Australia - you're standing in it

Sheepdog's picture
Sheepdog started the topic in Friday, 18 Sep 2020 at 11:51am

The "I can't believe it's not politics" thread.

GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 10:04am

I saw the Nationals Matt Canavan on ABC TV yesterday absolutely incensed at the suggestion the Aboriginal flag should be hung in Parliament House forcefully insisting we have one flag for all Australians.

GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 10:05am

^^

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 10:29am

So where's he stand on changing the current flag to represent all Australians?

Hiccups's picture
Hiccups's picture
Hiccups Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 10:34am

With his pants around his ankles and his thumb in his ear probably.

GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 10:35am

Rhetorical question Stu?

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:03am

Step by step.

Would love to see the flag go, and the anthem is an embarrassment.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/11/gladys-berejiklia...

fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21 Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:07am

Is the 3 different flags just creating division anyway? Should we not have just one flag uniting and representing us all together?

Hiccups's picture
Hiccups's picture
Hiccups Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:15am

Yeah maybe, but it sure as shit aint the current one.

Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:14am

'Agree with you entirely, just gotta get that C-bomb off the front page.'

I'll keep that in mind when delivering my first lines here if that's the case stu. :)

Only one thing even more unmentionable on the front page hiccups. Glutes. Don't ever mention them. Who could forget bento's scream that echoed around the world... again...

'Glutes is like farkin' hairs... who needs 'em anyway!!!!!'

In a nutshell.

adam12's picture
adam12's picture
adam12 Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:14am

Canavan talks about "tarnishing our ancestors" without mentioning his own tarnished ancestors, namely his father, who was jailed for stealing $4m from his employer Cadbury.

Hiccups's picture
Hiccups's picture
Hiccups Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:18am

"Only one thing even more unmentionable on the front page hiccups. Glutes."

Don't talk to me about glutes mate. Hang on. Hold the fisherman's basket. Just a birdbath full of prawns for this cunt. Sorry about the language love, but come on. I lost me last order.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:20am

Yep, I agree Fitz, we should just have one flag that represents us, but that would require an overhaul, perhaps adopting something uniquely Australian that isn't identified with any one party or people, similar to what Canada did introducing the maple leaf that united the Indigenuous people, and English and French settlers.

In NZ, there's a Maori flag, it's also caused controversy yet it gets flown during Waitangi Day - which isn't unlike a Kiwi version of NAIDOC.

I mean, fuck, it's symbolic, an attempt at inclusion, but then what is a flag if not a symbol?

fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21 Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:21am

@ Hiccup, most definitely. None of the 3 represents everyone equally, so should we all not be working together to come up with one that will be seen as uniting us all as a country?

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:25am

Canavan is the fella who Voted very strongly for:

Drug testing welfare recipients
Imprisoning immigration detention workers who record or reveal information from their work
Increasing investment in the coal industry
Increasing parliamentary entitlements for current MPs and Senators
Privatising the ABC
Reducing personal income tax
Storing all citizens' telecommunications data for access by government agencies

Sounds like being a total cunt is hereditary.

fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21 Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:26am

Yeah, for sure Stu. The T.I.'s fly their flag proudly and wear shirts the same. T.O.'s in some parts the same. I believe that could be kept, along the lines of (not the same as) state flags, but have one for the country that everyone recognizes as uniting rather than creating division and angst.

Hiccups's picture
Hiccups's picture
Hiccups Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:28am

I'll be making a temporary flag for all those who can't wait. It'll be a kangaroo kicking seven shades of shit out of Scott Morrison, or whoever happens to be the cunt in charge that doesn't want it changed.

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 11:58am

Have a look on Pinterest, there's some really nice designs for an Aussie flag that look all inclusive.

I like our current flag as it's the only one I know and anywhere in the world I can recognise something being Australian. That said, you could phase a new one in no worries. I'd be all for it.

factotum's picture
factotum's picture
factotum Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 12:18pm

Flagged.

factotum's picture
factotum's picture
factotum Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 12:27pm

A side note:

If Scotland and Northern Ireland split from the UK, the Union Jack will be null & void anyway.

simba's picture
simba's picture
simba Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 1:29pm

fuk the union jack off OUR flag,incorporate the aboriginal flag with the southern cross and incorporate this version of the national anthem and embrace and celebrate Australia.....

&ab_channel=AustraliaDay

GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 2:45pm

I personally think we could have the 3 flags equally embraced and respected as a first step. Then remove the Union Jack as a second step ....... but does anyone seriously believe the right of politics will ever agree to that?

This is one more issue that will only ever be resolved if we have incremental progressive change enacted but successive Labor governments over a 10-12 plus year period.... and can anyone seriously see that happening in Australia?

What would the seismic events/shifts have to be for any of that to occur?

bluediamond's picture
bluediamond's picture
bluediamond Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 3:21pm

I would most happily have the aboriginal flag as the nations flag. They are the original inhabitants. If you follow logic, this is the logical choice of flag for the country. Would piss off so many rednecks too. Double win.

san Guine's picture
san Guine's picture
san Guine Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 3:24pm

This was my personal favourite when NZ was debating their flag..https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/fire-lazar

GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 4:08pm

Referencing NZ here is very relevant. As a frequent manuhiri to both islands the difference between Australia and NZ is smack in your face startling. Māori culture is celebrated everywhere and seamlessly plays an important part of everyday life in NZ. Another chalk and cheese comparison is Jacinda Adern as seen here ....

https://www.facebook.com/jacindaardern/videos/kia-kaha-te-reo-māori/1458577870997106/ (cut and paste link to work)

Australia, The Lucky Country?

indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 7:01pm

Regarding the Aussie flag it should be something that all Australians get a say on to keep or change.

IMHO Australia should have a referendum every 25 years with 3 to max 5 questions/issues.

Last referendum for a republic was Nov 99 make it an even number and have the next one on 2025 then every 25 years onwards.

Next one issues/questions should be

1. Becoming a republic

2. Changing the flag.

3. Changing Australia day.

Regarding the flag the default new flag option should just be the removal of union jack, which would make sense if we became a republic anyway.

That way even if changed it caters for those that have fought under it etc, but also caters for those that don't think the union jack is inclusive or relevant or whatever.

Otherwise it would be impossible to ever agree on a totally new one.

BTW. putting a set referendum date on these issues to vote on, helps put them to bed for a while and stops people using them to cause division or be brought up for political gain or political relevance etc

Edit: Throw the changing of the national anthem in there too if you wish, but again how on earth would you ever decide on a new one.

Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 6:58pm

Yes the british invasion of NZ is very different to when they invaded Australia.

The Maori Chiefs negotiated treaties with british, which although controversial give them much more power and leverage than Indigenous Australians were afforded. It also demonstrates that unlike Indigenous Australians, Maoris were acknowledged as humans.

https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/treaty/the-treaty-in-brief

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-14/maori-sovereignity/5891550#:~:tex....

There were huge, major differences in the Indigenous Australian Cultures and Maori Iwi, or Cultural groups, as well as the british invaders. The british invaders with their seperatist, superior ideals had absolutely no understanding at all of the extremely sophisticated Indigenous Australian social structures, based on complete inclusion, interrelation with all around them, and equality. They couldn't comprehend that it is a very advanced form of communication to not need chiefs, generals, armies etc. So they wrongly viewed Indigenous Australians as ignorant, prehistoric, more animal than human. When nothing could be further from the truth. Indigenous Australian Cultures are the oldest, most successful, continual Cultures ever in human history. War, invasion, and conquering others and nature were neither valued, or necessary for their 80,000 year success story.

https://www.sbs.com.au/firstaustralians/

upnorth's picture
upnorth's picture
upnorth Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 9:01pm

The Union Flag shouldn't be on any other nations flag imo, different times and those colours belong to the UK and British Overseas Territories only these days. If like Canada a country wants to retain it as a token 'royal union flag' or similar fair enough but having the Union Jack adorning the southern cross is just a slap in the face for Indigenous Australians.

Likewise Australia should become a republic and ditch the anthem asap. Those ties to the UK are long gone, Australia has more in common with America culturally, politically and now relies on the US for defense. The UK is moving on from the days of empire and could do without these old ties but it needs to be Commonwealth states and territories of the British Empire who get the ball rolling.

gsco's picture
gsco's picture
gsco Thursday, 12 Nov 2020 at 7:33am

huh...I thought we don't need a flag anymore, and the idea of a republic no longer makes sense, because clearly we're heading down the path of becoming the 51st state of America...

Hiccups's picture
Hiccups's picture
Hiccups Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 11:47am

This is disgusting.

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

factotum's picture
factotum's picture
factotum Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 1:55pm

Disgusting, and true to form, Hiccups.

synchrodogcal's picture
synchrodogcal's picture
synchrodogcal Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 2:02pm

"I would most happily have the aboriginal flag as the nations flag. They are the original inhabitants. If you follow logic, this is the logical choice of flag for the country. Would piss off so many rednecks too. Double win."

not to mention it's a really good looking flag too, imo.

they had it flying on the westgate bridge earlier this week and it put the dowdy old current flag to shame

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 2:10pm

I reckon if you're going to change the flag you should incorporate the indigenous flag with something that represents all of us. Maybe something with the Southern Cross and some sort of design that celebrates the first inhabitants and those newer to the country and now make it home.

If you have the indigenous flag only I reckon you're going back to square one. It needs to be something we can all get behind.

Not saying I don't like the indigenous flag though. It's what a flag should be- simple, distinctive, recognisable and has meaning.

fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21 Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 2:22pm

For me it needs to be something totally new. The T.I flag and the T.O flag represents something personal to them. If it is something completely new that we can all more or less agree on, it can be a bit like starting fresh.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 2:27pm

" it can be a bit like starting fresh."

Amen.

It needs to sidestep the culture war bickering of the past and be something everyone can get behind. Unity, that'd be fresh start.

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 2:27pm

X 2 Fitz.

Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 3:28pm

So sweet... x 78 fizzenstupe’

See, its all good, we dun it before and we’ll do it again. We’ll figure something out for ‘em... move ‘em along... again... and...

Coz anyway, that’d be all fresh and new and shite... newstart... there’s a bloody good idea... get the kids orf the streets too... fuck knows how they got there... lazy little... it’s all advancing but... again... aaaayeee mmm...

Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 3:40pm

Righto you lot, ‘ere’s wot we’re gonna do... for youse but... agin’...

We’ve formed a committee of... of... anyway they are onto it... agin’ and they’ll have it sorted in no time. Like they always do. Have you ever heard of the swillnuts... and don’t worry if it seems like they’re not listening, agin’... the leader’s deaf as a fuckin’ doornail... an they’re onta that too... but she’s all sweet... aaaayyyeee but...

chook's picture
chook's picture
chook Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 3:41pm

the australian flag has the flag of another country on it.
it's beyond embarrassing, it's just pathetic.

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 4:02pm

Need a thorough process with community consultation if Australia is to design a new flag, like NZ did:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/15/new-zealands-new-flag-15-q...

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 4:07pm

Dog love New Zealand, the country that invented jogging.

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 4:12pm

Egg beaters and Zorb balls. They are a creative bunch, but I think we can claim the rotary clothesline.

NZ also unleashed this on the world:

so refreshing not to have to pay for a quality film online

Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne's picture
Michael Bourne Friday, 13 Nov 2020 at 4:25pm

Inventions... go the whole hog, plus we get the security and acknowledgment that we’ve missed out on the last couple of hundred years.

They can join the dots... so to speak... so we’ll let ‘em keep the dots, and we’ll supply the inventions!

A dot painted giant mushroom cloud... naaah, fuck it, go something completely new, for once... tell the truth, the whole story... 12 giant dot painted mushroom clouds... she’ll be right aaaaayyyeeee...

https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/sources-radiation/mor...

factotum's picture
factotum's picture
factotum Monday, 16 Nov 2020 at 12:30pm

It's PC gone mad, I tells ya!

Hiccups's picture
Hiccups's picture
Hiccups Monday, 16 Nov 2020 at 12:45pm

Red Army? I'm not eating no communist lollies!

Hiccups's picture
Hiccups's picture
Hiccups Monday, 16 Nov 2020 at 12:45pm

Hang on. Have I fallen for a "The Onion" style joke here?

chook's picture
chook's picture
chook Monday, 16 Nov 2020 at 2:20pm

eating your enemy has a long history....wasn't the crosissant concoted as a symbolic eating of the enemy's islamic crescent?

although red armies and cheguevas are probably only going to appeal to elderly reaganites who have run out of jelly beans.

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020 at 12:51pm

Real estate agents saying they haven't seen anything like this latest regional real estate boom in nearly 25 years.

And of course the flow-on effect in the Coffs/Grafton region includes rental vacancy rates dropping from 3 per cent in November 2019 to just 0.7 per cent in September 2020.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-16/northern-nsw-property-byron-bay-b...

No wonder that populists like this emerge. Pinched this link from Pops elsewhere.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-15/canada-conservative-party-erin-ot...

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020 at 12:57pm

Yep, been going mental on the Tweed too. Though, to be honest it's actually been a steady increase for the last five and a half years (ever since I moved up) which has accelerated in the last six months.

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020 at 12:58pm

Just checked Kingscliff - median house price in 2012 was $560K, now it's $1.15m.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020 at 12:59pm

Inneresting, eh Andy?

Why just yesterday there was much hoopla about the free trade agreement - the 'mega' free trade agreement - Australia signed, and perhaps the agreement is a good thing for us, but there was zero discussion about what it meant.

Conspicuously absent I'd say, considering all the talk of reversing globalisation and whatnot.