Monthly Archives: November 2010

New Victorian Government – Where’s the Science ?

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So it appears that us Victorians have a new State Government in the shape of the Liberal/National coalition. I decided I’d try and look through the Victorian Liberal Party policies to get an idea of what might be in store for science in this state given that the ALP has been a strong supporter.

I can’t find anything. Not a sausage.

Even searching their 2010 budget response – not a mention of the word science. The website of their science minister seems to be devoid of any policy outlines, let alone detail.

Oh well. At least us people of the Yarra Ranges will get new bus shelters under this government, and the schools of that well known destitute institute the Catholic church will get more taxpayers money.

Celebration of Anne McDonald’s Life, St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne – Saturday 13th November

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DEAL Communication Centre have announced that there will be a celebration of the life of Anne McDonald at St Paul’s Catherdral in Melbourne on Saturday 13th November:

Anne McDonald – wonderful writer, powerful advocate, and good friend – died on 22 October, 2010. A celebration of Anne McDonald’s life will be held at 1.30 on Saturday, 13 November, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets, opposite Flinders Street Station. All of Anne’s friends, and those for whom her story was important, are invited to join us in remembering Anne and her unfinished fight for recognition of the right to communicate. No flowers, please. Donations to DEAL Communication Centre or Communication Rights Australia are welcome.

Sadly I cannot make it as I will be overseas on that day, but I’m sure there will be plenty of others there!

For Anne

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Sadly I cannot be at Anne McDonald’s memorial service on the 13th November in Melbourne as I’ll be in the US then, but the final verse and chorus from New Model Army’s song “Ambition” has been going around in my head for a while now and seems a fitting final statement.

And when she’s gone forever, please don’t lay her down to rest
In a quiet little churchyard along with all the rest
Throw a great big party to remember that she lived
Give her headlines on the TV to remember who she is

‘Cause no one’s ever going to talk down to her again
No one’s ever going to patronise her again
She’s going to get out of this town, steal herself a crown
She’s going to get herself some power
If it’s the last thing that she does
If it’s the one thing that she does
If it’s the only thing that she ever does

Thank you Anne.