From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 12 March

Platitudinous gobbledegook is a form is mis-and disinformation. In the absence of compelling evidence, why would you believe it?

IT was said, at the time of the announcement, the new GovHub building would revitalise the Ballarat CBD!

It is a far-fetched notion, with no basis in truth, and a lack of empirical evidence to support the claim. Why, and how, the transmogrification was supposed to happen is a conundrum – a figment of blatant, political imagination.

Given its location, it would be reasonable to assume the occupation of the building would have minimal, if any, impact on the surrounding environs. It might result in an increase in lunchtime trade at the nearby restaurants, or sandwich outlets. It is hardly likely to attract crowds of locals, gathering daily, and oohing-and-aahing at the new building – however beautiful it might be.

In the same way, while the proposed work on the Bridge Mall is to be applauded, there is no evidence to suggest shoppers will change their established retail habits in favour of the new mall. It is fanciful to imagine the place will be inundated with eager shops. Anyone who frequents the area will have noticed there are greater societal problems at play than a lack of retail interest. Realistically, Little Bridge Street requires a permanent, visible, police presence. A crewed booth would do much to eradicate the existing behaviour.

We must stop being so naïve, and gullible! The majority of press releases are propaganda and should be taken with a pinch of salt!  There is a political willing to say, and do, anything if it means staying in power. You should believe only half of what you read, and even less of what you hear. We live in a world of misinformation, disinformation, half-truths, Chinese whispers, and blatant lies! Social media has torn the lid from Pandora’s box. While it has unquestionable merit, it has provided every conspiratorial half-wit with a megaphone to the world. What they do not know they invent as a truth.

Let me assuage your doubts and restore trust: I own a bridge in Sydney which I am trying to sell. It’s going cheap. Contact me, and we’ll come to a most satisfactory financial arrangement!

When my late father, Nello, coughed it came from the souls of his feet. He died from silicosis and tuberculosis, aged 63.

The killer disease, miner’s complain or dust on the lungs, was a consequence of being an underground machine miner, and working deep in the bowels of the earth with inadequate ventilation.

I remember, vividly, when the letter arrived in Gwalia advising him of the diagnosis following an X-ray. It created chaos in both our lives.

It is incomprehensible, given this problem has been around for a century in this country, we still allow hazardous workplaces to operate with impunity. You would be a dullard not to realise the fine dust from any form of stone, whether it be natural or manmade, is going to cause lung and breathing complications.

An insidious condition, silicosis invariably proves fatal. My father spent the final, miserable years of his life in the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor. He underwent a major lung resectioning which left him totally weakened; he was incapable of performing the simplest tasks.

It is incomprehensible, in this age of space and modern technology, governments have not legislated to make certain we do not replicate past problems.

I hoped silicosis ended with my father’s death. Alas, not!

Roland can be heard with Brett Macdonald at 10.45am Mondays on 3BA and contacted via [email protected].