Venus stimulating your domestic zone, cooperation is the secret to a fresh family chapter.
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
"I would also recommend that you bank any cash that you receive so that your banking correctly discloses all your income. That makes our job easier and also makes it easier for you.”
Disclaimer
Aquarians often feel restless, rebellious and agitated. This week, with Mercury stuck in retrograde mode (until Sunday), you could suffer from low libido, a lack of motivation or just plain exhaustion. The New Moon illuminates your philosophy zone, so you need to slow down and look within as you contemplate, meditate and ruminate. Negotiation planet Venus also encourages you to hold out the olive branch of peace (especially to a stressed friend or colleague).
The ATO looks to audit taxpayers who have not declared all their income. They can go to court and possibly even jail, so it's not a smart thing to do.
19 Which books, etc, appear annually? (8)
Dynamic Mars is marching through gung-ho Gemini, which usually means you’re feeling proactive and are raring to go! But Mercury (your power planet) is retrograde until Sunday. So prepare for a stop/start kind of week when you’ll sometimes feel as if you’re going backwards. If you are patient and adapt to changing circumstances, then you could have a lot of fun, games and general shenanigans along the way. It’s all part of the rich celestial tapestry this week.
5 Which term describes a master of any art? (7)
6 What are registered nurses known as? (7)
Stylish Librans have a passion for fashion. And this week – with the New Moon and Venus both transiting through your sign – it’s the perfect time to refresh your appearance via a hot new hairstyle, a makeup makeover or a creative wardrobe revamp. But with Mercury (planet of commerce) still in retrograde mode (until Sunday), watch that impulse buys don’t burn a big hole in your stretched budget. Remember – some of the best things in life are free!
I said the form is simple to complete if you need to complete one. Every year the ATO publishes information on the shadow economy and reminds taxpayers to declare all their income.
Whoa there, Billy, I said. The short answer was "no!" and to do that would be breaking the law.
I replied: “Let’s think about what happens to the money the Tax Office collects; it gets used for welfare and Centrelink payments, health, education, defence, roads, railways, parks and "Soplaygrounds.ifyoudon’t pay your tax from 'cashys' then someone else has to pay for your medical costs and your kids’ education. I know people think it doesn’t matter, it’s just the tax office but if everyone did this then our taxes would have to increase.
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
"The story quotes him as saying he asks people to pay cash, not put it in his bank account and then he doesn’t have to pay GST," said Billy.
You’re in the mood to talk, text, tweet, publish and/or podcast as the New Moon activates your communication zone. But with Mercury still retrograde, make sure you convey your message clearly and concisely, otherwise misunderstandings are likely. Mercury is reversing through your financial zone until Sunday. So it’s not a good week to buy a new phone, borrow money, make an expensive purchase or sign an important contract. Instead, be patient and wait.
This week the New Moon and Venus light up your career zone, so utilise your natural charisma to charm others and attract opportunities into your world. Then use your can-do Capricorn attitude to take action. The Mars/Saturn connection reminds you to be proactive and practical. Preparation is the key. As singer/actress (and birthday great) Julie Andrews observes: “Work hard, apply yourself and be ready. Then, when an opportunity comes, you can grab it.”
"So not producing a tax invoice and remitting the GST to the ATO is illegal. It is called tax avoidance/evasion. It doesn’t matter whether you bank the money or not, it is still tax evasion.”
12 What is something preliminary or introduc tory? (7)
10 Name a liqueur, also known as wormwood. (8)
Solution next editionDown
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
18 What are dialects also called? (6)
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Billy's a tradie and said he'd been inspired by a story on social media about a man who manages not to pay GST and wanted my guidance as to how he could do the same thing.
11 What is a countenance, or facial expression? (6)
ADVERTISEMENT Follow us on @gailfreemanandcoFacebook Connect with me on Linkedin bit.ly/3bcXEZl Your week in the stars By Joanne Madeline Moore September 26-October 2, 2022 Sudoku hard No. 324 Solutions – September 15 edition General knowledge crossword No. 848 Solution next edition 847No.Crossword 324No.mediumSudoku Across
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
7 What is an antenna known as? (6)
17 To be submissive to authority, is to be what? (8)
3 To be glaringly conspicuous, is to be what? (7)
14 To fulfil desires, is to do what? (7)
16 What is a colouring substance? (7)
Billy said “Gosh, I have learnt a lot today.”
21 Which term implies ordinary, or com monplace? (8)
15 Which tyres have flexible walls for strengthen ing their treads? (7)
8 Which term describes those who exact satisfaction? (8)
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT 02 6295 2844 Unit 9, 71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston ABN 57 008 653 683 (Chartered accountant, SMSF specialist advisor and Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892) info@gailfreeman.com.au | www.gailfreeman.com.au
citynews.com.au
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
With Mercury (your ruling planet) reversing until Sunday, expect travel disruptions, phone frustrations or computer chaos that will test your limited patience. So how can you survive Mercury retrograde in a reasonably sane state of mind? Make sure you back-up all your computer files; allow plenty of time to get to appointments and catch flights; check and then double-check everything; and be incredibly adaptable. Plus maintain your sense of humour!
CityNews September 22-28, 2022 35
If you require help with anything tax related, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.
13 Who was the Australian Prime Minister 1945-49, Ben ...? (7)
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
"The Tax Acts require you to declare all income from all sources whether income tax or GST," I said.
Billy said: “I just thought because it was a 'cashy', it didn’t matter.”
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
"The best thing I can recommend to you is that you issue tax invoices for all the jobs you do, even if you are paid in cash.
When it comes to your involvement with a friend, colleague, client, customer, group, club or organisation, retrograde Mercury scrambles communication and activates your argumentative streak. The New Moon and Venus stimulate your spirituality zone, so it’s time to calm down and smoke the peace pipe as you compromise and sympathise. Be inspired by birthday great, singer and actress, the late Olivia Newton-John: “I believe love is what makes the world go round.”
FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT
3 What is an alternative name for grandmoth ers? (8)
“There's a page on the ATO website called 'Making a tip off’. There's an on-line form with tick boxes you can complete anonymously. One of them says: ‘Demanding or paying for work cash in hand to avoid obligations’. So this is clearly something that the ATO is concerned about. You can also ring 1800 060062 or send in a letter.
1 Which instruments are used in combat, fighting, or war? (7)
2 What is a woman, engaged to be married? (7)
“It goes on to say, under the heading of concerns you may have, ‘you might be offered a discount for cash, a cash deal or a ‘cashy’ without a receipt or a discount for cash or mates’ rates’. This clarifies the status of a cashy as being tax avoidance/evasion.”
Bulls are often stubborn creatures, which can put others offside. You can also be jealous, possessive and materialistic, as your acquisitive side goes into overdrive. This week Venus transits into Libra, which highlights your desire for harmony and balance. So strive to be more adaptable, as other people won’t behave in predict able ways. Smart Taureans will choose compromise over confrontation, diplomacy over drama, and generosity over greed.
This week a friendship, romantic partnership or joint venture could veer off in an unpredictable direction as Mercury reverses through your relationship zone. Or a work colleague could surprise you by making a decision that seems like a backward step. And are you being rather lazy? With Venus and the New Moon both transiting through lackadaisical Libra, you could find your motivation is missing and your adventurous streak has gone AWOL!
4 Name the profession of Doc Holliday. (7)
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
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This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser. Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892.
20 What are convicts known as? (6)
Billy said: “Thanks Gail. I'm now clear on cashys… and will take more care with what I read on social media.”
CASH MIGHT BE KING, BUT THERE'S ALWAYS GST
Impulsive Uranus and retrograde Mercury continue to disrupt your work routine, career plans or future aspirations. So this week’s New Moon is the perfect time to revise, reassess and reboot your goals and dreams. Think of creative ways you can navigate the unpredictable economic landscape, adapt professionally and pivot personally. Draw inspiration from birthday great, singer and actress Julie Andrews: “When one door closes, another window opens.”
14 What are used for sharpening razors? (6)
You’ll experience the greatest satisfaction if you share your goals and dreams with other like-minded people. Collective collaboration is the key. But you need to think long-term and be patient. Do your best to get the balance right between being creative and being productive; between having inspirational ideas and making practical progress. Mercury is still in retrograde motion until Sunday, which could disrupt your daily routine or stir up an old health issue.
11 Name an altar attendant of minor rank. (7)
"He was complaining that some of his customers had agreed to pay cash then deposited the money into his bank account – and he got very cross. Can I do that, too, Gail?”
Hotel Partner Accommodation Partner Media Partner Tourism Partner Songlines from Australia’s First Peoples in a spectacular immersive experience ON untilSHOW9October 2022 National Museum of Australia BOOK NOW nma.gov.au/connection V FROM THE CREATORS OF AN GOGH ALIV E Curatorial PartnerCreated & Produced by The creation of Connection is supported through the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, an Australian Government initiative.
