The attached picture of the Somerset Dam spillway taken at 11:00am today shows the massive amount of water being released from the Dam.
Water is flowing downstream into Wivenhoe Dam at a rapid rate.
Heavy rain is falling between Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams
Steve Greenwood is out of his depth in Property Council's bunfight against the Queensland Government
Queensland political prize
fighter who flies like a
butterfly and stings like
a mosquito!
The self-appointed Queensland Opposition Leader Steve Greenwood, Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, is at it again.
This junior prize fighter of Queensland politics has authorised another round of bare-knuckled, full-page newspaper advertisements attacking the State Government for its plan to restore 60 years of land valuation methodology which was recently overturned by the Land Appeal Court.
The latest advertisement is full of errors, spurious arguments and idiotic claims.
Under Steve Greenwood's stewardship, the Property Council has become nothing but a puppet for the LNP in Queensland.
Anna Bligh is on the right track on this issue with legislation designed to protect ordinary Queenslanders from exorbitant rate rises.
Why should the punters of Goodna or Bellbird Park or Springfield have to pay more rates while businesses pay less!
That's what Steve Greenwood wants.
But the worst part of Steve Greenwood's latest, pugilistic rantings is that he has somehow managed to rope in the Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the UDIA, QHA, REIQ, MTA and the Shopping Centre Council of Australia to help his ill-conceive anti-Labor campaign.
Steve Greenwood has forever politicised the Property Council of Australia and sooner or later his bosses will realise his purely petty, political little campaign has backfired, rendering the Property Council a political neuter in the State of Queensland forever.
Lightweight Steve Greenwood is out for the count on this issue and it's still only Round 2 in this mismatch against the heavyweights of Queensland politics.
He should throw in the towel now so he might one day still be able to make a comeback in his own lightweight division.
Anna Bligh should now ensure this legislation is passed swiftly through the Parliament.
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Kmart backs down on move to trade on Anzac Day
Kmart has withdrawn its ill-conceived and idiotic application to trade all day on Anzac Day.
How a major company could display such insensitivity in honour of the almighty dollar on this important national day beggars belief.
Maybe a major donation by Kmart to help needy diggers and their families would be a better gesture than their half-hearted, belated act of contrition to the people of Australia.
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Apple iPad lauch may be delayed
Why are so many people ready to poke fun at Apple's latest creation, the iPad?
Apple may delay or limit the size of the launch of its anticipated iPad tablet computer because of an "unspecified production problem", Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek wrote in a research note this week.
Misek said Apple's Taiwan-based supplier Hon Hai Precision could be facing a production bottleneck or a shortage of components.
"An unspecified production problem at the iPad's manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision, will likely limit the launch region to the U.S. and the number of units available to roughly 300,000 in the month of March, far lower than the company's initial estimate of 1 million units.
The delay in production ramp will likely impact Apple's April unit estimate of 800,000 as well," Misek wrote.
Apple has not publicly stated an official release date or how many models it is expecting to put on sale. It has said that Wi-Fi models will ship in "late March," while 3G models will ship in April in the U.S. and selected countries, including Australia.
Canaccord still expects Apple to sell 550,000 iPads in the third quarter ending in June, and 1.2 million iPads in the 2010 fiscal year.
"The only material impact from the iPad delay could come in the form of frustrated consumers and some modest loss of luster for the company's product launch," Misek said.
Messages left for Apple were not immediately returned.
However, in a statement to Wired, Apple said "the iPad will be available in late March".
It did not comment on the claimed production issues or Misek's claims that they may lead to the launch region initially being limited to the US.
P&O Cruises scratchie lottery for travellers
The average punter is being induced to get hundreds and even thousands of dollars off the cost of their expensive cruises.
P&O is even offering a $15,000 prize on the Pacific Jewel for one lucky punter.
And who pays for this? - All the mugs who have to pay top dollar to subsidise these get-rich-quick inducements to travel with P&O.
More importantly, let's hope P&O has now got its act together and can give travellers an iron-clad guarantee that its cruises are drug free and that they are not at risk of dying on-board from the effects of unlawful stupefying drugs.
Australian warning: You've got mail...and a scam
Media Release
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
02/03/2010
You've got mail...and a scam
JOINT RELEASE
High-tech fraudsters are disguising themselves online and targeting inboxes with a new wave of 'e-scams', say Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor and Police Minister Neil Roberts.
Mr Lawlor said the Office of Fair Trading warned people about an increasing number of scams being received electronically via email and text message.
"The National Consumer Fraud Week (1-7 March) awareness campaign is underway and this is a good reminder to people to get up to date on different types of cyber threats," he said.
"While many of us understand that spam involves unwanted emails being sent out to a multitude of email addresses, some of the newer scams such as phishing and smishing may not be understood."
The warning follows an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report released yesterday showing that Australians lost almost $70 million through scams in 2009.
Mr Roberts said the impact of fraud on the community was often underestimated.
"Advances in technology have provided more opportunities for offenders to prey on the most vulnerable members of our community," Mr Roberts said.
"While the Internet is a powerful communication tool, offenders have adapted to it quickly and are now using it en masse to target victims via text message and email.
"We see victims suffer not only embarrassment and humiliation but too many are losing their home and life savings.
"The Queensland Police Service's expert Fraud and Corporate Crime Group has a number of initiatives aimed at preventing this crime and educating the public on how to avoid becoming a cyber crime victim."
Mr Lawlor said phishing referred to emails that tricked people into giving out their personal and banking information.
"The term smishing is used when people are targeted by text messages to their mobile phones," he said.
"These messages appear to come from legitimate business, often banks or telecommunication companies, and have an authentic feel about them.
"Emails will often link to websites that look identical to a real company's page, with similar logos and headings; the key is to look carefully at the web address.
"If a real bank's webpage was www.realbank.com, a fake address might be www.realbank.com.log107.biz
"The scammers are trying to obtain personal information allowing them to withdraw money from bank accounts.
"Even clicking onto a fake website can allow scammers to load spy ware onto your computer which gives them access to any information you have saved.
"It's a good idea to rest your mouse icon over the top of any link your unfamiliar with before clicking through, as this reveals the full web address at the bottom left of your screen.
"This will give you a strong indication of whether the website is legitimate or not."
Mr Lawlor said the key message to consumers was to be aware that there are scams out there and to carefully guard their personal information.
"Personal details and financial and banking information should be closely protected and not passed on without careful consideration."
Tips to beat the scammers:
- When surfing the web, check the address of any links you're unfamiliar with by holding your mouse icon over the link.
The address will show up on the bottom left on your page;
- Use different passwords for your online banking, email, social networking and shopping accounts;
- Regularly scan your computer for viruses and spy ware;
- Don't open emails or attachments from unknown sources - the best thing to do is to delete them;
- Never provide your credit card and personal details to an unsecured website. A secure website can be identified by a padlock at the bottom right hand corner of your screen.
For more information on protecting yourself from scams, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or www.scamwatch.gov.au
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Kmart is a national disgrace to all decent Australians
Kmart is peddling spurious claims they want to open to provide an outlet for essential consumer items saying their New South Wales customers would be "severely inconvenienced by our closure".
What a load of codswallop!
How have we survived in the past?
Anzac Day has always been sacrosanct from this sort of un-Australian commercialism and that's the way it should always remain.
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Fraud Week Warning on Scams
Media Release
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
01/03/2010
Fraud Week warning on scams
JOINT RELEASE
Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor and Police Minister Neil Roberts have urged Queenslanders to take care when disclosing their personal and financial details for the launch of National Consumer Fraud Week which starts today.
Fraud Week, which will run from 1 - 7 March, aims to raise awareness about the serious threat to personal identity and financial security caused by scams and the increase of attacks being carried out online.
Mr Lawlor said thousands of Australians fell victim to scams each year.
"The Office of Fair Trading received 2173 complaints relating to scams in 2009," Mr Lawlor said.
"This is an increase of more than 800 compared to 2008.
"1 in 20 Australians will be scammed this year, with consumers set to lose more than $1 billion."
Mr Roberts said the impact of fraud on the community was often underestimated.
"Advances in technology have provided more opportunities for offenders to prey on the most vulnerable members of our community," Mr Roberts said.
"While the Internet is a powerful communication tool, offenders have adapted to it quickly and are now using it en masse to target victims via text message and email.
"We see victims suffer not only embarrassment and humiliation but too many are losing their home and life savings.
"The Queensland Police Service's expert Fraud and Corporate Crime Group has a number of initiatives aimed at preventing this crime and educating the public on how to avoid becoming a cyber crime victim."
Mr Lawlor said scams could target anyone and were increasingly reaching people's homes from multiple sources - including through the post, email, door-to-door and over the phone.
"Unfortunately many scam victims don't report their experience because they feel humiliated when they realise they have been duped, and they'd rather bear the amount of money they have lost out of fear of embarrassment.
"I encourage all Queenslanders to be wary of offers they receive that are in the 'too good to be true category'.
"Victims come from all walks of life and a range of ages. Younger people aren't immune to being tricked.
"The best thing people can do with something they think might be a scam is to throw it in the bin.
"Scammers are manipulative and make a living from lying to consumers by promising easy money, great prizes and offering a way out of financial hardship.
"They promote professional looking websites, letters, brochures, emails and leaflets to dupe consumers into providing their personal details like their credit card number or password.
"The best way to protect yourself from scams is to know the warning signs and be able to identify when a product or offer doesn't seem quite right.
"Always be wary of high pressure sales tactics, unsolicited offers, and promises that seem too good to be true."
Mr Lawlor said the Fraud Week campaign was an important national initiative.
"The Office of Fair Trading, as a member of the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce, is committed to bringing about a greater knowledge and understanding of scams among consumers."
For more information on protecting yourself from scams, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or www.scamwatch.gov.au
Property Council suffers under Steve Greenwood's delusional claims
Queensland's new
unofficial State
Opposition Leader
Media Release from Ipswich City Councillor Paul Tully
The Property Council of Australia has been slammed for its "war of attrition" against the state government and councils over new valuation laws in Queensland.
The Property Council has been running full page newspaper advertisements condemning new laws which reinstated decades of land valuation methodology in Queensland.
The Land Appeal Court upheld an appeal by Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast reducing the centre's land valuation from $255 million to $47.5 million.
Long-serving Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully has singled out the Property Council Executive Director Steve Greenwood for his "malicious and unfounded claims" over the issue.
"He is falsely claiming rates for business properties across Queensland will skyrocket as a result of the new legislation.
"The new law simply restores the valuation methodology which has been in place for over 60 years.
"It's business as usual for property valuations across the state.
"This new law will protect ordinary property owners and councils.
"Mr Greenwood has set himself up as the unofficial opposition leader in Queensland wasting the Property Council funds by spuriously attacking the state government.
"The Property Council is frittering away its members funds with outrageous claims which have no legal or factual basis.
"Steve Greenwood owes the people of Queensland a massive apology for his unacceptable scare tactics," Cr Tully said.
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New bogus Tax Office scam hits Australia
A new email scam has hit Australia today with scammers asking for personal information aimed at stripping funds out of the accounts of unsuspecting email recipients.
They are promising a non-existent refund of $650.90.
The amazing thing is that the bogus email address being used by the scammers includes ".gov.au" as part of the domain.
How can they get such an address which is limited to official government departments and agencies?
This is the scam email:
From: refund@ato.gov.au
Dear Taxpayer,
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have
determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $650.90.
Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 6-9 days in order
to process it.
A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons.
For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline.
To access your tax refund, use the form attached to this email.
Regards,
Australian Taxation Office
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They are promising a non-existent refund of $650.90.
The amazing thing is that the bogus email address being used by the scammers includes ".gov.au" as part of the domain.
How can they get such an address which is limited to official government departments and agencies?
This is the scam email:
From: refund@ato.gov.au
Dear Taxpayer,
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have
determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $650.90.
Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 6-9 days in order
to process it.
A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons.
For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline.
To access your tax refund, use the form attached to this email.
Regards,
Australian Taxation Office
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Sunrise is not "Live" in Queensland despite claims by 7
in sunny Queensland!
Channel 7 unveiled its new Sunrise livery for 2010 and Channel 9 should take a close look at its rival's fresh image.
But the new look has omitted one very important detail which has separated 7 from 9 in the past.
Despite the fact that it is now in breach of section 52 of the Commonwealth Trade Practices Act, Seven has dropped the acronym "AEDST" from its "live" logo.
Previously, viewers in NSW, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania knew their program was live and those in Queensland were aware it was on an hour's delay.
All of this becomes important with on-site weather updates, especially so-called "live" cyclone reports from Michelle Tapper in Cairns which are an hour out-of-date!
Up until today, Sunrise has been absolutely scrupulous in ensuring that its reports were tagged as "live" only where Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time applies.
It's all twice as galling for Queensland viewers who have to put up with the Australian Tennis Open on an hour's delay every night on Seven.
Some tired viewers are beating the clock by listening to the final result live on ABC Radio and getting to bed an hour earlier - saving the hour which they lost at the start of the tennis each night.
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Sweets from Heaven at Harbour Town has appalling customer relations
A complaint has come in from a customer who was treated as a second class citizen.
This time, it was not about the incredibly expensive lollies, chocolates and other excessively calorie-laden offerings.
One male staff member has a very disgruntled attitude.
He tugged the lolly-filled container out of a customers hand and then literally dumped the change - without saying how much it was - into the customer's fist.
After the customer quite rightly remonstrated with him, he shrugged his shoulders as if he couldn't care less.
The customer remained quite upset at being treated like a dog and suggested an apology was in order.
This was ignored by the attendant who didn't have the decency to apologise for his less-than-customer-friendly actions.
If you want to have a happy day shopping at Harbour Town, you could do a lot worse than avoiding Sweets from Heaven, where the level of customer service is rated as somewhere between Buckley's and none!
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Illegal matchmaking still pulls big bucks
Many introduction agencies have morals lower than a snake's duodenum when it comes to ethical behaviour.
The Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading Peter Lawlor has issued this warning against a Gold Coast-based agency:
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
29/12/2009
No love from these introduction agents
The operator of a Gold Coast introduction agency has been ordered back to court following allegations that she is defying an earlier ban which restrained her from providing introduction services to Queensland residents.
Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said Helen Dimitrijevski, the alleged operator of Love Network Queensland Pty Ltd, was today (27 December 2009) served with court documents in relation to action commenced by both Queensland and New South Wales Fair Trading agencies.
The Queensland proceedings allege contempt of court.
In 2003 Helen Dimitrijevski, her husband Zivko Dimitrijevski and TLC Consulting Services Pty Ltd were ordered to cease providing introduction services to Queensland residents by the Queensland Supreme Court.
The New South Wales Office of Fair Trading has also filed proceedings in the New South Wales Supreme Court against Helen Dimitrijevski, Zivko Dimitrijevski and Hollie Veall in relation to TLC Consulting Services Pty Ltd which had been operating as an introduction agency in Tweed Heads, NSW since being banned from providing introduction services in Queensland.
The Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading Peter Lawlor has issued this warning against a Gold Coast-based agency:
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
29/12/2009
No love from these introduction agents
The operator of a Gold Coast introduction agency has been ordered back to court following allegations that she is defying an earlier ban which restrained her from providing introduction services to Queensland residents.
Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said Helen Dimitrijevski, the alleged operator of Love Network Queensland Pty Ltd, was today (27 December 2009) served with court documents in relation to action commenced by both Queensland and New South Wales Fair Trading agencies.
The Queensland proceedings allege contempt of court.
In 2003 Helen Dimitrijevski, her husband Zivko Dimitrijevski and TLC Consulting Services Pty Ltd were ordered to cease providing introduction services to Queensland residents by the Queensland Supreme Court.
The New South Wales Office of Fair Trading has also filed proceedings in the New South Wales Supreme Court against Helen Dimitrijevski, Zivko Dimitrijevski and Hollie Veall in relation to TLC Consulting Services Pty Ltd which had been operating as an introduction agency in Tweed Heads, NSW since being banned from providing introduction services in Queensland.
The food is fine but the signage is 25 years out of date
But their signage is about 25 years out of date.
Prominent signs proclaim they will not accept damaged paper money.
We haven't had paper money in Australia for over a quarter of a century.
Maybe the sign refers to the crumpled up Yen which they are sometimes offered.
Very quaint the Japanese!
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Irish Gypsies back in Queensland with old consumer ripoff
The Irish Gypsies are back ripping off individuals and businesses with their well-practised bitumen scam.
They have targeted Ipswich in the past and were last reported on Brisbane's southside.
Ipswich residents - particularly those in the eastern suburbs - should be on the lookout for these swindlers.
Last time, one businessman at Lower Cross Street Goodna was swindled out of thousands of dollars over a dodgy bitumen job.
The Irish Gypsies laid white sand over the top of their sub-standard work, telling the small business owner the sand was needed to "cure" the bitumen.
Only when the sand washed away a few days later, did the extent of the wafer thin coating of bitumen become obvious.
The Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading has issued the following warning against these dodgy characters:
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
13/12/2009
Dodgy bitumen trader alert for Brisbane southside area
Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor today warned residents around Eight Mile Plains and Acacia Ridge to beware of dodgy bitumen traders targeting the area.
Mr Lawlor said the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) had received information of residents being approached by a group of men offering to lay hot mix driveways.
"The group consists of a male with a strong Irish accent and four or five males who are the labourers," Mr Lawlor said.
"They have approached people saying they have left over bitumen from their last job.
"They do the driveway job and give a price on completion. The work is sub-standard and cash is usually always demanded."
Mr Lawlor said one Acacia Ridge resident who agreed to the work was sprung with a $5,000 bill.
"No upfront quote was given so the resident was alarmed at the cost and also intimidated by the group of men, who demanded their money," he said.
"Another resident in Eight Mile Plains paid $9,000."
Mr Lawlor said anyone approached by the men should try and get their vehicle registration details and advise the OFT immediately on 13 13 04.
He said these particular traders had been previously spotted in the Bayside area and that they may be operating in surrounding suburbs or regions now.
Under the Fair Trading Act 1989, door-to-door sales of any goods or service of more than $75 must come with a 10 day cooling off period and payment cannot be made until after then.
Buyers should get two forms - one explaining the cooling off period and one which can be used to cancel the contract if so desired.
"Door-to-door traders must produce an identity card with the dealer's full name and address," Mr Lawlor said.
"They are only allowed to contact customers between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays.
"Fines of up to $54,000 apply to individuals and $270,000 to companies for breaches of the Fair Trading Act."
Report any scams or suspicious offers to the Office of Fair Trading at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04
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New internet scam hits Australia
With millions of dollars being ripped from the pockets of Australian internet users every year, the email scams are becoming simpler but still deadly effective.
The scams seem innocent enough with the simple advice in the latest scam that the recipient has won 750,000 Great Britain Pounds.
I then asks only for the person's Name, Age and Country.
All pretty innocent until the final sting when they ask for your bank account details supposedly to deposit the winnings into.
Within minutes, your bank account is stripped of all its funds.
This can happen to hundreds of internet users at a time as the result of just one worldwide email.
Be warned and warn your friends, especially those new to the internet.
This is the full text of the latest scam email:
From: Irish News Centre
You won 750,000 GBP.
Send: Name, Age, Country
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The scams seem innocent enough with the simple advice in the latest scam that the recipient has won 750,000 Great Britain Pounds.
I then asks only for the person's Name, Age and Country.
All pretty innocent until the final sting when they ask for your bank account details supposedly to deposit the winnings into.
Within minutes, your bank account is stripped of all its funds.
This can happen to hundreds of internet users at a time as the result of just one worldwide email.
Be warned and warn your friends, especially those new to the internet.
This is the full text of the latest scam email:
From: Irish News Centre
You won 750,000 GBP.
Send: Name, Age, Country
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Latest internet scam hits Australia overnight
The latest internet scam to hit Australia is offering
£750,000 UK to unsuspecting internet users who pass on their personal details.
Be warned and warn your friends.
The Australian Government should use it anti-spam powers to stop these emails flooding Australia which are financially destructive to many trusting Australian families.
This is a copy of the latest scam email:
FROM: Official Notice
You are awarded 750,000.00 Pounds by the British Toyota Promotion, Provide your *Full Names: *Address: *Occupation
Name
Address
Occupation
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£750,000 UK to unsuspecting internet users who pass on their personal details.
Be warned and warn your friends.
The Australian Government should use it anti-spam powers to stop these emails flooding Australia which are financially destructive to many trusting Australian families.
This is a copy of the latest scam email:
FROM: Official Notice
You are awarded 750,000.00 Pounds by the British Toyota Promotion, Provide your *Full Names: *Address: *Occupation
Name
Address
Occupation
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A Mighty Angry Australian Fast Food Bunfight!
Just when everyone has had a total gutful of McDonald's Mighty Angus Burgers, Hungry Jack's has weighed into the Australian beef bunfight with its own Angry Angus Burger.
No one in Australia could tell the difference between one of McDonald's traditional fatty patties or their overpriced, not-so-fancy Angus beef patties which have been raking in untold profits for the company's headquarters in the United States.
Only a dill - or Clive Palmer with money to burn - would fork out for a McDonald's Mighty Angus Mighty Ordinary Burger.
The sooner Australian punters boycott these slick and not-so-special promotions the better.
But not to be outdone by Maccas, Hungry Jack's has now launched its very own Angry Angus Burger.
But the Angry Angus also fails the taste test with the meat patty being totally indistinguishable from Hungry Jack's normal fatty fare.
Too little, too late by HJs.
But there is one other problem for the marketing gurus at Hungry Jack's.
The average customer would feel like a complete dill ordering an "Angry Angus".
Whichever fresh-faced marketing graduate came up with such an idiotic name should be given the Royal Order of the Boot by Hungry Jack's.
What will their overcharging marketeers think of next:
- Demented Fish and Chips
- Pathetic Pepperoni Pizza; or what about
- Maniac Meat Pie.
The sooner the Mighty Angus and Angry Angus hit the dustbins of disgust the better.
Give me a Cheeseburger or Aussie Burger any day.
On second thoughts, I'll give both of them a big miss cos I'm Mighty Angry with all this crap.
PS - Today, I heard one poor bugger at Hungry Jacks ordering an Angry Anus. I suppose that's a bit better than ordering a Mighty Anus from McDonald's!
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Do you have a GPS or Mobile Phone?
THIS WARNING HAS JUST BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE UNITED STATES:
A couple of weeks ago a friend told me that someone she knew had their car broken into while they were at a football game.
Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans.
Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard.
When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen.
The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house.
They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house.
The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house.
It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents.
Something to consider if you have a GPS - don't put your home address in it.
Put a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen.
MOBILE PHONES
I never thought of this.......
This lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen.
Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet etc was stolen.
20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says 'I received your text asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago.
'When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn.
The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number.
Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.
Moral of the lesson:
Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list.
Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad,Mom, etc....
And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back.
Also, when you're being text by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them.
If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.
*PLEASE PASS THIS ON*
I never thought about the above!
As of now, I no longer have 'home' listed on my cell phone.
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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Brisbane's Black and White Cabs are a national disgrace
When Black and White cab driver John Busst of suburban Annerley in Brisbane offered "good old fashioned service" to his customers, what did the clowns running the B & W company do?
They sacked him!
B & W cabs already have a poor reputation for customer service in Brisbane, now they have banned an honest driver in a totally un-Australian way.
Despite the bleatings of B & W boss Greg Webb that John Busst is a "rogue driver", the public will never see it that way.
It is incredible that in this day and age, someone could be sacked for being an honest, hard-working individual.
Shame on B & W cabs.
Brisbane commuters should vote with their feet and boycott this un-Australian cab company.
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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Woolworths marketing gurus should go back to school!
Surely their marketing brains trust knows the difference between "affected" and "effected".
Bloody hopeless!
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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Channel 9 gives Queensland viewers second class service
It is absurd that the result of the game was broadcast on Brisbane radio stations an hour before the delayed telecast finished.
It's bad enough to have to endure Channel 7's delayed telecast of the Australian Tennis Open from Melbourne every year.
Now, Rugby League has succumbed to this second rate service.
Maybe, Pay TV is really the answer to this problem despite the current campaign by the free-to-air networks to stop any inroads by pay television into their traditional territory.
Viewers would prefer to pay for live coverage of big events than a less-than-live offering by the networks.
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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Oh dear, oh dear - what is happening to the Queen's English?
Maybe the Americanisation of our language is inevitable but why do radio stations contribute so regularly to its emasculation?
Take for example:
• "lieutenant" which has become the Yankee "loo tenant" instead of "lef tenant";
• "forehead" which is pronounced by ill-educated newsreaders as "four head" and not "forrid";
• "Sarah Moaney" instead of, for example, the Olympic "Serraminy"; and
• The Federal seat of Batman, correctly pronounced "Batmin", being described after the comic book hero "Bat Man".
But the depths to which this Americanisation has sunk could not be better exemplified than on the 6am 4BH News today when it was solemnly declared by the female newsreader that protesters at Sherwood would be marching against a planned "Dee Poh" in the suburb.
Bloody hell.
I suppose the next thing we will have to endure is the official re-naming of the Toowong Bus "Deppo" (as in Depot) to the Toowong Bus "Dee Poh".
Plus all of the other suburban Bus "Dee Pohs" as well.
Campbell Newman could be kept busy for weeks with all of the official renaming ceremonies.
Where do these newsreaders get these crazy pronunciations from and why are they paid good money for us to listen to these verbal oddities?
Do you have any other examples of this creeping Americanisation of our language?
Email us at PaulGTully@gmail.com and let us share more of these amazing bloopers.
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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Take for example:
• "lieutenant" which has become the Yankee "loo tenant" instead of "lef tenant";
• "forehead" which is pronounced by ill-educated newsreaders as "four head" and not "forrid";
• "Sarah Moaney" instead of, for example, the Olympic "Serraminy"; and
• The Federal seat of Batman, correctly pronounced "Batmin", being described after the comic book hero "Bat Man".
But the depths to which this Americanisation has sunk could not be better exemplified than on the 6am 4BH News today when it was solemnly declared by the female newsreader that protesters at Sherwood would be marching against a planned "Dee Poh" in the suburb.
Bloody hell.
I suppose the next thing we will have to endure is the official re-naming of the Toowong Bus "Deppo" (as in Depot) to the Toowong Bus "Dee Poh".
Plus all of the other suburban Bus "Dee Pohs" as well.
Campbell Newman could be kept busy for weeks with all of the official renaming ceremonies.
Where do these newsreaders get these crazy pronunciations from and why are they paid good money for us to listen to these verbal oddities?
Do you have any other examples of this creeping Americanisation of our language?
Email us at PaulGTully@gmail.com and let us share more of these amazing bloopers.
.........................................................
PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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Redbank crane driver hands himself in to police and is facing workplace health and safety charges and possible traffic charges
The crane driver at the centre of a police hunt has handed himself in.
He had been confronted with worldwide publicity of his terrifying ride down Brisbane Road Redbank on Wednesday night when his crane ripped out electrical wires and Pay TV cables as well as splitting an electricity pole in two outside the Commercial Hotel.
The driver disappeared towards Goodna quicker than the pub patrons could say: "Let's have another beer".
Now, Workplace Health and Safety Officials are investigating the matter and the Goodna Police are also considering laying charges.
Local residents are asking if this driver is still working for the Origin Alliance Project and if and when he will be stood down for his death-defying antics in the main street of Redbank.
Good questions indeed!
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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He had been confronted with worldwide publicity of his terrifying ride down Brisbane Road Redbank on Wednesday night when his crane ripped out electrical wires and Pay TV cables as well as splitting an electricity pole in two outside the Commercial Hotel.
The driver disappeared towards Goodna quicker than the pub patrons could say: "Let's have another beer".
Now, Workplace Health and Safety Officials are investigating the matter and the Goodna Police are also considering laying charges.
Local residents are asking if this driver is still working for the Origin Alliance Project and if and when he will be stood down for his death-defying antics in the main street of Redbank.
Good questions indeed!
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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Howard as head of the NRL? You've got to be joking.
Fair dinkum.
Just when the buffoons running the National Rugby League are trying to get over another terrible year, they hatch a devious plot to resurrect John Howard as the boss of the NRL.
Little Johnny may have some skills, but running the major football code in Australia doesn't seem to be one of them.
David Gallop should give the game away if this is the best he can do to revitalise this national icon.
Prime Minister Howard was booed off every football oval he attended in Australia and you don't have to be Einstein to figure out the same would happen if he became the NRL boss.
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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Ipswich City Council set to declare extended koala protection areas
(Courtesy BTQ 7)
Ipswich City Council is preparing new maps to extend koala protection areas across the city, including existing zones as well as significant adjacent areas identified for koala food tree planting.
Several investigation areas have been identified to further examine additional areas for possible protection.
This is on top of Ipswich's "one-for-one" replacement policy adopted in 2007 which requires all developers to replace trees removed during the development process, whether or not they are koala-friendly trees.
Ipswich is Queensland's most koala friendly city.
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PAUL TULLY: PaulGTully@gmail.com
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Channel 9 annoys and deceives viewers across Australia
Channel 9 advertised all night a special 10.00pm Late News edition on today's devastating Samoan tsunami.
With Samoans, Tongans and other Pacific Islanders around Australia waiting on news of their loved ones, what did Channel 9 do?
It allowed the idiotic escapades of PluckA Duck and other clueless imbeciles to run over by a disgraceful 25 minutes.
This is an appalling gaffe by Channel 9 which has lost the goodwill of thousands of Australian viewers with relatives in the South Pacific.
These people deserve a massive apology from the Nine Network of Australia.
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PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Ipswich Police Operation Tutorial helps keep local schools safe
Operation Tutorial involves police undertaking foot patrols through local schools at random times.
This is a much-needed initiative to reduce vandalism, graffiti and arson attacks in our schools.
The sight of a police uniform is usually enough to make these gutless wonders scram.
And 40 years ago, a boot up the bum from the local police sergeant would make sure you didn't come back.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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McDonald's Grand Angus is a Mighty Big Rip-off of Australian and NZ consumers
The glitzy television advertisements are spiced up to make the Angus beef burgers look like McDonald's answer to the Brisbane's Breakfast Creek Hotel's famous steak house.
Sumptuous images of first-class beef adorned with all the usual accoutrements would be enough tickle the taste buds of the most-fastidious gastronomic expert.
After all, prime Angus beef is a commodity not usually affordable by average Aussie and NZ punters in these tough economic times.
So, McDonald's tempting advertisements would be enough to get any family to part with their cash for this fantastic offer.
That is until you bite into the sour dough bun and are confronted with the usual style of fatty pattie sold by McDonald's for more than four decades.
You haven't been served a prime cut of Angus beef - you've been served a compressed bloody rissole!
You've received a crappy beef burger from a deceased Angus cow whose meat, fat and gristle have been chopped, sliced, minced and diced, then squeezed together into a round piece of junk food and served up to unsuspecting customers.
What are the ACCC, Consumer Bureaux and Offices of Fair Trading doing about this blatant consumer ripoff?
This is not a juicy slice of Angus beef being served to McDonald's customers but a blatant consumer deception from their monotonous suite of happy crappy meals.
McDonald's should pull these ads or face prosecution by the Australian and New Zealand authorities.
And the sooner the better!
They advertise this so-called gourmet beef as "a little bit fancy".
Fair dinkum. The spin doctors working for McDonald's would make the Boston Strangler look like a respectable citizen.
There are all sorts of burgers - hamburgers, beef burgers, steak burgers and now what McDonald's calls its "fancy" Grand Angus and Mighty Angus burgers.
They're about as fancy as the joy of a Queensland cop Tasering you up the backside for a speeding offence!
Consumers should vote with their feet and say no to McDonald's advertising which, in the mind of the average consumer, is clearly misleading and deceptive.
Which would put it fairly and squarely in breach of section 52 of the Commonwealth Trade Practices Act.
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PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Toowong to Everton Park tunnel is fine but what about eliminating the historic Moggill Ferry
The State Government's announcement of a planned tunnel from Toowong to Everton Park is great news for the people of the inner western suburbs.
This futuristic plan would link the Western Freeway with the Bruce Highway.
But what really needs to happen is the scrapping of the Moggill Ferry linking the Brisbane suburb of Moggill with the Ipswich suburb of Riverview.
This 1878 relic of our past originally linked the two fledgling suburbs on either side of the Brisbane River in bygone days when Cobb & Co coaches plied the route from Brisbane to Ipswich.
The Moggill Ferry is currently out of operation for its biennial servicing.
The extra 32km round trip this is causing for motorists shows how important this link is.
A bridge needs to be constructed across the Brisbane River as part of a major western ring road.
The most-sensible place would be at Gailes as a northerly extension of the Logan Motorway across the Brisbane River to Priors Pocket and then through Moggill and the north-western suburbs of Brisbane to link with the Bruce Highway.
The key advantage of a cross-river bridge at Gailes is that is would serve the people of Ipswich and Logan City as well as the western suburbs of Brisbane.
The western suburbs silver-tails might object to this new road through the rarefied atmosphere of Moggill Heights but planning for a major western Brisbane ring road is imperative with the population explosion set for southeast Queensland in the next 20 years.
The Moggill Ferry might be a quaint historic addition to the landscape of Greater Brisbane but a 131 year old vehicular cable ferry is hardly a modern means of transport between the state capital and Queensland's first provincial city.
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PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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This futuristic plan would link the Western Freeway with the Bruce Highway.
But what really needs to happen is the scrapping of the Moggill Ferry linking the Brisbane suburb of Moggill with the Ipswich suburb of Riverview.
This 1878 relic of our past originally linked the two fledgling suburbs on either side of the Brisbane River in bygone days when Cobb & Co coaches plied the route from Brisbane to Ipswich.
The Moggill Ferry is currently out of operation for its biennial servicing.
The extra 32km round trip this is causing for motorists shows how important this link is.
A bridge needs to be constructed across the Brisbane River as part of a major western ring road.
The most-sensible place would be at Gailes as a northerly extension of the Logan Motorway across the Brisbane River to Priors Pocket and then through Moggill and the north-western suburbs of Brisbane to link with the Bruce Highway.
The key advantage of a cross-river bridge at Gailes is that is would serve the people of Ipswich and Logan City as well as the western suburbs of Brisbane.
The western suburbs silver-tails might object to this new road through the rarefied atmosphere of Moggill Heights but planning for a major western Brisbane ring road is imperative with the population explosion set for southeast Queensland in the next 20 years.
The Moggill Ferry might be a quaint historic addition to the landscape of Greater Brisbane but a 131 year old vehicular cable ferry is hardly a modern means of transport between the state capital and Queensland's first provincial city.
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PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Office of Fair Trading secures $23,000 fine against unlicensed motor dealer Michael James Harradine
The Queensland Office of Fair Trading has successfully prosecuted Doolandella man Michael James Harradine for selling motor vehicles without a licence.
Mr Harradine's licence was cancelled 4 years ago.
Members of the public are being warned by the Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading Peter Lawlor about this character.
Hopefully, Harradine has learnt his well-deserved lesson the hard way.
This is the full text of today's media release by the Minister:
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
24/09/2009
Doolandella man fined $23,000
A Doolandella man has been fined a total of $23,000 after pleading guilty to selling motor vehicles without a licence.
Michael James Harradine appeared in the Richlands Magistrates Court on the 14th September and pleaded guilty to one charge of unlicensed motor dealing and five charges of making false and misleading representations from an address at Doolandella and one charge of unlicensed motor dealing from an address in Toowoomba.
Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said the charges were a result of an investigation by Office of Fair Trading officers.
"Mr Harradine's motor dealers' licence had been cancelled in 2005," Mr Lawlor said.
"However, when OFT officers attended his home in Doolandella they found he had several vehicles at his residence for sale," he said.
"These vehicles were advertised in newspapers and on the internet as being for sale.
"In addition, Mr Harradine gave false information to the purchasers about the background of the vehicles he was selling.
"The misleading information included that the vehicles had been owned by various relatives of Mr Harradine and that he had personally worked on one of the vehicles as a mechanic.
"Mr Harradine told investigators he told fibs or stretched the truth when telling people details about the vehicles.
"OFT officers also identified that Mr Harradine was operating out of business address in Toowoomba dealing in used motorcycles.
"The Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act is in place to protect consumers against unscrupulous people who operate outside the law.
"Mr Harradine received a significant fine for these offences which is indicative of how seriously these types of offences are viewed.
"Consumers should be able to have confidence that they are working with a licensed motor dealer and that details about the vehicle they are interested in purchasing are correct."
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PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Benjamin Wayne Gough - Manager Harcourts Bundaberg features on Today Tonight
Today Tonight ran a story this evening over the actions of Ben Gough in buying and selling a property on the same day at a substantial profit.
He claims he was acting legally and ethically.
That's not what the sellers think.
What does the Queensland State Manager of Harcourts think?
Have you had any dealings with Ben Gough?
Let us know at: Queensland Consumer Watch@gmail.com
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PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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SILKSTONE STATE SCHOOL: Devastating fire may rekindle Blackstone and Dinmore fight
The on-going fight to save the Blackstone and Dinmore State Schools from closure at the end of the year may have been given an unexpected boost by today's tragic Silkstone State School fire.
With all schools set to re-open in 2 weeks, the State Government needs to make an urgent decision to bring in numerous demountables to Silkstone or to use the Blackstone and Dinmore State Schools as the on-going bases for local schools servicing the Blackstone, Silkstone and Dinmore areas.
Either way, with the Blackstone and Dinmore State Schools facing a forced permanent closure in 12 weeks and with no chance of the Silkstone State School being rebuilt before the start of the 2010 school year, the State Government now has a clear choice of keeping both the Blackstone and Dinmore State Schools open.
Rebuilding the Silkstone State School will take time but keeping the Blackstone and Dinmore State Schools open in 2010 while the future of the Silkstone site is considered is a simple decision which the State Government should make immediately.
People power may yet prevail in Blackstone and Dinmore!
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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IPSWICH: First pic of today's Silkstone State School Fire
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Media Release: Call for compulsory sprinkler systems following today's Silkstone State School fire
Media Release from Ipswich City Councillor Paul Tully
Silkstone State School Fire - Call for sprinkler systems in all schools
A call has been made for all Queensland schools to be fitted with sprinkler systems in the wake of today's disastrous Silkstone State School fire.
Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully said barely a school holiday went by without a school fire somewhere in Queensland.
Cr Tully said it was only the second day of the school holidays and one of Ipswich's major state schools had been burnt to the ground.
"This is unlikely to be the last school fire in Queensland this year.
"I am calling for the compulsory introduction of sprinkler systems in all schools across the state.
"The cost of fitting sprinkler systems would be far less in the long run than the ongoing cost of rebuilding burnt schools."
Cr Tully said an arson attack at the Goodna State School could have been averted three years ago if a sprinkler system had been installed.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Silkstone State School Fire - Call for sprinkler systems in all schools
A call has been made for all Queensland schools to be fitted with sprinkler systems in the wake of today's disastrous Silkstone State School fire.
Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully said barely a school holiday went by without a school fire somewhere in Queensland.
Cr Tully said it was only the second day of the school holidays and one of Ipswich's major state schools had been burnt to the ground.
"This is unlikely to be the last school fire in Queensland this year.
"I am calling for the compulsory introduction of sprinkler systems in all schools across the state.
"The cost of fitting sprinkler systems would be far less in the long run than the ongoing cost of rebuilding burnt schools."
Cr Tully said an arson attack at the Goodna State School could have been averted three years ago if a sprinkler system had been installed.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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James Hardie declared Australia's most disgraceful company
Media Release from Ipswich City Councillor Paul Tully
- James Hardie declared Australia's most disgraceful company after revealing plans to sue Queensland Council -
James Hardie has been declared Australia's most-disgraceful company after it was revealed it is suing Ipswich City Council to recover $195,000 the company paid to a former worker who was exposed to asbestos from the company's products.
In a bizarre twist to last year's successful legal claim against the company by a former council worker for exposure to asbestos, the company is now suing to recover the money from the Ipswich Council.
The worker - Anthony Cannon - was employed by Ipswich City Council for six weeks in 1976.
James Hardie settled the action but is now attempting to recover its payout to the worker.
Ipswich City Councillor Paul Tully, a 30-year veteran of local government, has blasted James Hardie claiming it is the "most-disgraceful, penny-pinching company in Australia".
Cr Tully said the company's latest tactic of trying to shift the legal blame from themselves to individual users of their asbestos products was a "national disgrace".
"This company has destroyed workers' lives across Australia and is now trying to find a scapegoat for the numerous legal actions which it has unsuccessfully defended.
"This company has been proven to have been grossly negligent with its asbestos products and is now attempting to pass the buck.
"Why should ratepayers have to fork out their money to pay for James Hardie's negligence.
"Local government will stand up to this company and fight these absurd claims."
Cr Tully called on the new directors of James Hardie to drop its legal action in the Queensland District Court as a sign of good faith that it finally accepts its responsibility to Australia's asbestosis sufferers.
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- James Hardie declared Australia's most disgraceful company after revealing plans to sue Queensland Council -
James Hardie has been declared Australia's most-disgraceful company after it was revealed it is suing Ipswich City Council to recover $195,000 the company paid to a former worker who was exposed to asbestos from the company's products.
In a bizarre twist to last year's successful legal claim against the company by a former council worker for exposure to asbestos, the company is now suing to recover the money from the Ipswich Council.
The worker - Anthony Cannon - was employed by Ipswich City Council for six weeks in 1976.
James Hardie settled the action but is now attempting to recover its payout to the worker.
Ipswich City Councillor Paul Tully, a 30-year veteran of local government, has blasted James Hardie claiming it is the "most-disgraceful, penny-pinching company in Australia".
Cr Tully said the company's latest tactic of trying to shift the legal blame from themselves to individual users of their asbestos products was a "national disgrace".
"This company has destroyed workers' lives across Australia and is now trying to find a scapegoat for the numerous legal actions which it has unsuccessfully defended.
"This company has been proven to have been grossly negligent with its asbestos products and is now attempting to pass the buck.
"Why should ratepayers have to fork out their money to pay for James Hardie's negligence.
"Local government will stand up to this company and fight these absurd claims."
Cr Tully called on the new directors of James Hardie to drop its legal action in the Queensland District Court as a sign of good faith that it finally accepts its responsibility to Australia's asbestosis sufferers.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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New Internet scam hits Australia overnight
Another bizarre internet scam has hit Australia overnight.
This one is different from the usual ripoffs in which people are offered untold riches ranging from lottery winnings to deceased estates.
This one demands payment of a non-existent debt from unsuspecting internet users, under threat of legal action.
It even lists PayPal as a means of payment to get the lawyers off your back.
The Australian Government has the legal means to stop these sorts of bogus emails entering Australia.
The government requires ISPs to have filters to stop porn and terrorism but not fraudulent emails which can have a massive financial effect on unsuspecting families.
Be warned - and warn your friends.
This is a copy of the latest scam:
From: rieth, luciano
Subject: Overdue Notice
NDC DEBT COLLECTIONS INC.
ACCT #: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
AMOUNT: 0.00
INTEREST: 0.00
RATE: 0.00
FEES: 0.00
TOTAL DUE: $99.83 (WILL SETTLE FOR THIS AMOUNT)
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE HAVE BEEN RETAINED TO COLLECT THIS DEBT FROM OUR CLIENT.
WE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY YOU ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS REGARDING THIS DELINQUENT ACCOUNT.
WE THOUGHT IT BEST TO STATE OUR INTENTIONS AND MAKE IT CLEAR THAT WE INTEND TO COLLECT THIS DEBT USING ALL AVAILABLE MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL.
UNLESS WE RECEIVE PAYMENT FROM YOU, WE WILL ASSUME THAT YOU HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF LIQUIDATING THIS DEBT VOLUNTARILY.
WE WILL ADVISE OUR CLIENT THAT THEY MAY WISH TO FILE SUIT TO RECOVER THIS DEBT. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT IF LEGAL ACTION IS UNDERTAKEN, IT COULD BE COSTLY AND TIME CONSUMING.
IF ONE SHOULD LOSE IN SUCH AN ACTION, ONE COULD ALSO BE SUBJECT TO COURT COSTS AND/OR ATTORNEY FEES, IF APPLICABLE.
THERE ARE VARIOUS AVENUES WHICH COULD BE USED TO SATISFY SUCH A JUDGEMENT.
THIS COULD INCLUDE GARNISHMENT OF WAGES, SEIZURE OF BANK ACCOUNTS OR OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY.
IT IS NOT OUR INTENTION TO THREATEN YOU BUT TO POINT OUT THE PROBLEMS AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH REFUSING TO PAY A DEBT.
WE HOPE THAT NO FURTHER ACTION WILL BE NECESSARY AND YOU WILL AGREE TO OUR AMICABLE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT.
PLEASE: TO ENSURE PROPER CREDIT, REMIT PAYMENT IMMEDIATELY.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE WE MAY BE ABLE TO ACCEPT PAYMENT ON THIS ACCOUNT IN THE FOLLOWING METHOD:
PAYPAL(VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER, OR ECHECK).
PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO MAKE YOUR PAYMENT:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi- bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8140548
THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.
UNLESS YOU NOTIFY THIS OFFICE WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING THIS NOTICE THAT YOU DISPUTE THE VALIDITY OF THE DEBT OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, THIS OFFICE WILL ASSUME THIS DEBT IS VALID.
IF YOU NOTIFY THIS OFFICE IN WRITING WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM RECEIVING THIS NOTICE, THIS OFFICE WILL OBTAIN VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND MAIL A COPY TO YOU OF SUCH VERIFICATION.
IF YOU REQUEST IN WRITING WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING THIS NOTICE, THIS OFFICE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR, IF DIFFERENT FROM THE CURRENT CREDITOR.
THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT.
ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED SOLELY FOR THAT PURPOSE.
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PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Cr Matthew Bourke caught almost with his pants down
PIC: Brisbane Councillor Matthew Bourke
undressed by The Courier-Mail
He's a Liberal, single and loves showing off his inner self in public.
That's Matthew Bourke, Councillor for the conservative Centenary suburbs who has drawn the ire of Lord Mayor Campbell Newman for his provocative Daddy Cool performance at a University of Queensland Liberal Club function.
Well Matthew - all we can say is all ass and no class!
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Today Tonight gives Aldi Ipswich cheap fruit and vegetable tick of approval
Forget the ripoffs in Brisbane, shop in Ipswich.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Another Telstra shambles at North Ipswich
From the look of it, it has been like this for months - with Telstra nowhere to be seen.
We have received reports that at least four people stumbled into this trap this evening after leaving the late-finishing Ipswich Rugby League Grand Final at The Oval.
Telstra hasn't picked up its game in the past year in solving The Great Ipswich Manhole Debacle.
Which wouldn't surprise anyone given Telstra's greater concern for its shareholders back pockets than the welfare of the long-suffering public.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Main Roads Minister spot on over speed warning
The Queensland Minister for Main Roads Craig Wallace has issued a timely warning over idiots driving through speed-restricted works zone.
You can see it every day and night on the Ipswich Motorway between Dinmore and Darra with lead foots flashing through roadsworks areas endangering workers lives.
It's next to impossible to catch offenders with radar guns because there is nowhere to pull them over.
Perhaps, the State Government should introduce speed cameras routinely in works zones around the state.
The hip pocket is a powerful tool in traffic enforcement and the only one which seems to work.
Graphic pictures, ministerial pleas and police warnings are routinely ignored by these speedsters.
Most people baulk at so-called revenue raising enforcement where drivers are caught a few clicks over the limit but no one should object to strenuous traffic enforcement aimed at saving road workers from death or serious injury.
This is the text of the Minister's Media Release:
Minister for Main Roads
The Honourable Craig Wallace
06/09/2009
Slow down and obey the signs, Minister urges
Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace is urging motorists to slow down and keep calm while driving through roadworks, following continued reports of poor driver behaviour across the state.
Mr Wallace said while the department's Safety Around Roadworks campaign had been successful in raising awareness, some motorists were still putting roadworkers' lives at risk by driving aggressively and impatiently through roadwork sites.
"Since the launch of the safety campaign in 2005, there has been increased awareness in the community on safety around roadworks, however we are still hearing about poor driver behaviour resulting in casualties at roadworks," he said.
"Few worksites present as many risks as do roadworks, and drivers have to realise when they ignore reduced speed limits and drive dangerously through these sites, they are endangering the lives of the men and women who are simply trying to do their jobs.
"These workers are helping to deliver a record road construction program to benefit Queenslanders, and while I understand the frustration motorists sometimes feel as a result of roadworks, there is simply no need for drivers to take their frustrations out on workers."
Mr Wallace said statistics show that from 2005 to 2008, there were 71 reported casualties as a result of crashes where roadworks were one contributing factor.
"These statistics do not include the many incidents which are not reported or the types of road user behaviour some roadworkers experience daily.
"The Roadworker Safety Hotline, which is open to Transport and Main Roads employees, has received 82 calls this year, with reports of workers receiving verbal abuse, vehicles weaving into the worksite, and even objects being hurled at workers," he said.
"In June alone there were 12 reported incidents of dangerous driver behaviour.
"Of those, four involved drivers speeding and eight involved motorists failing to stop at either traffic lights or hand-held signage. Several involved drivers ignoring signage and entering closed off lanes, into the path of oncoming traffic.
"In one particular case, a motorist ignored a traffic controller's instructions and proceeded to drive through witches hats and barriers and entered a closed off lane, driving over an island and across southbound lanes."
Mr Wallace said it was disturbing that some of the incidents even involved professional drivers.
"Roadworkers have witnessed truck drivers and bus drivers speeding and ignoring traffic directions," he said.
"And it seems that even children think it's okay to disrespect roadworkers, with one busload of children pelting a work crew with food from a school bus window.
"People have got to get the message that this is kind of behaviour is not okay - it's disrespectful, it's foolish and it's downright dangerous."
Mr Wallace said motorists driving without due care faced fines and demerit points, and the cost of damage to their vehicles.
"The majority of drivers drive sensibly around roadworks, but a minority show either complete disregard or ignorance of the potential risks," he said.
"There is no excuse for some of the appalling driver behaviour roadworkers have to put up with, and the department is working hard to address this and get the message through to motorists.
"It's simple - slow down, drive to changed conditions and obey signage and road traffic controllers' directions."
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PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Lloyd Bird passes away this evening
Well-known Ipswich environmentalist Lloyd Bird passed away this evening at St Andrew's Hospital in Ipswich. He was a great and honourable man.
Ipswich wildlife expert Ric Nattrass passes away
(Courtesy TVQ Channel 10)
Ipswich wildlife expert and Bellbird Park resident Ric Nattrass has passed away overnight.
Ric was a highly-regarded environmental expert with an unequalled knowledge of Queensland fauna and flora.
He gave many years of his life to the Ipswich Koala Protection Society formerly known as the Woogaroo Koala Protection Society.
In 2006, Ipswich City Council honoured him with the naming of the Ric Nattrass Environmental Park between Bertha Street Goodna and Fiona Street Bellbird Park.
Ric was a wildlife raconteur, writer, and radio presenter on the ABC and 4BC.
Above all, he was a great person with a real love of life who will be very sadly missed by his family and many friends.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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CMC enquiry is politically-motivated by failed Liberal leader Dr "Do Little" Flegg
The CMC enquiry into State Government sports funding should dig deeper than a cursory look at the percentage of funding going into Labor electorates.
There is a very logical and rational reason for this - Labor electorates need the funding because of more than 30 years of National-Liberal governments in Queensland which systematically siphoned money into conservative electorates at the expense of Labor electorates.
The current government is simply ensuring that the limited funding is targeted into the areas of most need.
And despite the political protestations of the toffee-nosed Tories of Kenmore, the magnificent ovals and complex adjacent to Cubberla Creek are something the battlers in many parts of Queensland can only dream of.
The Member for Moggill Bruce Flegg seems to have woken from his winter hibernation like a half-euthanised Canadian bear.
But his dreary utterances on this issue are nothing more than a political beat-up by Dr Do Little who should self-diagnose himself into a much-needed permanent political retirement.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Gold Coast Council snaps over Snapper Rocks Memorials
(Courtesy QTQ Channel 9)
Gold Coast CIty Council must have had a brain implosion when it removed family plaques installed on the beach at Snapper Rocks.
With no community consultation, heartless bureaucrats removed the plaques erected by family members in memory of loved ones lost in the sea.
If local government is supposedly the level of government closest to the people, the Gold Coast City Council makes its supposed concerns for the people look like a cross between democracy in Communist China and Soviet Russia.
Shame, shame, shame!
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Moreton Bay Regional Council loses bid to sack staff
Moreton Bay Regional Council lost its bid to sack council staff at the Queensland Local Government Conference meeting in Brisbane today.
Delegates from the state's councils rejected a controversial motion by Moreton Bay Mayor Allan Sutherland by 90 votes to 84.
Moreton Bay Council had sought a change to state legislation which protected workers' jobs in the wake of the forced amalgamations of councils in 2008.
Ipswich delegate Councillor Paul Tully spoke against the motion saying it was contrary to agreements made two years ago by the State Government, Councils, Unions and the LGAQ.
"This motion should be defeated because it is nothing more than an attack on the rights of council workers.
"Moreton Bay Council has already made savings of $19.2 million as a result the amalgamation but still wants the right to slash and burn workers," Cr Tully said.
Earlier in the day, the Local Government Minister Desley Boyle ruled out any change to the existing legislation sought by Moreton Bay Council.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Delegates from the state's councils rejected a controversial motion by Moreton Bay Mayor Allan Sutherland by 90 votes to 84.
Moreton Bay Council had sought a change to state legislation which protected workers' jobs in the wake of the forced amalgamations of councils in 2008.
Ipswich delegate Councillor Paul Tully spoke against the motion saying it was contrary to agreements made two years ago by the State Government, Councils, Unions and the LGAQ.
"This motion should be defeated because it is nothing more than an attack on the rights of council workers.
"Moreton Bay Council has already made savings of $19.2 million as a result the amalgamation but still wants the right to slash and burn workers," Cr Tully said.
Earlier in the day, the Local Government Minister Desley Boyle ruled out any change to the existing legislation sought by Moreton Bay Council.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Fake email scam warning
A fake email has hit Australia overnight.
This is an outrageous scam offering over 4 million British pounds to unsuspecting claimants.
All the scammers are after is your bank details to strip your funds out of your account or they ask for progressively-increasing amounts to enable the non-existent "winning" payment to be verified and paid.
Be warned and warn your friends.
This is a copy of the latest scam:
From: Arshad Iftikhar, Mr
Subject: Contact me via my private e-mail: accepted.offer@9.cn
Good day,
My name is Mr. Arshad Iftikhar, I work with Euro Lottery here in UK as the operations manager who generate weekly winning numbers.
I wish to offer you an opportunity to become one of our lottery winners with a cash prize of £4,528,000 GBP only if you would agree to give me 35% of your cash prize.
Just as a brief, due to my position in the company I can make it happen that you would be a winner of the above stated amount in our Euro Million Lotto Program.
Naturally, every body would like to play a lottery if they are assured of winning and I am assuring you today, I can make you a winner if you would accept this offer/condition.
I expect you don't take this for granted because this is once in a life time opportunity as we both stand to collectively gain from this at the success of the transaction.
Please contact me immediately through my private email: accepted.offer@9.cn
Regards,
..............................................................
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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This is an outrageous scam offering over 4 million British pounds to unsuspecting claimants.
All the scammers are after is your bank details to strip your funds out of your account or they ask for progressively-increasing amounts to enable the non-existent "winning" payment to be verified and paid.
Be warned and warn your friends.
This is a copy of the latest scam:
From: Arshad Iftikhar, Mr
Subject: Contact me via my private e-mail: accepted.offer@9.cn
Good day,
My name is Mr. Arshad Iftikhar, I work with Euro Lottery here in UK as the operations manager who generate weekly winning numbers.
I wish to offer you an opportunity to become one of our lottery winners with a cash prize of £4,528,000 GBP only if you would agree to give me 35% of your cash prize.
Just as a brief, due to my position in the company I can make it happen that you would be a winner of the above stated amount in our Euro Million Lotto Program.
Naturally, every body would like to play a lottery if they are assured of winning and I am assuring you today, I can make you a winner if you would accept this offer/condition.
I expect you don't take this for granted because this is once in a life time opportunity as we both stand to collectively gain from this at the success of the transaction.
Please contact me immediately through my private email: accepted.offer@9.cn
Regards,
..............................................................
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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US Court forces Google to name blogger
In a world first, a New York judge has ruled that Google must reveal the name of a blogger who posted defamatory remarks about model Liskula Cohen.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Joan Madden has ordered Google to release the blogger's name to Ms Cohen so she can commence defamation proceedings against the secret writer.
Bloggers and twitterers be warned: The secret society of the internet has abruptly ended with this landmark judgment.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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Media Release: Gold Coast Mayor slammed for calling Ipswich residents "lower-class leftovers"
The war of words between the Gold Coast and Ipswich has escalated with Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke attacking Ipswich's win in the International Liveable Communities Awards.
Cr Clarke told the Gold Coast Council meeting: "If Ipswich has won it, how prestigious can it be?"
He has described Ipswich residents as "lower-class leftovers" who couldn't afford to live in Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Goodna Councillor Paul Tully, Queensland's longest-serving City Councillor, has slammed Cr Clarke saying his on-going personal denigration of Ipswich was a scandalous attack on the city's 160,000 residents.
Cr Tully has invited the Gold Coast Mayor to Goodna's historic Royal Mail hotel to explain his views to the local residents whom he describes as the "salt of the earth".
"I challenge Ron Clarke to come to Goodna any Friday afternoon and repeat his comments that we are lower-class leftovers.
"He wouldn't have the guts to turn up knowing his much-needed pugilistic skills were well-short of his former athletic ability.
"He would be tarred and feathered before he could get back to his mayoral limousine.
"The 140-year old Royal Mail hotel is where political arguments are still settled in the old fashioned way as they were in the days when the Cobb & Cobb coaches stopped at the front door.
"The mayoralty has gone to Ron Clarke's head as he condemns and criticises the residents of Queensland's oldest provincial city."
Cr Tully said the people of the Gold Coast should give Ron Clarke the Royal Order of the Boot.
"He has gone too far this time.
"Ron Clarke should stick with his toffee-nosed, chardonnay-drinking, white shoe brigade mates on the Gold Coast before he criticises another city.
"I doubt he has ever been to Ipswich but I can assure him of a civic reception he will never forget if takes up my challenge to explain himself at the Royal Mail Hotel at Goodna," Cr Tully said.
19 August 2009
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PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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