CityNews 231116

HOW THIS HIGH-TAX ACT GOVERNMENT CAN’T STOP SPENDING JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED look at the expenditure fantasies of the flawed ACT budget NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Well written, well read

Lee has the makings of a vision for Canberra

LEADING

LAWYERS

8 BIG

MICHAEL MOORE Climate change will cook the insurance industry ROBERT MACKLIN How the summer garden is getting a move on JACKIE WARBURTON Stay tuned to your daffy dials, Ken Behrens!

KEEPING UP THE ACT

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NEWS / pancreatic cancer

Terrible cancer surprise that snuck up on Sonia

By Lily

PASS SONIA Cottee was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2022, and says the awful thing about pancreatic cancer is that it sneaks up on you.

“I consider myself to be pretty fit, I would walk up Red Hill three or four times a week, do pilates, go to the gym and walk everywhere near where I live,” she says.

“But, every now and then I got just a little niggle, a little ache in my lower back.”

It was only by chance Sonia, 72, of Kingston, found her cancer.

“Another doctor, a gastroenterologist, ordered me an ultrasound for something else,” she says.

“And bingo, suddenly I’m told they have identified a mass on my pancreas.

“It set off a whole chain of events, at first we thought it could be operated on, but unfortunately further scans revealed it had already metastasised into my liver.

“So, the only alternative for me, with stage four pancreatic cancer, is what they call palliative chemotherapy.”

After her diagnosis, Sonia was encouraged to wait six weeks before

Sonia Cottee… “The only alternative for me, with stage four pancreatic cancer, is what they call palliative chemotherapy.”

Photo: Lily Pass starting chemotherapy, to go and have a holiday with her family.

“We don’t know how much time I have left,” she says.

“So, I gathered my two sons and their families and we booked a big house up on the Sunshine Coast. I had the most beautiful time.”

Sonia explains palliative chemotherapy is designed to keep her as pain

INDEX Arts & Entertainment 31-34 Crossword & Sudoku 35 Dining 33 Gardening 30 Keeping Up the ACT 13 Letters 17 News 5-17 Politics 6, 12 Streaming 32 Wine 32

free as possible, and hopefully slow down the tumour’s growth.

“There is really no end to my chemotherapy treatment, it depends how long my body can withstand the constant poison, because chemotherapy is pretty poisonous” she says.

“But, for the moment we’re pushing on, and my next goal is just to make it to Christmas.

Since 1993: Volume 29, Number: 46

Cover: “CityNews” Artist of the Year Fred Smith. Story Page 8. Photo: Andrew Campbell.

Well written, well read

Ph 02 6189 0777 Fax 02 6189 0778 9b/189 Flemington Rd, Mitchell 2911

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.

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“I know it can’t be cured, which is why I have become so passionate about the fact we need more research into this.”

Sonia is doing her best to become a miracle, hoping to outlast how long statistics tell her she has.

“I am very involved with making sure my diet is now the healthiest it can be, which is helped by my sister who trained as a naturopath years ago,” she says.

“I really believe that looking at my diet and making sure that I do as much as possible to keep my immune system firing at peak capacity is important in keeping me going, and in how I respond to the chemotherapy.

“I haven’t had quite as many side effects as some others have.”

Sonia takes a spoonful of bi-carb soda in water each day to keep her body at a high alkalinity.

“I also have medicinal cannabis, I limit my intake of red meat, only eat wild-caught fish because farmed fish can have chemicals, and I have lots and lots of greens.”

But, in “especially horrifying” news, Sonia says pancreatic cancer has just been taken off the rare cancer list, and is now considered common.

“When I was first diagnosed I just wanted to research everything, and I came across Pancare and PanKind,” she says.

“They have been incredibly helpful

and informative. I sit in on a Zoom support group once a month with Pancare, hearing stories of other people with pancreatic or upper GI cancers, and they are just inspiring.

“And, on November 19, to fundraise and raise awareness, PanKind is having their inaugural Put Your Foot Down walk.”

As of November 9, Sonia had raised $5930.

“I’m pretty excited and people are just being so generous, kind, supportive,” she says.

“You can bring your dogs and family, we’re meeting at The Jetty to do the bridge to bridge walk, registration opens at 8.30am and the event starts at 9.30am.”

Sonia says the colour for pancreatic cancer is purple, so people are encouraged to dress up.

“So many people go all out with their outfits, it’s lovely to see,” she says.

“I will be there, walking amongst people who are really trying to make a difference, and I know my friends, neighbours and family will be walking alongside me.

“It’s been extraordinary and at times I find it quite overwhelming and incredibly moving, the support and love I have found myself surrounded by. I am just so grateful.”

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POLITICS / Canberra Liberals

Lee has the makings of a vision for Canberra THE vision “for a better Canberra” was presented at the Press Club by Elizabeth Lee, the leader of the Canberra Liberals.

It carried one huge omission.

She failed to take into account that the chances of either of the major parties gaining a majority in their own right at next year’s election is minimal.

Should a chief minister come from the Canberra Liberals, it will be with the support of a minor party. Just as Labor has become dependent on the Greens, the Liberals will need one or more centrist or “teal” independents or small groups to support their bid for government.

Such support will not come from the right of the Liberals. The Liberals in Canberra, like the rest of Australia, are conservative. They already dominate the votes that will come from the right. Their only hope of being able to form a government is to compromise with a politically central group.

The vision for a new direction set

by Lee is “For a Better Canberra”. She told the Press Club: “We can set a new direction for the Canberra of tomorrow”. Her direction includes leading the nation in health, education, home ownership, safety and “pride in our neighbourhoods”.

The Labor-Greens government had the opportunity to achieve so much, to build a Canberra that was a nation and world leader. They missed the opportunity “to make Canberra a city that is befitting the capital of the best country in the world”.

Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee. The question that needs to be answered is how much of her vision is likely to be supported by centralist or “teal” candidates. Without their support, the vision is meaningless.

However, the vision was designed to have broad appeal.

It is on the progressive issues that Lee and her team will have to negotiate.

Her vision included a Canberra where “we lead the country in tertiary education and vocational training”, where “we support small businesses to thrive and celebrate innovation”, where “we protect and look after our green spaces, waterways, woodlands and wildlife”. This has appeal.

Lee promises to develop a place where “Canberrans can create a

home because it’s the best place in the country to raise a family”.

Her personal story of arriving from Korea as part of a migrant family and watching her parents’ successes in bringing up their family provides an understanding of her motivation for supporting other families to do the same.

It seems the motivation for her proposed policy of “Putting Your Suburb First”. This policy is a direct appeal to Canberrans who wish to protect the positive aspects of their suburbs from the over development and infill that has been the mark of the Labor-Greens government.

Her speech started with the failings of the “arrogant, out-of-touch LaborGreens government” over what will be 23 years by the time of the October election. She pointed out that for some

this 23 years was “an entire lifetime” and for others “seems like their entire lifetime”.

Through this period, the LaborGreens government had the opportunity to achieve so much, to build a Canberra that was a nation and world leader. They missed the opportunity “to make Canberra a city that is befitting the capital of the best country in the world”.

Much of her speech, therefore, is motherhood about building a better Canberra. However, she does attempt to set out a plan. It starts with “investment in our people” such as support for nurses, junior doctors, teachers, police, paramedics, and firefighters.

There will be a boost for apprentices and skills that are needed by local businesses. The goal is to support “the Canberrans that keep the heart beating in our local economy, and we will value them”.

There will be a Royal Commission into the health system “because Canberrans deserve greater transparency and accountability when it comes to the delivery of healthcare in the capital”. And the Liberals will “abolish Andrew Barr’s GP Tax”.

But her vision is conservative. It is

highly unlikely that centrist candidates will believe that decriminalisation of drugs, for example, will be “keeping parents awake at night; that have police worried; and that have businesses feeling vulnerable”. Such candidates are much more likely to wait until a proper evaluation of the policy of decriminalisation has been carried out and decide accordingly.

The vision that has been set out

by Lee provides Canberrans with an opportunity. However, the opportunity will be to vote first for centralist or “teal” candidates and expect that they will hold a Lee government to account to deliver on these promises and ensure that it remains reasonably progressive.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

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COVER STORY / “Canberra CityNews” Artist of the Year

Fred Smith named ‘CityNews’ Artist of the Year

By Helen

MUSA A CANBERRA diplomat, musician, philosopher, poet and raconteur was named 2023 “Canberra CityNews” Artist of the Year at the 33rd annual ACT Arts Awards, held in the ANU Drill Hall Gallery.

“CityNews” editor, Ian Meikle, presented Fred Smith with a certificate and $1000 cheque and craft reviewer Meredith Hinchliffe gave him a fine ceramic bowl by artist Jeff Mincham.

It’s almost impossible to keep up with Smith, but the Canberra Critics’ Circle did so last night when the wellknown Canberra troubadour, who has been spending most of his time on an Australia-wide tour of his concert, “The Sparrows of Kabul”, took time out to bask in the compliments of the ACT arts community before heading back on the road.

The songs in the album formed the basis of an unprecedented (for a local artist) sellout concert at the 2023 National Folk Festival. This toured NSW, Queensland, SA, Tasmania, Victoria and WA over the past year, giving Australians, one critic said,

8 CityNews November 16-22, 2023

Fred Smith… “I’m a product of this city. I was born in the old Canberra Hospital. I first started performing in the bars of this city.”

Photo: Andrew Campbell “an understanding of the horrors of war and the beauty of peace”.

His book of the same name, released this year, recounts Australia’s airlift from Kabul in 2021 and his own part in it as an officer for DFAT, moving around Kabul airport with a makeshift table as part of the Australian team processing former Australian government staff and thousands of others through the human logjams at the airport’s gates.

On receiving the award Smith said:

“I’m a product of this city. I was born in the old Canberra Hospital. I first started performing in the bars of this city – the Phoenix, the Wig and Pen, Tilley’s and the Gypsy Bar. “And much of my recent output describes the work Canberrans do in difficult places offshore. Artists need encouragement, and a lot of people in Canberra have been kind to me. More than that, Canberrans seem to get my jokes.”

Smith has combined diplomacy

and music for a long time and had already made his name as a musician years before for his original albums related to our peacekeeping missions in Bougainville and the Solomon Islands.

The first Australian diplomat to be sent to work alongside Australian troops in Uruzgan province and the last to leave, he released the influential suite of songs “Dust of Uruzgan” in 2011 followed by a book of the same name.

“His songs reverberate with the prophetic voice of humanity,” one Canberra Critics Circle member said, while another praised his “quiet, compassionate attentiveness, a bird’seye view of world affairs, a wicked sense of humour that coincidentally meets Afghani humour.”

He returned to Afghanistan in March 2021 to work at the embassy in Kabul and ended up working on makeshift tables from Kabul airport.

Smith recounts his experiences in his 2023 book, “The Sparrows of Kabul”, praised by a reviewer as “a rare bird; viscerally honest, packed with self-doubt, suffering and grace”.

With an easy Aussie everyman persona, Smith has become something of a national folk hero, travelling the country to sing songs of ordinary life and stepping into the shoes of our servicemen and women, sharing their pain through the driving lyrics of his songs.

Although his real first name is Iain, he likes to quip that “with a name like Fred Smith, you can only go so far”.

You’d have to say he’s already gone a long way.

Earlier in the evening at the annual ACT Arts Awards, the Helen Tsongas Award for Excellence in Acting was presented by Canberra Theatre director, Alex Budd, to Jim Adamik.

The awards evening, hosted by the Canberra Critics Circle at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery, also featured the circle’s own awards, which went to: photographer Wouter Van de Voorde; visual artists, Tom Rowney, Hannah Glason, Linda Dening, Kim Mahood, Sally Simpson, Wendy Teakel and Peter Maloney; musical artists Phillipa Candy, Edward Neeman, Larry Sitsky, Liam Budge, Fred Smith and Apeiron Baroque; writers Frank Bongiorno, Fred Smith and Zoya Patel; poets KA Nelson and Sandra Renew; dance artists Ruth Osborne, Natsuko Yonezawa, Itazura Co, Australian Dance Party, Gretel Burgess and Caitlin Schilg; theatre artists Jordan Best, Jim Adamik, Natasha Vickery, Andrea Close and Mill Theatre; musical theatre artists David Cannell, Canberra Philharmonic Society, Dramatic Productions and Heartstrings Productions; and screen producers Wildbear Entertainment.

citynews.com.au

ADVERTISMENT

A second opinion on hearing loss

– you need professional advice, not a sales pitch A woman came into my clinic for a consultation about her hearing aids, telling me her hearing aids were 4 years old and she had never found them to be of much help. She said the salesperson quoted her $14,000 for a pair of hearing aids, however, the monthly special of 20% discount meant they cost her $11,200. So, she ‘only’ paid $11,200 for hearing aids that did not help her. Sadly, I hear this all too often.

Here are some things to do to avoid this type of problem:

years. If you are not sure about their advice, then seek a second opinion. The wrong hearing aids can be an expensive waste and could lead you to stop wearing them. You should always have a trial of hearing aids to ensure that they are right for you.

6. Pensioners and eligible DVA card holders often have entitlement to free services. If you are covered by a government concession, then let the clinician know (even though your clinician should ask). Eligible clients may obtain free hearing tests, consultations, and free hearing aids (referred to as fully subsidized hearing aids).

you are dealing with a qualified clinician, then they belong to a professional association. The best contact is an independent complaints body referred to as Ethics Review Committee.

You can email ethics@auderc.org.au and view the website www.auderc.org.au. You can make an anonymous complaint and your complaint will be handled in a confidential and professional manner. If you are in the ACT, contact the ACT Human Rights Commission email human.rights@act.gov au and the website www.hrc.act.gov.au.

1. Visit your GP. If you or someone you know has a problem with their hearing, visiting your GP to check for wax in the ears, and to get advice is a “A person without starting point.

These hearing aids are appropriate for many professional qualifications people, however if you 2. Qualifications. Always has no business advising you have great difficulty check the qualifications of about your hearing. hearing in background the person you are dealing noise (for example a They need to belong to a with. A person without professional association with a Code restaurant), then you professional qualifications may want to consider of Conduct, so you know they are has no business advising partially subsidized acting in your best interests, you about your hearing. hearing aids. This is when not their own.”

They need to belong to a the government pays a professional association with certain amount, and you – Dr Vass a Code of Conduct, so you pay for additional features know they are acting in your best and benefits. Your decision interests, not their own. should be based on the following: (a) Can you afford the more expensive 3. Independent advice. You should get hearing aids? Don’t go into financial stress independent, professional advice. if you can’t afford them. (b) Are you clear 4. There are a wide range of hearing aids out on the free vs partially subsidized features there. Finding the right hearing aids for your & benefits? Never believe someone who communication needs can be challenging. tells you the free hearings are not good or Hearing aids vary in price and performance. of poor performance, this is simply not true.

Bluetooth® connectivity and rechargeable (c) If you try the partially subsidized hearing hearing aids are available on most hearing aids and are not happy, then return them. Do aids, along with apps that allow you to control not keep hearing aids because you think the your hearing aids from your mobile device. Be failure is yours or that you will improve over aware that just because a hearing aid is more time. If the hearing aids are not working for expensive, that doesn’t mean they are the best you in the trial period, then they will not work hearing aid for you. for you in a year or two.

5. Just as hearing aids vary in performance, clinicians may also vary in performance due to training, experience, and skills. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident in their advice. You are likely to be with this clinician for the life of your new hearing aids, typically 4 to 5

7. If you have a complaint, then seek help.

Your clinician should be able to help you through most of your needs. Sometimes, a problem may be beyond the expertise of even the best clinician. However, if you have a complaint there are things you can do. If

Book an appointment today, Phone: 02 6282 2717

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NEWS FEATURE / plastics

Supermarkets failing in the war on plastic: audit Australian supermarkets have been given an F for fail on plastic waste reduction, with an audit detailing some disturbing practices, reports TRACEY FERIER. AUSTRALIAN supermarkets have been accused of secrecy and relying on “false solutions” while claiming they are tackling the plastic packaging crisis.

An audit has handed Australia’s four largest grocery retailers a fail grade for their efforts to deal with the mountain of plastic that encases the products on their shelves.

Aldi was the best of a bad bunch, scoring 20 per cent for its efforts, ahead of Coles on 15, Woolworths on 10, and Metcash – which owns the IGA/Foodland brands – on just 3 per cent.

The audit, by the Australian Marine Conservation Society and the Boomerang Alliance, is a first attempt to independently verify what grocery retailers are doing to address the problem.

The overwhelming conclusion is not nearly enough.

“Unwillingness to publicly release packaging data amongst most supermarkets indicates that the use of plastics may not be reducing in real terms,” it says.

“All four supermarkets were unable

10 CityNews November 16-22, 2023

to demonstrate evidence of significant progress in resource recovery and increasing the use of recycled plastic content.”

When supermarkets did release data, it was cherry-picked, the audit says.

“Supermarkets are only applying plastic-reduction targets to ownbrand products.

“By only measuring and reporting against targets for their own-brand packaging, Woolworths, Coles and Metcash avoid taking responsibility for the majority of plastics on their shelves.

“Without the whole picture, Australian consumers cannot have confidence that supermarkets have reduced plastic in any meaningful manner.”

The audit was based on data provided by supermarkets, in public reports, and on shopper surveys.

The bulk of each score was based on actions to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic.

AMCS plastics campaign manager Shane Cucow co-authored the report and said the audit exposed some worrying practices.

One is light-weighting, where the

An audit has handed Australia’s four largest grocery retailers a fail over their plastic packaging. thickness of plastic packaging is reduced rather than replaced with something better.

While there are benefits, Mr Cucow says it perpetuates plastic use and supermarkets can avoid more effective solutions like providing reuse and refill options.

There is also evidence supermarkets are pivoting towards soft plastics, which are harder to recycle.

Australia has never had a soft plastics scheme capable of recycling the volume produced, even before the small REDcycle program collapsed.

While supermarkets are part of efforts to establish a new scheme, Mr Cucow says it will be years before

that’s operating at scale.

All of that adds up to a concerning situation where transparency is lacking, solutions can be dubious, retailers are reporting on progress in whatever way they like, and customers can’t be sure of outcomes, he says.

“What we’re seeing in the annual report of companies like Woolworths, for example, is they’re reporting that they’ve reduced virgin plastics. But they don’t show how that was done.

And underneath that, what we see is things like lightweighting, or moving to things like soft plastics.”

Mr Cucow says supermarkets must also explain why plastic-wrapped fruit and vegetables were cheaper than

loose produce 78 per cent of the time.

Woolworths says it is “disappointing to see that this report has based its ratings on incomplete data, and as a result is not a reliable reflection of packaging sustainability at Woolworths”.

“We’ve removed more than 1.4 million kilograms of virgin plastic from our range since 2018, and across all the packaging we can control there is an average recycled content of 49 per cent.”

“We know there is still more to do, and we will continue to publish our packaging data to hold ourselves accountable for our progress, while encouraging our suppliers to do the same.”

Coles says 83.8 per cent of Coles Own Brand packaging is recyclable, and recent improvements include reducing plastic packaging on some Own Brand products, and switching to paper shopping bags – replacing the 230 million soft plastic bags it used to sell annually.

Aldi says it reports transparently on its commitments, which include reducing plastic packaging by 25 per cent by 2025, with 83 per cent of its packaging currently recyclable, reusable or compostable.

Metcash said it would review the report and look to make improvements while continuing to work with stores.

–AAP

citynews.com.au

NEWS FEATURE / nomenclature

Speaking up for the second-class signage citizens

ANDREW FRASER reckons it’s pretty rough that only former Prime Ministers, some in the job for barely days, get explanatory signage in the Canberra suburbs named after them yet other prominent Australians are snubbed by the ACT government.

EDDIE Ward was a professional boxer, lifetime teetotaller and inimitable performer for Labor in the House of Representatives, 1931-1963.

It was Ward who said of fill-in prime minister Arthur Fadden, that the Country Party leader had, for 40 days and 40 nights, held the fate of the nation in the hollow of his head.

As unremarkable fill-in PMs go, Fadden was right up there with the recordholder, Frank Forde (Labor, eight days), and Earle Page (Country Party, 19 days), along with the many others who make up the latter two-thirds of Mungo MacCallum’s book title: “The Good, the Bad and the Unlikely”.

Unlikely as the three above-named undoubtedly were, each has a Canberra suburb named for him, simply because he was prime minister, for however long.

It becomes a double honour when you note that the ACT government conducted a program some years ago to add some explanation to suburb signage, to state who a particular conurbation was named for and

briefly outline their public life as well as putting their picture on display.

But only for the former PMs, mind you. This made second-class signage citizens out of such truly great Australians as our first Chief Justice (Griffith), a president of the United Nations General Assembly (Evatt), an international medical giant (Florey) and the hero of the Inland (Flynn).

The absurdity of this disparity is no better shown than at a roundabout in Tuggeranong where four suburbs come together.

On one corner, in all its pictorial and typographical grandeur is Fadden’s fine sign, while, on the other corners, are three different but all exceedingly plain signs, announcing, by surname alone, the cherished rights campaigners Caroline Chisholm (who is even on the calendar of saints of the Church of England!) and Mary Gilmore, and the father of the wool industry, John Macarthur.

Among the many others without pictures or words is a suburb that, absent that explanation, might confuse many people born since 1970. That is, the overwhelming bulk of those who walk, ride or drive past its signs.

Other Australians who remain unexplained on their suburban signage: from left, Judith Wright, Neville Bonner, Caroline Chisholm and Weary Dunlop.

Jim Fraser, the sole local member for the ACT 1951-1970, after whom the suburb of Fraser is named, not after the former PM. This one hits home for me especially because it is the suburb of Fraser, named for my Dad, Jim, the lone local member of parliament here in the 1950s and 1960s (for Labor) and not for the more recent and more prominent, Malcolm, who was of course a Liberal prime minister.

When Malcolm passed away, a federal electorate was to be named for him, as is the practice.

But there was already a federal electorate named for Jim. That ACT seat (1974-2016) would go, and a new seat of Fraser would be created in Victoria, honouring Malcolm.

I appeared unsuccessfully at the relevant committee hearing, having suggested dual naming for both

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electorate and suburb, a la Cook (Joseph was a PM; James was the “Endeavour’s” captain).

More importantly, I had a very cordial correspondence with Mrs Tamie Fraser, in which we agreed that, on balance, a seat for a PM and a suburb for a loved local member was about correct weight.

Mrs Fraser insisted that the suburb should remain named only for Jim. But who would know from the signage? Many might well think it is for Malcolm, and who could blame them?

Jim was the lone parliamentary representative for this Territory for 19 years, all of them in opposition and most of them with only a vote in the House on local matters.

It was said after his death in 1970 that no-one had taken his job – as a Representative – as literally as Jim. He was certainly loved by the electorate, if not always by his party, who preselected a rival ahead of the 1969 election before a public outcry ensured Jim’s re-endorsement for

Andrew Fraser is a criminal lawyer and former journalist. andrew@ frasercl.com.au

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what would be his final election.

He won that general election with the biggest majority of any Reps seat: a primary vote of 39,070.

At the by-election after his death, only six months later, the Labor candidate received 20,132 primary votes, and the seat went to preferences.

I wrote to the ACT government, seeking better signage for Jim and got a thoroughly unfeeling, bureaucratic response from Minister Mick Gentleman.

You might reckon a Labor minister might know his history a little better.

But what about all the other great Australians who remain unexplained on their suburban signage: Weary Dunlop, Neville Bonner, Nugget Coombs, Judith Wright and Albert Jacka, to name but a few more.

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CityNews November 16-22, 2023 11

THE ACT BUDGET / expenditure

How this high-tax government can’t stop spending “Expenditure forecasts in the 2023-24 Budget are illusory and almost certain to be exceeded by hundreds of millions of dollars,” say JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED. Treasurer Barr has two choices, cut spending, raise taxes or both. More likely, he’ll keep borrowing.

IN a previous article on the 2023-24 ACT Budget, we posed the question whether the forecast improvements in the budget bottom line of more than $600 million over a period of just two years would be achieved.

The bottom line is, of course, the difference between revenue and expenditure, which raises the question, whether revenue is not “enough” or expenditure is higher than it should be.

We noted that taxation in the ACT has grown faster than any other jurisdiction in Australia.

To provide some perspective, if the ACT’s taxation growth was kept at the national average, it would have collected $268 million less in 2021-22. The persistent deficits produced

by Treasurer Andrew Barr over the last 12 years relate, therefore, to the expenditure side of the budget.

Table 1 provides a comparison of the expenditure estimates in the original 2022-23 Budget, Budget Review and the 2023-24 Budget.

The table reveals that within a few months after the release of the 2022-23 budget, the government added $258 million

to the expenditure estimate for the year – in other words a budget blow out.

The growth provided in the original budget was obviously not enough, and expenditure forecasts across the forward estimates were also boosted by $357 million, ie, $615 million in total across the estimates period.

Expenditure growth was lifted from 1.7 per cent per annum in the original budget to 2.2 per cent in the Budget Review.

The 2023-24 Budget added a further $880 million to forecast expenditure across the years.

While Treasurer Barr’s budget media release reflected that amount it ignored the $615 million that had been added some months before to the 2023-24 Budget. Expenditure growth is now forecast at 3.1 per cent a year.

If this outcome were to be repeated in any of the coming years, the forecast improvement in the operating budget will evaporate, unless the government increases taxation or cuts services – an outcome and a set of options that we had foreshadowed before this year’s budget.

Based on the history of its

expenditure management, it is highly likely that there will be budget blowouts and almost certain that the government will not be able to hold its expenditure growth to 3.1 per cent as currently forecast, and as highlighted in Chart 1.

The chart shows budget forecasts of expenditure (thin lines) in successive budgets since 2012-13. The actual expenditure (thick line) has persistently stayed higher, belligerently defying the Treasurer’s stated intentions in successive budgets.

The aggregate expenditure is driven by parameters (such as wage growth, inflation and population growth) and existing policy standards (for example, on response times or wait times) that, combined, result in a “natural” growth rate in budget expenditure.

Any attempt to keep expenditure growth below that natural rate, assuming that service levels and quality are to be preserved, must be based on a realistic plan to achieve efficiency savings.

Without such a plan, agencies will either blow their budgets or reduce service provision to remain within budget.

Over the 10 years from 2012-13 to 2021-22, the average overspend against the original budget was $74 million. In the years an overspend occurred (four out of 10), it was by an average of $215 million.

One year out (for example, the 2014-15 forecast published

in the 2013-14 budget), the budget forecasts have been understated by an average of $359 million. Three years out, ie, the forecast of the last year of the estimates, has been understated, on average, by a staggering $579 million.

This means that, based on the 10 years of actual results against the budget forecasts, the estimate in the current budget of $9.021 billion for 2026-27 is almost certainly understated and, in reality, will be in the order of $9.6 billion.

Is this being unfair? The original estimate for 2023-24 first published just three years ago in the 2020-21 budget was $7.148 billion. The current forecast is $8.354 billion, an increase of $1.206 billion, and we are yet to see the budget review update for this year.

Based on its record, one is entitled to conclude that the ACT government will not hold expenditure growth to 3.1 per cent. Table 2 provides the four-

year growth rates provided in successive budgets, and the actual growth rates achieved.

The table shows that over the last decade the government has not once held to the forecast expenditure, with the actual annual growth averaging 2.7 per cent above the forecast. Before the pandemic, expenditure growth averaged 5.5 per cent per annum. If that growth rate were repeated over the current estimates period (trend in Chart 1), expenditure in 2026-27 will be about $850 million above the current forecast.

The lowest expenditure growth achieved in any fopuryear period was 3.6 per cent from 2015-16 to 2018-19. This was also the period during which there were real cuts to health expenditure, a shortage of 150 beds emerged in the public hospital system, and Canberra’s hospital system performance degraded from above average to the lowest in

the country.

The crisis in the hospital system was so severe that frontline health staff were forced to publicly raise concerns about patient safety.

It was also a time in which the stock of public housing in Canberra continued to be severely degraded.

Because of this history, one is entitled to assume that the expenditure forecasts in the 2023-24 Budget are illusory and almost certain to be exceeded by hundreds of millions of dollars.

It is also almost certain that the forecast improvements in the operating budget will not be achieved, unless the government embarks on a massive savings program, or there are further increases in taxes and charges.

Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official.

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KEEPING UP THE ACT – poking fun at act politics

Stay tuned to your daffy dials, Ken Behrens!

In this exclusive column, our ever-lovin’ CHIEF DUDERINO says that in the lead up to the 2024 election they’re going to flick the loony switch: “I’d like to tell you everything we have planned, except we don’t even know ourselves! That’s how bonkers it is!”

I KNOW a lot of Canberrans have been pumped at how cray-cray we have become as a government.

What with experimenting with hard drugs, mucking around with suicide, cluelessly taking over private institutions, weighing into the war in Gaza, flying to Antarctica and Los Angeles, getting our teachers to ditch that reading-writing BS, setting up parliamentary inquiries into tampons, shoving $28.5 million down the shorts of a surprised Sydney AFL team, making all manner of impossible bans by 2025, having MLAs with titles like “Spokesperson for the Night Economy”, blowing $93 million on some bodgy HR software and, of course, our much beloved CIT systems and complexity thinkers.

How much better is all that than just having us empty your rubbish bins?

But hey gang, strap yourself into your silly-seats, ‘cause things are gunnna get even screwier. Yep, we’re positively high on the crazy-juice at the moment, and in the lead up to the 2024 election we’re going to flick the loony switch to goddamn insane!

I’d like to tell you everything we have planned except we don’t even know ourselves! That’s how bonkers it is! I mean, I could be chillin’ on the couch one night, watching some sci-fi movie, and the next day I could be announcing the first intersex space voyage to Neptune!

But. look, what I can tell you is this – we’ve done the voluntary-assisted dying thingo, where we helped people kill themselves. We’ve done the voluntary-assisted lying bizzo where we’ve helped people believe us. We’ve done the voluntary-assisted sighing, with our tired incompetence. And we’ve done the voluntary-assisted shying, where we’ve shied away from doing our basic council duties.

Now, all that remains is the big one – involuntary-twisted crying!

This is where we really up the ante and do something so blisteringly rad that even our thirstiest adherents nostril-spurt out the Kool-Aid. Here are a few ideas that are literally flowing from my fingers as I thumb this into Notes on my phone.

Well, for starters, you probably heard me going on about how community councils are so “20th century”

“Whatsabout we set up a factory at the Old Bus Depot markets. Canberra Glassworks could make the windscreens, the Canberra Knitters could crochet the chassis… hey presto, Canberra suddenly leads the world in organic cars!” and that, as a modern dictatorship, we need to embrace more progressive tools for community assimilation.

That is why I’m thinking we set up an ACT Minister for Memes. This dude, dudette, or dudeit, would be responsible for checking the latest social media crazes and making sure everyone was hep to them.

So, like, if everyone is doing the Toosie Slide on TikTok, then this needs to be made official ACT policy!

Our few remaining police would then be tasked to ruthlessly comb Canberra’s nightclubs to ensure people are sliding properly and not embarrassing us.

Okay thumbs, where are we going

next? Whatsabout we take on Tesla and start making our own eco-cars?

We could set up a factory at the Old Bus Depot markets. The Canberra Glassworks could make the windscreens, the Canberra Knitters could crochet the chassis and some sparkie from the local Men’s Shed could do the electrical.

Then, hey presto, whammo bammo – Canberra suddenly leads the world in organic cars! Of course, it would be compulsory that every ACT resident have one by 2025, and I’m thinking we call our auto something zesty, like “The Lemon.”

Or how about we spray paint every inch of the ACT in the rainbow pride colours so that we can be seen from outer space as the Rainbow Capital?!

Or howsabout we legislate voting rights for pets?! Or get the CIT to invent time travel so we can go back and change the Voice vote? Or repeal those oppressive laws of gravity that those old-dead-white-guy scientists bullied us into?

Well, that takes us to January.

After that? Well, it all depends on what drugs we take... but stay tuned to your daffy dials, Ken Behrens – we’re gunna freeze your brains into bubble-gum slushies!

And if you think things can’t get any crazier around here, then just wait ‘til the next full moon.

Arrroooo…

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THE GADFLY / insurance

Climate change will cook the insurance industry THE one great godsend of climate change – perhaps the only one – is now firmly on humanity’s radar.

I speak, of course, of the final departure of the worldwide insurance industry. Climate change will sound its death knell.

I don’t wish to be rude, but at last, after at least two centuries of exploiting our fears, we will at last escape its claws. A concept that began with all the high-minded and honourable motives of decency and fellowship was corrupted by the greed of its own malefactors.

Industry historians pretend that it had a royal beginning in 1750BC, when the Mesopotamian king Hammurabi proclaimed a set of laws governing the loss of ships and their cargoes around the Mediterranean.

But that’s as phony as most of the industry’s claims. Shipping “insurance” was very messy since vessels could be lost, sunk or captured by privateers; and court decisions were open to all sorts of bribery and corruption. Shakespeare exposed it beautifully in “The Merchant of Venice”.

Today’s industry really began in the Middle Ages when the craftsmen of Europe paid dues to their guilds, producing a substantial cash nest

Not even the finest fine printer will save the insurance industry from the worldwide ravages of climate change.

The Great Fire of London, depicted by an unknown painter (1675), as it would have appeared from a boat in the vicinity of Tower Wharf on the evening of September 4, 1666. egg. So when their working premises burned down – a common occurrence in the wooden cities of the day – it could pay for a rebuild.

The next step was to recompense guild members who were robbed.

They would cover the member’s pressing expenditures until he was back on his financial feet. It gradually extended its reach to the families of guild members killed or disabled by local crims.

The watershed moment arrived in 1666 when the Great Fire of London roared through 13,000 houses leaving about 100,000 people homeless. By the end of the century “fire insurance” companies proliferated, but there was a catch. They each had their own fire brigade devoted to those houses clearly marked as customers. And unless they saw the company mark, rival brigades simply ignored the conflagration and the victims therein.

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From that historic moment, the moral foundation of the industry began its collapse into a world where profit became the overriding motive and devil take the hindmost.

By the 1750s it had thrown up the first “actuary” in James Dodson, master of Britain’s Royal Mathematical School. He used death rate data to ensure that “life insurance” was weighted so that payments (or “premiums”) would provide a profit to the insurer. After that, the industry made a fine art of the scandalous “fine print” that has stopped claimants in their tracks ever since.

We had a delicious example of this from a backyard cricket match when son Ben clipped a rising bouncer from a frustrated father right through the front window of our Pearce house.

This was a fine print no-no. Payment would only be made if the ball hit a stone on the way and the stone broke the window! (Our response remains a

closely guarded family secret).

However, not even the finest fine printer will save insurance from the worldwide ravages of climate change.

Even as they insure themselves down the line, the plethora of rival insurers who clutter our TV screens with their deceptive commercials are doomed. The girly motorbike riders rushing past some idiot whose car has self-destructed, or a great footballer growing a beard waiting for a rival insurer, are typical of their desperation as the world’s weather takes its revenge on humanity’s mindless greed.

Truth is, you can’t insure the entire world and make a profit. The people’s governments will be forced to assume the cost of their dilatory response to the emergency, or we’ll all go down together. And if you doubt it, just ask an actuary. robert@robertmacklin.com

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NEWS / swimming pools

Danger age for kids around pools The risk of drowning triples after a child’s first birthday, highlighting the need for parents to stay vigilant as summer approaches, reports JACOB SHTEYMAN. PARENTS are being urged to be extra careful around pools when their kids turn one, with a study finding it to be the most dangerous age for drowning.

During the past 20 years, 222 one-year-olds have drowned, representing about 40 per cent of all drowning deaths for children under the age of five.

“As children become more mobile, they are curious and unpredictable,” Royal Life Saving Australia chief executive Justin Scarr said.

“It is vital you keep constant watch and restrict access to water around the home.”

The figures revealed in research by Royal Life Saving come at a key time for drowning risk as summer approaches and Australians spend more time by the water.

Two out of five drowning deaths occur between December and February, the study found.

A total of 549 children under five lost their lives in a swim-

ming pool between 2002 and 2022, with 85 per cent of deaths occurring in a backyard pool.

Drowning is a quick and silent killer, but it can be prevented.

Drowning rates have decreased 60 per cent during the past 20 years because of regulations around pool fencing and growing awareness of the need for kids to be supervised around pools.

But it is still one of the leading causes of death among children under five, with 27 deaths per year on average.

Mr Scarr urged parents to supervise children around water, restrict access to water, teach children water safety skills and learn how to respond in the case of an emergency.

“This is the time of year to check your pool fence and gate,” he said.

A correctly installed fence can prevent children from drowning, Mr Scarr said, and reminded parents never to prop open pool gates for any reason.

–AAP

BRIEFLY New apartments get a break on stamp duty THE stamp duty concession for off-the-plan apartments and townhouses has been increased from $700,000 to include properties valued up to $800,000.

The ACT government says that for contracts signed and exchanged on or after November 27, homebuyers will not have to pay stamp duty on off-the-plan apartment or townhouse purchases valued up to (and including) $800,000.

The concession is worth $22,704 on the purchase of an $800,000 property.

To be eligible for the new concession, contracts will need to be signed and exchanged on or after November 27 and at least one buyer must live in the home continuously for at least one year, beginning within 12 months of the date of completion (the settlement date) of the off-the-plan agreement.

Teresa’s open garden at Red Hill TERESA Zarlenga is opening her Red Hill garden in aid of Canberra Blind Society, 10am-4pm, on the weekend of November 18-19.

“My garden features 31 fruit trees, a 50-metre grapevine, a prolific kitchen garden, a water feature known as ‘The Lagoons’ and, of course, three friendly laying hens, Delphine, Daphne and Delores,” she says. At 50 Investigator Street, entry is a $10 donation.

A glimpse of Teresa’s garden.

Finishing the year on a high note A total of 549 children under five lost their lives in a swimming pool between 2002 and 2022.

SINGING duo Kaz and Shaz will entertain the ladies of the Gungahlin Day View Club at their final meeting for the year at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls, from 11.45am on November 22. Visitors and interested ladies welcome.

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CityNews November 16-22, 2023 15

LEGAL OPINION

Yes, nearly everyone did it… but not everyone YOU are right: nearly everyone who is convicted did it, just as the police and the prosecutor claimed.

But not everyone. Mistakes are made. Many of these mistakes, but not all, are corrected on appeal.

Recognising that there can still be error, Australian jurisdictions have had procedures to inquire, after appeals are exhausted, into whether a conviction is “safe” or “unsafe”.

In the ACT, David Eastman’s conviction for the 1989 shooting murder of senior police officer Colin Winchester is the best known.

Mr Eastman served some 19 years before an inquiry cast doubt on his conviction. There was a retrial at which he was acquitted.

More recently, in NSW, Kathleen Folbigg was granted an unconditional pardon for her convictions for killing her four, small children. A second inquiry (after all appeals failed) accepted that new scientific evidence explained why her children did not die at her hands. The hapless Ms Folbigg spent 20 years in prison.

Some states, and now the ACT, have replaced their traditional “yet another look” procedures with “second appeal” procedures. These have two steps.

First, a single Supreme Court judge examines whether there are sufficient reasons to have the matter put before

If he is fair dinkum, then Rattenbury will amend his new law to have a single judge decide, as a first step, if there are sufficient grounds to have the territory properly fund those preparing a ‘second appeal’ for a prisoner. an Appeal Court (three judges).

Second, if so, then the Appeal Court considers if the conviction should be maintained, an acquittal entered or the conviction set aside with one of the court or prosecutor’s office to decide whether there is to be a new trial or not.

What could go wrong with such a procedure? Has the ACT implemented a best practice model?

To answer those questions let’s look at some of the reasons for wrongful convictions and then whether the ACT’s new law will expose those reasons and rectify the error/s.

Malprosecutions reflect police imperfection: as seen recently in our Magistrates Court as the police misconduct in prosecuting two star NRL players enjoying a night out in Civic was starkly revealed.

CCTV was key to exposing the flawed police account. But in more complex and lengthy investigations (eg murder with no obvious suspect) exposing the investigative error/s will likely be more time consuming and difficult.

Malprosecutions can also reflect

lawyer shortcomings, as was found

by Commissioner Sofronoff in his criticisms this year of the former ACT DPP’s handling of the abandoned prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann.

Here are some of the reasons that innocent people are convicted: Blinkered police investigation that ignores relevant lines of inquiry; • Poor forensic science – including poor crime scene management, problems with the safekeeping of evidence samples, poor/contaminated lab work, lack of objectivity by forensic staff in reporting/ giving evidence; • Failure by police and/or ODPP to disclose to the defence information relevant to the case and its presentation; • Incompetence of defence counsel; • Perjury and/or subornation of witness/es by police; • Prejudice (eg racial, religious) by the fact finder/s; and, • Unbalanced “summing up” to the jury by the judicial officer.

Here are some of the reasons that innocent people remain convicted – even with “second appeal” rights: • Police “cover up” of investigative

deficiencies, police misconduct, and forensic misconduct; • Refusal by supposedly independent bodies to investigate such police “cover up”; • Prosecution office “cover up” of errors and omissions by their staff; • Incompetent lawyers engaged to pursue second appeal case: failure to prepare evidence, failure to understand forensic issues; failure to secure funding for proper inquiries to be made; and, • Judicial resistance to finding fault with earlier trial judge and/or appellate approaches.

In any “wrongful conviction” case an important issue is who is going to pay for the preparation and the court applications by the prisoner?

After losing a trial and appeals most prisoners are penniless. Legal Aid around Australia – including the ACT – is under-resourced. That means the prisoner is dependent upon free legal advice and representation.

Following a South Australian appellate court decision this year there is no incentive, and much disincentive, for well-meaning lawyers to put in a lot of time, and put up with much trouble, acting for prisoners who may

be wrongly convicted.

The rationale for the amendments was explained by the AttorneyGeneral, Shane Rattenbury, in May. But there is no mention by him of the problems outlined above. Rather there is an assumption that what happened to create and then sustain the injustice was inadvertent.

Perhaps the attorney-general means well; however, his amendments ignore the real world and they do not address the wholly unequal resources enjoyed by the competing players.

The resources of the “we got it right” police, prosecutors with something to hide, and incompetent but well-connected defence lawyers to shrug off criticism are near unlimited, while the prisoner is relying on acts of charity to build their case.

If he is fair dinkum, then Rattenbury will amend his new law to have a single judge decide, as a first step, if there are sufficient grounds to have the territory properly fund those preparing a “second appeal” for a prisoner.

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LETTERS

Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au

Builders of this country were the ones in shackles Sadly, I read a letter in the local newspaper criticising colonialism in Australia, which seems to be the current fad.

It was talking about Aboriginals being shackled figuratively speaking, which I thought was ironic, because if they had read their history correctly, they would have realised that the builders of this country were often the ones in shackles and chains.

Aboriginals had the country all to themselves for 60,000 years without shackles. In that time, while looking after the land they had done very little in the way of technology; no buildings, bridges, roads, hospitals, not even the wheel.

It wasn’t until the First Fleet arrived in 1788, that these essential items that we now take for granted were even thought of.

Maybe those anti-colonialists could thank the many convicts that were shackled for the long and arduous hours of backbreaking work they undertook to build the foundations of this country that they now enjoy today.

As for the phrase “Always was, always will be...” that sounds irredeemably racist and forever trapped in the unacceptance of migrants coming to this country and making it a better place. Shame on you.

Ian Pilsner, Weston

A nice academic exercise, but little more I’M at a loss to understand Dr Paul Kauffmann’s concern that the indigenous population is set to “boom” (CN, October 26). His key reason: “An almost religious… wish to identify with one’s Aboriginal ancestry for many people”.

So what? I grew up in an era when convict ancestry was a horrifying thought in polite society. How that particular circle has turned, so why shouldn’t indigenous heritage also follow a similar path as Australia, hopefully, broadens its social horizons?

Besides, the simple (perhaps even simplistic) arithmetical projections provided

by Dr Kauffmann and his sources are a nice academic exercise but little more.

Of course, the predictable response will be that, “they’re all trying to latch on to the extra benefits ladled out to anyone who wishes to claim Aboriginality”.

This canard based on, “why should ‘they’ get benefits the rest of us don’t”, also

citynews.com.au

contains a great irony. If there are “false” claims to Aboriginal identity, those making them must therefore be non-Aboriginal (white perhaps?).

Besides, I know of no real evidence that such is occurring to any larger extent than in other benefits areas, despite ongoing unsubstantiated claims from the usual media suspects and their acolytes.

Oddly, we seldom hear such vociferous complaints about dodgy claimants in other welfare areas. Oh, sorry, I forgot about all those skiving dole-bludgers in the ‘80s (when I was at Social Security), along with the masses of teenage girls who got pregnant just so they could claim the single-parent benefit. Their hyper-ventilated numbers were just as fictitious.

Eric Hunter, Cook

A long bow on population forecasts IN forecasting the indigenous population out to 2081, Paul Kauffman makes some sweeping assumptions (“Indigenous population set to ‘boom’”, CN October 26).

In 1961, when Dr Kauffman claims the indigenous population was 84,000, Section 127 of the constitution contained the wording “Aboriginal natives shall not be counted”.

Back then, people were also afraid to identify as Aboriginal because of the stigma and discrimination. In 1965, in Moree, Aboriginal children were barred from entering the swimming pool, for example.

The definition of aboriginality has also changed over time. In 1991, a legal historian estimated that at least 67 classifications, descriptions or definitions to determine who is an Aboriginal person had been used by governments since white settlement in Australia.

Therefore, assuming the growth in those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander from 2021 to 2081 is the same as that from 1961 to 2021 is a long bow indeed.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria

Why Assembly Liberals need to be transparent WHAT a reminder – “there are nine elected members of the Liberal Party” in the Legislative Assembly (“How the Libs missed the moment to be moderate”, CN November 9).

Over the next 11 months, insincere,

shallow or fake attempts to bolster the “moderate” credentials of any Liberal sitting member, new candidate or the ACT party overall will easily be skewered by an alert electorate, particularly one that also expects local campaigns to comprise much more than superficial “roads and rubbish” level viewpoints and proposals.

Or will a couple of ACT “moderates” be minimally defined and paraded while the rest remain relatively mute on issues that matter to the five ACT electorates?

Canberra voters’ antennae would also twitch in overdrive at any party attempt to draw on the damaging skills, strategies and significant resources of its previously used and now better-known right-wing helpmates like Advance, Fair Australia, the Australian Christian Lobby, the ACT’s former Liberal senator and his former, yet still interfering, factional colleagues from regional NSW, Queensland, and WA, as well as some of his former Assembly colleagues and key staffers.

Given the ACT party’s history, networks and poorly received past electioneering tactics, both current and aspiring Assembly Liberals need to be much more honest and transparent about who and what is influencing and driving the party, its policy priorities and its evolving platform. The creation of “puppet” moderates will not work in the ACT. Sue Dyer, Downer

Unnecessary and unjustified traffic lights IN the interest of full disclosure, can we ask Chief Minister Barr to detail how much he saved by going to Optus for the essential phone services to our hospitals, schools, ambulances, police and ESA? No point asking where those savings went – there is always that ever increasing cost of the tram, never to be disclosed to the public But out here in Holt we do know where some of the savings went. On totally unnecessary and unjustified traffic lights on Drake Brockman Drive where it crosses three low-traffic, suburban streets: Spofforth, McNaughton and Trickett.

The beneficiaries? Well that’ll be those punters who bought into the government business enterprise out at Strathnairn, and who were the recipients of a good deal on stamp duty, at the expense of my ever-increasing rates.

Bill Brown, Holt

Thank you, Jon, for raising this issue I DON’T want to reflect too adversely on “The Canberra Times”, but I cannot imagine they would run an article like “‘Lest we forget’ but there’s nowhere to remember them” (CN November 2).

Author Jon Stanhope reasonably reflects on the sacrifice of young Australians in various conflicts, but the fact is the locals are not aware of their own history.

I recall some years back when he spoke up for adequate recognition of the German sailors who died and are buried in our Cocos Islands in World War I (which I totally agreed with at the time). Germany has not always been an enemy, but they now are very much a friend.

I was not entirely surprised he did not object to the upgrade of the Australian War Memorial. It commemorates the sacrifice of so many.

But he is not alone in the need for the recognition of so many both in the ACT or elsewhere. It should be a common courtesy we extend to these young men (and women).

I had the pleasure some years back seeing the Hall School Museum. I understand how he feels to learn something that is important but similarly revealing.

Should Jon and Robyn want to change the pace, the Blue Mountains have a grove of trees dedicated to former Prime Ministers, and Ballarat has its Avenue of Honour.

Although the latter at 22 kilometres and 3912 names and 528 dead might be a bit much for even the most devoted of spouses.

Thank you, Jon, for raising this issue.

Martin Gordon, Dunlop

Druggies on the streets and in the gutter I AM writing to let Michael Moore and the people of the ACT know that his commentary, “Reforms not the end of the world as we know it” (CN November 2), needs to be corrected.

Mr Moore seems to be of the opinion that legalising small amounts of drugs is not a problem. Moore asks if Elizabeth Lee will have the good grace to eat her words. I would ask the same of Moore.

My husband and I stayed in Vancouver a few years ago and it is a lovely city, or should I say was. My sister recently visited it

and was disappointed. There were druggies out on the streets, in the gutter, propped against the walls and parked on any available bench.

I Googled drug laws in Vancouver and in January 2023 they brought out the same laws that the ACT Greens/Labor government had just brought into the ACT. Is this what we have to look forward to? I hope not.

As to the provision of treatment: this ACT Greens/Labor government is clearly already incapable of providing the necessary level of service, so there is no reason to expect they will do anything whatsoever in support of this decriminalisation. As such, we can clearly look forward to the same outcomes as have happened in Portugal.

Vi Evans, via email

We face Russia joining in a nuclear World War III IN his article “The only means left to decide the winner is force” (CN, November 9), Robert Macklin notes “this is the time when climate heating demands that we work together to solve a truly existential problem for our species. The clash between ancient notions of the relative merits of gods... is a complication we don’t need”.

It seems to me that a major stumbling block to “working together” is the intransigence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The “Guardian Weekly” of November 3 quoted a Gaza resident who said: “Israel cut us off from the world (in north Gaza) in order to wipe us out”. Gazans have not yet been wiped out, but tens of thousands of non-combatants have been killed, including many thousands of innocent children.

When Mr Netanyahu was asked to call a ceasefire so the dead could be buried and wounded evacuated, he replied: “The Bible says that there is a time for peace and a time for war. This is a time for war”.

Rather than showing any sign of ending, the war will likely worsen, and possibly draw in Hezbollah and its heavily-armed (perhaps nuclear-armed) host, Iran.

One could be forgiven for asking “when will the conflict stop expanding?” With the world’s attention diverted away from the Ukraine war, we could possibly be faced with Russia joining in a nuclear World War III. Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

CityNews November 16-22, 2023 17

BRILLIANT BELCONNEN

Exploring Belconnen’s bustling business scene THE district of Belconnen is one of the original 18 districts of the ACT, and today, some 56 years after it began development, remains one of Canberra’s most populated.

With more than 100,000 residents, the area has become home to one of the capital’s most thriving business scenes.

This week “CityNews” heads northside to chat with the Belco businesses proud to share their skills and services.

18 CityNews November 16-22, 2023

Resources and support to help people thrive

Charity race day to raise money

CAPITAL Region Community Services (CRCS) is a non-profit, community-based organisation that provides a wide range of programs and services to communities across the ACT and the broader capital region, says executive manager strategy and impact Heidi Prowse.

“We began 50 years ago, formerly known as Belconnen Community Services, and we run the Belconnen Community Centre, which hosts a theatre, sports hall, gym, cafe, early childhood centre, community events and more,” she says.

“On November 30, we are launching our new Emporium, an addition to our existing Social Bean cafe, where local creatives can lease space to sell their goods.”

Heidi says CRCS also run the Belconnen Youth Centre.

“We provide diverse programs and services catering to individuals, families, children, young people and seniors,” she says.

“Our services include early education and care, outside-school-hours care, youth engagement, family support, education and early intervention services, community transport, aged care in-home and social supports, therapeutic services, disability services, housing support, and community development and recreation programs.

“Working collaboratively with community members, local organisations and businesses, we develop responsive programs and activities that support self-determination and reduce

PEGASUS is a centre of excellence in riding for the disabled, says fundraising and event co-ordinator Jo Kennedy.

“We deliver our unique horse and farm-based activities at our 100-acre Pegasus Farm in Holt,” she says.

“We are a predominantly volunteerled organisation. It is because of the integrity, pride and passion that this cohort of over 130 volunteers contribute that allow us to serve the community.

“The reward for our volunteers is seeing first hand the joy, confidence and skills that our participants take away with them each week.”

Jo says while Pegasus programs are heavily volunteer based, Pegasus needs funding to assist with the elements of its operations that come at a financial cost.

“Throughout the year we have a

small number of wonderful events that underpin and facilitate the needs of our organisation, that give us the resources for fixed costs that simply can’t be met without funding; these include health and nutrition, pasture management and specialised training of our herd, well-maintained equipment and facilities and a safe for purpose farm environment for our riders and other participants,” she says.

“Pegasus will soon be hosting our final event of the year at Thoroughbred Park.

“It’s the Corkhill Bros Pegasus Charity Race Day on December 1 from noon to 6pm.”

Pegasus ACT, 119 Drake Brockman Drive, Holt. Call 6254 9190, or visit pegasusact.com.au

social isolation.

“We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and connected community where everyone can access the resources and support needed to thrive.”

Capital Region Community Services, Belconnen Community Centre, 23 Swanson Circuit, Belconnen.

Call 6264 0200, or visit crcs.com.au

citynews.com.au

advertising feature Giving people control over their conditions

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MODERN Psychotherapy and Hypnosis Solutions was established in August to offer natural hypnotherapy services to the Belconnen area, says director and owner Coralee Rooney.

“Generally people come to us when they have tried everything else,” she says.

“We can help with everything from irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, impulse control and post traumatic stress disorder.”

Coralee says phobias can usually be tackled in four sessions, and trauma is moved to become a longer-term memory.

“I don’t need to know about your history,” she says.

“We use the unconscious part of yourself to unlock and tap into resources, to then apply them to the necessary areas of concern.

“We use the successful characteristics of you and replicate them into the other spaces.”

Coralee says she only focuses on the services that are medically based, where traditional services haven’t helped.

“I tap into human potential and intellect to draw out solutions, giving people control over their conditions,” she says.

“I can offer this service with the same results through online platforms, too.”

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Monday to Friday 9am–5pm CityNews November 16-22, 2023 19

BRILLIANT BELCONNEN John Scarano of JS Bookkeeping.

That friendly, little shop in Latham KIM Poulsen says her little shop in Latham – Corner Connections – has been operating for two years.

“Corner Connections offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in a cafe and takeaway spot,” she says.

“While you are at the cafe enjoying a cuppa and a catch up with friends, you can also pick up some daily staples like milk, bread and a small selection of grocery items.

“We offer a family-friendly corner store vibe, offering one-on-one service to accommodate your individual needs.”

Kim says she also offers a selection of

island dishes.

“Food of the Islands, Fiefia Island Taste,” she says.

“This taste sensation is available from Wednesday to Saturday along with the Aussie-inspired takeaway, seven days a week.

“We’re open from 8am to 8pm, and we are as individual as you are.

“Come down to Corner Connections at Latham shops and say hello, we look forward to seeing new faces here.”

Corner Connections, 19/15 Wanliss Street, Latham.

Call 6278 3849, or visit cornerconnections.com.au

Helping clients through ‘unnecessary’ work JOHN Scarano, of JS Bookkeeping, says he is annoyed by the Australian Taxation Office’s decision to revive petty debts.

“I have clients with debts as small as five cents or $2,” he says.

“One is even directed to a client who died at least three or four years ago.

“The practice had been paused because of COVID-19 and the Black Summer bushfires, but the sudden resumption is unacceptable.

“My strong view would be that anyone chasing debts – including the ATO – would have to advise the date of the debt or dates and proof of debt.

“It’s not acceptable to just issue such a list as has been forwarded to tax agents.”

John says any accounting practice has only its time to

sell, the question is who will pay?

“I have been in the industry for 40-odd years,” he says.

“What do we tell the clients without any details?

“It just creates extra, unnecessary work. Is five cents really worth the ATO’s time in chasing?”

John says his work ethic means he will, of course, do everything to the highest standard.

“I am here to help my clients in any way I can,” he says.

“But surely with ATO computers and processes they would have a way of at least restricting such a list to values over $100.

“I, on behalf of other accountants in the industry, request the ATO take this issue back to the drawing board.”

JS Bookkeeping. Call 0407 254210.

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citynews.com.au

advertising feature

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All day Coffee Quality Beer, Wine & Spirits

Catering to customer desire THE Yard was opened in 2022 as an extension of the Jamison Southern Cross Club, says venue manager Andrew Wolthof.

“It came about due to our large outdoor space being under-utilised, and a larger demand from our patrons to be outdoors in the open air,” he says.

“It’s an alfresco offer, with a bar promoting local beverages, including four tap beers from Capital Brewing and wines from Lake George and Mount Majura.

“We have live local music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and the space is also connected to our function room, where we can cater events with an indoor/ outdoor offer.”

Andrew says Belconnen is a great area, very community focused and people love to support their local businesses.

“We have a passion for the venue to do well,” he says.

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“Things like The Yard are born out of a desire to engage new people, and get them visiting our venues and joining our 85,000 strong member base.”

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CityNews November 16-22, 2023 21

LEADING LAWYERS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Trusted lawyers get the best results for clients WHEN things go awry and legal services are needed, people want to find a lawyer they can trust to get them through what is often a difficult and emotional time.

Whether it’s criminal law, commercial law, property law, family law, wills and estates law or personal injury law, the ACT has a range of trusted, leading lawyers to help overcome any legal matters.

This week “CityNews” speaks with some of the local lawyers who share a common interest in getting the best results for their clients, no matter the problem.

22 CityNews November 16-22, 2023

Helping Canberrans get fair compensation MALIGANIS Edwards Johnson (MEJ) has been protecting the rights of injured Canberrans since 1985, says partner Craig Edwards.

“MEJ are the legal specialists in personal injury and understand the complexity of the laws that govern compensation in the ACT,” he says.

“Being 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.

“The experienced team knows that without the right legal advice and representation, you can miss out on fair compensation and incur unnecessary costs.”

Craig says MEJ’s philosophy is simple – if you’ve been injured through someone else’s fault then you deserve fair compensation.

“However, it’s important that you act quickly to achieve the best possible result,” he says.

“We offer a free initial consultation and work on a ‘no win-no fee’ basis.

Maliganis Edwards Johnson.

Call 6257 2999, or visit mej.com.au

Maliganis Edwards Johnson partner, Craig Edwards.

Playing a role in supporting the community RMB Lawyers has been operating continuously for 138 years, providing legal services to individuals and organisations small, medium and large, says associate Tait Keller.

“The firm has continued to grow over the years and has expanded across regional NSW to become one of the largest regional-based law firms and is now operating from 17 offices – Queanbeyan, Bowral, Braidwood, Camden, Condoblin, Dapto, Forbes, Goulburn, Kiama, Lake Cargelligo, Moss Vale, Nowra, Parkes, Shellharbour, Warilla, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong,” he says.

“RMB Lawyers emerged as a standout in the Australian Law Awards, claiming the title of the best Regional/Suburban Law Firm.

“There are many accredited specialists in different areas of law in RMB Lawyers, covering areas such as business law, personal injury and family law.”

Tait says the RMB Lawyers and support staff are very much a part of their local communities.

“We understand local people and local issues,” he says.

“One of the most satisfying aspects of my job is being able to help local

RMB Lawyers associate Tait Keller. individuals and businesses with their legal needs.

“Knowing that I am playing a role in supporting the growth and success of our local community is incredibly rewarding.”

RMB Lawyers, 70 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6284 2855, or visit rmblawyers.com.au

citynews.com.au

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You shouldn’t have to live with a physical or psychological injury because of someone else’s negligence or abuse. That’s why when it comes to awarding you compensation, we believe you deserve better.

LEADING LAWYERS Applying values and expertise to law

“Ken aims to define what is most important to his clients, walking through the process with them to achieve an outcome they can live with.

“Other than family law, Ken has extensive experience in the areas of estates litigation, commercial and property, and he also sometimes deals with criminal and traffic infringement matters.”

Ken helps people with their legal issues with confidence and compassion, says Rhonda.

“Ken is a people’s person and always leads with a ‘can-do’ attitude.”

TRINITY Law, established in 2005, is a firm specifically focused on property, project development, commercial and business law, commercial dispute resolution and insolvency, says principal and partner Sarah Mason-Jones.

“We understand the importance of direct contact with our clients, and place our clients’ needs at the very centre of our business,” she says.

“We want our clients to grow and thrive in an increasingly competitive market, and so focus on practical, timely and accurate advice in our key areas of expertise.”

Sarah says she has been in the industry for 15 years.

“I get great satisfaction out of working with a wide range of clients – from individuals, new or established businesses and larger landholders and developers – to achieve their property objectives,” she says.

“Our values of excellence, efficiency, integrity and positivity are the basis of what we do as a firm.

“At Trinity Law, we aspire to live these values in all of our relationships, from our clients, to our employees and our community.”

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Trinity Law, Level 1, 55 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston. Call 6163 5050, or visit trinitylaw.com.au

Rhonda and Ken Hubert of Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators.

Leading lawyer with a ‘can-do’ attitude KEN Hubert, of Capon and Hubert, began his career as an articled clerk with Romano and Verducci, and spent some time as an associate assisting Justice Kelly, says finance director Rhonda Hubert.

“He has spent his working life in legal practices in Canberra,” she says.

“He then worked with William G Pierce, eventually buying out the practice, which then merged with that of Geoff Capon, and became what is now known as Capon and Hubert.”

Rhonda says Ken’s legal career spans nearly 40 years.

“Ken’s main area of expertise revolves around family matters, where he listens to clients to define issues and determines possible options, before he then handles negotiations and court proceedings,” she says.

Trinity Law prinipal and partner Sarah Mason-Jones.

Working with you for the best result Experienced in Wills and Estate Planning and in all areas of Family Law, including adoptions.

Ken is an accredited business and family mediator.

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For the best outcome when it matters how it’s done call Capon & Hubert on 6152 9203 First Floor, 32-38, Townshend Street, Phillip ACT chsol.com.au | enquiries@chsol.com.au 24 CityNews November 16-22, 2023

citynews.com.au

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sound and cost-effective legal advice CHRIS Malfone, principal solicitor and director, says WMG Legal has a qualified and experienced team of legal professionals who are dedicated to providing the most cost-effective solutions to legal issues.

“With decades of industry experience, our team of legal advisors and solicitors have the skills and expertise to help you navigate the constantly changing legal system,” he says.

“We offer dependable advice that is tailored to your specific needs and make ourselves available whenever necessary.

“Our goal is to help our clients achieve success, and work closely with our clients at every step of the process to keep them informed and up to date.”

Chris says WMG Legal loves helping clients by meeting and exceeding their expectations.

“We’re down to earth and always put in the work to ensure our client’s rights are protected,” he says.

“At WMG Legal, we have a qualified and experienced team of legal professionals who are dedicated to providing the most cost-effective solutions to your legal issues.

“Our team recognises that sound legal advice should not cost the earth.”

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CityNews November 16-22, 2023 25

LEADING LAWYERS Accessible and innovative legal services

Neilan Stamandinoli Family Law co-owners Anna Neilan, left, and Lucy Stramandinoli.

Establishing a connection from the first meeting “IT can be quite overwhelming for those who have never had to talk to a lawyer about what happens when you separate,” says Lucy Stramandinoli, coowner of Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law. “For parents, their top priority is the kids. Life gets turned upside down and what used to be normal is no longer normal.

“Couples 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.”

With a team that has decades of combined experience, Lucy says Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law strives to be a place where people can come to find help.

“Most people want to keep things amicable and stay out of court. We encourage that very much,”

she says.

“Especially when the parties have children, as co-parenting and communication about the children is critical as everyone in the family moves on from the relationship.”

Lucy believes it’s important to establish a connection with clients from the first time they meet.

“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 says.

“We 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. Call 6152 0493, or visit nsfamilylaw.com.au

BAKER Deane and Nutt Lawyers (BDN) is one of the oldest law firms in NSW, having been practicing for more than 160 years and providing expert advice with a personal touch, says partner Lorraine White.

With two offices, one in Canberra, the other in Queanbeyan, BDN operates across NSW, ACT and Commonwealth jurisdictions.

Lorraine says this means no matter what the legal issues are, BDN will be able to be able to assist.

“BDN has embraced flexible approaches to providing our services to our clients, including using AVL and electronic signoff where appropriate, without losing our focus on providing a quality service,” she says.

“The firm prides itself on being accessible, responsive and innovative.

“Excellent staff, technology and systems ensure clients receive prompt, reliable and effective legal services.”

Lorraine says BDN’s team of highly skilled lawyers and support staff genuinely enjoy helping people.

“Our staff understand that legal matters are often stressful,” she says.

“We aim to assist our clients deal with their legal issues promptly and with the aim of minimising the cost and stress.”

Baker Deane and Nutt Lawyers, Level 1, 1 Farrell Place, Civic (call 6230 1999) and 260 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan (call 6299 3999). Visit bdn.com.au

BDN partner Lorraine White.

Working for the best possible solution 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:

New or existing relationships:

• Parenting arrangements • Dividing property and superannuation • Family violence matters

• Best arrangements for your children • Protecting assets and yourself • Preserving entitlements

Lucy Stramandinoli Family Lawyer

Anna Neilan Family Lawyer

For a fixed fee initial appointment phone us on 02 6152 0493 nsfamilylaw.com.au Email: info@nsfamilylaw.com.au Suite 2 Ground Floor 11 London Circuit, Canberra City 26 CityNews November 16-22, 2023

citynews.com.au

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Passionate about offering an agile service M LEGAL is a law firm that specialises in property and immigration law, say principal lawyers Sofia Maniam and Leia Mathai.

“We began in 2018, and have jointly 40 years of legal experience from corporate, government and private law firms,” they say.

“Clients will be dealing with us and our expertise directly.

“As a technical bonus, being cloud-based makes us agile and allows us to offer a streamlined process.”

Sofia and Leia say they run a client-friendly firm, and know that clients can’t always commit to a 9-5 office hours schedule.

“We are happy to work hand-in-hand with other lawyers and businesses to offer a full service for our clients, too,” they say.

“This business gives us autonomy, and we get to grow a firm that we are proud of based on our strong values.

Need assistance with conveyancing or migration law?

M Legal principal lawyers Leia Mathai, left, and Sofia Maniam.

“We are passionate about what we do, and about helping others.”

M Legal, call 1300 709920, or visit m-legal.com.au

Resolving family matters without the wait MAZENGARB Family Lawyers aim to get families through their difficult parenting matters without the stress and the lengthy waiting for a court hearing, says partner Geoff Mazengarb.

“Parents are keen to resolve their family law matters prior to Christmas so they can enjoy the holiday season with their children free of conflict,” he says.

“This means that more parents are engaging in mediation to come to a resolution rather than filing an urgent application in the court system.

“I am able to help separated parents to discuss all issues relating to their children and reach a resolution that meets the needs of their family.”

Geoff says Mazengarb Family Lawyers can provide a joint session for parties to get their matters dealt with

in a shorter time frame, or in the case of parties who don’t want to be in the same room as one another, we can host a “shuttle session” where we move from separate rooms to speak to each party.

“At Mazengarb Family Lawyers each client is treated as an individual and each problem is unique,” he says.

“Myself and Aarti Arora operate Mazengarb Family Lawyers together and have been serving the community since 2002.

“We try to be inventive in the way we approach any problem and the solution we propose.”

Mazengarb Family Lawyers, Level 3/10 Rudd Street, Canberra City. Call 6230 0199, or visit mfamilylawyers.com.au

Our Principals are dedicated lawyers who share a common goal in how a modern law practice should be run. This is underpinned by a strong set of values and principles and overall, emphasis in caring for clients.

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1300 709 920 | m-legal.com.au CANBERRA & SYDNEY |

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citynews.com.au

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bdn.com.au CityNews November 16-22, 2023 27

LEADING LAWYERS

Don’t burden your child with conflict

Working peacefully to resolve family law matters BALANCE Family Law was established in 2019 with a focus on non-adversarial family law, to keep families out of court, says director Perpetua Kish.

“We have not had a matter progress to final court since we were established, and have a 100 per cent settlement rate without a judge,” she says.

“I have previously seen the harm courts can do to families and children, so I work peacefully with clients to resolve matters outside the court system.

“We lead the Kind Lawyers movement, which is all about changing the conversation in law from one of combat to kindness.”

In 2020 the firm expanded to include wills and estate planning, led by Balance’s co-founder Johnathon Naef.

“Jono was named a finalist as a New Lawyer of the Year 2023 in his fifth year of practice,” says Perpetua.

“And, the New Year is the perfect opportunity to update and refresh your will.

“We have grown from a team of two right up to a team of eight now, with diverse backgrounds and languages spoken amongst us.

“We are passionate about helping couples and families separate the smart way, with kindness, with respect, without court.”

Our team at Mazengarb Family Lawyers want what is best for you and your family.

Our aim is to resolve your legal matter quickly and amicably without resorting to litigation.

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Succulents… an easy go-to plant that needs very little care once established.

Photos: Jackie Warburton

Summer garden gets a move on AS spring comes to an end, the garden changes slightly to fastgrowing foliage and flowers and, of course, vegetables.

Early summer flowers are in full bloom. It is important to consistently water garden beds to prevent the soil drying out around the roots of the plants.

If the soil has dried out, use a seaweed solution or water crystals to hydrate the garden and, of course, use mulch to keep moisture in the ground for the warmer months.

Deadhead roses to keep them flowering through summer and liquid feeding them once a fortnight will keep them strong.

For “waterwise” plants, succulents are an easy go-to plant that need very little care once established. Most succulents like full sun, though some like shade. The aspect of the garden will dictate the best succulents to grow. With shallow root systems, they can grow well in small spaces and where water is a premium.

The most common succulent to start with would be Echeverias, Sempervivums and Haworthias. The

potting mix for growing succulents needs to have good drainage. It’s easy to make your own.

To sifted, general-purpose potting add an equal amount of sharp sand mixed with a little organic fertiliser.

It’s important to place a little gravel or mulch around the top of the pot to prevent any fungal splash on to the leaves and also as a decorative finish to the plant. Water once a week or when dry.

ELDERBERRY (Sambucus canadensis) flowers right through summer. It grows more like a loose shrub than a tight-leafed plant, but still can put on a good 2.5 metres of growth in one season.

Its foliage and growth is quite large and unsuitable to be clipped, but they are good for quick summer screening and grow well, say, under power lines in a backyard.

When flowering, Elderberry attracts pollinators and nectar-feeding birds to the garden.

It’s a woody herbaceous shrub that branches from a centre stem at the base of the plant each spring and, over time, the clump will get bigger and might need dividing.

In winter it is important to cut stems back to the base of the plant because the winter frosts will kill the stems anyway, and they will not regrow.

Dividing clumps every few years should be done in winter by lifting the whole plant out of the ground and using a fork or sharp spade to

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sever the clump into smaller pieces.

This versatile plant can also be used for erosion control on moist sites.

Its counterpart, the European Sambucus nigra, grows more like a small tree. It has beautiful black/purple lace-like foliage and makes a striking contrast in a lush green garden. It comes with the bonus of large, scented pink flowers. This variety grows to three metres tall and wide.

The flowers are on new growth on the tips of the stems and, if not pruned after flowering, in autumn there will be a display of blue berries that can be cooked.

Importantly, the berries need to be removed to prevent birds spreading the seed to local bushland. The edible berries and flowers are also popular for medicinal purposes and also used for dye and cordials.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

Top partners in crime turn in a compulsive cracker

ANNA CREER

Young virtuosos debut in Canberra concert coup

By Helen

MUSA WHEN The Young Soloists step on stage at the Snow Concert Hall in its first Australian performance, it will be unlike any other youth orchestra, as I found when talking to artistic director Alexander Gilman.

Gilman, himself a famous German-born violinist, is not the centre of the show – that will fall to his “top-of-the-tree” team of 13 virtuosos from age 13 to 23 from more than 20 nations, who will perform string works

by Holst, Sollima, Skoryk, Paganini, Bottesini and Beethoven.

It’s a considerable coup for Snow’s artistic director, Anna de la Vega.

“I know there is musical gold in every city in the world and youth orchestras attract young people, but I wanted to do it professionally and these musicians already know what they want to be, from age 10 to 11,” Gilman says by phone from London.

“My goal has been to find the one per cent of highly talented string players from around the world, to get them recording for major companies and to get them audiences.”

The Young Soloists… “They’re of all religions and many age groups, and there’s no age limit,” says artistic director Alexander Gilman.

Photo: Marion Schönenberger Although he enjoys his job teaching at the Royal College of Music, Gilman says “no school can give you that kind of experience, because you won’t fill the hall”.

As it is, Young Soloists was the first youth orchestra in the world to release an album on Sony Music/RCA Red Seal, and composer Phillip Glass has written a string symphony for it.

As for filling halls, they’ve done that

recently at the Vienna Musikverein, Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie’s Great Hall and the Kennedy Center in Washington.

“We are offering a platform to grow to build their careers,” Gilman says.

“All some of them know is sitting in their room and practising, so take them out of isolation…music is not an isolated practice.

You must share it.”

His players are all full scholarship students

at places such as the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute and Cambridge University, but even more importantly, they are diverse.

“They’re of all religions and many age groups, and there’s no age limit – I say, just stay until you move somewhere else.”

Before covid, they did 50 to 60 concerts a year, he says, and they’re pretty well back to that.

They meet regularly to rehearse – the day

after we talk that will be in Hamburg, then they’ll follow with 12 concerts in Germany and Switzerland.

Sure, some of them are jetlagged, but, as Gilman notes, “anybody who wishes to be a soloist and travel the world, needs to see what it’s like to fly for 24 hours and then rehearse; it’s not so easy, they want a touring life and it sounds fancy… but this gives them a real-life experience.”

And, yes, it is expensive. He’s just paid an invoice for flights to and from Australia of €50,000 (more than $A83,000).

Happily, he reports, from the outset he has been supported by the princely family of Liechtenstein in Europe, which owns one of the largest private banks in the world and has a global trust that has supported the soloists.

The 13 young musicians will be coming straight to Canberra before moving on to Sydney and Melbourne.

“We are very excited about coming to Canberra, because the day after the concert, we will be meeting local children and playing together – when we go on tour, we try to do outreach,” Gilman says.

And after they return from Australia via performances in Singapore and Hong Kong?

A quick concert in Luxembourg and off on a major tour of South America.

The Young Soloists, Snow Concert Hall, November 25.

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CityNews November 16-22, 2023 31

STREAMING / ‘Fargo’

‘Fargo’ surprises and confounds “WHEN is a kidnapping not a kidnapping and what if your wife isn’t yours?”

These are the curious questions at the centre of the fifth season of “Fargo” soon to drop for free on SBS On Demand.

This newest installment in the oddball saga of black comedy crime drama features “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm in the leading role.

He’s Roy Tillman, a boisterous sheriff in small town Minnesota attempting to track down a seemingly ordinary housewife (Juno Temple) whose dark past comes to light after a bungled kidnapping.

But apart from this plot outline, the story of season five remains under wraps.

Such is “Fargo’s” MO. This show wants to surprise and confound its viewers with its twisty, offbeat plots which become increasingly absurd as the seasons unfold.

For those who haven’t tuned in before, each season of “Fargo” tells a different crime story with different characters.

So far there’s been everything from a pair of identical twins attempting to kill one another (both of who are played by Ewan McGregor) to an obsessive matriarch (Jean Smart) of a 1970s crime family who fights to keep control of her unpredictable criminal kids.

While these stories are separated from one another and play out in different time periods, somehow all of them always link back to the titular town.

It’s the atmosphere and feeling of “Fargo’’ that connects these stories more than anything.

While on the surface each season has an air of comedy and quirkiness, bubbling away beneath it is something more sinister and tragic. It’s the show’s music that pinpoints this feeling more than words can, often swinging from pithy drumlines to haunting violin

Jon Hamm, who plays Roy Tillman, a boisterous sheriff in small town Minnesota in the latest series of “Fargo”. melodies in the space of minutes.

The result is a series unlike anything else in the streaming world.

Hamm has joined an all-star roster of talent over the show so far. Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemmons are all just to name a few of those who have lent their talent to these peculiar tales.

Also joining Hamm this season is “Stranger Things” star Joe Keery, who plays the sheriff’s son who can’t quite ever live up to his father’s rigid expectations.

If “Fargo’’ rings a bell, it’s because you might be thinking of the 1996 film of the same name. It told the story of down-and-out car salesman Jerry Luundegaard (William H Macy) who plots to have his wife kidnapped in

order to secure a ransom from her wealthy father.

Of course, it’s a plan that doesn’t quite pan out how Jerry envisioned it would.

Directed by the Coen brothers, “Fargo” took out the Oscar for best original screenplay and scored leading woman Frances McDormand the gong for best actress.

Sadly though, it’s not easy to find the film online.

While it can be purchased on Apple TV Plus and Amazon Prime Video, there’s unfortunately no streaming subscription that currently includes the film. A shame that such a masterpiece isn’t more accessible.

For those who want to catch up on the first four seasons of the show so far, they can be found on Stan, but there’s certainly no obligation to watch them in order or at all for that matter. The beauty of “Fargo” is that its seasons all comfortably stand on their own. If one intrigues the viewer more than another they can go for it.

Season five hits SBS On Demand on November 22 and, at this stage, there seems to be no slowing down for the show either, with murmurings of season six already out there.

“The danger is always that you’re going to stay at the dance a little too long,” said the show’s creator Noah Hawley in an interview with “Variety”.

“I have to put a lot of it in place in my head and really make sure it’s worthy of joining these 41 hours. I don’t want to try and make another one unless I think, ‘oh, we have to make this one.

It’s the best one yet’.”

ARTS IN THE CITY Magicians appear from everywhere

By Helen Musa AN astonishing new magic extravaganza, “Metaverse of Magic”, featuring Tik Tok sensation Ash Hodgkinson (“Ash Magic”), Tokyo’s Hara Hiroki, Horret Wu, Jarred Fell from NZ, Australian Charli Ashby and Sabine van Diemen from The Netherlands, will be at Canberra Theatre, November 22-December 3.

FOR the second time, Canberra novelist Chris Hammer has won the Crime Fiction Award in the Danger Awards, announced at the BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival, this time for his rural police procedural, “The Tilt” in which, the judges said, he “interweaves history and geography to create a compelling narrative that is also deeply moving”.

CANBERRA Mandolin Orchestra is planning an afternoon of foot-tapping music, dancing demos and whirling around the dancefloor with/without a partner – at the Folk Dance Hall, Hackett, 2pm, November 19.

AUSTRIAN star of stage and screen Maxi Blaha returns to Canberra for the premiere of the English-language production of “Mariedl, Selfies with a Giantess”, stepping into the life of one of the tallest women ever seen – Tyrolean Maria Fassnauer, known as “Mariedl”. The Street Theatre, November 24-26.

ART Song Canberra’s next concert, “America Sings!”, will feature mezzo-soprano AJ America with Roland Peelman at the piano. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, November 19.

DAN Sanguineti’s film, “The Way Sam Sees It”, was selected for the 10th annual Joy House Film Festival at Hoyts Mandarin Centre in Chatswood. Originally produced for the Lights! Canberra! Action! filmmaking festival in March, it focuses on Sam, a talented photographer with Down Syndrome, who sees a rainbow outside his window.

WINE / China revisited Shattered industry waits on China THE Albanese government is renewing Australia’s relationship with China.

This affects the wine industry, as does China’s power affect all of us.

On the same day the media reported on the PM’s meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, a report from US-based research laboratory AidData showed that China is using financial power to increase its influence in the Pacific region.

AidData notes that China provided some $US15.08 billion ($A23.43 billion) worth of development financing to Pacific Islands nations between 2000 and 2021.

The amount of money reinforces that China matters on the world stage and our relationship with China is vital. China is Australia’s largest two-way trading partner in goods and services, accounting for nearly one third (32.2 per cent) of our trade with the world.

In the world of wine, there has been a muted cheer about the announcement in late October that agreement had been reached to suspend the current World Trade Organization dispute while Beijing undertakes an “expedited review” of duties on wine. The review is expected to 32 CityNews November 16-22, 2023

PM Anthony Albanese and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS) take five months.

The reason for the five-month period is not discernible from any official communication. But for the wine industry it’s a tantalising prospect because the attempts to find new markets for wine after the approximately $1 billion of exports to China dissolved in the face of up to 200 per cent tariffs, hasn’t been successful.

As “Australian Wine and Grape” says, the closure of this market has had negative effects on all wine producers because of decreased demand: “The effective closure of the $1.2 billion China market has resulted in impacts being felt by the whole grape and wine sector, including those businesses that do not export.”

As the Prime Minister indicated

when he broke the news of the setting aside of the dispute whilst China reviewed the duties imposed: “This is a very significant decision because, unlike some of the other products, the wine industry has indicated it was having difficulty finding other markets to fill the gap that was created by the breakdown in the trade with China.”

Tim Ford, CEO of Treasury Wine Estates (the company that owns, amongst others, the Penfolds brands), said: “It’s great to see an agreement for an expedited pathway forward to allow our Australian brands and wine to be sold in the Chinese market.

“There are only positives to come out of a favourable review for the Chinese consumer, customers and the wine category, for the Australian wine industry and for TWE.” But there’s a heck of a lot of work to be done before Australia is again exporting a billion dollars’ worth of wine to China. Fingers crossed.

“We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success.”

–Thoreau

citynews.com.au

THEATRE

Actor Jim Adamik wins his friend’s special award

By Helen Musa

A THEATRE artist who cut his teeth doing “crazy shows” in Canberra has won the Helen Tsongas Award for excellence in acting.

Jim Adamik was singled out by the Canberra Critics Circle for an exceptional year of acting.

He has long been identified in these pages as the funniest man in Canberra, but with a great love of the works of Anton Chekhov, he believes you can only understand tragedy if you can laugh, and prefers to be taken seriously. This has definitely been his year in that respect.

Early in the judging year Adamik played a modern-day repellent, self-centred and aggressive sadist in Yasmina Reza’s play “God Of Carnage” at The Q, then this year he landed the plum role of envious musician Antonio Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus” at Canberra Rep, combining an impressive stillness with thunderous outpourings of emotion, one critic said.

Salieri is just one of many roles he has played as he meticulously developed his craft over

The late Helen Tsongas. a long time. He is certainly unique among Canberra actors in having once won a Canberra Critics’ Circle award for playing Daddy Bear in “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”.

Born in Sydney, he came here as a toddler, so considers himself a Canberra boy, through and through.

Actor Jim Adamik… “Being recognised with the Helen Tsongas Award is very significant for me. She was my friend.”

It was when he went to Narrabundah College that he discovered his love for theatre, under drama teachers Ernie Glass and Peter Wilkins and did “crazy shows” there, including “The Rocky Horror Ubu Show”.

He soon headed for a degree in drama at

DINING / Bite and Booze, Braddon

It’s delightfully different BITE and Booze in Braddon is bloody good.

This “dumpling and bar”, as it describes itself, has a funky fit-out with a video installation on the back wall, some cool neon features and a gorgeous gold and black bar at the front of the restaurant.

A concerted effort has been made to be delightfully different and Bite and Booze succeeds.

Watch dumpling masters at work through a window on the outside and then choose to dine in or out.

The menu features more than 120 dishes including house specials and it’s worth checking out the menu’s hot and spicy section.

We’re dumpling fans and will travel a long way to enjoy these perfect parcels of goodness. Bite and Booze didn’t disappoint, including with the plump prawn dumplings. Steamed to perfection, each dumpling was loaded with prawn meat (no holding back).

Some dumplings on the menu are available in small and large sizes, perfect for road testing several varieties. Our prawn dumplings were $16.80 for six or $9.80 for three.

Equally tasty were the soup dumplings, which arrived piping hot ($16.80 for eight pieces). A lovely tray of condiments sat on the table – soy, dark vinegar and a chilli oil with real kick.

And speaking of chilli oil, we’ll be back to indulge in the wontons created with pork and chives, shredded cucumber in the oil, soy, sesame and dark vinegar dressing ($16.80).

We might also try citynews.com.au

the ANU with Geoff Borny and Tony Turner, and also acted in Pirandello’s “Six Characters in Search of an Author”, directed by Carol Woodrow for Rep and “The Duchess of Malfi”, with the late David Branson.

Early in his time on stage he met and

acted with the late Helen Tsongas, who advised him to apply for a job at ArtsACT, where she worked. He bought his first ever suit for the occasion, got the job and stayed for a few years before transferring to the Federal Department of Communications and the Arts, where he works as a policy officer.

“Being recognised with the Helen Tsongas award is very significant for me,” Adamik says, “She was my friend. We were both in production week for Moliere’s ‘The Imaginary Invalid’ when she and Pete were taken from us.”

The late Helen Tsongas, who would have been 45 in November this year, was a dramatic actor memorable for tragic roles who was greatly admired for her finely-tuned roles in comedy. She worked at ArtsACT for many years and then moved to the then Commonwealth Office for the Arts.

She died with her husband in a motorcycle accident shortly after their marriage 12 years ago and her family established this annual award in her memory. It takes the form of a $1000 cheque and a certificate going to the Canberra actor of the year, with no restrictions on age or gender, as judged by the theatre panel of the Canberra Critics Circle.

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Steamed prawn dumplings… each dumpling was loaded with prawn meat, no holding back.

Photo: Wendy Johnson the steamed sweetcorn dumplings ($16.80 for five pieces).

Moving to mains we selected the Peking duck pancakes ($29.80), some of the best we’ve had. The halfboneless roast duck was succulent and loaded with flavour. The skin was crispy golden, and the thick but smooth hoisin sauce was punchy. We wrapped the duck in the pancakes with freshly shredded shallot and perfectly cut cucumber sticks.

Wanting a vitamin hit we ordered a stir-fried veggie dish. The mixed vegetables were cut bite-sized, so easier for those who are chopstick challenged. It was a medley of carrots, Chinese broccoli, snow peas, baby bok-choy, mushroom, baby corn and cubes of wok-fried tofu, all in an oyster sauce ($17.80).

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Bite and Booze’s hot pot list sounded intriguing and house specials include a boneless crispy duck with mango sauce or plum sauce (both $26.80). More than a dozen chow mein options are available ($18.80 or $19.80).

The wine list at Bite and Booze is compact and very reasonably priced. Our easy-drinking Talis Pinot Grigio was $39 a bottle and $10 by the glass.

Bite and Booze is on Lonsdale Street.

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BOOKS / reviews

Top partners in crime turn in compulsive cracker ICELAND has been voted the safest place to live in the world 12 times. On average, there’s only one murder committed each year.

However, Icelandic crime writers ignore these statistics, writing relentlessly dark stories of crimes of passion, serial killers and the dangers of the environment.

It’s therefore not surprising that Iceland’s current Prime Minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, wrote her Master’s thesis on Icelandic crime writing.

She has said: “Every politician needs to have something to take his or her mind from the daily business of politics… and I’ve been reading crime fiction all my life, so it’s kind of in my DNA”.

Jakobsdottir has been friends with one of the most successful of Iceland’s crime writers, Ragnar Jonasson, since they met on a jury deciding the best crime novel translated into Icelandic that year.

In February 2020 he suggested that they co-write a crime novel. “Writing is a lonely thing and I thought it would be much more fun doing it with a friend”.

When the pandemic struck, Jakobsdottir accepted his offer, realising that this was the time to write the book. “Reykjavik” is the result. She says that writing it “saved my mental health”.

Jonasson suggested setting the novel in 1986, a year of significant change in Iceland.

Crime writer Ragnar Jonasson and Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir… writing “Reykjavik” “saved my mental health”, she says.

The year Reykjavik celebrated its 200th year anniversary; the year a second radio station opened and TV began and the year Iceland hosted the Reagan-Gorbachev summit, which Jacobsson describes as “the biggest thing to hit Iceland”.

Against this backdrop, an ambitious young journalist, Valur, decides to investigate the unsolved case of the disappearance of 15-year-old Lara 30 years earlier. She had gone to the small island of Videy, off the coast of Reykjavik, to work for a wealthy couple.

They tell the police she left suddenly one night, but Lara hasn’t been seen since.

Valur has convinced his editor that Lara’s story sells newspapers and is confident he can solve the mystery and find Lara. But Valur is unaware that someone is willing to go to any lengths to ensure the truth is never revealed.

“Reykjavik” is compulsive reading, as Jonasson and Jakobsdottir explore the power of loyalty in a stylishly crafted, tragic mystery.

crime series, the “Baby Ganesh Agency” series set in modern Mumbai, and the “Malabar House” historical crime novels set in 1950s Bombay, just after independence. He says that this series is his “attempt to look at a period of Indian history that’s not often examined in fiction… a couple of years after Gandhi’s assassination and the horrors of partition”.

“Death of a Lesser God” is the fourth in the series featuring Khan’s remarkable detective, Inspector Persis Wadia, India’s first female police detective who struggles to assert herself in a paternalistic, misogynistic society. Her appointment had “occasioned hysteria” in the press.

Although she topped her year at the academy, Persis has been sidelined to a crime unit in Malabar House, “a menagerie of misfits… the unwanted and the undesirables” exiled and despised for blunders and mistakes.

Persis’ mistake is that she is female, smart, stubborn with a “prickly personality” and a refusal to conform, which means she’s seen as a troublemaker.

However, she has proven an astute,

intuitive detective and, as “Death of a Lesser God” begins, she is given a special assignment by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Amit Shukla.

He asks her to re-examine the James Whitby case and tells her “to go over the case, but do not attract attention”.

Whitby, a white man born in India, son of a wealthy colonialist has been found guilty of the murder of prominent lawyer and Quit India activist Fareed Muzumdar. Whitby is due to be hanged in 11 days, when “he will become the first – and quite probably the last – Englishman to be executed by the Indian government”.

Shulka asks Persis: “Can you imagine the repercussions if we were to hang an innocent white man?”

Persis’ investigation leads her to Calcutta and the murder of an Indian nightclub singer and a black American reporter in the Calcutta killings of 1946.

“Death of a Lesser God” is an extraordinary story of power and politics, love and obsession, as Persis battles crocodiles and tigers both literally and figuratively. It’s historical crime fiction at its best.

ALTHOUGH Vaseem Khan is British born, it was the decade he lived in India that has inspired his crime writing.

Khan is the author of two award-winning

The Statesman Hotel is bringing back the Scandal this Christmas......

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You decide if you want to pop behind the velvet curtain into our Nancy B cocktail bar; or bring the merriment to Policy Restaurant and Terrace.

Whether you are coming as a group for lunch or bringing the entire office, we are looking forward to welcoming you.

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34 CityNews November 16-22, 2023

citynews.com.au

HOROSCOPE Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

PUZZLES General knowledge crossword No. 907

November 20-26, 2023 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Tuesday and Wednesday are terrific for being proactive at work. Joint ventures and trust issues are also on the table but don’t spoil a potentially productive week by being rash and reckless. Slow down, think before you speak and consult with loved ones and colleagues before you make any important moves. Two Saturn squares highlight hiccups in your financial management. So strive to be less impulsive and extravagant, and more cautious with cash and credit.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

The Sun, Mars and Pluto activate your relationship and aspirations zones. So it’s a good time to snuggle up close with your sweetheart, throw yourself into a special creative project or dream up some ambitious goals for the future. Passion and purpose will take you far. But Saturn could stir up trust and intimacy issues, and you may feel temporarily stuck in the past. Keep moving forward, Bulls – inch by inch and step by step – towards a brand-new day.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

This week the planetary focus is on your daily routine and work zones but expect some challenging developments and stressful moments. Resist the urge to be argumentative, superficial and self-indulgent. Try to ground your airy energy and calm your restless mind. Your motto for the moment is from actress Goldie Hawn (who turns 78 on Tuesday): “The ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations is central to making positive decisions.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Have you been wasting time worrying and procrastinating? The Sun and Mars join Mercury in your job zone, so you need to reboot your daily routine and be fast and flexible as you plan your future career path. If you have the confidence to listen to your wise inner voice, then you’ll be one step ahead of the professional pack! Your creativity can also take you places at work. So use positive affirmations and active imagination to transition to the next level.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

The Sun, Mercury and Mars highlight romance, friendship, socialising, entertaining and networking as you mix and mingle with a wide range of people in a variety of ways. But be careful how you communicate with others on the weekend.

Otherwise, your boldness could be misinterpreted as bossiness and your confident approach mistaken for cockiness. Are you looking for love? You could find yourself attracted to an amorous Aquarian or a sexy Sagittarian.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

When it comes to the way you think, blast out of a boring rut and jump into an exciting new phase. Use your imagination and think outside the box. The Sun, New Moon and Mars are activating your communication zone, so stop avoiding issues and start discussing what you really want and need. You can’t expect other people to magically read your mind! For some clever Virgos, a joint venture or creative online project has the potential to really fly.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Stylishly elegant Librans appreciate quality and luxury, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up being the most beautiful bankrupt on the block! This week the planets stir up your money/self-esteem zones, so it’s time to get your finances in order and be true to the authentic you. Draw inspiration from actress Goldie Hawn (who celebrates her 78th birthday on Tuesday): “I want to dig deep and ask – Who am I? What do I have to offer? What do I have to learn?”

Across 4 Name an English author, art critic and social reformer, John ... (6) 7 What is another term for Heaven? (8) 8 Name a preparation of whipped cream and beaten eggs, sometimes flavoured with chocolate. (6) 9 Name a town in central Mali, near the River Niger. (8) 11 To be stupid, is to be what? (7) 13 Name the largest of the penguins. (7) 15 Tirana is the capital of which European republic? (7) 17 Name a large Australian desert. (7) 20 Which star-like figure is used as a reference mark? (8) 23 What are common European vipers called?

(6) 24 What is the condition of being mentally deranged? (8) 25 In cricket, what are byes or wides called?

(6)

Down

Solution next edition

1 Name an island province of Indonesia. (4) 2 Name a WA town south-east of Port Hedland, ... Bar. (6) 3 What was the given name for a lord mayor of London, ... Whittington? (4) 4 Who, in Roman legend, was the twin brother of Romulus? (5) 5 To look askance, is to do what? (6) 6 Name a Norwegian dramatist and poet, Henrik ... (5) 9 What is a subject for an essay? (6) 10 Which worsted cloths are woven with stripes of different colours? (7) 12 To board a ship, is to do what? (6) 14 To come into sight, is to do what? (6) 16 Which term describes that which is downright or thorough? (6) 18 Which is a detailed alphabetical key to names, places, and topics in a book? (5) 19 Name a fertile place in a desert region. (5) 21 What is the tooth of a walrus? (4) 22 What are numbers of tennis games? (4)

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Sudoku medium No. 355

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

From Monday until Wednesday, your power planet Pluto makes positive links with the Sun and Mars. Which is fabulous for boosting personal charisma and generating creative ideas. Don’t be stubborn and unimaginative about your current options and choices though. As birthday great, singer-songwriter Bjork observes: “I sometimes fall into the trap of doing what I think I should be doing, rather than what I want to be doing”. Keep your mind flexible.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

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You’re full of fantastic ideas this week as the Sun and Mars charge into your sign, and your sparky energy goes into overdrive. But, if you are too gung-ho and disorganised, then taskmaster Saturn will bring you back down to earth with a thud. A domestic project needs to pass the Practicality Test, so try to balance being enthusiastic with being realistic. And don’t make serious commitments unless you are 100% certain you’ll be able to keep them.

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CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

There are two main astro-patterns operating this week. The Sun and Mars make positive aspects to Pluto (in your sign) which is great for determination and persistence. Which you’ll need in spades because Saturn (your patron planet) then squares the Sun and Mars on Thursday and Saturday. So it will be a stop/start, one step forwards/two steps back kind of week. If you’re a clever Capricorn then you’ll calibrate your plans, expectations, and energy levels accordingly.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2023 citynews.com.au

Solutions – November 9 edition

Advance Jewellers A Family Business – 73 years combined experience

Sudoku hard No. 354

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

A work issue, volunteer project or education matter is taking up a lot of your time and attention. If you hang in there, it will pay off handsomely in the long run. There are no quick fixes to finding the perfect employment for you. The Sun, Mercury and Mars encourage you to maintain enthusiasm, curiosity and momentum.

Motto for the week is from Piscean wildlife warrior Steve Irwin: “Be passionate and enthusiastic in the direction that you choose in life.”

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 906

As the Sun and Mars move into the restless sign of Sagittarius, you’re in the mood for avant-garde adventures and bohemian friendships. But remember there’s a fine line between being spontaneously successful and being hastily foolhardy. Also, a cherished goal or dream may require much more planning than you originally thought. Relax, take your time, and concentrate on enjoying the long and winding journey, rather than just focusing on the destination.

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Hellen – direct number: 0408 310 063 CityNews November 16-22, 2023 35

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