Congrats Tidal wave Ted....

[Rossoneri]

and well done JB for leaving the State in a great financial and fiscal position, drought proofed the place, kept our AAA rating, 5% unemployment and a billion surplus.

Funny how you never acknowledged this to the Rodent as well (apart from the drought-proofing). Though not sure you are aware Filthy, we have been in a drought for roughly 9 years.

State Government may be little league, but by next year, 4 of the 6 states will be Liberal which would be a concern.

The population explosion is advancing faster than the infrastructure programs are being built.....

This is a massive problem and not just in your area. The rising housing prices are forcing families to move further and further out as the land is cheaper. In the northern suburbs, out past South Morang you have Doreen, Yan Yean and some other past them, yet some of these suburbs only have one "artery" out of the suburb, and that is usually one lane. To get from Doreen to Mill Park, you are looking at a 15 minute drive in peak hour (probably more) to travel a mere 5 km

BTW, glad you are ok. Amazing that something that happened 20 years ago can come back and affect you later on. It makes you think about the way you live your life (in some cases) Fortunately for me (well, unfortunately) I played a pussy sport (Basketball), biggest issue I had was a busted ankle.

[j-mac31]

But not so well done to JB for being an arrogant prick who cocked up plenty of projects, wasted a lot of money and mostly didn't try to listen to anyone.

Also Filthy, you're sounding like the federal Liberals, where apparently all that matters is the surplus and economic management.

And give me a break on drought-proofing the state. Sure, they did, but it's going to cost way more than it should have.
And what with the N-S Pipe (and all associated shit) and not even considering any other options, was just another example of Brumby being arrogant, not wanting to listen to what anyone else thought and wasting lots of money.

[Rossoneri]

That would drive me insane one lane in and out of a growth corridor. We are getting the new Peninsula F'way for 2012, which will push most of the tourist traffic around Frankston/Mt Eliza/Mornington/Mt Martha. Now your way is for Libs (?), maybe Tidal Wave will start to spend there...although the Peninsula is always Liberal.

I hope like hell it gets built, the missus has a house down along the coast and it's a smooth ride until you get to seaford (end of east link). From then on it's a pain in the arse. And I don't think the tourist traffic increases business operations in any way like they would a small country town on the way to Sydney so if anything, the new freewat should be a boost for the locals and the tourists.

[MH_Bomber]

I take solace from knowing that the most dangerous man to the future of our country, Mr Rabbit, was under strict instructions not to come down here and campaign for the Liberal Party in Victoria. This means that Big Ted probably doesn't see eye to eye with this twerp.

If Abbott had campaigned for Baillieu I dare say Labor would have scraped in.

I also take comfort from the fact that this fascination with The Greens appears to be over. If you want to keep the Liberals out or kick them out of office there is only one thing to do and that vote Labor. Labor werent perfect in VIctoria but I really think they got a lot done especially in the area of education. State schools, and I work in one, seem to be running well. Generally our kids are getting a good education.

I sincerely hope that those economic neo con types dont see the loss of the 11 year old government as a green light to slash and burn as Kennett did.

[rockhole]

Thanks Rosso. I have some major health issues since Feb 2008 and it makes you all too aware of your mortality.

As regards the Rodent, I am sure you are aware that the current Economic Boom started in 1991 under Hawke/Keating and has not stopped since then. Costello, whilst a lazy bastard without a backbone, only had to adjust the levers and stop the Rodent spending all of it to keep him and hyacinth in Kirribilli, and all Federal Govts of all hues has managed the joint well economically and I hasten to add none better than Swan and Rudd (and Treasury/RBA) during the GFC, where we still have now countries and Govts all over the world STILL rooted 3 years on (including the Celtic Tiger Ireland last week), whilst we will be back in surplus in another 2 years. Fair effort by all.

That would drive me insane one lane in and out of a growth corridor. We are getting the new Peninsula F'way for 2012, which will push most of the tourist traffic around Frankston/Mt Eliza/Mornington/Mt Martha. Now your way is for Libs (?), maybe Tidal Wave will start to spend there...although the Peninsula is always Liberal.

BUT, the big Game is always in Canberra.

Good to see you are back firing on all eight.

As for lazy bastard Costello, had he not introduced some prudent checks against the lending policies of the banks, we would be in the same shit as the Irish.

Besides, he was numero uno ticket holder.

[j-mac31]

I also take comfort from the fact that this fascination with The Greens appears to be over.

Or is it that "green" issues are less relevant to State government (compared to fed)?

[pevfan]

I reckon there's a salutory lesson in this result for Federal Libs....IMHO I think it's a pretty fair indication that if the Federal Coalition had gone to the polls with Turnbull as leader they'd be sitting on the other side of the benches in Canberra right now.

When you look at the Federal election we see that labor did well in Victoria and yet, they lost the state election...to a small l liberal. But no, the Feds had to go back to that Howard clone when the 07 election was a clear indication that the Rodent and his ilk had had their day. Borne out by the fact that Howard became only the second incumbent PM to lose his seat but now that he's gone Benelong has reverted straight back to the coalition again...so take heed Fed coalition, get rid of your neo cons.. and bring back small l Turnbull

[Sismis]

I take solace from knowing that the most dangerous man to the future of our country, Mr Rabbit, was under strict instructions not to come down here and campaign for the Liberal Party in Victoria. This means that Big Ted probably doesn't see eye to eye with this twerp.

If Abbott had campaigned for Baillieu I dare say Labor would have scraped in.

I also take comfort from the fact that this fascination with The Greens appears to be over. If you want to keep the Liberals out or kick them out of office there is only one thing to do and that vote Labor. Labor werent perfect in VIctoria but I really think they got a lot done especially in the area of education. State schools, and I work in one, seem to be running well. Generally our kids are getting a good education.

I sincerely hope that those economic neo con types dont see the loss of the 11 year old government as a green light to slash and burn as Kennett did.

Greens vote increased across the board. They stuck to their principals and it cost them in terms of preferences. Not a great result but hardly an indication the "fascination" as you call it is over.

I'm not sure what you do in the education system, but in terms of teacher conditions, Victoria is an absolute joke. Retention rates are abysmal and many of the best and brightest are leaving thier vocation for greener pastures. To be fair this is not limited to Victoria.

Filth, did Labor make it rain? Because that is the only thing which is drought proofing us ATM. Last I checked, the insane desal plant is not operational and if it goes the way of the rest of Labor's capital investments may never be.

[MH_Bomber]

I'm not sure what you do in the education system, but in terms of teacher conditions, Victoria is an absolute joke. Retention rates are abysmal and many of the best and brightest are leaving thier vocation for greener pastures. To be fair this is not limited to Victoria.

Evidence please !!!! Victoria is doing very well in terms of NAPLAN testing. What are you talking about teaching conditions ?

Also the Green vote dropped by some 4% from the Federal election.

[Sismis]

Sorry was misled by Green propaganda, the actual primary vote increase is only about 0.5% and it dropped in some of the seats they said they would have won if not for prefs

NAPLAN has nothing to do with teaching conditions.

THIS is teaching conditions:Stats from My Schools.

"In terms of non-teaching staff in schools - those employees who relieve teachers of administrative and other support tasks - you need 21 students to get a support staff member in a large, metropolitan non-government school and a staggering 84.4 students in a similar-sized government school."

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/ ... omments=45

There is a massive attrition rate in early teachers which has been atributed to lack of support. Add to that an aging teaching population with more sitting closer to retirement than on the other side of the fence.

What is the LABOR government's response? Put more pressure on the teachers that are there.....

As I said earlier though, Vic is not the lone ranger on this issue.

[BERT]

I'm with you with the teachers leaving. My brothers Mrs left after 3 years teaching and isn't alone. Many of her former colleagues have quit as well.

It is a massive problem and you can't blame them for going.

[dom_105]

I reckon there's a salutory lesson in this result for Federal Libs....IMHO I think it's a pretty fair indication that if the Federal Coalition had gone to the polls with Turnbull as leader they'd be sitting on the other side of the benches in Canberra right now.

When you look at the Federal election we see that labor did well in Victoria and yet, they lost the state election...to a small l liberal. But no, the Feds had to go back to that Howard clone when the 07 election was a clear indication that the Rodent and his ilk had had their day. Borne out by the fact that Howard became only the second incumbent PM to lose his seat but now that he's gone Benelong has reverted straight back to the coalition again...so take heed Fed coalition, get rid of your neo cons.. and bring back small l Turnbull

If the Libs had not dumped Turnbull, they would have been belted back to the dark ages. The catalyst for Labor's downfall was the ETS backflip, which wouldn't have happened if Abbott (or indeed Godwin, ironically enough) hadn't appeared on the scene.

[dodgey]

brumby only "maintained" our AAA rating.... And I don't need to remind you who got it back on track after the debacle of the Cain/Kirner years

[grassy1]

Greens aren'tperfect by any means MH,but I'd sooner have them and STEVEN MAYNE holding either Major Party to account in the upper House,than the 2 big pack of BASTARDS having a RUBBER STAMP.

And if the GREENS had dropped in percentage points for the FEDERALPOLL,how do you explain the SENATE Results?The ALP should get down and KISS THEIR ARSE from July 1.They're gunna need 'em.Because I reckon,they'll NEVER get the chance to work with a SENATE like that again.Atleastnotfor along time after anyway.

[MH_Bomber]

STEVEN MAYNE is a closet Liberal in "shareholder activist" clothes.

Sismis I simply dont know what your on about. You are quoting from an opinion piece that infers Labor doesnt appreciate teachers. If any party is going to do something for the government school system its Labor. Yes teachers do a lot of administrative tasks but they often relate to tracking students progress. Some of those tasks cant easily be done be some admin assistant.

We dont have a high school in our area because of the previous state Liberal government selling it off.

[Sismis]

MH this is not just admin assitants it is teacher's aides and specialist assitance with behavioural issues.

The situation Bert describes is all too common. My wife is another casualty as are another 8 people I know. In fact out of 10 people who have started careers as teachers there is only one still teaching, that is my brother and he is a Richmond supporter so he is clearly a masochist (he is also in the private system). They are not leaving for more money, in almost every case they are simply looking for less stressful ways to fulfill their vocation. My wife has taken a paycut of almost half and works in before and after school care.

It is a horror story, in any given class you will have 2+ children with behavioral issues and/or learning difficulties with the potential to cause complete and utter chaos. These children take up so much of the teacher's time that kids who actually do their work start having issues because they see it as the only way to get any attention. The red tape required to get the proper assistance for these kids is insane. Basically they have to commit grevous bodily harm before they will acknowledge there is a problem. Ask any public school primary teacher how accurately this describes their class.

I agree the golden age of education pre-Kennett had us as world leaders which has slipped. But Labor had a massive stint in office and really didn't do all that much to go back. As you say you have no high school because Kennett sold it, Labor with some of the best economic conditions did not put a new one there.

Instead they launch "my schools" and we have our PM stating in the media for parents to hold teachers accountable. It is a purely political move with no other purpose than to deflect blame from the government. To make matters worse, it is a carbon copy of George dubya Bush's "no child left behind".

[BERT]

Fantastic Post Sismis. =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

[bomberdonnie]

MH this is not just admin assitants it is teacher's aides and specialist assitance with behavioural issues.

The situation Bert describes is all too common. My wife is another casualty as are another 8 people I know. In fact out of 10 people who have started careers as teachers there is only one still teaching, that is my brother and he is a Richmond supporter so he is clearly a masochist (he is also in the private system). They are not leaving for more money, in almost every case they are simply looking for less stressful ways to fulfill their vocation. My wife has taken a paycut of almost half and works in before and after school care.

It is a horror story, in any given class you will have 2+ children with behavioral issues and/or learning difficulties with the potential to cause complete and utter chaos. These children take up so much of the teacher's time that kids who actually do their work start having issues because they see it as the only way to get any attention. The red tape required to get the proper assistance for these kids is insane. Basically they have to commit grevous bodily harm before they will acknowledge there is a problem. Ask any public school primary teacher how accurately this describes their class.

I agree the golden age of education pre-Kennett had us as world leaders which has slipped. But Labor had a massive stint in office and really didn't do all that much to go back. As you say you have no high school because Kennett sold it, Labor with some of the best economic conditions did not put a new one there.

Instead they launch "my schools" and we have our PM stating in the media for parents to hold teachers accountable. It is a purely political move with no other purpose than to deflect blame from the government. To make matters worse, it is a carbon copy of George dubya Bush's "no child left behind".

My much better half is a Teacher's Aide so I see first hand what you mean... Very well put Sis =D>

[Rossoneri]

MH this is not just admin assitants it is teacher's aides and specialist assitance with behavioural issues.

The situation Bert describes is all too common. My wife is another casualty as are another 8 people I know. In fact out of 10 people who have started careers as teachers there is only one still teaching, that is my brother and he is a Richmond supporter so he is clearly a masochist (he is also in the private system). They are not leaving for more money, in almost every case they are simply looking for less stressful ways to fulfill their vocation. My wife has taken a paycut of almost half and works in before and after school care.

It is a horror story, in any given class you will have 2+ children with behavioral issues and/or learning difficulties with the potential to cause complete and utter chaos. These children take up so much of the teacher's time that kids who actually do their work start having issues because they see it as the only way to get any attention. The red tape required to get the proper assistance for these kids is insane. Basically they have to commit grevous bodily harm before they will acknowledge there is a problem. Ask any public school primary teacher how accurately this describes their class.

I agree the golden age of education pre-Kennett had us as world leaders which has slipped. But Labor had a massive stint in office and really didn't do all that much to go back. As you say you have no high school because Kennett sold it, Labor with some of the best economic conditions did not put a new one there.

Instead they launch "my schools" and we have our PM stating in the media for parents to hold teachers accountable. It is a purely political move with no other purpose than to deflect blame from the government. To make matters worse, it is a carbon copy of George dubya Bush's "no child left behind".

My much better half is a Teacher's Aide so I see first hand what you mean... Very well put Sis =D>

But but but, Brumby said there isn't a problem so their mustn't be a problem.

[bomberdonnie]

MH this is not just admin assitants it is teacher's aides and specialist assitance with behavioural issues.

The situation Bert describes is all too common. My wife is another casualty as are another 8 people I know. In fact out of 10 people who have started careers as teachers there is only one still teaching, that is my brother and he is a Richmond supporter so he is clearly a masochist (he is also in the private system). They are not leaving for more money, in almost every case they are simply looking for less stressful ways to fulfill their vocation. My wife has taken a paycut of almost half and works in before and after school care.

It is a horror story, in any given class you will have 2+ children with behavioral issues and/or learning difficulties with the potential to cause complete and utter chaos. These children take up so much of the teacher's time that kids who actually do their work start having issues because they see it as the only way to get any attention. The red tape required to get the proper assistance for these kids is insane. Basically they have to commit grevous bodily harm before they will acknowledge there is a problem. Ask any public school primary teacher how accurately this describes their class.

I agree the golden age of education pre-Kennett had us as world leaders which has slipped. But Labor had a massive stint in office and really didn't do all that much to go back. As you say you have no high school because Kennett sold it, Labor with some of the best economic conditions did not put a new one there.

Instead they launch "my schools" and we have our PM stating in the media for parents to hold teachers accountable. It is a purely political move with no other purpose than to deflect blame from the government. To make matters worse, it is a carbon copy of George dubya Bush's "no child left behind".

My much better half is a Teacher's Aide so I see first hand what you mean... Very well put Sis =D>

But but but, Brumby said there isn't a problem so their mustn't be a problem.

We live in Tassie mate so we are immune to the Brumbles magic... We have our own often heard rarely act man dont worry about that!!