From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 31 July

The on-going roadworks in Albert Street, Sebastopol, are a disgrace – by any reasonable standard of public works. 

THEY are, as the saying goes, a veritable dog’s breakfast. That a government, through ineptness, is able to deprive people of their livelihood, with seeming impunity, is astonishing.

Whatever happened to the maxim, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you?” Obviously, the question is rhetorical since the philosophy has passed-out of our lives. These days, it seems some people will, without a moment of deliberation, do whatever best serves their agenda. We seem to have forgotten that, in the greater scheme of things, we have only each other. If, when the going gets tough and our backs are to the wall, there is a real, or perceived, lack of government support, and concern, then you have to wonder – about everything.

Even more unsettling, is the unfortunate lack of support which local Labor politicians, Michaela Settle and Juliana Addison, have offered to those most seriously financially impacted. The barrage of frivolous persiflage at a recent meeting – particularly from the Minister for Small Business, Jaala Pulford, was most awkward, and served only to exacerbate an already distressing situation. One of the aggrieved, exasperated by the Ms Pulford’s waffling, circular defence and apparent lack of appropriate legislation knowledge, left the gathering after declaring, loudly, it was a load of b****t.

To contend a fair and reasonable compensation would set a precedent is arrant nonsense. We are struggling through unprecedented times. The terms and conditions for any agreed ex gratia payment – and there does exist a moral obligation – if carefully detailed, and excluding a confidentiality clause, could be so predicated as to preclude any future predicaments, or claims.

That Ms Settle and Ms Addison have failed to adequately support those most affected by the roadworks is truly regrettable, and might be construed as a total lack of regard. One of those proprietors most affected has, over three months, sent three emails to Ms Settle’s office. None has been acknowledged.

We can only hope neither of the politicians will audaciously present themselves for a photo opportunity when, finally, the work is completed. That would be adding insult to injury.

Victorians are facing an election. Those residents most affected by the appalling lack of departmental planning and its catastrophic emotional and fiscal effect, should think long and hard before they walk to the ballot box.

All joy to those who believe in God – in whatever form; however, let us keep God out of government.

Australia is a secular, not a theocratic, nation. There is a separation of church and state, and for considered reason. The former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison’s sermon, delivered to the congregation of Margaret Court’s Perth-founded church, is reason for head-shaking incredulity!

Astonishingly, Mr Morrison proffered we should put our faith in Christ and not fallible governments. “We trust in Him. We don’t trust in governments. We don’t trust in United Nations, thank goodness,” he said, “but as someone who’s been in it, if you are putting your faith in those things, like I put my faith in the Lord, you are making a mistake, they are fallible.”

Any faith is deeply personal. Mr Morrison’s outrageous waffling is religious humbug, and should be seen as such. Utter rubbish! God did not end his tenure. It was the Australian people. They were not guided by the Holy Spirit, but by the Morrison Government’s ineptitude.

As Mr Morrison said, “Don’t get me started.”

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