NSW state politicians and local councillors were among the influential figures and informants who were used by the Chinese Government to push its political and economic interests, according to the Chinese defector Chen Yonglin. Mr Chen has produced documents he claims are from the Chinese consulate-general in Sydney, including the file of one Chinese-Australian dissident, and a list of almost 300 Falun Gong supporters that was sent by the former Chinese ambassador and marked "very urgent" [A Polish friend tells me that a few serving and former NSW politicians are finding it very hard to have a good night sleep since Mr Chen began his sermon on the Ashes] Drums of Bipartisanship
Eye on Politics & Law Lords: Judges' pay rates jump by $100,000
Judges' pay has increased by up to $100,000 in the past three years under a generous deal that delivered another rise on July 1.
The Remuneration Tribunal has confirmed federal judges' pay has risen for the seventh time in just three years, boosting the salary of High Court Chief Justice Murray Gleeson by $15,000 to $382,110. Retired judges will also secure a pension boost, because more than 200 retired federal judges have qualified for a life pension of 60per cent of a judge's salary. Eligible former High Court judges will receive a pension increase of $10,000 to $208,000 a year and former Federal Court and Family Court judges will receive $176,436.
• Federal MPs secured a triple bonus from July 1 [Sutherland Shire Council says it is furious that Kurnell has been chosen for a $2 billion desalination plant Outcry over plan for salt water plant at Kurnell ; Navy makes more money by smuggling $1m in drugs 'smuggled in' on US warship ]
• · Freedom-loving Americans have just been reminded that the world is plagued by an evil that can neither be appeased nor accommodated. It can only be defeated by strong leadership and a will to win Wake Up, America - After 7/7 ; E.J. Dionne, Washington Post Let's Have This Fight; If there is a theme to Steven Spielberg's new alien-invasion movie, "War of the Worlds," it is not that the human spirit has the courage that justifies human survival. Or that American know-how and grit can defeat invaders, even when the situation seems impossible. No, it is more like: If aliens invade, don't fight back. Run. Escape
• · · Here is a story about your taxes at work. It concerns a company called GSL (Australia) Pty Ltd, previously known as Group 4 Correction Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the British security company Group 4 Securitas, whose core business includes running prisons The Hilton is a cheaper option for detainees ; Tax Office probed Vizard charity ; The spotlight on Steve Vizard's finances is likely to swing to tax matters after the Federal Court hands down civil penalties on his breach of director's duties next week Vizard's tax evidence may lead to perjury charges
• · · · Getting into the spirit of it: And as to whether Sandra Nori did or didn't scream during the first State of Origin "Kill the f----ing Queenslanders!" Beating up the drum: Our Sandra has a word for every occasion ; Sandra Nori was banned from the VIP list at last night's State of Origin match in Brisbane after using foul language at the first game Foul-mouthed Minister in sin bin ; This week the Sutherland Aquadot plays an active part in the Grand Opening Ceremony at the State Sports Centre. Both Alex & Gabriella will be participating at the Disco/Dinner night ;-) 3000 athletes will be participating from Basketball games Australia VS USA Traditional welcome and performance by the Aboriginal Community Speeches, Sandra Norri – NSW Minister for Sport, US Consul General – Stephen Smith, United Nations –Juan Carlos Brandt. Oath of Friendship. National Anthems USA vs. Australia - Details are in (Document version) ; Tracey Menzies, The Hon. Bob Carr MP, The Hon. Sandra Nori MP: During her time as the head Coach of the SLC Aquadot Club Tracey introduced alternative training activities such as yoga, boxing and running. She also advises parents to keep success in perspective and to allow their kids to enjoy participating in the sport of swimming ... Tracey Menzies; Secret Torment
• · · · · Dimitri Vassilaros, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Living Wage' Reality ; Kickbacks and other tricks of the class-action trade The Trial Lawyers' Enron
• · · · · · The NSW Opposition has urged the State Government to change its policy of automatically locking passengers inside carriages in disasters because commuters caught in a terrorist attack would be unable to escape as the train filled with smoke Carriage lock-in dangerous: Opposition ; There's nothing new about furious arguments between governments and interest groups opposed to the changes those governments propose You are telling lies but I am selling reform
