One thing’s for sure, he got publicity you just can’t buy any other way. And an up-graded profile. Although Channel 9 viewers might find themselves searching for Tim HOLDEN on the ballot paper.

And Dean, I missed the reunion with his partner. If I had, what would I have been looking for that I would have found interesting?

There but for the grace of god and all that…

But I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation to purchase or hire a PLB. I believe some of the more well-trodden trails even offer free PLB hire (I’m sure a deposit is payable) and this incident demonstrates that this would be a worthwhile investment for the authorities to make.

As long as one prepares well - and there is every indication Mr Holding did just that - there should be a place reserved for “ordinary” adventurers who push their personal limits in a responsible way. What a boring world it would be if none of us dared undertake a task which might go pear-shaped.

The only criticism that can be levelled at Mr Holding is that he should have been carrying a EPIRB/PLB especially since he was travelling alone. One mistake on his part - we’re all entitled to make them, after all even Ministers of the Crown are human.

Ian Grainger

For mobiles always text rather than use voice if signal is weak.
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Remember that dialling emergency 912 apparently tries all mobile carriers.

Ian Grainger

For starters, Holding left detailed instructions of where he was going and when he would return. If he was whited-out (no details have emerged yet, so it’s best not to speculate too much) it would have mattered nought if he was solo or with others.

My main issue with Greg’s (and presumably others’) attitudes is that what you’re really talking about is limiting an individual’s ability to have an adventure. This is an ongoing discussion on the climbing and skiing fora; when do you call in the cavalry and whose responsibility is it? It is hard to determine the difference between recklessness and intent when someone is gone longer than expected. Maybe they found the perfect snow chute and lost track of time? Maybe they just wanted one more day of the good climbing conditions?

My point is that someone was out longer than expected does not make them irresponsible. The fact it was a Minister makes no difference, unless you think some humans are worth more than others. The rescuers did not ‘have to’ rescue him; Tim knew the risks, took them and was prepared for the consequences. Who’s to say he could not have got out under his own steam in a day or 2? Moralising about it helps no one.

I don’t know the dangers of hiking alone in those conditions, but Mr Holding is an experienced hiker and he took adequate equipment to survive 2 nights in sub-zero temperatures.

Without knowing the full circumstances, it seems a little early to be questioning his judgement and bringing out the knives …

As a community leader he has a greater responsibility to set an example to others, especially in view of his past ministerial responsibility for Police and Emergency Services. Whilst I am relieved that he has been found, I am distressed at his lack of capacity for rational judgement. Significant community resources have had to be mobilised to find this fool whose capacity for future leadership, already in doubt should now be seriously questioned.