Posted on

The way forward on Uluru — 2019 Frank Walker memorial lecture

By LINDA BURNEY | 25 October 2019

I think there are three things we can learn from Frank Walker’s life and legacy. First, his willingness to make personal sacrifices for fairness and justice. Second, his pragmatism – to know the best possible outcome when you see it, and to not let it go. Third, to be able to provide a calm and sensible voice in the midst of emotion and hysteria. These lessons are no more relevant than to the current national discussion about the Uluru Statement, constitutional recognition and an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Continue reading “The way forward on Uluru — 2019 Frank Walker memorial lecture”
Posted on

Time to stop digging our way out of trouble. A lesson from the past?

One day a rooster, the next day a feather duster!

By LAURIE PATTON | 6 October 2019

For a mixture of political and economic reasons Australia will continue to rely on mining in the foreseeable future, at least to some extent. Yet unresolved debates over a number of proposed coal mines have exposed a politcial rift that may well determine the outcome of the next federal election, just as the issue had a major impact on this year’s poll.

While the risk is arguably greater on Labor’s side the turning tide of public opinion spurred by concerns about Global Warming suggests both the major parties would be well-advised to start thinking about their future responses to the demands of the mining lobby.

One solution is to create jobs in other sectors for the people displaced when mines close or new mining licences are rejected.

Continue reading “Time to stop digging our way out of trouble. A lesson from the past?”
Posted on

Barbarians at the gate — don’t let them destroy Murray Valley National Park

By Laurie Patton | 12 July 2019

The New South Wales deputy premier wants to allow logging in a national park in the state’s Riverina. John Barilaro says he intends removing statutory protection of the 42,000 hectare Murray Valley National Park – either by de-gazetting the entire area or reducing its size.

Forty years ago we fought to stop the logging of a rainforest at Terania Creek in northern NSW. I cannot believe this issue is back on the political agenda.

Continue reading “Barbarians at the gate — don’t let them destroy Murray Valley National Park”
Posted on

Harry M Miller — setting the record straight

By LAURIE PATTON | 6 July 2018

I was once paid a big compliment by Harry M Miller, when I was running Channel Seven Sydney, so I feel nothing but sadness at the news of his death. However, as an advisor to former NSW Attorney General, the late Frank Walker, I need to set the record straight. Harry went to gaol because he broke the law and was duly convicted in the courts.

It was cited as the most serious “white collar crime” at the time. It was not a politically motivated prosecution, as Harry claimed.

Continue reading “Harry M Miller — setting the record straight”