[LINK] The PLAN, and broadband speeds?

[Marghanita da Cruz]

Howard Lowndes wrote:
> 
> 
> Stewart Fist wrote:
>> Howard wrote
>>> Having worked casually for the AEC for over 25 years I am appalled at
>>> the level of ignorance of electoral matters by the vast majority of
>>> Australian voters.  Many have no idea that we have three levels of
>>> government - one too many IMO.
>>
>>
>> I've never understood the desire to get rid of either local or state
>> government.
> 
> So, do you really believe that 20M population should be governed by 15 
> houses of parliament and 700+ local councils.  I'm sorry, but I see that 
> as gross over governance.
> 
<snip>

It may be over government and it would most likely be ineffective
governance if we got more of the same as we believe we have now.

What we have at present is an odd situation of Labour State Governments
vs Liberal Federal Government (in an election mode, and a huge
booty of Petrol Taxes and GST), while the states deliver the services.

NSW says it is hard done by on a population basis, whereas Qld & WA do
quite well, Tasmania doesn't seem to say anything...how are those
forests standing up? I am under the impression that Alcohol is a state tax.

The Brisbane City council does a lot more that the Sydney City Council,
which does more than than the myriad of Sydney metro councils and 
probably less than the rural councils...water, for example, falls under 
rural councils.

To stray off-topic, and respond to Stewart's suggestion of hospitals 
moving to the federal jurisdiction, maybe it would be better if health 
care was moved to the states. Then we could have more GP bulk-billing 
centres instead of people presenting at hospitals.

On Education, it was with some surprise that I heard that the NSW 
Government provides funds to Catholic schools.

Marghanita
-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
http://www.ramin.com.au
Phone: 0414 869202