The Iraqi Information Minister has returned!

In breaking news it has been revealed that the Australian Government has employed a new public relations manager. The new role will be known as the Information Minister, yet strangely enough the role will not be filled by an elected official but will be a hand picked appointee. It was announced this morning that the role will be filled by Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf.

If that name is familiar to you, it should be. Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf came to international attention during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, at that time he was the Iraqi Minister of Information. During the initial invasion, Al-Sahhaf gave daily press conferences. He was renowned for his accuracy of reporting and the ability to get clear, unbiased information out to the world and Iraqi people.

Memorable moments of his career include such quotes as "They are not in Baghdad. They are not in control of any airport. I tell you this. It is all a lie. They lie. It is a Hollywood movie. You do not believe them." At another time he said "Today I have visited whole Baghdad city, no invaders found. You go and see how we have ousted them from this city. They are crying outside and waiting to receive bullets. They will be killed shortly." this was said as US tanks were rolling down the streets a couple of blocks from his press conference.

Mr Rudd has announced his appointment saying that due to the Australian public's desire for information we have reached a point where a full time information liaison is needed and that Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf is the most qualified for this role. All future questions on policy must be directed to the new Minister, Mr Rudd and his government will no longer be making any form of public announcement.

Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf has hit the ground running stating that all insulation fires were not actually taking place, that the media was using file footage from the Hollywood movie "Backdraft". He has assured the public that we are in a state of emergency, "the advertisements produced by the mining companies are expressing an opinion which is contrary to Mr Rudd, such expression and rational thought is confronting and dangerous and must be stopped." Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf will be making daily announcements on all policy issues until Mr Rudd believes that the public has understood that he knows best and ceases asking questions.

For further information on Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf please see, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Saeed_al-Sahhaf http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com/

Reform or Election campaign?

Here is a clip I put together:

Health

There has been a lot of spin and political games being played by all members of the Media and by OUR elected representatives. There is no arguing that the health system throughout the various States and Territories of Australia is in need of structural reform. However I am a little dismayed that our Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, appears to be more concerned with political point scoring than he does with a consultative solution.

I have tried to seek clarity in the dust cloud of spin, yet have been unable to get the answers I need to make an informed decision. Can anyone provide guidance or point me in the direction that will provide the answers to the following?

1. NSW spend how much on health at present? What proportion of the budget does this consume? what percentage of total health spending is this?
2. The federal government spend how much? what percentage of the federal budget is this? what percentage of the total spend in NSW is this?
3. The 30% of the GST revenue which will be withheld will that be coming from the total GST pool or after the allocation to each state/territory?
4. If it comes after the allocation to the states, does that mean that NSW, which is a net contributor under the current GST allocation system, will be paying for the health care in other states with our GST money?
5. The 40% NSW will have to pay under the new system and the 30% of GST being withheld equal how much in dollar terms? What proportion of the NSW budget is that? (leave the 30% GSt in the budget fugure for calculation purposes as it is NSW money being re-branded)
6. What will be the size reduction in the NSW Health bureaucracy? The increase in size/cost of the federal bureaucracy? is there a net gain or loss in size/cost?
7. Will there be a net increase in the funds flowing to the front line services for: hospitals? Aged Care? Disability services? mental health?
8. What effect will the new system have on the ability of states to reduce other taxes over time? i.e Payroll and stamp duty?

I think these questions are important and really should be considered before any rash decisions are made.