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The Magpie

Sunday, June 9th, 2024   |   335 comments

Troy Thompson Goes Full Frontal Trump: ‘I Will Have My Revenge When Back In office’.

That was the message on FB before the blokes in white coats could retrieve the keyboard they had confiscated from the sacked mayor.  This followed close on the heels of last Wednesday’s historic vote of no confidence by all 10 TCC councillors, asking Thomson to resign. He has indicated he will do anything but, ensuring more hillbilly publicity for Townsville, while he plays the ultimate grifter’s game … compensation for his own sins.

Jenny Hill nixes her run for a senate spot, s shuadders through the city.  So is she back in the mayoral market? A Bulletin reporter was on the spot and could’ve asked her. But didn’t.  So SNAFU at the paper, as usual.

Veteran Bulletin columnist John Anderson pays The Magpie a veiled compliment or two … perhaps.

And a princely property goes on the market,  set to make the vendor an honest dollar or two, for a change …

And The Magpie goes in for a bit of rage farming, offering you a video graph of statistics which will make you lose both heart and your temper.

A tempestuous and historic week for Townsville,  but the fun and games are far from over. However, The Magpie will not lose sight that other matters of community import will continue apace, and will welcome input from citizen/journalists – as we call many of the Nest’s readers – who have spotted something of which the public should be informed. And The ‘Pie will be less distracted in his beaverings if you could lend a helping hand to meet the on-going costs of keeping the Nest trundling along.The donate button is at the bottom of the blog. Appreciated.

Disgraced Troy Thompson Promises A Schwarzenegger: ‘I’ll Be Back’.

This moment spelt the end to one of the greatest political misadventures in the annals of Townsville – last Wednesday morning,  June 5. 2024 councillors unanimously voted for a no confidence motion against Mayor Troy Thompson, and demanded his  resignation.

downloadThompson himself was not there , which raised howls of anger from those awaiting the arrival of the tumbril. and cries of cowardice, but that wasn’t quite the case … in fact, his absence might have been the one sensible decision he has made recently.

Thompson may well have gone into his office at, as he has consistently claimed, about 5.30am. But … and this is The Magpie’s completely reliable information … he left after meeting with the TCC legal team and the CEO.  This group realised the seriousness and the complicated repercussions that the impending council vote would entail, and on Tuesday, had pulled an ‘all nighter’, discussing possible courses of actions and talking on the phone to various witnesses and experts. The ‘Pie knows for sure that those discussions took place until at least 3am, so it is likely the the CEO and his chief legal advisor stayed on to meet with Thompson. This they either did, or contacted him by phone before he left home, advising him about the reality of his position, which they could not support. With that,  and possibly on their advice, Thompson chose not to attend the council meeting.

But despite the subsequent no confidence motion,  he refused point blank to resign, ignoring calls from among others  Premier Miles, and the opposition leader David Crisafulli, to voluntarily step down. Instead, he insisted ‘I am still the mayor’ (technically but not operationally correct) and expanded his views and ‘victimhood’ on rambling Facebook posts,  refusing to acknowledge his exposed lies and history of fraud, domestic violence and false educational claims. In several posts, he made non-specific threats against  that he is believed had wrongly accused him, and as  a wronged party, vaguely suggested he would seek – again unspecified – retribution when he was ‘reinstated’. 

The path ahead for him, the council and this city on this issue is unclear at the time of writing, but last Wednesday’s decisive and uncompromising unanimous vote means, no matter what machinations follow, Troy Thompson will never again occupy this city’s mayoral office.

So What Is This Moral Bankrupt Up To Now?

Well, we know several things for certain about Troy Thompson.

He is a serial and career con man and grifter, with a background of fraud, bankruptcy, business incompetence and a massive capacity to lie – even in the face of overwhelming evidence that proves his dishonesty. He would have us believe he also has ‘mental health’ issues, and his behaviour would seem to confirm that, but has he? He may in fact be a lot saner than his social media weirdness suggests, and in fact may well have successfully used the ‘mental health issues’ ploy before, as when faced with serious DV matters on the Gold Coast.

Backed and no doubt egged on by the dribblers of avowed social disruptors MyPlace, Thompson now appears to be laying the groundwork for a big compensation pay day.  This goes beyond his transparent mewlings about innocent until proven guilty and so on, insisting no judgement should be made until the CCC investigation is completed.  Which could take anything up to a year … a year when he would received his taxpayer funded $200,000+ salary, for sitting on his bronzer and doing nothing more than nibbling grapes, slipping Michelle the occasional length, and further shredding  Townsville’s reputation by his continuing legal presence.  If the CCC outcome gives him the slightest legal opening, he will be in for a big claim, probably the full four years mayoral pay … about a million bucks … balm with which to soothe his self-inflicted injuries.

But The Magpie takes heart that Thompson’s planned year of leisure at our expense may be cut short by one miscalculation he has probably made … his belief that his grift investigation will be dragged out because it is an election year. The very opposite is likely, and the government, stalked carefully by the opposition, will more probably find a way for a faster end to this rort. Miles will then claim sorely needed voter gratitude in return for hurrying things along.

But given this government’s record on curtailing crime in Townsville ,  would you put your money on it?

Great Minds And All That

The ‘Pie is always glad when he is tipped a complimentary nod by fellow professionals,  but he was more than usually chuffed when he got a veiled pat on the back from former colleague and old war horse John Ando Andersen in the Weekend Astonisher.

Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 9.47.08 pm

Maybe Ando was recalling what he read in last week’s Nest, and decided he couldn’t do better.

Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 9.37.22 pm

Ando also gave The ‘Pie a wink and nod when he wrote:

Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 9.48.06 pm

See that, see that!! … ‘mostly by this masthead’.   ‘Mostly’. The Magpie knows code when he sees it, and that is John’s generous way of acknowledging that The Magpie was way ahead of the field on the Thompson story,  including ahead of what he so primly calls ‘this masthead’ … he means The Bulletin. No mention there of ACA’s devastating interview , the straw that broke the councillors’ back regarding any generous latitude they’d given their accidental mayor.

So thanks, oldtimer, very good of … oh, wait a sec. … The ‘Pie might have this wrong. Ando was never a scold or have a judgemental word for his colleagues, but perhaps, just perhaps, he was actually giving The Magpie some of his own critical medicine for the sloppy Magpie’s misquoting the Black Knight, incorrectly saying ‘flesh wound’ instead of ‘scratch’.

Well, OK, Ando, The ‘Pie is humbled … although it sounds a bit gross to say he is eating humble pie. Eating himself?  That’s impossible, as every bloke who’s tried to,  knows.

Oh, No Surely Not …

There are those among us who believe that there is no such thing as coincidence.  And those who believe this, noting that the mayor’s job is again vacant, saw this announcement made 24 hours after the council kicked out the incumbent.

Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 9.49.35 am”Opted out”, my cloaca … but more on that in a sec.

The ‘Pie takes little solace from the fact that he made this call when she gushed the news of being a senate hopeful a couple of weeks ago … venturing that Jenny Hill was a non-starter for a spot on the Senate ticket, her personal canvassing of the Prime Minister during  Albanese’s  Townsville visit not helped by her embarrassing honking about media getting off it’s arse. You’ll note in this weekend’s announcement of (wisely) withdrawing her application, she said this:

Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 10.25.15 pm

This prompted stenographer Caitlin Charles to venture that ‘the statement suggests Mrs Hill will not be recontesting if a by-election is called for the role of Townsville mayor’. 

Caitlin, m’dear,  it seems you’ve caught the dread disease that afflicts Bulletin staff known as Leighton Smith Questionphobia. You say it ‘suggests’ but isn’t The Mullet  right there being interviewed by you, so why didn’t you actually ask her, yes or no?  Pretty obvious question, wouldn’t you say, so why didn’t you ask it?

Let The Magpie tell the folks why you didn’t  – because it wasn’t an interview, it was a send-in statement from Hill, trying to make the best out being told to fuck off by Labor’s backroom mob, who wouldn’t touch her or her baggage with a cattle prod. And it didn’t occur to you to pick up the phone and alarm or alay community anxiety.

And take it from one of The ‘Pie’s deep throats in Labor …  this was no voluntary withdrawal,  despite frantically ringing around trying to drum up factional and union support, she was rebuffed at every turn, apparently.  But she might’ve been offered a softener …probably a spot on a board for a few bob, when a vacancy turns up. It’s the sort of rebuff a woman like Hill sees as a challenge to be met. By regaining some office as a base for retaliation.

But the last thing the city would need is a phoenix of a mayor with even more reason to vindictive and secretive as ever she was. Fortunately, highly unlikely to happen.

How The Thompson Affair Tripped Up The Katter Party

Sympathy is rarely an emotion The Magpie experiences for political candidates, but he asks you to spare a thought for dumped Katter Party toiler Clynton Hawks. After many months of hard work as candidate for the up-coming state poll,  trudging endless kilometres in his own time off from his regular job, Clynton was rewarded with a kick in the guts from Robbie Katter, who unceremoniously dumped him for the worst of reasons … the old mates act.  Katter Junior, displaying all the charm of his dad, gave the meaningless reason that ‘it just wasn’t Clynton’s time, he wasn’t the right fit at the moment ‘ . And then promptly slide in failed council candidate and (for god’s sake!) Team Hill member Margie Ryder for Townsville, who has proved an ineffective and largely silent bystander on the crime issue. Just because the council has little power in this area doesn’t mean you can’t talk loudly on behalf of your constituents to those who can dosomething. But back then, they would be Labor, and that was have been a no-no. And we still await to see who the KAP fits to take on Harpic in Thuringowa.

It was bad enough,  especially since the Thuringowa seat will be a strong chance for KAP, but even while he’s still smarting from such an arseole act,  imagine how Hawks feels with the news that the Katter Party prefers a convicted violent criminal to his law-abiding self.

Robbie Katter lost a huge amount of local good will over Hawks shitcanning,  but now has a much bigger headache  to overcome,  with the late revelation that his Mundingburra candidate is a convicted, violent criminal.

Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 11.00.41 pm

First some clarification. The Magpie has never met Mr Pugh and knows little of him beyond what he wrote as the Bulletin court reporter way back in 2005, and The Magpie is a great believer in seeing people turn their lives around, which apparently Mr Pugh has managed to do. This is not about you directly, Mr Pugh, it is about Robbie Katter’s credibility … and sorry, Mr Pugh, if you come out of it a bit negatively, but as someone else has recently discovered, when you run for public office, your past becomes legitimately relevant.

So it was red faced and scrambling Robbie Katter,  gabbling excuses worthy of his father’s fabled squeaking and giggling,  who faced a dilemma of hiso wn making – appear a sloppy administrative leader by not checking background properly, or knowing about Pugh’s past but saying nothing.

There was no a single mention of anything criminal background in this lengthy story last November

Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 11.31.40 pm

Back then, as usual, straight stenography, not a real question in sight.

In the end, Katter had no choice and admitted the party knew of Mr Pugh’s criminal history when they selected him several months ago.  He did not explain why he hadn’t been front and centre about it from the outset, further damaging his credibility and trustworthiness.

So here’s the question for you, Robbie: when did you plan to tell us the background story? Or did you not plan to mention is at all, hoping it would remain hidden until after the election, but the you saw what has happened to Thompson and decided you had to brazen and bluster through it when busted by the paper?  Because dug up it would have been, and well before October, The ‘Pie had the information but had been so focussed on Thompson that the Bulletin scooped him.  Well, after all the shit he’s copped in The Nest, Leighton Smith deserves one win, I guess.

Goodonyer, keepit up.

Recently Fumigated Castle Hill House For Sale

Screenshot 2024-06-09 at 12.29.59 am

This property just arrived on the market comes with the unusual guarantee that it is now vermin free.  The agents, under instruction from the vendor, say the sale comes with a guarantee that all traces of the vermin odour  – mostly snake oil and Lynx anti-perspirant roll-on – have been eliminated. Check it out at 47 Yarrawonga Drive.

A commodious abode which has recently undergone extensive renovations costing in the vicinity of $2/300K despite the infestation, is expected to fetch between $1.5m to $2m. Which ain’t a bad return even with the further investment in renos … it was bought for $1.055M in 2021.

The property came on the market on Friday,  and while it it is not a forced sale in the usual sense of the phrase, the owner  Prins Ralston has had to hurriedly make arrangements to return south after a major business reversal of an investment in Walker Street.

Mr Ralston will be hoping to make a modest profit on the sale,  to defray the costs of the $2million Brisbane property in Petrie Terrace he and his wife bought in March last year – a very modern 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car home on just under 300m2 and 250 metres to Roma Street Parkland.

Local market observers are puzzled that it took so long for the Castle Hill home to come on the market, since it has been clear a year and half that Mr Ralston’s commitment to Townsville was always going to be temporary.

Auction on July 2b at Keys and Co.

This Week’s Gallery USA

A mixed bag as everyone is hover mode, waiting for the Big Sentencing … which one suspects will be a damp squib.  (Why didn’t think of that great line for a front page in the second ‘toon … The Lady and The Trump? Meanwhile, despite a rolling wave of disinformation, it is slowly dawning on more and more Americans who look at their economy and the latest reforms that they have keeper in Old Joe.

Screenshot 2024-06-06 at 11.53.55 pm

Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 10.31.52 am Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 10.33.04 am Screenshot 2024-06-07 at 9.53.14 am Screenshot 2024-06-07 at 9.53.27 am Screenshot 2024-06-07 at 9.53.41 am Screenshot 2024-06-07 at 9.54.02 am Screenshot 2024-06-07 at 9.54.30 am Screenshot 2024-06-07 at 9.53.04 am Screenshot 2024-06-06 at 10.12.26 am
Screenshot 2024-06-06 at 10.13.26 am Screenshot 2024-06-06 at 10.13.37 am Screenshot 2024-06-05 at 8.31.10 am Screenshot 2024-06-05 at 8.31.27 am Screenshot 2024-06-05 at 8.31.47 am Screenshot 2024-06-05 at 8.32.58 am Screenshot 2024-06-05 at 8.33.27 am Screenshot 2024-06-05 at 9.16.22 amTwo Final Items For Your Quiet Contemplation..

First, take the time to watch this moving graph (soundup) … it is about America, but there could be a similar one made here in the near future.

Figures don’t lie, but they can make you cry.  This shows the danger of unelected power through the acquisition of undeserved wealth.

The second matter is closer to home. The ABC has always been a continuing present in the life of all Australians. Even those who don’t ‘consume ‘ABC news or programs are still affected by some outcomes (Four Corners and 7.30 exposes for instance).  But in an overall sense has Auntie lost her way?

Screenshot 2024-06-08 at 1.08.04 pm

This is a brilliant and engaging analysis and the best of lively writing (The’Pie is soooo jealous)   –  suggests how the ABC has veered off its traditional and until now, jealously guarded independent policy.

And Finally, A Goodnight Message to Townsville From A Beloved Son

Thompson Screenshot 2024-06-01 at 9.55.27 am

……………..

The ‘Pie won’t lie when he says he’s glad that’s all over for the week, keeping up hasn’t been easy. But comments have provided prime entertainment, which you can be part of, just pick a name and let it flow. the donation button to offer some much needed help with donations is below.

The Magpie's Nest is now more than five years old, and remains an independent alternative voice for Townsville. The weekly warble is a labour of love and takes a lot of time to put together. So if you like your weekly load of old cobblers, you can help keep it aloft with a donation, or even a regular voluntary subscription. Paypal is at the ready, it's as easy as ... well, easy as pie. Limited advertising space is also available.

335 Comments

  1. Molly9 says:

    Thanks Magpie, good read this morning. Slight problem with trying to open the following, ‘Figures don’t lie, but they can make you cry.’, safari only came up with ‘url not found’. The 2nd article opened ok.

  2. Mike Douglas says:

    Council is leaking like a sieve now the tyrants have departed the Chambers . Current , ex staff are spilling the beans on project blowouts , media deals , previous HR appointments . Is it 60 staff who have left the building since the election . Then you have local companies who have lost Council work to ” local buy ” preferred suppliers those suppliers who pay the LGAQ a % and many who arnt local . Uncomfortable times for current ex Team Hill Councillors who gave their leader ” carte blanch ” and senior bureaucrats choosing the Sergent Schultz defence ” I know nothing ” . What is current acting Mayor Jacobs , ceo , Councillors to do ? .

  3. Mangrove Jack says:

    Morning Malcolm Magpie, great blog as usual.

    The shortcut to the story above the photo of Albanese towards the bottom of your article does not appear to be working.

  4. Mr Macphisto says:

    Further to my last, he says early on during the interview that he had volunteered in domestic violence courts. Time for some more investigating I think!

    • Not with fathers rights says:

      Is he referring to being a ‘McKenzie friend’ ? . That’s a person who is not a lawyer but might be allowed, subject to judges discretion to quietly help with process and notes in court FOR THE DEFENDANT.

    • wollo says:

      2names/2dicks knows all about D.V. courts..but as a defendant..I reckon that Smily Miles is a gutless Union puppet.If he had any balls he would sack the local Govern M inister and change the regulations to enable 2 watches to be sacked immediately and end our problem….But might be bit hot being so close to an election.

  5. Ziptied Helmet says:

    Another great article Magpie! Thanks for keeping us all informed.

  6. Prince Rollmop says:

    We all know that Prince Ralston the magnificent is on the nose, literally, but is he also on the nose with his Labor puppet masters? Labor has shuffled the Gladstone Ports Corporation board positions recently and the former TCC part-time CEO is no longer a board member. I doubt he would voluntarily give up such a cushy and well paid role. Jenny Hill and Twonames have time on their hands, perhaps they will apply for a board position?

  7. Ducks Nuts says:

    Morning Magpie

    Mr Venton, of MyPlace, goat farmer and all round god botherer, (what a combination god and conspiracy theories… apparently science wasn’t taught when he went to school) is starting to rant about consequences and he sounds uncannily like Thompstain in his opinion pieces that suggest people are taking sides rather than following the official process. Finger pointing by someone who backed a horse with bung eye (maybe 2 bung eyes) if you will.

    Mr Venton doesn’t have a lot of followers or views on his channel, and therefore his accusations may not get much traction. However, it’s worth noting that this lunacy is being pushed by people other than Thompstain.

    Both Brady and Brodie get a mention, as does Suzy. And all new councillors are apparently under the influence of the “Hill Mob” and are essentially accused of being unable to think for themselves.

    4 June 2024
    https://youtu.be/iHBq7zGOiec?feature=shared

    8 June 2024
    https://youtu.be/LDIVceTzICU?si=favqyLQjbPjTn28H

    • The Magpie says:

      His name is Venten … always get the name of your enemies right, Tasty Bits.

      And at least we now have a face to go with the appalling ad vice on which Troy Thompson has been acting (this fella would have definitely been a Thompson choice as a mayoral advisor).And this would-be mad monk seeking power behind the throne is one of those bigoted fractured thinkers who try to clumsily hide their yearning for a fundamentalist theocracy. Mr Venten is a textbook example of what you get with clumsy religion mixing with politics.

      He is clearly an intellectual cripple of no depth whatsoever, and certainly no awareness of reality. But he will still valiantly lead his rampaging horde of 109 YouTube followers against the evil empire of Walker street.

      Simply put, the man is what the Irish call ‘slightly adjacent’. The Magpie publishes his photo so that if you happen to see him out and about, just quietly approach him and in a kindly manner tell him to get help.

      • Pat Coleman says:

        They all look the same to me

      • Jatzcrackers says:

        I’ve told you 5 Million times before Pie, stop exaggerating the numbers. This TwoNames advisor/warrior/zealot couldn’t possible have 109 followers…could he ?

      • Ducks Nuts says:

        You’re correct, my mistake. Venten. Of some goat farm at Oak Valley. People like this are a strong argument for a water treatment plant in that area.

        • Mad Jack says:

          WHAT!!?
          A water treatment plant that puts poisonous fluoride in the water, the result being Townsville’s dental health is above the State average. Fluoride is the devil’s work to he’ll with dental health.

          National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov)
          https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › …
          Caries experience among children in fluoridated Townsville and unfluoridated Brisbane

          • Smiley Face says:

            Everytime I’ve gone to a local dentist, they ask me if I grew up in Townsville because my teeth are in good condition due to the added fluoride. From what I understand it’s only an extremely tiny amount which they add, but that’s all you need to improve a populations dental health.

          • ABS says:

            I can’t tell if Mad Jack is for it “agin” it.

      • Cockhead says:

        Old man Venten looks like me!

      • Kenny Kennett says:

        He has 265 friends on FB, of which 3 are TwoNames, his partner Michelle, and Fran O’C.

  8. Sandy Feet says:

    Thanks for keeping us updated ‘Pie.

    Let’s stop propagating the mistruth that Robbie Katter is still running the KAP though. Nick Dametto has been in charge for some time and is now the official head of the state election at KAP HQ.

    A few calls will confirm this. Many old Bob Katter loyalists who built the party have left recently over this changing of the guard. Most horrifying though is that Nick’s ALP allegiance is clearly on display with Team Hill and paid-up Labor members not only running for them but also in the back room too.

    Robbie doesn’t care. He’d much prefer to spend his time relaxing in his house in Townsville with his young family and smoking hot wife (fair enough). Bob cares but he’s too tired and he’s finally realised that when he goes so too will his party. Sad but true. Regardless, let’s start calling Nick Dametto out as the ringmaster of this absolute shitshow.

    • Is that you Clynton says:

      Is that you Clynton? Which commandments were that? .. on a Sunday too !

    • Fly on the wall says:

      I’m still waiting for the real scoop on Clynton’s ousting. A party such as KAP is clearly short on candidates. There must be more to the story.
      Jaded hawks is all over town telling his side to anyone who will listen. Wonder why KAP are keeping such a tight lid on it. I don’t accept “he needs more development”… there must be more.

      • ABS says:

        He wasn’t cutting through after multiple tilts and he was no longer a bright young thing, just a slovenly wannabe so they dumped him, I don’t think it needs any more explaining.

        • The Magpie says:

          If that’s the case, why did they wait to now, after he had been out pounding the pavement for so long? And for so long presenting an undesirable party image, in your theory? KAP must be slow learners. You are well known for pushing your vrious not-so-well hidden agendas ABS, but The ‘Pie doesn’t quite see this shift fitting in with your usual strangled ramblings.

          • ABS says:

            Because they couldn’t find someone to replace him.

            Not sure what you’re saying about my comments, what’s the agenda you think I’m trying to hide?

    • Trev says:

      (Edited for length and sanity by The Magpie … it was a mini-War and Peace, full of biased and defamatory statements unsupported by any evidence, and opinionated drivel, which The Magpie has sole rights to here in The Nest. This first par seems the only sensible part of it.)

      No, this is silly. Nick Dametto clearly backed Margie Ryder in Division 1 (in Nick’s electorate in Hinchinbrook) because she is a good example of what a ‘do-as-your-told’ politician looks like. Margie backed Jenny, and Margie is good mates with the KAP rank and file. Margie lost in Div 1 and her loyalty to the KAP personalities (Bob, Nick, etc) was rewarded with a run for state parliament for KAP. Nick did not back Paul Jacob who is an ALP member, mainly because Paul is an established politician who can’t be groomed into a KAP-oriented political ghoul like Margie slowly has been over her 2 terms. So it’s silly to think Nick is secretly supporting ALP or Jenny. He only cares for his own political preservation.

  9. Doug K says:

    The Townsville Bulletin seems to be claiming credit for breaking the damming stories about our accidental mayor’s history, but most of the information was published right here in the Magpie blog BEFORE the election.
    I’ve been told that editor Cas Garvey had all the dirt on Thompson before the election. Maybe she can confirm or deny to set the record straight.
    In any case the paper’s failure to delve into Thompson’s past in the lead-up to the election was a monumental failing.
    So did both Garvey and Hill totally misread the mood of the community, or were they so confident of a Hill/Labor victory that they just didn’t bother?
    Given the sledge hammer approach Garvey has adopted since the election you could never say it was to little, but it certainly is too late.

    • The Magpie says:

      The Bulletin had the DV and questions about the military history the info before the election, but declined to print it because of ‘legal concerns’. And forsome reason known only to Cas Garvey, the also declined to revisit their own story about Thompson being kicked out of One Nation, unquestioningly accepting it was ‘voluntary’ and all a misunderstanding about multiple names and a big company insolvency.

  10. Alahazbin says:

    It begs the question. Who is the Labor party going to pick for their number 2 on the Senate ticket? The CM reported that ‘Puddleduck’ was being put forward, but she says no. Kate Jones has pulled out and our ‘mullet’ has been given the nod to piss off.
    Looks like ‘premier Bullock’ is pulling the strings.

  11. Snarbie says:

    Ralston will do well from the sale of his Castle Hill abode. He couldn’t wait long enough to sell up and get out of our ailing town. The revolving door of TCC CEO’S has been endless, mostly because of the toxicity of working for our Council. Perhaps once we get a decent Mayor, along with the new Councillors, we will get some stability which will attract a decent CEO which will create stability.

    • The Magpie says:

      The Magpie agrees, and thinks we have the right mix of councillors right now, as good as any we’re likely to get, because despite various wider political affiliations, they have all learnt that we. expect their primary role is towards their divisions and the the best interests of the city that pays them well to look after our affairs.

      You can bet Scanlon is on the blower even this weekend, urgently seeking a way to remove Thompson’s grift from the Townsville books, because even Miles isn’t quite so dense as to not see the political carnage of leaving this city twisting in the wind waiting for a leisurely CCC investigation to reach any sort of conclusion. Thompson has clearly provided adequate evidence for removal on national television.

      • Grumpy says:

        Young Kristian is definitely a committed cooker. Fervently believes in UFOs and Lizard People. I am not too sure he would be capable of tying his own shoelaces, let alone representing a largely ignored division. May well be a silver lining to his surprise election – Frothy now has a crack at the top job.

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          Kristian appears to have had help in his campaign from an ex TCC staff member. And Frothy is too close to Shoot-em-Dead Dametto.

          • The Magpie says:

            The Magpieisn’t quite ready to start sticking to Dametto, haven’t seen anything untoward or worthy of comment (beyond some of the sillier, chest beating elementsof the party platform). Not endorsing him, but not dissing him either at this stage.

            But Nick, mate, we could do without the beefcake nonsense, for two reasons … bit childish for a pollie, and envy never was a vote winner heh heh heh.

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Oh I doubt there’s anything untoward. It’s the hillbilly party positions that pander to the lowest common denominator. The chest thumping, shootin’, huntin’, fishin’, tough guy persona is laughable for anyone wanting to be taken seriously.

            If we want Townsville to progress we need less hillbilly politics and more thinking, well informed politics. If Frothy wants a go at Mayor or something else, he would do well to keep Dametto at least a pitchfork length away.

        • Fat Bastard says:

          Well you know what they say, everyone loves a tender kiss on the cheek, except if you get one in prison.

  12. Riverboat says:

    Is it true Jenny Hill is working at the Bulletin? Maybe why she doesn’t have to answer any questions Magpie!!!!

    • The Magpie says:

      They couldn’t afford her, or accomodate her proclaimed desire to travel. The paper probably wouldn’t even give her the bus fare to Pallarenda to do yet anotherstory on the vandalised public karsie.

    • Doug K says:

      It could be suggested that she’s been on the Bully team, unofficially, for a couple of years, calling the shots from her Walker St office.
      Obviously that is unlikely to continue now the she’s not the newspaper’ s most influential advertiser.

  13. Aitkenvalian says:

    Dear Pie,
    As a long-time reader, thank you for another informative expose. Rarely do I make comment. However, I feel compelled to add my voice to the many others.

    Townsville does not deserve this appalling behaviour from the incumbent, “accidental” mayor. He is a person who believes that all his “past wrongs” make a “right”. It is his right to be mayor because electors voted him in. Maybe so. However, he was voted in, based on his CV being comprehensive, accurate and honest. Little did we know?

    On another topic, thank you for confirming that the ABC has lost its direction. In our household, we run a tally sheet noting the number of times the same story is repeated during the day on both radio and television. These stories are space fillers. Some are thinly veiled as news. Really? Is the ABC taking guidance from the formatting style used with commercial broadcasters? Or worse still, the USA media!

    Finally, for those commenters who make assumptions about the demographics of the readership of the Pie’s Blog, I am not male (not the last time I checked), old (relative to my parents), grumpy (debatable, according to my partner), or retired (I’m not dead yet). Nor am I aligned with ANY political party or beliefs.

    I am a concerned resident of Townsville.

    • The Magpie says:

      Well said. The ‘Pie takes criticism much as his cousin, the ducks, take water, it just rolls off his back, but it is a bit annoying when the ageist card is pulled regarding readership. Not that it is just incorrect (by a long chalk, The ‘Pie has the stats) but then that depends on what age you have to be to qualify as an old fart, bitter old turd, or alcoholic washed up former hack.

      What is annoyingly dim is the broad assumption in the generational wars across all social media that there is no wisdom of accumulated knowledge for those who have lived more years than their detractors. It is true that some people grow up, but some others just grow old so if someone says something silly or careless, by all means call it out for what it, and not the writer, is.

      But just because someone disagrees with your point of view, pulling the ageist card is as valid as pulling the race card. Or if you wish to invite certain death, the gender card.

      • Achilles says:

        Mark Twain summed up the relevance of age when he wrote:-
        “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.
        But when I got to 21 I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” (Mark Twain)

      • Pat Coleman says:

        Silly OLD bugger

    • Grumpy says:

      Are we not a diverse mob? Young lady, I am (and always have been) male; I have used up my allotted three score and ten; definitely ill tempered by disposition and manner; retired and constantly looking for trouble; and, so my kids tell me, slightly to the right of Genghis Kahn. Broad church, what?

    • Achilles says:

      Aitkenvalian; It may surprise you but the ABC Channel you’ve been watching is THE NEWS, which if there isn’t much happening, they can’t make it up. You have to go to the commercial Channels for that option.

      However if you try many of the other ABC TV and Radio Channel’s you’ll be amazed.

  14. The Magpie says:

    ZipT, could you try the link now and report back, thanks.

  15. The Magpie says:

    Whoopsie, will fix, thanks for the heads up.

  16. Bentley says:

    A decade or so ago Dick Smith responded to an enquiry re his political ambitions by saying, “ I wouldn’t be able to achieve anything worthwhile until the state of the nation became a lot worse”, or words to that effect. It has occurred to me that Troy Thompson might be, for that very reason, the best thing to happen to Townsville for a very long time. Perhaps now his successor will be scrutinized, qualified, honest, and get on with running the business efficiently. We must as ratepayers and citizens of this beautiful city, insist.

    • Ben Rumson says:

      B,
      You are correct, but an educated, engaged electorate and a free, fearless, and independent press are required. IMO Townsville has not had that for years. This Troy Thompson episode may prick the curiosity of some. Then there is the unskilled, captive press that is unlikely to encourage the electorate to engage. My gloom is slightly diminished by the likes of The Townsville Magpie blog and comments but I expect we Nesters are too few.

  17. J jones says:

    You can guarantee Gas and the Astonisher will be seeking awards for their coverage

  18. Ziptied Helmet says:

    Here’s the broken link (Figures don’t lie, but they can make you cry.) in the meantime while Magpie fixes it,

    https://x.com/tribelaw/status/1799061684923105770?cn=ZmxleGlibGVfcmVjcw%3D%3D&refsrc=email

  19. The tinfoil kid says:

    I believe that people like Elon Musk, MySpace, Pete Newey and most of Queensland’s independents have much to offer the world by way of being visionaries and well ahead of the curve.

    • The Magpie says:

      The only thing they’re collectively ahead of is the blokes in the white coats carrying syringes.

    • ABS says:

      “They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.” – Carl Sagan

  20. Dave Nth says:

    Nice one again Pie. This joke is making news in Sydney and Melbourne where I have been recently.

    I like to research all my candidates and apart from the increasing paywall issues I didn’t come across Pugh’s conviction online. Strange.

    Katter suffering PHON’s problems with vetting candidates I take?

    As for two names, even having access for a short amount of time what’s the chance he does a Latham and explodes attempting to take as many with him as possible?

  21. Bob Roberts says:

    Great story today about Balabite restaurant reopening with “authentic flavours from the Mediterranean and Middle East”. It’s funny but I’m sure they used to advertise that their cuisine was from a specific country in the Mediterranean/Middle East region. I wonder why they’re downplaying that connection now?

    • The Magpie says:

      Well noted. But it’s an issue that barely resonates in Townsville, and let’s not amplify it locally.

  22. The Magpie says:

    Is the ‘Lucky Starr I’ve Been Everywhere’ local pollie eyeing off the Walker Street plush?

    A Magpie mate tells the old bird the is a rumour – which he by no means can confirm – that political peripatetic Sam Cox might be eyeing off another run at Walker Street.

    Sam was the member for Thuringowa 2012 to 2015, but defected to One Notion and unsuccessfully ran for Burdekin. He then had a gallop at knocking off Mayor Mullet in 2020.She comprehensively thumped him with 50% – 27% result, aided by two other candidates (including Palmer stooge Greg Dowling).

    Sam had another shot at Burdekin in the state election the same year, this time for KAP. Again, no dice.

    There ya go, Leighton/Chris, get on the blower, you might have a starter.

    • I’ll be plucked says:

      Cox sux, always has, always will!

      • The Magpie says:

        Plucker, that comment is published as an example of the type of vague abusive crap that won’t make the light of day around here. Had you added why he ‘sux’, OK, but childish nah. nah nah nah nah serves absolutely no purpose and is no debate. And doubly disappointing coming from you.

        • I’ll be plucked says:

          I’m not sure Cox would be a good choice. He has flipped around, CLP, One Nation, Katter, ‘Independent’??? With that record I have no idea what he stands for, except flipping around to try and get elected? :(

          • ABS says:

            This is a good argument. His only principle is getting himself elected.

            The last thing our council clusterfuck needs is Cox.

          • What bees make says:

            He was also funded by Honeycombe the elder. You use corporate law to determine the relationships between family members of banned developer donors. You would have to declare that as a conflict of interest as a councillor or a beak , so why would people doubt the link as a donor to candidates? Just one precedent of the ECQ checking the money trail all the way means they have to do it for everyone. The normal conspiracy laws say that if 2 or more people agree to engage in a scheme to circumvent the ban, that’s a crime. Thing is, a prosecution can’t be started without the permission of the AG for conspiracy. Imagine all the jobs for the boys and tender Rort schemes being prosecuted under conspiracy laws?? That’s the reason they won’t let that happen.

          • Jenny says:

            What bees make, talk about the A-G and legal conspiracy. That would be Honeycombe the elder wot just got a Kings Birthday Order of Australia gong – from the Governor General no less.

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      I heard a similar corridor whisper last week Pie. As usual, you are pretty much always on the money and it will be interesting to see if Sam does make a tilt for the Wanker Street job. And don’t worry about lightweight Leighton, he is too busy making cups of tea for his Editor and ensuring there is enough page space for Harvey Norman advertisements. No time available for real reporting and investigative work.

    • Prickster says:

      The city could do a lot worse than Sam Cox, oops we just have….

      • The Magpie says:

        This doesn’t necessarily refer to Sam,but we have to be careful and learn the lesson from TwoNames … let’s not just take anything because it would be better than what he have or had. That sentiment is what got us into this quagmire in the first place. This time around, we will have the warning to examine carefully, and hopefully the media,led by the Bulletin,will responsibly interrogate all claims by candidates. Likenjournalists used to do. Remember?

        • Jenny says:

          Cox running for mayor would be the best way to invite JHill back into the contest, especially if Paul Jacob also had his hand up. With months to wait for any decision on TThompson’s future and Hill bored after her gap year, the thought of knocking off two old rivals, again, could be decidedly attractive. And wouldn’t the Bulletin love it!

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Sam’s has more tilts at politics that Harry Patel.

  23. Alahazbin says:

    I see ‘Lightweight’ has emerged from his slumber and attempted a story on the Haughton Pipeline.
    Why there is a picture of ‘two names’ with article beats me. But is there any truth that some of the pipes already laid have popped out of the ground and have to be relaid? More cost blowouts if true.

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      Alahazbin, don’t forget to place the newspaper in the bottom of your bird aviary.

    • Div10Dave says:

      Expect to see something about Lansdown some time soon. Both projects have TCC web sites for updates but nothing has been ‘updated’ on either for at least six months.

  24. Alfred E Neuman says:

    From my dealings with Sam Cox when the member for Thuringowa I found him to be most reasonable and responsive. I would be happy for him to be Mayor, I think.

  25. Kenny Kennett says:

    I’ll put it out there and say that anybody who is thinking about nominating for the prospective Mayorship, should first consider their mental illness situation and their family position. You know what you’re in for when you nominate, so there’s no excuse. I’m sick of hearing about politicians using these two tickets to dig their way out of the shit or like TwoNames, playing hide and seek on full pay. I think Sam used the family ticket on a previous attempt. I like Sam but he has no motivation except a regular pay cheque, just like TwoNames.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Agree Kenny. They should also seriously consider if they are up for the public scrutiny if they have a criminal record, associate with criminals, or conspiracy theorists, preppers or whack jobs. (Religious nutters are included in whack jobs).

  26. Prince Rollmop says:

    Peter Costello is out. Channel 9 made the right decision after this unhinged fool shoulder charged a reporter. He was indeed, dead man walking. Costello is egotistical and a narcissist. As deputy prime minister under that other fuckwit John Howard he remained the bridesmaid and never became the bride. Channel 9 let Costello feed from the trough for 11 years, which is way too long. Good riddance.

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-10/analysis-peter-costello/103958576

  27. Woodduck says:

    The longer the mayoral cluster fuck goes the better for Paul Jacob and his run for mayor. So long as he doesn’t stuff up he’s got the, I’ve done a good job so far and im already in the chair, so you might as well vote for me routine. Townsville may very well end up with another Labor council and I believe Jacobs has visions of making it into state government, similar to the Mullet.

    • The Magpie says:

      FFS, so now we’re into a guessing game of disguised voices that may or may not have something of interest? On a far right fruitcake site that appears to be linked to the MyPlace nitwits.

      This on-going nitpicking looks like it could descend into spiteful personal zealotry in this matter, which can only detract from the fine investigative and archival work done to expose Thompson’s hidden past history. He has condemned himself out of his own mouth and gabbling conman behaviour, and matters are now out of the media’s hands, we’ve done our various jobs. Nothing annoys readers,listeners and viewers more than someone flogging a dead (in this case dying) horse.

      This is where serious reporting and background investigation ends and triviality starts. There is definitely a personal element behind all this and we’re not being told what it is.

      If this line of twaddle continues to be pursued, perhaps the Bulletin might get a better story if they quizzed the ‘former friend’ as to just why he/she is ‘former’.

      • Bullshit says:

        Erratic behavior on conspiracy sites from the man who is still mayor is legitimately newsworthy if you ask me. More so than the lady complaining about some plants being dug out.

        • The Magpie says:

          Fully agree … but only if there is evidence that it is Troy Thompson, and not some guessing game of identity. How do we know you’re not the ‘former friend’ with a personal agenda? Everything can be a guessing game if you want it to be, and quoting the opinion of a high school class from decades ago sounds suspiciously like the movement of a coordinated motivation involving matters well before the current mayoral brouhaha.

          Not that that is a problem in itself, truth is the truth after all, but how hypocritical to justifiably slam and expose this dickhead while not adopting your recommended mantle of transparency for yourself.

      • Whipper Snipper says:

        Since the election the TCC PR department has gone from 34 staff to 14 and with that decline there has been a serious drop in advertising $$ at the TSV Bully. In 2023 TCC spent $2.4m on advertising with the Bully and is the #1 local client.

        • The Magpie says:

          Except for Harvey Norman.

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          Lets be honest. No self respecting PR professional would stay employed by an organisation led by an imbecile like Thompstain. He told staff he was going to run his own Facebook page and let his thick as a plank girlfriend do it ( an instant breach).
          How fucking embarrassing.

          In general the TCC PR and Communication team do a great job against the odds. The odds being stupidity of the community, the dumb shit councillors do and say, and the heads of departments who “forget” to tell them that shit is happening.

          • Whipper Snipper says:

            Harvey Norman is not a local client. They are a national buy. Pretty protective of the bloated PR department Duckie – almost like you used to work there or even manage it

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Insult me all you like. But you’re wrong.

  28. Tingle in my toes says:

    Magpie, being a man of the media can you tell us how Laura Tingle is back on ABC presenting “7:30″ tonight only a couple of weeks after she was supposedly sacked. This is pretty impressive revisionary history.

    • The Magpie says:

      She was sacked? That’s news to The ‘Pie, and certainly to Ms Tingle and her boss David Anderson, who defended La Tingle at when hauled before a senate committee. But it was a godsend for schoolboy swot and Sky Digital Editor Jack Houghton who had a prissy little meltdown on the issue.
      https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=931505268658916

      The ‘Pie’s view is pretty simple … calling Australia a racist country that has always been racist is simply stating an obvious fact, so no problem there, but when a senior journalist for a national platform starts attacking a politician (in this case, surprise, surprise, Peter Dutton), then her credibility and reliability to deliver balanced stories is called into question.

  29. Prince Rollmop says:

    What a fucking joke. Andrews and McGowan have received OAM’s. It just proves how corrupt and inept the system is when arseclowns like these receive kings award.
    An absolute farce.

    https://amp.9news.com.au/article/0ebe0ae1-4dab-4f94-927a-117fbb0ba125

    • The Magpie says:

      The Magpie cares not a fig, those awards and the loaded system that selects them, are the real farce and joke.

  30. Lab Rat says:

    The world would be a better place without a Murdoch or 3. Their one sided slant on ” journalism” has bought us Trump, Brexit, Scummo and Spud. If it wasn’t for this obscuring of truth which has led us locally into the farce of the Mayor who wasn’t there, the world would be a better place. Christo-Fascism has grown and thrived.
    What was that Bertolt Brecht quote, ” Don’t yet rejoice in his defeat, you men! Although the world stood up and stopped the bastard, The bitch that bore him is in heat again.”

    • The Magpie says:

      Well, Murdoch’s latest ‘bitch’ is a bit past the ‘bearing’ stage and would only get on heat for hubby if there was a sunlamp above the bed.

      Found the best wedding day pic ofthe latest coupling.

    • A Resident says:

      And their ABC is unwatchable with their biased slant – and we pay for it with our tax dollars.

      • The Magpie says:

        That sort of blanket criticism is neither valid nor helpful.The ABC news and current affairs division operates free from commercial restraints and has there fore broken and continues to break stories that those on the commercial channels can’t touch because of vested interests. Four Corners, Australian Story, 7.30 and the jewel in the crown, Media Watch, would not be possible anywhere else, and are invaluable in their reporting. This does not mean that mixing opinion (which is a different thing to informed analysis) with reporting should not be tolerated, and if proven, be appropriately addressed. All reporters know that accusations of bias are because the narrative doesn’t suit the complainants own bias. Gaza is a great example, and ABC’s coverage has been exemplary, and reporter Alison Horn, who btw did a stint with the ABC here in Townsville, has put together a body of reporting from there that is Walkley worthy.

        Then there are all the other worthy shows with solid followings (ask your toddlers and pre-teens for a list, they’ll probably sing it to you), and gardening and building shows for adults, based more on clever architecture than personal greed. Also fostering minority and female sports, their eight cents is as good as yours. The indigenous component of the ABC’s line-up is commendable, these are not whingefests as some believe, they are informative, professionally produced shows often of general interest, and made with pride … which makes a refreshing change from the aboriginal industry’s standard media darlings often featured in the one ABC program that should be axed immediately, the totally unwatchable Q&A.

        Overal, The ‘Pie politely suggests your view, A Resident, is baby with the bathwater territory.

        • Al says:

          Yhank you Pie. Very well expressed.

        • Achilles says:

          Absolutely agree, a well described opinion of the ABC, maybe also tag on the new inclusive Pacific News cum doco too.

          Q&A is a freak show for fringe dwellers, both panel, moderator and audience.

          • Jenny says:

            Achilles, I occasionally drift across Q&A and recently noticed people from the Sydney Writers Fest. One was Abdulrazak Gurnah, Nobel Prize for literature 2021. Hey, he’s really good. I had never heard of him in 2021 so I went straight to the bookshop, bought two books and just started. Then I stopped and read other books until a month ago I opened ‘After Lives’ (2020) again and loved it. Now plunged into ‘By the Sea’ (2001) which is a total delight. Don’t write off Q&A. Occasionally it makes sense.

          • The Magpie says:

            Wonderful advertisement to watch Q&A. They’ll be flockin’, Jen Jen, flockin’, I tell ya.

          • Jeff, Condon says:

            When the audience claps and cheers, you can be confident that the rest of Australia thinks the opposite.

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          I use ABC and SBS for News. Both of these have high ratings for being factual. Unlike other Australian News sources.

        • The Unflinching Finch says:

          Old chap, Gaza or the reporting of the israeli slaughter are far from exemplary coverage from the abc. Social media largely fills in the gaps of the true extent of the carnage happening in front of our eyes. The abc is clearly in a death spiral in terms of how they report what is actually happening. #freepalestine

          • The Magpie says:

            Rubbish. enough blood and gore for you. As said elsewhere, when journalists are accused bias,it simply means their facts are not biased in the direction of the accuser.

      • Bullshit says:

        Pie is right, ABC includes a whole gamut of content online, radio and television, it’s stupid to rubbish the lot as biased. Is Gardening Australia biased?

  31. Burnt Brows says:

    Our Councillors are paid a lot. I was looking at an article today around Sydney Councillors (admittedly under paid) they are on around $35,000.

    • The Magpie says:

      The Sydney City Council is a very different kettle of rotten fish, and take it from The ‘Pie, who has owned businesses in Sydneytown, councillors get a lot more than $35k, it is a powerful position even for a down table hand raiser. It is probably the most corrupt council in Australia, which is intrinsically entwined with those honest upstanding folks over at NSW Parliament House in Macquarie Street.

      • Prince Rollmop says:

        $35k is token money, it cements them as a Councillor and that’s about it. It ‘legitimises’ them as a Councillor. The REAL money then comes from mates rates, influencing the approval of property developments, getting Council jobs for family members and friends. The Councillors will have a share of or ownership in third party consulting companies that provide kickbacks of all sorts. Councillors will also be paid to sit on Boards, consultative groups, or committees.

        The point of my comment is forget the salary that they earn. It’s peanuts and is basically a front. The real money is made by being a slippery charlatan behind the scenes. They are all pigs at the trough..

      • Burnt Brows says:

        Makes sense. I did wonder why people would be attracted to those roles at that sort of money …..

  32. J jones says:

    I’m missing him now he’s gone
    Shooting star
    Only lasted so long
    Now
    A memory

  33. Prince Rollmop says:

    The Queensland snake oil salesmen are certainly buying off voters with the latest budget offerings. A shameless attempt at bribing the dumb and incompetent. Do not be fooled by sheep in wolves clothing. Vote these Olympic loving, SEQ prioritising scumbags out of office in October.

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-11/queensland-budget-2024-treasurer-cameron-dick-cost-of-living/103958000

    • Jenny says:

      Prince, I’m trying to interpret this statement from the Budget:

      “The Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive) is being upgraded to duplicate a connecting bridge over the Ross River, adjacent to the existing Bowen Road Bridge, as part of a $99.8 million total spend. This will increase capacity of the river crossing from two to four lanes, removing a bottleneck while improving safety and driveability.”

      Does this mean there will be a new bridge AND a four lane road built with the one budget package?

      • The Magpie says:

        It means that in traditional, election driven policy on the run, this government is again doing things back to front … if not in the hands of politicians and left to expert planners, the second bridge would be built – it will not disrupt the two lanes of the existing bridge, and once completed, the road connection can be made. Minimum disruptions all round.

        As reported in the Nest a few months back, doing it as they are … almost doubling the traffic capacity out from University Drive … will create an horrendous bottleneck

    • Achilles says:

      Its a gift for Crisafulli, coz Dick’s largess is delivered before the election. So Crisafulli can be gracious in his reply speech (read condescending).

      He doesn’t have to bluster like Darth Dutton, who doesn’t know how to compliment anything worthwhile when proposed by anyone else.

      • Choctop says:

        The problem however is that Crisafulli has publicly stated that he will support all of the states budget. He said that before the budget was released. Thats not a smart move. As much as I am a supporter of the LNP, you have to have seasoned and robust debate. To just agree with the Miles/Dick budget is a bad move. Then again, that decision will hardly cost the LNP the election in October.

        • The Magpie says:

          That statement, as you say, was made before the budget, so he doesn’t know what’s in it. The Kid can legitimately claim that he had no idea of this or that, and that he won’t be taking those items forward. elcome to politics 101.

    • Smiley Face says:

      Amen!

  34. Guy says:

    I always like to listen to a good conspiracy theory, every now and then one of those conspiracy turns out to be true. I got to talking to some of the MyPlace people outside the PCYC during the election and chemtrails came up, what I couldn’t find out is WHY would some shadowy government organisation be doing this. The atmosphere is a huge place and turbulent any kind of dust or liquid being distributed would be quickly dispersed – then there’s the time, money and effort that would be needed.

    The thing is there’s ALWAYS a kernel of truth with these things before we quickly dismiss them, rain making crystals released from aircraft DO make it rain sometimes with disastrous consequences. No conspiracy theory. I tend to listen to conspiracy theories because things don’t always just appear out of thin air. For example with weeks at the beginning of covid the Indians publicly opined that cv19 was man made in the sense that the gain of function they found on the virus does not appear in nature. Before we dismiss “kooks” we need to evaluate the validity of the “theory” ( oh dear looks like I’m a conspiracy theorist now.). When I learnt back in 2010/ 2011 that townsville council had borrowed 419 million dollars I quickly realised that this debt had blown up council finances permanently. I was seen as crazy even back then because I highlighted the damage that this kind of debt causes. Council debt is still above 400 million even now.

    One of my hobbies in the past has been visiting ancient sites of dead civilisations and learnt things can get real bad , real quick. Socrates blamed money lenders for destroying civilisation. The biggest problem TCC has is debt, I get that funny feeling we’ll have the same problem in another 10 years time – but this is surely just a conspiracy?

    • Kenny Kennett says:

      You are a conspiracy theory Guy. You are still aiming your sledges directly at Les Tyrell. FFS, give it up; he is not your father.

      • Guy says:

        For what it’s worth. one of my conspiracy theories is that with 1.5 million extra people entering the country it will mean that land values on properties will go up – that means as people rejoice as mediocre properties suddenly get valued as hundreds of thousands more in value they will be potentially “rich” but council taxes explode. It’s a genius solution but most likely that windfall of extra money will just be used by councils to take more loans, not pay down debt.

        • The Magpie says:

          You can’t even get your conspiracy theories right, Weird Guy. What you say in that comment is not a conspiracy, it is an already existing economic fact … short supply of stock will always force up prices.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Just curious Guy.. have you learned the difference between debt and deficit yet?

      And in 2010/11 I watched you and Jacob and your other loopy mate Mehigan, rant on about all the bad things that Tyrrell was doing. You spoke a load of uninformed, backwater drivel then as well.

      • Guy says:

        And yet the loan was effectively NEVER paid.

        The problem is the council always embarks on multimillion dollar projects and the debt always gets forgotten. Look at state and federal finances, they are a train wreck.

        Milton Friedman blamed inflation/ economic chaos on government money printing. America entered unknown territory when it stopped using gold during the Vietnam war- presumably to create more dollars to pay for it.

        One statistic I’ve heard recently is that US debt is accelerating to 1 trillion dollars every 100 days., true or not ? During the trump era they were physically printing money to prop things up.

        I’ve been watching the government at every level blow up the economy for years. Howard was the outlier, he opened up the immigration flood gates but when he left office i think government debt was 90 billion – the Rudd government blew that up and so did the successive liberal government. We’ve got stupid people running the show.

        Stop the big projects and focus on small projects that are achievable within short periods, small in cost and pay down the debt at local, state, federal.

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          Guy, Howard isn’t the amazing financial manager you think he is. His government privitised Telstra and airports and rail.
          They also failed to invest in infrastructure for the future of the nation. No infrastructure spending, no borrowing.
          They fucked up a lot of other things including making poor financial decisions and porkbarelling.
          The economy was ranked 6th in the world when they took over thanks to Hawke and Keating (up from 20th), but slipped back to 10th under Howard and Costello.

          • Guy says:

            From what I remember telstra and the commonwealth bank was sold off, so all the profit made by them went into private hands , not paying for public services. Abbot withdrew money from creating more doctors here. Howard did at least reduce government debt – but that was mostly it. They introduced GST to make up the shortfall of lost revenue from government owned entities. CSL got sold as well but I’m not sure by whom. Australia is a country that basically committed suicide by taking unpayable debt and no longer having any sane “leaders” .

          • Bob Roberts says:

            What the fuck are you on about mate, “committed suicide”!!

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Debt is not suicide if you’re building infrastructure for the future. It seems to me that the most common complaints from the regions is that their infrastructure isn’t funded. And then silly little people like you complain bitterly about debt. And yet, you can’t have no debt AND infrastructure. Unless you are the UAE.

        • ABS says:

          Howard and Costello got kicked in the arse by a rainbow with the mining boom, it was pure luck, and they built huge structural problems into the budget that will bedevil us for decades to come.

          • The Magpie says:

            Cameron Dick doesn’t seem to have a problem in that area – Mining, that is, not his arse. At least until October, anyway.

    • Fat Bastard says:

      I like watching conspiracy theories documentaries for entertainment. I enjoy the entertainment the same way a fictional movie is for me.

      • The Magpie says:

        That’s how The ‘Pie feels watching Question Time. And American congressional Hearings, especially if MTG is there.

  35. Smiley Face says:

    How many times will I wait in a line?
    It’s three-thirty, I fuckin’ got here at nine
    I’m finally up to the front, can’t wait another minute
    Why am I here? to pay a fucking parking ticket
    The lady at the counter acts like a bitch
    No smiles, no help, you’re just a piece of shit
    I’m gettin’ pissed, calm down, fuck it, forget it
    Back to my car, and there it is, another parking ticket

  36. J jones says:

    The daily diary was once a thing
    We knew where he was
    And what he was doing
    But did he we ever know him
    No
    And yes

  37. Choctop says:

    Thompstain’s Facebook account is deadly quiet. No running commentary on his daily activities. Has he checked himself into the Psychiatric Unit, Townsville Hospital? Or is he busy taking photographs of food platters and coffee cups? It’s like the calm before the storm. A shit storm brewing? Most likely a big one to come yet.

    • The Magpie says:

      It would be reasonable to believe that even this creep knows to keep his trap (fb page) shut while he’s under investigation.

      • Achilles says:

        Considering he’s getting a nice little earner, for doing sweet F.A. he’s probably gone offshore, Bali maybe?

        • Prickster says:

          And the Queensland Government who could fix this whole mess quickly choose to do nothing.

          • ABS says:

            Look up “due process”. In particular as he’s claimed a political vendetta against him it’s more important that he be afforded it

          • The Magpie says:

            While that is absolutely correct, could it also be that Thompson deliberately and falsely claimed a ‘political vendetta’ for precisely that reason … to prolong his ride on the gravy train, none of said gravy is likely be recovered no matter what the outcome. The very suggestion of a political vendetta is patently absurd and he knows it. Does he somehow think that parties as disparate as Miles, Crisafulli, ACA, the Bulletin and The Magpie were all in some sort of cahoots, or inexperienced and dumb enough not to recognise a political tomfoolery,if there had been any.

            The insults keep coming from this low life arsesole.

            A former schoolmate, now a well known business person in Townsville – and has taken no part whatsoever in these events – confirms that even back then, Thompson was a loud mouth, bullying liar, full of bluster and bullshit.

            Like the saying has it, some people grow up,others just grow older.

  38. Doug K says:

    With a new mayoral election looking more likely every day, the time has come to start finding a worthy candidate.
    I’ve already sounded out a couple of people who would be capable of tackling the daunting task of sorting out the TCC circus and I urge other Magpie nesters to do the same.
    If we just sit back and do nothing we’ll end up with another dud mayor.

    • I’ll be plucked says:

      Doug, a dud like Old Man Emu (Jacob). Happy for him to be the acting and Deputy, but not the longer gig. Too closely aligned to ALP.

    • Achilles says:

      Doug K, It’s not a new Mayor we need, with limited authority, surely its time with the dreadful record of TCC over a long period for the big guns to be brought in.

      Maybe the wog kid (his words) who had an attachment to The Ville should hint at this a few weeks before October, or preferably sooner!

      • The Magpie says:

        That said … and the following is not necessarily an overall endorsement (like it would matter anyway) Acting Mayor (he always wanted an AM next his name) Paul Jacob gave an object lesson in how to take the public into the council’s confidence with his statement in the Astonisher about the North Rail Yards.

        Sure it was probably an opening campaign salvo, but it’s what he said and not why that’s important.
        So far so good.

        But as with all statements in government budgets, it’s best to be a Jerry McGuire and keep yelling ‘Show Me The Money!!’

        • Mad Jack says:

          Reinvigorate the CBD my arse!

          Castletown Shopping Center is 3 minutes down the road by car. The CBD (not central, no business, is a district for lease, everywhere) ceased to function when Castletown opened how many years ago now.

          And social housing hey? Well, the distance from Castletown to proposed Railway Yards Social Housing Community Improvement Rainbow Unicorn Development will show that only the most determined of these cultural go getter residents will get their stolen Castletown shopping trollies home.

          • The Magpie says:

            Understand your core point, about the CBD ‘reinvigoration’ which is that basically, the term ‘social housing’ indicates a certain lower socio-economic class, and with that, a set amount of perceived problems. And you may be right,

            But getting the ball rolling on anything being done with this site requires three initial stumbling blocks to be overcome: remediation of the ground to the nanny state standards decided by the hanky wringers, an amendment to the heritage regulation that remove a number of ramshackle,neglected and severely damaged structures that have somehow – laughably – deemed of historical value, and of course, public money to get things underway. As we move through that tortuous process, the issue of social housing will become a more moot point, and other uses for the site considered … a small university campus devoted to one particular discipline might be considered, for instance, since the art galleries and the performing arts complex are near-by.

            But for the moment, as The Pie’s point was made, Jacob AM is opening the issue up for public scrutiny. He has spelled out the financial basics, which is more than The Mullet ever did. And no investor is ever going to fork out millions to build social housing on the site, so there’s a good chance that perspective will change into a more non-residential project.

          • Jenny says:

            Magpie, do we know which building or buildings in the North Yards site are heritage listed? Could it be just one building? Also, is it not possible to have a mix of housing types and density plus a mix of residential and commercial, retail, arts/entertainment etc. so that it is not just one thing? Private enterprise doesn’t seem to have had any problem fitting in to the residential development at the other end of the rail yards around Central and the new private hospital at the old West End school on Ingham Road will soon start to change the ambiance of the general area. Roll on the remediation (at state and federal government expense), I say.

          • The Magpie says:

            Re the buildings under heritage order: you tell us, The ‘Pie can’t do everything and reasonably expects people to do their own googling and pass it on. Go on, now, there’s a good girl.

            But it is a reasonable comment, essentially coming back to The ‘Pie’s original points of contention: heritage bullshit and remediation.

            The ‘Pie is told the Webb group are involved in the NRYs. And then there’s this:

          • Jenny says:

            Magpie, please forgive my presumption. I thought that when you wrote about remediation of the ground “to the nanny state standards decided by the hanky wringers”, and the necessity for an amendment to the heritage regulation that prevents removal of “a number of ramshackle, neglected and severely damaged structures that are somehow – laughably – deemed of historical value” – you had some idea what was actually proposed. Googling it, I see that there are 9-10 buildings small and large in various states of disrepair. They occupy about half the area. If just one was required to be retained because of its architectural, material or historical significance and it could be repurposed as say, a covered recreational space next to a park, it might be a perfectly appropriate outcome. Same with soil remediation. It may not be a particularly big deal and it needs to be done sooner or later anyway, no matter what use the land is put to. Why condemn as “bullshit” the first two necessary steps in reactivating the site when you don’t actually know what they are?

          • Jenny says:

            Mad Jack, Castletown opened in the 1980s. Since then, Woolworths has opened three stores in succession in the CBD. They seem to pop up (and down) at the drop of a hat. If another thousand people come to live along Flinders Street West there will be new retail/eateries there in no time flat, just like Little Fletcher Street now.

  39. The Magpie says:

    NOT. ONE. FUCKING. WORD. ABOUT. CRIME.

    NOT ONE.

    Seems the Miles Labor Government has legislated away crime. The budget media release makes no mention of it all, and doesn’t even cover any area where it could be assumed relevant.

    No amount of supposed good news can excuse this omission. Miles and Dick get to share the Tin Ear award of the year.

    https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100536#:~:text=Queensland%20Treasurer%20Cameron%20Dick%20handed,billion%20surplus%20in%202022%2D23.

    • Not standing for Mayor says:

      Fuck all about the effect on cost of living of Ergon electricity price rises on us either beyond the blanket $1000 given to everyone. If the prices weren’t so high to return big dividends to the gubment there would be no need for handouts. Bunch of cockheads.

      • The Magpie says:

        For The Magpie, the whole energy issue comes down to the Labor/Greens inane policy that could be labelled the Campbell Newman Syndrome: Too Much, Too Soon.

        Climate change is real and eventually renewables will be the significant source of power (possibly with nuclear in the mix, a sensible debate about that is yet to be had), but a realistic assessment of Australia’s role in the perceived global naughtiness should inform us that a more gradual transition would be the sensible, responsible and humane path, because we really contribute next to fuck all to global emissions (politicians excepted). What sane policy can dictate we all get electric cars while at the same time, putting the source of electricity to power them in jeopardy (of the required quantity) by rushing not just to install renewables whose longevity hasn’t been properly considered. That is a policy that now has impossible and pointless forced timelines, to fit in with the strictures imposed on the world’s real polluters.

        For 40 years now, the ‘chicken little the sky’ is falling policies hiding major corporate agendas have proved to be at best, wildly exaggerated.

        There is no reason why Australians should be forcibly put on a Greens fast track guilt trip of power poverty in empathy with less fortunate countries.

        Anyway, the majority of power brokers haven’t yet fully realised where the next real and far more precarious battleground for survival lies … water.

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          All good Magpie. Littleproud has just announced that if you vote for Nationals they’ll reward you with a nuclear reactor in your electorate. So it looks like Maranoa, which has no water, which is a major requirement for nuclear, is gonna get a reactor. Lucky Winton.

        • ABS says:

          You’re completely wrong about this in every regard

          – nuclear has been closely examined and found unsuitable,
          – renewables are not being rushed except to the extent that neglect of energy policy during the Coalition’s decade in power mean that our coal assets are rapidly approaching their end of life and need to be replaced
          – our energy supply is not in any danger nor do we face energy poverty
          – the lifespan of renewable generation and its relacement is factored in

          • The Magpie says:

            Thank you for your four opinions, garnered from your selective reading of the issue. Renewables not being rushed? Come off the grass, mate, FFS!! … and for every authority that naysays nuclear, there are an equal number of the opposing view. You will believe what you want to believe, aided by the arguments of thoise you believe who concentrate on attacking the authors and not the substance of the issue.

            And Australia running out of coal? Are you on the juice this early in the day?

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Agree with ABS. I’ve read widely on nuclear, because as a power source it has potential. But it’s not viable in Australia due to the capital cost and the lead time to bring a plant online.
            Coal and gas are heavily subsidised by our government making them unrealistically affordable.
            And the Qld Labor government has one of the most progressive energy transition plans in the world.

          • Scrotal Tear says:

            ABS you appear to almost be reading from the Greens’ talking points. It seems the version you were given was written in crayon by a three year old but the general vibe is present. Good on you, old gal!

          • ABS says:

            All of Australian’s coal plants will retire in the next fifteen years, it will take fifteen years to build just one one nuclear plant, but we can easily replace all our coal plants with renewable energy. Nothing is being rushed it’s being built at the rate required.

          • Alahazbin says:

            Ducky, Are you saying renewables are not heavily subsidised. Ever since the term come up in our lexicon, I’d like to see how much has been forked out. As much as a nuclear power station.

        • Jenny says:

          Magpie, you have completely overlooked or ignored the fact that most of the remaining east coast coal-fired power stations are aging (like us) and will not be replaced with new ones (like us). Old power stations are staggeringly expensive to life-extend – as we are finding out right now. Several are now quite unreliable and will be closed before 2030. Part of the urgency to create new generating capacity is caused by the need to produce far more electricity now (for manufacturing, refining, air conditioning and battery charging) not at some convenient later time. Yes, there is an issue with Australia’s small share in global emissions but this is now not so relevant as the need to get new generating capacity into the system. Solar and wind with batteries are cheapest and fastest by a long way. New coal generation is out. Nuclear is not an option yet. So what do you suggest?

        • Jeff, Condon says:

          And the Green fanatics want to take us back to pre-Industrial Revolution levels of pollution. When the world population was estimated at 7 – 800M. Now we have an extra 7.5B people all farting and belching about 40 times per day. On top of that, we need to construct more roads and accommodation, provide more food and clothing along with all the other needed services.

          It’s fucking impossible.

          Unfortunately we have Australia’s most persistent fuckup in Cassanova Bowen who says it’s all too easy as he has another toke.

          The Australian Science Institute pointed out that if all pollution was stopped today, global temperatures would still climb 2° in the next 100 years.

          Put your head between your legs and…..

          Fuelled tonight by vodka a tonic.

          • The Magpie says:

            Bit on the side of the topic, but can you point to a remedy that will keep farting down to 40 times a day .. just now, that is close to average hourly level in the Seaview’s sports bar.

          • Jenny says:

            Jeff, what is the “Australian Science Institute “?

        • Ziptied helmet says:

          Jesus Christ Magpie. That’s the most sensible thing I’ve heard you say yet! Couldn’t agree more!! I’ve been saying the same thing for a long time but everyone is buying into this Greens sky is falling bullshit all the while complaining about power prices and petrol going up.

          If Labor didn’t get in bed with the greens years ago, maybe it wouldn’t be as bad? Sick of labour pushing this too hard and too fast. Surely they know it’s gonna fall flat on their ass!

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Just curious Guy.. have you learned the difference between debt and deficit yet?

      And in 2010/11 I watched you and Jacob and your other loopy mate Mehigan, rant on about all the bad things that Tyrrell was doing. You spoke a load of uninformed, backwater drivel then as well.

      • Ducks Nuts says:

        I can’t even respond to the correct comment today. FML

        • The Magpie says:

          Editorial note: If you are in error about to whom you are replying, The’ Pie cannot redirect the reply to the right thread. Best to take care if you want to make sense … which I know is not a priority for many of you heh heh heh.

  40. The Magpie says:

    Putting MyPlace in its place.

    This is an excellent analysis and warning about this dangerous fringe group of extremists.

    And a personal shout-out to the author, Greg Hallam (former LGAQ boss), who makes a mention of The Magpie’s role in the Thompson affair … very magnanimous considering The ‘Pie has had a bit of fun at his expense in the past.

    https://www.inqld.com.au/opinion/greg-hallam/2024/06/12/going-to-extremes-how-the-saga-of-townsvilles-dodgy-mayor-highlights-a-grave-threat-to-our-democracy

    • Alahazbin says:

      Pie, This My Place lot. Is this the same lot that sponsor some Rugby League teams? Must have some money behind them. Much the same as Get Up.

      • Alahazbin says:

        “For many decades reasonably resourced local media outlets, especially in big provincial cities such as Townsville, would have uncovered and exposed Thompson’s true character prior to election day. He would have never been elected.”
        Townsville Bulletin, this means you.
        Also the ECQ’s role was found wanting.

      • The Magpie says:

        Totally different crowd who arelegitimate and not demented.

        from Wiki:
        MyPlace is a highly advanced smart home technology system that puts control at your fingertips. It uses a single integrated system to connect with existing appliances and products in your home so that you can control them remotely from wherever you are.

        Wonder if there’s a copyright/trademark battle in the air?

        • wollo says:

          My Place was also the name of the first brothel in Mt.Isa now closed due to fly in fly out workers numbers reduced.

          • I’ll be plucked says:

            How was it W? Plenty of good times there old mate, probably quick times too, hey!!!

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      Yes Magpie, an interesting piece by Jabba. And a well deserved recognition for you.

      It will be interesting to watch how the Twonames saga plays out, who will become Mayor, what effect that outcome has on the other Councillors, and who will be on the receiving end of his likely litigation.

  41. Inspector Clouseau says:

    Re Crisafulli and the support ALP budget remark:

    I think he was referring to the cost of living stuff – not changing the $1000 power ‘gift’ and the 20% car rego benefit. Or maybe anything else too far down the ‘stop it track’. The rest, up for grabs I’d say!

    • The Magpie says:

      Wonder if that ‘too far down the track’ applies to the looming Olympic disaster.

      • Prince Rollmop says:

        Much needed State revenue has been committed to the Olympics and committed to bribing voters with minimal cost-of-living relief measures. Fuck Miles and his Labor backed union cronies. Nothing that Miles does will reduce inflation, fuel costs, mortgage/rent costs, food costs, excessive taxes, inadequate pension and unemployment allowances.

        • The Magpie says:

          Tend to agree but one thing Labor has not done – which is typical of their financial management – is link their cost-of-living sops with the Olympics BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY CAN’T. It is a lie that will be found out too late. As bloody usual.

          And they are leaving a legacy that will provide them hypocritical ammunition against any incoming government. They are really nice people, aren’t they?

  42. Critical says:

    A quick and easy way to see who got what in each region from yesterday’s Queensland budget.

    So many $$$ that have already been announced in previous budgets eg funding for the new building at TUH.

    Interesting to see that successful sports club applicants were advised of the outcome of their 2024 grant applications in the budget funding. I would have thought that funding would have been put aside in the 2023/24 budget for this purpose.

    https://budgetmap.treasury.qld.gov.au/#/rap?region=304

    • Bitumen Bob says:

      Rockhampton received some funding for its much overdue ring road project. However much of regional Queensland only receives a few scraps that fell off the table. Billions of mining royalties not being returned to the regions, as usual.

      • The Magpie says:

        Well, they’re not all meant to be returned to the regions, they are for all Queenslanders, and it is to be expected that much will go to where the people and therefore the votes are.

        But even by that metric, we are still being massively short-changed, not just in money, but in Queensland’s overall future, which sure as shit ain’t the SE corner.

        No fucking vision as expected.

      • Mangina says:

        Well said. A lack of funding to the regions is what is going to cost the ALP the October election. Well, that and the fact that they are all fuckwits.

        • Ziptied helmet says:

          Let’s hope it costs the ALP. Sick of those bastards keeping all the funding down south for them.

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Zippy you are funny, an LNP government will do the same. A change of government won’t change how infrastructure spending is allocated to the regions. In fact, historically Liberal governments spend less.

      • Alahazbin says:

        And BB, Don’t they need that ring road. Arrived at the southern side of Rocky roundabout at 3:00pm, pulled in fuel at first servo and arrived at motel on North side at 3:45pm. Then there is Gympie, Tiaro just as bad.

        • Motorist says:

          The Gympie bypass is well under construction but years from completion.

        • Critical says:

          Evidently you haven’t lived in Rockhampton and seen the number of heavy vehicles that travel through Rockhampton only a couple of blocks from the CBD. The heavy transport trucks also cause traffic backups on the Neville Hewitt Bridge and the ring road will relieve this problem.
          I’m under the impression that this ring road will further reduce the risk of the Bruce Highway being closed due to flooding.

  43. Churchgoing party boy says:

    Cameron Dick and Smiley have released a budget worthy of an award for the greatest bribe. I agree with other bloggers around here, the budget is an outright bribe and a play on peoples desperate financial situation. The regions need billions spent on infrastructure like roads, schools and hospital upgrades. Yes, the southeast with the biggest population and is always going to get the lions share of the shekels. But it’s regional Queensland providing the mining royalties. Besides, if you want to live in Brissy, Goldie, or Sunshine Coast then you have to put up with the traffic and chaos. Stiff shit. Better you pricks than us in the regions he he he.

    P.S Cupcake Stewart has been in Brisbane this week supporting the budget. The pissweak jelly back doesn’t have the balls to demand more money for our region. The chump is a waste of oxygen.

  44. Ziptied helmet says:

    Love him or hate him. Trump is a funny son of a bitch. Have a listen to his rant about electric vehicles and sharks. The guy is as mad as a hat full of assholes, https://youtu.be/_lVsbm_OFd8?si=hLwQohhhavE7Lrm8

    • Scrotal Tear says:

      Good share. Funny. You skynews after-dark-types just might be on to something with clips like this. I’ll stick to more socially-accepted pornhub for now though.

      • Beaker says:

        Love the usernames; Mangina, Ziptied Helmet, Scrotal Tear, and Ball Bag. I come here just to read the bloggers names!!! LMAO. Later peeps..

      • Ziptied helmet says:

        Just because it came from Sky News doesn’t mean it’s all bad. They make some good points every now and then. I don’t always agree with what they say.

        • The Magpie says:

          Sky News – that the news bulletins – actually are quite good and balanced. It is the After Dark line-up of total fruitcakes and slavering far right cookers that bring the entire channel into disrepute (and honourable exception frequently but not always being Chris Kenny, who tends to have more regard for facts that the other wild eyed gurglers … but then, that’s just faint praise.)

          • Ziptied helmet says:

            Well that’s fair enough. I don’t mind some after dark entertainment. I don’t take it as gospel though, I doubt most of the viewers do as well. As for day time reporting, I do really like Andrew Clennell’s coverage.

        • I’ll be plucked says:

          Yes Zippy, Sky is not all bad. That Shiela with the horses face, who used to work with Mad Monk Abbott is growing on me! Mind you, I’ve had a few sherbets when I tune in to watch her………

  45. Ball Bag says:

    Hi Magpie, Love your blogs. Keep up the great work. Do you think most journalists these days aren’t as good as the older ones? I feel like reporting just isn’t as good as it used to be. Or, is that mainly due to how polarised media outlets are these days having to target a particular audience, so they can’t make things as fair and balanced as they used to? Forgive my ignorance but i’m just trying to understand how these things actually work and why.

    • The Magpie says:

      Phew, give me a while. The ‘Pie will get back to you.

      • Inspector Clouseau says:

        Shredded by The Pie, Balls! What a stupid, stupid comment/statement/question. Sharpen up or ship out pal.

    • I’ll be plucked says:

      Don’t act the sheepish, shy, I’d love your opinion, suck up to The Pie, Ball Sack. He’ll pull you down a few pegs and quickly put you in your place. Your comment/question is DUMB and you got the DUMB response it deserved! Learn, or pluck off, please! :)

    • Cockhead says:

      Hey Ball Bag, are we related? Your post would suggest YES!!

      • Ball Bag says:

        Hi Head,

        Yes, I believe we’re related. Have you seen Shaft anywhere?

        Anyway, good to see you. Keep steering the ship up front and I’ll be back here, in the rear with the gear.

    • Ball Bag says:

      Geez, what’s with all the elitist haters around here. What’s wrong with giving an appreciative comment to the Magpie who’s writing good articles that we can read for free?

      And how is my question dumb? Not everyone has the same insider knowledge as Magpie. We’re not all former journalists.

      You guys can be real elitist assholes sometimes.

      • The Magpie says:

        Awww, that’s sooo sweet … here’s a lollipop for being such a nice little ball bag (not the scratchy type like all those others).

        • Ball Bag says:

          It appears I have received some significant chafing after this abusive spray from everyone. I think I need some ointment rather than a lollipop.

          • The Magpie says:

            Ok, here ya go.

          • Ball Bag says:

            Thanks. Hopefully this should help subside my irritated, and now infected, scrotum. Btw, I thought this was supposed to be a safe space for people to ask questions and gain insights without fear of contracting an STI?

          • The Magpie says:

            It was, then you arrived.

  46. Elusive Butterfly says:

    Evening from Edinburgh, Mr. Pie.
    Been travelling through Europe and UK for the past six weeks.
    I know you’ve missed me!
    Many thanks for keeping us abreast of the joys of living and voting for Mayors in Townsville.
    Been a hoot, or, should I say, a “Troy Toot.”
    I’m even more thankful to Princess Moproll and her links to news articles we read 1-2 days before she informed us all, followed by mundane, abusive, unnecessary, gutter comments!
    Is she a Bulletin “journalist” by any chance?
    God help little Davey if he doesn’t perform and the Princess gets her hooks into him!

    • Crisafulli’s Doppleganger says:

      Elusive Butterflog, it’s more likely that you have spent the last 6 weeks with your family in Malta. For the record, please stay over there and never come back.

    • Danger Dan says:

      Look everybody, the Elusive idiot is back! It’s been so peaceful in the Nest without your anti-LNP rhetoric. You will be glad to know that we haven’t missed you.

  47. Jatzcrackers says:

    It would probably br political suicide for an incoming LNP in Queensland, but wouldn’t it be a fucking huge bunfight if The Kid got the big red pen out and put a line through Anna’s…sorry, The Brisbane Olympic Games.
    I know, there’s mention of massive benefits all round, international showcasing, tourism, media rights income etc but does anyone seriously think Brisbane, Queensland or Australia can afford to buy and eat rich chocolate cake when we can hardly afford veggies and meat as prime basics ?

    • Jenny says:

      Jatz, which federal government was it that committed all Aussie taxpayers to part-fund the Brisbane Olympics? I can’t remember but I think it was about 4-5 years ago.

      • The Magpie says:

        Your point is?

        • Jenny says:

          My point is that the Brisbane Olympics is a bipartisan project at both federal and state level. It was a Liberal Prime Minister and Labor Premier that signed up the state (and the country) but the Queensland Opposition leader immediately made himself Shadow Olympics spokesman to lock in the LNP. If the Queensland LNP had any hesitation about Olympics involvement Crisafulli could easily have appointed an insignificant sports or tourism spokesman for the oversight job and he could have signalled in his budget reply speech the other day that he has doubts. Oh, but of course he already is the tourism spokesman. In fact, that’s about all that Crisafulli is allowed to stand for. It looks awfully like a #metoo Brisbane Olympics.

          • The Magpie says:

            Then The Kid is wrong, too. The ‘Pie does not decide the fairness or wisdom of any issue based on convenient political stances.

    • Dave Nth says:

      Sorry na about the alleged benefits, hard to find any decent figures as they are always worst case/best case from each side but I suspect most of these events never even break even public purse wise. I would like to see way more transparency and the Olympic Committee are about as opaque as they get. Found a study that had the loss of the 2000 Olympics at $2.1bil. This will end up as a giant jobs for the boys for the ALP and their union puppet masters at our expense.

      • Jatzcrackers says:

        Dave Nth, I recall reading a couple of years ago that Montreal had just finished paying off their 1976 summer Olympics debt. I appreciate that the Olympics do highlight a host city’s profile on a world wide basis but the ballooning cost factors have to weighed up against such international exposure.

        All olympic committees drive the point that international exposure results in a surge in tourism for the future of host cities but that’s their agenda given their pay cheque comes from the public teat. However, times have changed with the internet and ongoing avalanche of up to the minute media exposure.

        Every sport known today is in the Olympics now despite all of these sports having annual World Championships/PGA tours/Grand slams etc

        I had no time for old Premier Dan from Victoria but I thought his action to put a line through the Commonwealth Games was a good move !

        • The Magpie says:

          While Dan’s handling of the overall issue (poor original costing, allowing regional towns to get their expectations, and therefore property prices, up), The Pie’ reckons his cancellation was one of the most responsible political decisions we’ve seen in the recent past, up there with getting rid of Jenny Hill, despite the current short-term fiasco.

          • wollo says:

            Having thought about the Oympic Games I have come to the conclusion that its been 3 years and they havent put a shovel in the ground yet and the unions will be running all the projects that will at least double the cost it would be a smart move by the LNP. to cancel them.Yes, they would cop a lot of shit but look what they could do with all the money saved,such as fix the Bruce Highway etc Dan in victoria did it with the Commonwealth games and copped it but eveyone has got over now. Its better to admit that we cant afford it than have a half baked show in 2nd hand facilities and be the laughing stock of the world.

          • The Magpie says:

            … and kick-on effects for decades.

        • Bob Roberts says:

          The Olympics should be held in the same city (Athens makes sense) every four years and participating countries fund the host to maintain the facilities.

          • The Magpie says:

            ie has said forever, and the sports allowed should be severely culled (breakdancing for fuck’s sake, really … skateboarding? Why not bloody marbles?)

  48. Pat Coleman says:

    Clubb v Edwards para (70). Demettos shoot em dead law is dead http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/HCA/2019/11.html

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      The proposed law is fraught with issues, is ill thought out and is only grandstanding for the vote for the lowest common denominator. Typical KAP behaviour.

      • Bob Roberts says:

        Mencken said “For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” and the Katters entire platform is based on them.

    • Shooting from the hip says:

      Pat old mate. You are correct that, under the current legislation and its definition of a proportionate response that the Dalmetto Castle Law amendment won’t work. But that’s the beauty of legislation my old china in that legislation can and is rewritten to suit the times. You are no longer required to wave a flag in front of your car are you matey?

      However, the real failing of what is really quite a silly and populist idea is that now people have an idea that they will go and buy a gun which they will keep loaded and available in case a bad person breaks in. Long before anyone comes through the crimsafe our boys and girls in blue will have carted off Mr or Mrs Homeowner for offences against the Weapons Act. Put quite simply, people are and will be better off taking up golf or softball and keeping their sporting equipment close by in case they find a legitimate need.

      All that said, Pat save yourself some time and stop trying to unpack things like this. Perhaps go check your hydroponics?

      • The Magpie says:

        The Magpie hasn’t read right through the Castle Proposal (btw it’s Dametto, to hell with the ‘l’) but perhaps you’ve made an incorrect assumption. You currently have to have a very good reason to own a weapon in this state, indeed in most of Australia, and shooting intruders into your home or property isn’t one of them. The gun license requirement wouldn’t change under this proposal, so ‘going out and buying a gun’ isn’t like buying the strongest aerosol can of Baygon (carried in The ‘Pie’s car to handle cockroaches with knives trying to carjack the Corolla). And even the golf club idea is sensible but restricted. A fairway wood to a miscreant’s scone is probably OK but following through with 5, 6, 7, and 8 iron to various anatomical attractive targets, then a sideways putter to the knees topped off with a sand wedge to the bollocks might be considered ‘not proportional’. More a illegal recreational activity,like smoking gunja. But considering proportionality with some hammer-armed arsesole should not be something you have to worry about when standing in your kitchen at 4am in your Kung Fu undies.

    • Pat Coleman says:

      It’s always been the case in every Australian jurisdiction that there be justification for killing. Justification in Qld is in s31 of The Criminal Code. Self defence and defence of others is s245-6, s260 , s546(d) citizens arrest, s271-3, and s274-8 for defence of property. The degree of force increases with the force against you. Weapons are to be locked up. Not having them locked up is premeditation to murder.

      Killing doesn’t depend on property. It depends on whether your fear and belief is that it’s the only way to save your life or those of others and there is no retreat or intervening factor that would alter the events.

      Go to http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au and click in force for the alphabetical listings.

      Unless you want to wait weeks and pay $200 from the uni book shop for an annotated Carter’s Criminal Code that beaks and lawyers use, you can go to http://www.courts.qld.gov.au and go to the search bar for free.

      Type in either ‘bench book’s or ‘directions’ preceding the terms ‘self defence ‘, ‘trespass’ , ”defence of property ‘, ‘unlawful killing ‘ ,’murder’ , ‘perjury’ and any other charge you can think of.

      I think this judges direction on unlawful killing says it all. There are already defences and it’s consistent it has to be justified.

      https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/86210/sd-bb-186-unlawful-killing-attempted-murder-s306-2.pdf

      • The Magpie says:

        In Sydney many years ago (1970s), defectives (tee hee) called to a break-in at The Magpie’s brother’s flat told him that shooting the burglar coming in was OK (because of the fear and safety factor), but shooting him running away with the loot was not (the property factor).

  49. Ducks Nuts says:

    For anyone thinking Crisafulli was going to offer a new direction, Lydia Lynch of the Australian has summed up his budget reply. metoo
    He’s not offering anything better. Just smaller hydro projects. Fucking yawn.

    https://imgur.com/a/qEAEpna

    • Guy says:

      Its why in my council election ( remember that ?) I put forward that a grant for greater home security was the better bet. The government and the law no longer serve the needs of the population at large and need to be seen as such and ignored by , bypassing its idiocy. Better security around the home such as DEADLOCKS makes break ins much harder.

      A deadlocks grant / policy opens up a wider conversation on present laws, political parties, the legal system etc.

      Remember when those guys broke into that house and tried killing that kid inside, returning back to the house strangely AFTER the kid had called the police ( who told him they’d be there in a hour)? They tried real hard to get that kid imprisoned.

      People need to understand that Australia is a collapsing civilisation. Get better locks on your doors because you can’t vote in competent governments – you’ve done this to yourself.

      • Grumpy says:

        Guy, just because you feel better you still need to keep taking your meds.

      • Ducks Nuts says:

        Less conspiracy YouTube for you. And wrong thread.

      • Demented Frank Ifield says:

        Remember that case where aliens broke into Bob Katters place and planted a fake Katter military history, and a fake ww2 history where the Nazis won so he could say he supported his nazi candidate Anning %1000 ?

      • Kenny Kennett says:

        Not so sure about your first and last sentence, Guy, voters were very responsible by not voting you into Walker street. You’ve obviously spent a lot of time costing that brain fart idea out. Let’s see, 50,000 homes, average 2 access doors per home, that’s 100,000 deadlocks @$100 each. That’s $10million plus installation. Ah yes, it’ll stop ‘em breaking in through the access doors…now let’s work out how we’ll stop the snots breaking in through the windows. No need to worry, just ask your representative security expert from one of the several Indian expats who have set up an expert deadlock company like the insulation, solar panels, energy saving lights, etc etc etc. These companies also need to be on the LGAQ’s Local Buy list as well, given the money has to come from the TCC budget.

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          Wonder who would fund that?

          • Guy says:

            They’ll spend 400 million on a stadium and nothing to stop an ongoing crime wave.

            Its a brilliant strategy. 10 million or 100 million is a drop in the ocean of an already bloated and broken finances of government. Locks might last DECADES long after the goodwill and care factor of former governments are gone.

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            You’re a legend in your own underpants Guy.

        • Guy says:

          Ultimately it doesn’t matter who gets in now , the damage that’s been done to Australia is irreversible and generational. My only aim was to try and close the doors inside something that’s burning down to slow the damage. Some people listen , others don’t. It’s amusing to see a statistic where it’s saying that it will take someone/ couple 45 years to pay for a DEPOSIT on a loan in Sydney. That’s progress.

          I take the smart answers with a pinch of salt, the damage continues. I used my time on my streets to advise people to improve home security by installing locks/ similar. I think I only found one man who’s brain had been eaten out by woke think who didn’t believe that doors/ walls would improve his personal safety – good for him. I moved on quickly. My message of taking no more loans and improving home security was received more in some areas, less in others.

          Meanwhile I’d bet the loans and the debt will continue. You do what you can and move on.

      • Sergeant Gunney Highway says:

        Australia does most certainly have a declining civilisation, both monetarily and societal. My plan to combat these risks for a number of years now has been to have a ‘guns, gold, and getaway plan’. The guns are to shoot any intruder on my property (headshot only), the gold is for when society collapses and paper money becomes worthless (technically it already is), and the getaway plan is for when that collapsing society starts rioting in the streets and my neighborhood (need a safe place to go to).

      • Jenny says:

        Guy, when you say “put forward” do you mean you wrote it on the ballot paper?

    • Ziptied helmet says:

      Is this why the liberals are now referred to as Labor lite?

      • The Magpie says:

        Got that arse up, mate … Labor is Lib-lite in so many areas.

        • Ziptied Helmet says:

          Maybe they should both just merge into the ‘Laberal’ party. One National is going to do well in NQ in the up coming state election because people are sick of the two major parties.

          • The Magpie says:

            Hey, like it… we’re getting a good stable of names for The Nest, with One Notion, the Kattertonics (sounds like some 60’s black gospel singers). Alternative is Libor, of course. Now for the Greens … printable suggestions only, please. The Watermelon Party -green on the outside, red on the inside – is already established, so try for something different.

          • Ziptied Helmet says:

            I’m not sure if the Greens party needs a nickname. As soon as a sane/rational person see’s it, they already know it’s a joke.

          • Not standing for Mayor says:

            “Labia”?

          • The Magpie says:

            Isn’t that a Nordic country that’s hard to find? But everyone wants to go there for a visit.

          • Grumpy says:

            The “Veggies”?

          • The Magpie says:

            Like it.

    • The Magpie says:

      No matter your opinion of One Notion, they get a well deserved blue ribbon for their videos. This one is a classic BUT does The Magpie feel a copyright infringement court case coming on? The owners of Bluey are billion dollar global players, and will The ‘Pie bets they’ll fall on this One Notion effort like a tonne of Gina Rineharts.

    • Kenny Kennett says:

      Love it all, but the best is Miles’ character, albeit just a snippet

    • Island Voice says:

      This one is a classic- spot on…
      Captures the Bruce Highway perfectly!

    • Maggie Moggie says:

      Over here on the island we are still waiting for the Qld Govt/ Bluey tourism campaign to show some flow on for increased tourism numbers.
      Some of us are still waiting for the flow on effect from the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
      Might have something to do with the Magnetic Island Progress and Anti- Development Assoc?

      But don’t tell TEL?

  50. Prince Rollmop says:

    Claudia Bum-Smith, Queen of the mostly all women femme fatale team at TEL, was in the Bullshittin the other day demanding the state government to ‘give back to the north’ money that it deserves. Ha. No shit Sherlock, you don’t say! Why do us ratepayers need to pay this stupid woman to do what is blatantly obvious and can be possibly be achieved by a collective of local mayors and CEO’s?

    Much like our very own Elusive Butterflog, TEL is outdated, irrelevant, impotent, and a waste of breathing space. We could save around $1.5m per year if TEL were disbanded and the advocacy work taken on by Townsville Chamber of Commerce.

    • The Magpie says:

      Well, don’t agree at all.

      First let’s look at your last comment about the C of C would be legally impossible when they get mixed in with the council, which is public money, conflicts of interests would be everywhere, making meaningful decisions almost impossible.

      The legal structure of TEL needs tweaking but the current Dudley Do-Nothings should not be abandoned, it should be restructured and a new transparent policy adopted and enforced, including verifiable KPIs to justify the hefty ratepayers annual donation of $750k. Making TEL a ‘council instrument’ like NQ Spark (what the fuck’s happening there?) and the North Rail Yards (NRY) company (and what’s happe …oh, never mind) would probably be tricky because of TEL’s private membership set-up.

      And if she can prove her worth, The Magpie has no problem with the unfortunately named Ms B-S. She’s reputedly a bit of a flinty type, but under changed circumstances beyond just protecting her own pay packet, perhaps that’s exactly what is needed … a savvy Gina-hard-faced-bitch type.

      And your misogynist trope which you’ve trotted out before is irrelevant and a bit beneath you Mopsy … The ‘Pie has no problem with an all gal outfit, providing they are business and creative Amazons and get the job done. Like feminists always boasting that they do.As he has throughout his life, The ‘Pie has always been interested in what’s between people’s ears, not what’s between their legs (except when drinking in Bangkok Bars.)

      • Alahazbin says:

        “Yeah Na! It’s Townsville”. Say no more Pie.

      • Afterthought says:

        (Via email)
        Reading your comments on TEL + Chamber puts me in mind of another Jenny Hill decision – closing the business development centre at Condon which had startups paying rent for space to Smart Precinct which I believe gets $600k a year from Council. Don’t think anyone would notice if it closes as it just duplicates profitable organizations that rely actually delivering a service .

      • Prince Rollmop says:

        Pie, combined TEL wages including salaries, super, and leave entitlements sits just under a million bucks. Add another $500k for office and expenses, running costs, travel allowances including airfares, accomodation, corporate credit cards and sundries. Then you have consultant costs for various pieces of work such as reports and various ‘papers’. It’s a waste of fucking money. Shut it down and add an extra person or two to the Townsville Chamber of Commerce who could do that work.

        • The Magpie says:

          Just to be clear, that funding doesn’t just come from the TCC, state chuck in regular chunks and the feds have done for specific projects. Plus whatever they get from their membership,most of whom are there for the social piss-ups throughout the year.

  51. The Magpie says:

    Hey, Southern Comfort, you’re good at guessing games, help us out here.

    The following email dropped into the nest by email this morning, the writer identifying herself, but we’ll keep that for future reference. And the questions that arise from it are pretty explosive (word used with permission of the Bulletin’s Adjective Editor).

    Has our Troy been hacked by someone is playing silly buggers – probably a MyPlace dimwit?

    Or is this a genuine Thompson series of posts? The one reason to consider them possibly Thompson’s own work (or that of his squeeze) is his involvement with and endorsement of that scam item of weird costly wrist watches flogged by his girlfriend.

    Either way, given our man’s history, it is a very funny joke because it’s so believable.

    Here is the email.

    What’s with the idiot Thompson. Two nights ago I saw lots of strange posts on his facebook page – “Troy Thompson Mayor of Townsville” – next morning that page disappeared. New facebook account “Mayor Troy Thompson” appeared and same posts are now on that one. Attached a few images of the posts. Guess it makes a change from food reviews :)
    You reckon he’s been hacked – or just gone completely around the twist ?

    • Burnt Brows says:

      I would say 100% he has been hacked.

    • Bitumen Bob says:

      The latest posts from Thompson are very much worded like a MyPlace author. A global cabal will crash the world’s economy and there will be no more fiat currency. Thats where the QFS proposal fits in. These nutters sit in circles wearing nothing but tinfoil hats and playing with ouija boards. They probably believe that there is an alien base in Roswell New Mexico and Elvis has a job in Thailand cleaning a brothels restrooms.

    • Achilles says:

      I wonder if our Mayor on Ice is aware that Quantum means a very tiny amount. ‘Bit like my bank account.

      • The Magpie says:

        Good point about language, perhaps one of the most misused words … seems most think quantum means something large, as in quantum leap (or jump). truth is quatum is a mostly legal word that simply means amount. Or how much.

    • Alahazbin says:

      Bit like Storm Financial ‘OzDac’. Another fucking con.

    • Bob Roberts says:

      His missus usually runs his work page. He has plenty of time off now to catch up on cooker news and wanted to share that to his personal page, but is inept at Facebook so posted it to his work page by accident.

    • Southern Comfort says:

      These are the fake accounts. Not the genuine fake of TwoNames himself. That one is busy polishing his blackboard.

  52. wollo says:

    Hey pie I agree they should cut the no. of events and bring in some more entertaning events such as ..the marathom 2-legged race..,egg and spoon race over 2000, metres..,the 1500 relay race using a cold stubby instead of a baton where they stop half way and drink the stubby..and marbles of course. Whatta reckon pie give the crowd their moneys worth.

    • The Magpie says:

      And the Gays shouldn’t miss out … there could be a push the wheelbarrow race without the wheelbarrow, or naked reverse parking … without a vehicle. Be a sellout.

  53. Dazza says:

    I would say hacked. Mentions a 401k. That is an American retirement scheme.
    Then again with this nut job it could be real.

    That’s going to happen to all his posts and statements. Did he have coffee or tea, butter or margarine? Is he being manipulated by anti oxidant health groups?

  54. J jones says:

    I miss Troy
    Or was it Tory
    Future predicts
    They’ll both be wiped out

  55. Bill says:

    This is all too silly words

    Talk about Fuckwits i have known .

  56. I’ll be plucked says:

    Just drooling over Horsey Credlin on Sky. You lot should try it with beer goggles, it’s quite the experience!!! :)

    • The Magpie says:

      Wonder whetherAlan Jones has anyspare chaff bags. To put over your head when she comes on.

    • Munted Toe says:

      You’re a sick and ignorant person, Plucked.

      Peta Credlin is probably one of the best hosts on Sky.

      She always has a sharp analysis and a fearless take on political issues. Her experience in politics grants a unique insightful perspective to her commentary and she can break down complex topics in an easy way to understand.

      Her coverage on The Voice was excellent and highlighted concerns about the potential impacts it would bring Australia’s national unity and governance.

      • The Magpie says:

        One of the best hosts on Sky? You really know how to damn with faint praise, don’t you, Mogants Foot?

        And whatever insight she got from working for The Mad Monk would be somewhat blinkered, and her view on the Voice was predictable … but correct.

  57. The naked Olympian says:

    What about nude leapfrog?

  58. Ben Rumson says:

    It seems that I am to join the hundreds of thousands of electricity consumers who have been screwed over by their provider, for next month Ergon are installing a “smart meter” at my place.
    The link explains how consumers are being surreptitiously slid from domestic tariff to a variable tariff at huge extra expense.
    Any one out there so affected?

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-15/power-tariffs-are-changing-radically-but-no-one-is-telling-you/103944598

    • The Magpie says:

      Yup, The ‘Pie was advised in an innocuous letter from those cuddly Ergon folks to assume the position by grabbing his ankles and opening his wallet. But it seems you have to choose your poison, otherwise things stay the way they are … almost impossible to pay. Noted some strange, almost CIA looking vans, half a dozen of them, patrolling around the streets near the Nest, all with the signage that simply said Yurika.

      An clever name, but could be misinterpreted as a Bulletin spelling of Eureka.

      • Echochamber says:

        Yurika is part of Energy Queensland old chum. The same holding company that houses Ergon Retail, Ergon Network and Energex. They’re not “the jap manufacturers doing the installation”.

    • Echochamber says:

      Got a smart meter installed last week. Rang a mate at Ergon (couldn’t afford the hour waiting on hold for their call centre) and he assured me that Ergon Retail don’t move customers onto those tariffs unless the customer specifically asks to go on them. You can put the tin foil hat away.

      • The Magpie says:

        Good info, but not tin foil hat territory, there have been anomalies of incorrect billing reported interstate. There have been 7.30 and ACA reports on it.

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