Comments on: Fitzgibbon affair points to bureaucrats out of control http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/ now with extra source Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:52:21 +1100 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Shane http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19121 Shane Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19121 Why is George Brandis all of a sudden so sensitive about the relationship between a minister and his portfolio much outside Mr. Brandys' usual field of interest?. Any particular reason? Or just trying to get a role in a new "Yes, Minister' series, Aussie style? Why is George Brandis all of a sudden so sensitive about the relationship between a minister and his portfolio much outside Mr. Brandys’ usual field of interest?. Any particular reason? Or just trying to get a role in a new “Yes, Minister’ series, Aussie style?

]]> By: JamesK' http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19122 JamesK' Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19122 I'll point out to 'steve martin' that I never put forward any theory but I did flag the Chinese - Labor relations as an issue. Presumably Greg Sheridan that notorious wingnut and conspiracy theorist is up to the same tricks:<br />http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25242327-7583,00.html.<br /><br />Pity you haven't the intellectual nor the curiosity traits of your more famous American name sake rather than the usual moonbat routine of ill-informed slime and innuendo. I’ll point out to ‘steve martin’ that I never put forward any theory but I did flag the Chinese - Labor relations as an issue. Presumably Greg Sheridan that notorious wingnut and conspiracy theorist is up to the same tricks:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25242327-7583,00.html.

Pity you haven’t the intellectual nor the curiosity traits of your more famous American name sake rather than the usual moonbat routine of ill-informed slime and innuendo.

]]> By: Joel B1 http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19123 Joel B1 Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19123 moonbats indeed!<br /><br />This is the same bunch of commentators who literally had kittens when those "great friends" of ours the Chinese squashed into a bloody pulp a few hundred peaceful students with combat tanks some little while ago. Just goes to show what a highly selective memory the left has.<br /><br />And I love the catch-cry of the left "I'm rational" you're not. Why not? "because you don't agree with me"<br /><br />Actually that is one thing the Chinese and Labor do have in common, a hatred of democracy.<br /><br />If the Minister has nothing to hide then we can all breath a sigh of relief.<br />And of course hound the ADF into mass resignations. moonbats indeed!

This is the same bunch of commentators who literally had kittens when those “great friends” of ours the Chinese squashed into a bloody pulp a few hundred peaceful students with combat tanks some little while ago. Just goes to show what a highly selective memory the left has.

And I love the catch-cry of the left “I’m rational” you’re not. Why not? “because you don’t agree with me”

Actually that is one thing the Chinese and Labor do have in common, a hatred of democracy.

If the Minister has nothing to hide then we can all breath a sigh of relief.
And of course hound the ADF into mass resignations.

]]> By: Nick http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19124 Nick Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19124 The problem you outline is, as you say, not new or surprising. Defence is the only area in which governments are never criticised for spending too much, and an area in which the strategic and tactical assumptions underlying purchase decisions must of necessity be secret. The result, however, is half a century of purchases designed to assure victory in a replay of WW2, with submarines to intercept an invading fleet and tanks to thunder across the desert and repel the invaders if the submarines have let them through. Meanwhile, the vital but less sexy jobs like coastal surveillance have been virtually ignored or privatised, so that alien ships and aircraft can reach Australia without anyone noticing their approach.<br /> Sadly, the present government shows no evidence of any radical reassessment of our defence needs. If the Department's beef with Fitzgibbon was that he was questioning the assumptions underlying their procurement plans, one might have more sympathy for him. So perhaps Julia Gillard is the answer. The problem you outline is, as you say, not new or surprising. Defence is the only area in which governments are never criticised for spending too much, and an area in which the strategic and tactical assumptions underlying purchase decisions must of necessity be secret. The result, however, is half a century of purchases designed to assure victory in a replay of WW2, with submarines to intercept an invading fleet and tanks to thunder across the desert and repel the invaders if the submarines have let them through. Meanwhile, the vital but less sexy jobs like coastal surveillance have been virtually ignored or privatised, so that alien ships and aircraft can reach Australia without anyone noticing their approach.
Sadly, the present government shows no evidence of any radical reassessment of our defence needs. If the Department’s beef with Fitzgibbon was that he was questioning the assumptions underlying their procurement plans, one might have more sympathy for him. So perhaps Julia Gillard is the answer.

]]> By: Little Johnny http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19125 Little Johnny Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19125 Defence is not the only department with out-of-control bureaucrats. 7/11 Kevin made a big mistake in not clearing out some of the Howard era spiffs - Farmer, Warner, Boxall, and of course dear children overboard Jane. The word in Canberra is that dear Jane has made it clear she wants a new portfolio - preferably one of the big ones. She made much of the fact she had something on the Howard government that they could never move her. Now with her contract renewed, to the surprise of many in government, she thinks she can push for either PM&C, Treasury or Finance. But now it looks like the government may have the perfect solution - Jane and Defence. Bring it on Kev, bring it on. Defence is not the only department with out-of-control bureaucrats. 7/11 Kevin made a big mistake in not clearing out some of the Howard era spiffs - Farmer, Warner, Boxall, and of course dear children overboard Jane. The word in Canberra is that dear Jane has made it clear she wants a new portfolio - preferably one of the big ones. She made much of the fact she had something on the Howard government that they could never move her. Now with her contract renewed, to the surprise of many in government, she thinks she can push for either PM&C, Treasury or Finance. But now it looks like the government may have the perfect solution - Jane and Defence. Bring it on Kev, bring it on.

]]> By: Joel B1 http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19126 Joel B1 Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19126 To finish up.<br />Hi cath, "inch-perfect" as they say in Soccer-world.<br /><br />And I love the "this is for..." joke on the front page... At last a real sense of humour!<br /><br /> To finish up.
Hi cath, “inch-perfect” as they say in Soccer-world.

And I love the “this is for…” joke on the front page… At last a real sense of humour!

]]> By: Michael Johnston http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19127 Michael Johnston Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19127 Not only defence out of control - what an outrage against our democratic values - but also the AFP! What about Keelty? A fiasco on Sunday at about the same time as he was suggesting we had to prepare for community dissent, presumably over the GFC or whatever it is called these days. The AFP is about to prepare themselves to protect us against dissent! Keerist where will this end?<br />Now we find bikies can also extend the attack on our civil liberties. Citizens it is time to arise, throw off the chains that bind you and make these bastards accountable to ... wait for it ... us!!!!!<br />What a revolution that will be!<br />How can we obtain some sort of sensible accountability from these 'public servants'? Not only defence out of control - what an outrage against our democratic values - but also the AFP! What about Keelty? A fiasco on Sunday at about the same time as he was suggesting we had to prepare for community dissent, presumably over the GFC or whatever it is called these days. The AFP is about to prepare themselves to protect us against dissent! Keerist where will this end?
Now we find bikies can also extend the attack on our civil liberties. Citizens it is time to arise, throw off the chains that bind you and make these bastards accountable to … wait for it … us!!!!!
What a revolution that will be!
How can we obtain some sort of sensible accountability from these ‘public servants’?

]]> By: JamesK' http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19128 JamesK' Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19128 @Steve: "What we got here is... failure to communicate". <br /><br />Logically "your non sequitor" accusation means that I have made an illogical conclusion from a preceding statement. Quote me that conclusion. <br /><br />And with respect, Bernard Keane's article is not about the "alleged bugging of the minister computer by Defence Signals Directorate" and it is categorically not "whether this is justified or not".<br /><br />You are wriggling on a hook of your own making. You are dissembling and furthermore I have no doubt that it will not surprise you to learn that I was perfectly alive to the sarcasm inherent in your accusation. @Steve: “What we got here is… failure to communicate”.

Logically “your non sequitor” accusation means that I have made an illogical conclusion from a preceding statement. Quote me that conclusion.

And with respect, Bernard Keane’s article is not about the “alleged bugging of the minister computer by Defence Signals Directorate” and it is categorically not “whether this is justified or not”.

You are wriggling on a hook of your own making. You are dissembling and furthermore I have no doubt that it will not surprise you to learn that I was perfectly alive to the sarcasm inherent in your accusation.

]]> By: RexW http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19129 RexW Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19129 Time for the Minister to really take a broom to the disloyal military members who think they are independent of government. They aren't! Who knows the circumstances involved in the SAS pay problem. The fact that this was resolved after action by the minister is reprehensible and could quite easily been part of a plan against the Minister.<br />As for George Brandis. He is an agitator, going off half-cocked most of the time and definitely commenting on matters he knows little about. He competes for the title of the most negative person in the Parliament and is seldom constructive in anything he does or says.<br />Now is the time for some action. If DSD acted alone then the culprits should be turfed out immediately. But the chances are that this initiative came from someone well up the tree and he needs to be found and discharged. Our country is run by an elected government, rightly or wrongly. When the military consider they are above such management controls even allowing in a past episode an SAS soldier to raise matters such as pay disputes rather than user the normal chain of command procedures, then the military needs some disciplinary action to point out how things MUST be done. This is Australia where elected civilians run the country, including the Department of Defence.<br />A final word on Brandis. Anything he says on any subject you can safely dismiss as having little value. Time for the Minister to really take a broom to the disloyal military members who think they are independent of government. They aren’t! Who knows the circumstances involved in the SAS pay problem. The fact that this was resolved after action by the minister is reprehensible and could quite easily been part of a plan against the Minister.
As for George Brandis. He is an agitator, going off half-cocked most of the time and definitely commenting on matters he knows little about. He competes for the title of the most negative person in the Parliament and is seldom constructive in anything he does or says.
Now is the time for some action. If DSD acted alone then the culprits should be turfed out immediately. But the chances are that this initiative came from someone well up the tree and he needs to be found and discharged. Our country is run by an elected government, rightly or wrongly. When the military consider they are above such management controls even allowing in a past episode an SAS soldier to raise matters such as pay disputes rather than user the normal chain of command procedures, then the military needs some disciplinary action to point out how things MUST be done. This is Australia where elected civilians run the country, including the Department of Defence.
A final word on Brandis. Anything he says on any subject you can safely dismiss as having little value.

]]> By: Helen http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19130 Helen Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19130 For gods sake will someone put the loud mouth james bloody k down, he is an insufferable bore. For gods sake will someone put the loud mouth james bloody k down, he is an insufferable bore.

]]> By: Margaret http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19131 Margaret Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19131 Plus ca change - Defence has always had an element, or more, that thinks it knows better than the elected government and can serve the country best by opposing them. The real question is how many other people's personal and bank records does DSD delve into when it feels the urge? Plus ca change - Defence has always had an element, or more, that thinks it knows better than the elected government and can serve the country best by opposing them. The real question is how many other people’s personal and bank records does DSD delve into when it feels the urge?

]]> By: Joel B1 http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19132 Joel B1 Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19132 "Show trials all round I say-about time the real culprits were in the dock."<br /><br />So... that'ld be Rudd taking the Chinese to the International Crimes Tribunal (is that correct?) for that "little" incident about a decade ago when they squashed all those democracy-loving students to death would it?<br /><br />Or have we just decided to forget about that? Sort of like the "Sorry day" except in reverse? “Show trials all round I say-about time the real culprits were in the dock.”

So… that’ld be Rudd taking the Chinese to the International Crimes Tribunal (is that correct?) for that “little” incident about a decade ago when they squashed all those democracy-loving students to death would it?

Or have we just decided to forget about that? Sort of like the “Sorry day” except in reverse?

]]> By: Rachel http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19133 Rachel Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19133 I would assume that every politician is vetted by our security services, but we probably shouldn't be reading about it. I also assume the lack of WMDs was well known before the Iraq war but that the politicised bureaucracy made sure this inconvenient information was kept from the Prime Minister. I would assume that every politician is vetted by our security services, but we probably shouldn’t be reading about it. I also assume the lack of WMDs was well known before the Iraq war but that the politicised bureaucracy made sure this inconvenient information was kept from the Prime Minister.

]]> By: steve martin http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19134 steve martin Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19134 I know I am wasting my time in replying to the anonymous JamesK, but for what it's worth here goes: JamesK I would have thought that you would be able to understand that I was being sarcastic when I made my remark about conspiracy theories when replying to your non sequitor about Labor and China. The point of the article we have been discussing relates to the alleged bugging of the minister computer by Defence Signals Directorate, and whether this is justified or not; and the subordinate role of Defence personnel to the civilian authority of the Australian Parliament.<br />If it's not too difficult stick to the point at issue. I know I am wasting my time in replying to the anonymous JamesK, but for what it’s worth here goes: JamesK I would have thought that you would be able to understand that I was being sarcastic when I made my remark about conspiracy theories when replying to your non sequitor about Labor and China. The point of the article we have been discussing relates to the alleged bugging of the minister computer by Defence Signals Directorate, and whether this is justified or not; and the subordinate role of Defence personnel to the civilian authority of the Australian Parliament.
If it’s not too difficult stick to the point at issue.

]]> By: Bob Dean http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19135 Bob Dean Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19135 JamesK -anyone who points to a feature written by Greg "George Bush-Greatest US president Ever"Sheridan has been hanging out with moonbats themselves.<br /><br />Go back to your indignation about that idiotic Pope who condemns the population of Africa for the temerity of not only having sex but daring to use condoms as well.<br /><br />I have many Chinese neighbours and often share cabs to the shopping centre with them I demand to be investigated. JamesK -anyone who points to a feature written by Greg “George Bush-Greatest US president Ever”Sheridan has been hanging out with moonbats themselves.

Go back to your indignation about that idiotic Pope who condemns the population of Africa for the temerity of not only having sex but daring to use condoms as well.

I have many Chinese neighbours and often share cabs to the shopping centre with them I demand to be investigated.

]]> By: Venise Alstergren http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19136 Venise Alstergren Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19136 JamesK: You really know how to ride circles around your combatants. Hehehe<br /> <br />Those of you wondering what a Moonbat is, it is an unthinking and rather mad leftie. JamesK: You really know how to ride circles around your combatants. Hehehe

Those of you wondering what a Moonbat is, it is an unthinking and rather mad leftie.

]]> By: Joel B1 http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19137 Joel B1 Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19137 "For gods sake will someone put the loud mouth james bloody k down, he is an insufferable bore"<br /><br />See that's the problem with the left. They can't, will not, and will never stand for analysis...<br /><br />PS You've got yourself a yellow card for playing the person not the idea there Helen. Still you wouldn't be left if you didn't so top marks there hey? You'll be able to mention your devastating repartee at coffee tomorrow. “For gods sake will someone put the loud mouth james bloody k down, he is an insufferable bore”

See that’s the problem with the left. They can’t, will not, and will never stand for analysis…

PS You’ve got yourself a yellow card for playing the person not the idea there Helen. Still you wouldn’t be left if you didn’t so top marks there hey? You’ll be able to mention your devastating repartee at coffee tomorrow.

]]> By: Venise Alstergren http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19138 Venise Alstergren Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19138 Joel B1: I daresay I could be described as a leftie, but unlike Marilyn, I have a sense of humour. <br /><br />There is a vast difference between you and JamesK. James is rather right-wing, but he is witty and articulate. Whereas you Joel B1, come across as very juvenile, picayune and slightly bitchy.<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />V Joel B1: I daresay I could be described as a leftie, but unlike Marilyn, I have a sense of humour.

There is a vast difference between you and JamesK. James is rather right-wing, but he is witty and articulate. Whereas you Joel B1, come across as very juvenile, picayune and slightly bitchy.

Cheers

V

]]> By: David http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19139 David Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19139 Regardless of the usual self rightous, my poo poo doesn't smell comment by the serial know it all jamesk, there is a good deal of common sense and logic in the other contributions by those readers who prefer to address the topic at hand, in a rational way. Of course the Opposition have rushed in demanding the Minister be sacked regardless of the outcome of the investigation, no surprise there. Perhaps all would be better served to wait, this one will not go away and it is certain the PM is none too pleased. What a brave act to release the information when he is out of the country, I wouldn't want to be the perpetrator(s) when the true facts are known. Mr Rudd could well be a formidable enemy. Regardless of the usual self rightous, my poo poo doesn’t smell comment by the serial know it all jamesk, there is a good deal of common sense and logic in the other contributions by those readers who prefer to address the topic at hand, in a rational way. Of course the Opposition have rushed in demanding the Minister be sacked regardless of the outcome of the investigation, no surprise there. Perhaps all would be better served to wait, this one will not go away and it is certain the PM is none too pleased. What a brave act to release the information when he is out of the country, I wouldn’t want to be the perpetrator(s) when the true facts are known. Mr Rudd could well be a formidable enemy.

]]> By: JamesK' http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19140 JamesK' Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19140 What a shower of indignantly self-righteous barking moonbat commentators.<br /><br />That there is a pathological relationship between the Department and its Minister which has been evident for some time is surely not in dispute?<br /><br />That there is an influential relationship between China and the Labor Party which calls into question the integrity of the Federal Government as well as the State Governments in Queensland and NSW is also surely at the very least 'an issue'?<br /><br />Communist media invited to The Lodge at the same time that the Australian Fourth Estate are not only uninvited but unaware of who our PM was having one-to-one meetings with and why on the eve of a trip to the US? What a shower of indignantly self-righteous barking moonbat commentators.

That there is a pathological relationship between the Department and its Minister which has been evident for some time is surely not in dispute?

That there is an influential relationship between China and the Labor Party which calls into question the integrity of the Federal Government as well as the State Governments in Queensland and NSW is also surely at the very least ‘an issue’?

Communist media invited to The Lodge at the same time that the Australian Fourth Estate are not only uninvited but unaware of who our PM was having one-to-one meetings with and why on the eve of a trip to the US?

]]> By: Venise Alstergren http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19141 Venise Alstergren Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19141 Joel B1: I stand by my comments, and yes Kafka may be a little draining for you. No wonder you think this<br />government is as bad as the Chinese government, you are probably into conspiracy theories as well.<br />With the passage of time you may begin to realize that all of Australia's governments-irrespective of their idealogy, are bent, corrupt, lying, deceitful, arrogant, and filled with Roman Catholics, who, of course, put their religion before their intelligence. However, it was the intellectual poverty and down-right crookedness of the followers of John Howard, which revealed the majestic awfulness of a right-wing government. Conservatism, I refuse to call them Liberals- a title made up by Robert Gordon Menzies- will emerge from it's self-imposed seven years in the desert in a form quite unlike the scattered remnants of the likes of Tony Abbott. Of course, if the pious pontiff called Peter should be allowed to lead the Party. It will implode with a speed that will render you speechless, Joel.<br /><br />NB my original comment still stands. Joel B1: I stand by my comments, and yes Kafka may be a little draining for you. No wonder you think this
government is as bad as the Chinese government, you are probably into conspiracy theories as well.
With the passage of time you may begin to realize that all of Australia’s governments-irrespective of their idealogy, are bent, corrupt, lying, deceitful, arrogant, and filled with Roman Catholics, who, of course, put their religion before their intelligence. However, it was the intellectual poverty and down-right crookedness of the followers of John Howard, which revealed the majestic awfulness of a right-wing government. Conservatism, I refuse to call them Liberals- a title made up by Robert Gordon Menzies- will emerge from it’s self-imposed seven years in the desert in a form quite unlike the scattered remnants of the likes of Tony Abbott. Of course, if the pious pontiff called Peter should be allowed to lead the Party. It will implode with a speed that will render you speechless, Joel.

NB my original comment still stands.

]]> By: Cathy http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19142 Cathy Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19142 Australians need to lower their expectations of standards in political governance. Joel’s part of a political thingy where buckets of MPs like him spill into parliaments across the nation and rise to their level of incompetence. The upside is the theatre in how political scandals like this play out as the Party revs up its smog machine depending on how much dirt is in Joel’s file. The media dissolves into confected outrage over trashed standards and accountability knowing they’re dinosaurs in recent thinking and Joel says sorry for wearing Helen’s suit and forgetting to declare she paid for his trips to China. Meantime back in Defence bureaucrats are pilloried for virtual whistle-blowing on a Minister who shouldn’t be. That law and order long-departed parliamentary turf is of little concern – it’s the downside of democracy. Australians need to lower their expectations of standards in political governance. Joel’s part of a political thingy where buckets of MPs like him spill into parliaments across the nation and rise to their level of incompetence. The upside is the theatre in how political scandals like this play out as the Party revs up its smog machine depending on how much dirt is in Joel’s file. The media dissolves into confected outrage over trashed standards and accountability knowing they’re dinosaurs in recent thinking and Joel says sorry for wearing Helen’s suit and forgetting to declare she paid for his trips to China. Meantime back in Defence bureaucrats are pilloried for virtual whistle-blowing on a Minister who shouldn’t be. That law and order long-departed parliamentary turf is of little concern – it’s the downside of democracy.

]]> By: fehowarth http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19143 fehowarth Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19143 I am not surprised that the dirt files are arising again. The only thing that puzzles me is why the opposition took so long. Mr. Rudd will rue the day he made the decision not to sack department heads. I am not surprised that the dirt files are arising again. The only thing that puzzles me is why the opposition took so long. Mr. Rudd will rue the day he made the decision not to sack department heads.

]]> By: Bob Dean http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19144 Bob Dean Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19144 What a ratbag (and dimwit) JamesK is/.Every opportunity to batter a Labor Party member is used.by him. He offers no proof of the pure poppycock he writes about Fitzgibbon. The scandal here is defence dpt officials making public any claim to embarrass a Minsiter or government member. This should be viewed as what it is-vindictivness and anti-Australian. In fact, it borders on treachery and treason.<br /><br />The offending public servants should be put to the sword .<br /><br />There is also a chance for our timid Attorney General to make amends for his appaling response to the rogue AFP bss. Those guilty should be prosecuted to the nth degree. Ys Mr McCleland-it's your job to defend the legal rights of all Australians, not to selectively allow those like Keelty and rogue AFP officers to escape scot free when they break the law. Show some guts man,.<br /><br />As for Brandis and the unheard of backbencher trotted forward to criticise Fitzgibbon when they don't have the full facts. They demonstrate yet again the Coaltion has become irrelevant .Why Labpr hasn't enbarked on a bloodletting cull of Liberal Party members who transgressed the law over the past 11 years is a mystery. Alowing them to escape their sins means they will fight back with further venom.<br /><br />And yes-where were these defence officials when the WDMD issue came up ?. Show trials all round I say-about time the real culprits were in the dock. What a ratbag (and dimwit) JamesK is/.Every opportunity to batter a Labor Party member is used.by him. He offers no proof of the pure poppycock he writes about Fitzgibbon. The scandal here is defence dpt officials making public any claim to embarrass a Minsiter or government member. This should be viewed as what it is-vindictivness and anti-Australian. In fact, it borders on treachery and treason.

The offending public servants should be put to the sword .

There is also a chance for our timid Attorney General to make amends for his appaling response to the rogue AFP bss. Those guilty should be prosecuted to the nth degree. Ys Mr McCleland-it’s your job to defend the legal rights of all Australians, not to selectively allow those like Keelty and rogue AFP officers to escape scot free when they break the law. Show some guts man,.

As for Brandis and the unheard of backbencher trotted forward to criticise Fitzgibbon when they don’t have the full facts. They demonstrate yet again the Coaltion has become irrelevant .Why Labpr hasn’t enbarked on a bloodletting cull of Liberal Party members who transgressed the law over the past 11 years is a mystery. Alowing them to escape their sins means they will fight back with further venom.

And yes-where were these defence officials when the WDMD issue came up ?. Show trials all round I say-about time the real culprits were in the dock.

]]> By: Bob Gregg http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/03/26/fitzgibbon-affair-points-to-bureaucrats-out-of-control/#comment-19145 Bob Gregg Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000 #comment-19145 Well I have met the lady in question at a post election function in Cessnock , she was greeted by the Fitzgibbon clan like a family would greet an auntie - it was obvious the lady was a family friend of long standing - it was close to Christmas and I think she may have had presents for the Fitzgibbon kids - now I'm feeling guilty I know Joel and he knows both my wife and me - my wife is Egyptian , he assisted in getting my wifes sister ( from Egypt) a visa post 9/11 - so using the DOD link does this mean I am also a security risk? Joel Fitzgibbon is a great guy , hard working and willing to make hard decisions - back of DOD ! Well I have met the lady in question at a post election function in Cessnock , she was greeted by the Fitzgibbon clan like a family would greet an auntie - it was obvious the lady was a family friend of long standing - it was close to Christmas and I think she may have had presents for the Fitzgibbon kids - now I’m feeling guilty I know Joel and he knows both my wife and me - my wife is Egyptian , he assisted in getting my wifes sister ( from Egypt) a visa post 9/11 - so using the DOD link does this mean I am also a security risk? Joel Fitzgibbon is a great guy , hard working and willing to make hard decisions - back of DOD !

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