Zed comes down against public art

PeterK said :

You can’t even run a toy government properly you clown…

*ahem* The nation’s capital remains the best performing economy in the country overall, even outpacing Western Australia but Victoria is catching up with the leaders.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/act-remains-top-of-the-tree-among-states-20110418-1dk3g.html

Yet another pathetic comment from a joke of a man who is no more than an overpaid public servant who continues to prove how ridiculously out of touch he is with the community he has been untrusted with looking after.

I am sure that the people (rednecks or philistines maybe) who sit in the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department for 15 hours on a Tuesday night waiting for treatment at our underfunded and rundown hospital will be comforted by the fact their taxes continue to pay for overpriced and ugly artwork all over town while the rest of the infrastructure continues to crumble around them. What name will you give them Jon? I call them “voters”.

Let’s all hope too that following complaints from inmates about the food at the 5 star AMC criminal resort and day spa, that Stanjoke reacts accordingly like the solid leader he is and employs a 2 hat chef in there to make sure the lawbreakers have access to their lobster and Moet that they so desperately deserve and are entitled to. That’s right Jon, make sure you look after those “rednecks” and not your other tax paying, law abiding citizens.

This guy lost the plot a long time ago. If you want to start a name calling war Jon, how about we start calling you “Gadaffi” because you are no better than that dictator. You can’t even run a toy government properly you clown…

I’ve got no problem with public monies being used to decorate the environment… appropriately… What I do have a problem with, is $100K being spent on a glass wall at the Canberra gaol and defended as investment in public buildings, when there is not a single school in Canberra (a much more positive and worthy recipient) that can boast such a sculpture…

I seem to remember that Pericles was hit with the same criticism when the Parthenon ran over budget. The Medici were thinking about future tourist profits when decorating Florence and they were right!

Sleaz274 said :

Well to return to topic the problem with the public arts scheme was the 1% flat rate of capital spending. What politicians forget is the power of percentages when dealing with very large numbers. When you embark on several years of record breaking capital works spending (upwards of $1 billion) and you’ve allocated 1% for public art suddenly you find a huge amount available for splashing around on art projects and as public servants tend to do when the wheels are in motion so the spending begins…

Good point. To which I’d add the assumption that this 1% had to be spent in the immediate location of said project. Which led to big expensive art pieces inappropriately placed in the middle of major road intersections where people need to be concentrating on things other than pretty/ugly/inspiring/depressing/interesting art.

While I like Stipa (I know – many don’t – surely you get the idea of the native grasslands being taken over by conrete and steel?), I think it is a daft location for it. There was a perfectly good location on the east side about a klick further north. But hold on – that part of Gungahlin Drive was already there, so the art couldn’t go there?

Either inappropriate drafting of requirements, or inappropriate interpretation of them.

But blanket opposition to public art? Cannot support it or Zed’s approach. Base politicking in my personal opinion.

Well to return to topic the problem with the public arts scheme was the 1% flat rate of capital spending. What politicians forget is the power of percentages when dealing with very large numbers. When you embark on several years of record breaking capital works spending (upwards of $1 billion) and you’ve allocated 1% for public art suddenly you find a huge amount available for splashing around on art projects and as public servants tend to do when the wheels are in motion so the spending begins…

This is why is was quietly and artfully dropped a couple of years ago. pun intended.

Personally I think big business should be asked to pay for it. “Hi Westpac/Canberra Centre/Westfield/Woolworths/Coles you want to operate in canberra well included in your property tax is a 1% levy for public art works. Oh that will change your $6.2 billion dolllar profit to a $6.195 billion dollar profit, my heart weeps.”

chewy14 said :

CSRI has the best Christmas parties, although they’re not allowed to be called Christmas parties because we wouldn’t want to offend others of different or no denomination.

He has the biggest Christmas tree decked out to the nines with sparkly goodies, it’s just a shame after spending all that money on it he couldn’t afford to unblock the toilet and fix the leaky roof.

Go back and read PB’s post. I am the one who ‘ignore(s) what was..written, make(s) up stuff which (hasn’t) been said, then post(s) it here as if quoting’.

And also, the leaking roof feeds directly into the cistern so there is no need to waste money that could be spent on seasonal decorations + is a great environmental initiative.

CSRI has the best Christmas parties, although they’re not allowed to be called Christmas parties because we wouldn’t want to offend others of different or no denomination.

He has the biggest Christmas tree decked out to the nines with sparkly goodies, it’s just a shame after spending all that money on it he couldn’t afford to unblock the toilet and fix the leaky roof.

The_Bulldog said :

I’m sure CSRI would have some cracking parties – provided you only smoked in designated areas where it did not bother or harm anyone. .

Not sure how you arrived at this but, I can only assume that you think it would be a good idea for people to smoke in areas where it bothered or harmed people. Interesting world view.

Wraith said :

Pommy bastard said :

Mysteryman said :

Do you get what we’re trying to say, or are you intentionally missing the point?

I must object! Jim and CSRI NEVER intentionally miss the point.

They’d have to get it first.. 🙂

It’s their modus opperandi here. They ignore what you have written, make up stuff which you haven’t said, then post it here as if quoting you.

(In the real world this is also known as “lying”.)

Seconded.

I also agree with Pommy Bastard’s assertion that everyone who disagrees with him is a despicable liar!

+1 Pommy

I’m sure CSRI would have some cracking parties – provided you only smoked in designated areas where it did not bother or harm anyone. So glad CSRI is here to tell provide advice about living on the edge and having a good time. Thanks.

Back on track, one of the tired gripes interstate people have about Canberra is that it is “soul-less”. I’m playing devil’s advocate here – but do you think Stanhope is trying to address this perception and encourage tourism by tarting up the city precincts – thus hoping to bring some cash back into the economy?

As I said I’m playing devil’s advocate – personally I don’t know that this is the right time to be throwing money around for this type of palaver – but perhaps there’s more to it than leaving a legacy? Besides – if I was going to leave a legacy of sorts I’d make sure it was something along the lines of a forty foot cast bronze statue of myself out the front of the LA. Oh – and I’d enforce a midday knock-off on Fridays so we can join the ACTION mechanics at the pub.

I think that for a jumped up medium city council – that forgot how to pour concrete – there just seems to be too much emphasis on public art by our Chief Minister.

Pommy bastard said :

Mysteryman said :

Do you get what we’re trying to say, or are you intentionally missing the point?

I must object! Jim and CSRI NEVER intentionally miss the point.

They’d have to get it first.. 🙂

It’s their modus opperandi here. They ignore what you have written, make up stuff which you haven’t said, then post it here as if quoting you.

(In the real world this is also known as “lying”.)

So what you’re saying is that you want us all looking exactly the same, living in uniform grey concrete high rise apartments with shaved heads and brown shirts?

Pommy bastard said :

Mysteryman said :

Do you get what we’re trying to say, or are you intentionally missing the point?

I must object! Jim and CSRI NEVER intentionally miss the point.

They’d have to get it first.. 🙂

It’s their modus opperandi here. They ignore what you have written, make up stuff which you haven’t said, then post it here as if quoting you.

(In the real world this is also known as “lying”.)

Seconded.

Here are the raw data for school closure savings. I am sorry for the difficult-to-read format, but DET provided the data as an ever-so-unhelpful pdf.

Savings are for each year of closure: (a) 2006-07; (b) 2007-08; (c) 2008-09; (d) 2009-10. Amounts of $0 are shown in years before a school closes.

1. Dickson College – to close in 2009 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $0; (c) $1,062,624; (d) $2,151,814
2. Kambah High – to close in 2008 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $588,904; (c) $1,192,531; (d) $1,222,345
3. Melba High 15 – to close in 2008 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $606,208; (c) $1,227,571; (d) $1,258,261
4. Ginninderra District High – to close in 2006 – savings:- (a) $1,176,445; (b) $1,262,336; (c) $1,395,755; (d) $1,512,101
5. West Belconnen School 16 – to close in 2009 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $-835,900; (c) $-1,198,201; (d) $-2,426,356
6. Cook Primary – to close in 2008 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $158,761; (c) $321,491; (d) $329,528
7. Flynn Primary – to close in 2007 – savings:- (a) $250,842; (b) $510,506; (c) $525,818; (d) $538,964
8. Gilmore Primary – to close in 2008 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $298,676; (c) $604,819; (d) $619,940
9. Giralang Primary – to close in 2007 – savings:- (a) $200,532; (b) $407,691; (c) $419,497; (d) $429,985
10. Hall Primary – to close in 2007 – savings:- (a) $275,776; (b) $546,553; (c) $548,323; (d) $562,031
11. Higgins Primary – to close in 2009 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $0; (c) $347,430; (d) $703,545
12. Holt Primary – to close in 2009 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $0; (c) $340,452; (d) $689,415
13. Isabella Plains Primary – to close in 2009 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $0; (c) $252,819; (d) $511,958
14. Melrose Primary – to close in 2007 – savings:- (a) $208,482; (b) $424,146; (c) $436,720; (d) $447,638
15. Mt Neighbour Primary – to close in 2007 – savings:- (a) $185,631; (b) $377,372; (c) $388,275; (d) $397,982
16. Mt Rogers- to close in 2009 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $0; (c) $316,025; (d) $639,950
17. Rivett Primary – to close in 2007 – savings:- (a) $229,494; (b) $466,941; (c) $480,830; (d) $492,851
18. Village Creek Primary – to close in 2008 – savings:- (a) $0; (b) $372,066; (c) $753,433; (d) $772,269
19. Tharwa Primary – to close in 2007 – savings:- (a) $175,466; (b) $347,758; (c) $348,892; (d) $357,614
20. Weston Primary – to close in 2007 – savings:- (a) $300,142; (b) $611,071; (c) $629,631; (d) $645,372

Pommy bastard said :

Of course what i really meant to say when I supported the comment; “Stop this stupid spending on absolute crap and lets get the money where we need it most, health care” was actually “I do not buy Xmas trees, let’s burn books and tear down the national galery” I must have forgot to add that.

Yes, PB, thats obviously what I read into your post!

I cannot for the life of me understand why people think that spending millions of dollars on this rubbish is a great thing for us all……………………..I mean, really? I couldn’t tell you where most of this so-called art is in Canberra and having seen some of it on the TV first, I don’t want to know either.

Before we (by that I mean the Stanhope) start spending more, let the people have their say about it. I’ll start if that helps – NO, I DON’T WANT IT – EVER!!!! Please give the money to health where it can rerally make a difference to everyone.

colourful sydney racing identity said :

Wow, you would vote for someone on the sole promise that they would stop funding public art? I might need to rethink my views on compulsory voting.

No, I choose a party representative as far away from your “party” as possible. I.e. not socialism.

1. I have far more respect for those who are responsible with money that they do not own. This is not on display here.

2. As for those that collect money from Party A, then borrow money from Party B, purchase useless art, then force via the threat of incarceration Party A to pay back both sums with interest? Well, that is criminal.

Therefore, we ask a very reasonable request in a modern democracy- that our representatives listen to the people. Or would you “just let zem eat cake?”.

Sounds like a very nice party you’ve got going on there.

Pommy bastard said :

“I do not buy Xmas trees, let’s burn books and tear down the national galery”[/quote>

That’s exactly what I was trying to type, but it came out in the form of an easy to understand and not at all related statement. Incredible. My fingers just have a mind of their own!

colourful sydney racing identity said :

housebound said :

Finally, something sensible comes out of a politician’s mouth.

Remember when schools were closed to save $250-$500k a year, and scrap metal, sticks and stones (aka public art) was installed at $750k? Where were the politicians then?

where did you get those figures from?

Short memories my friend.

School savings: ACTDET seems to have taken the school closures debacle documents off its website. But if someone has an archived copy it is the document called “savings by school” (it was a pdf). If it is really important to you, I’ll see if we can find a copy and give some specific examples.

Public art: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/stanhope-defends-public-art-millions/1324371.aspx
The $750k is part way down the article:The Government had allocated $2.5 million to public art this financial year. Works have included the $140,000 Dinornis Maximus at Yarra Glen and, previously, $750,000 on public art along the Gungahlin Drive Extension including the controversial Rhizome sculpture. (There was something more contempory to 2007, but someone else can find that).

Of course what i really meant to say when I supported the comment; “Stop this stupid spending on absolute crap and lets get the money where we need it most, health care” was actually “I do not buy Xmas trees, let’s burn books and tear down the national galery” I must have forgot to add that.

Luckily I have people to put words in my mouth for me sorry do some mind reading oops there I go again, correct my postings for me.

Mysteryman said :

Do you get what we’re trying to say, or are you intentionally missing the point?

I must object! Jim and CSRI NEVER intentionally miss the point.

They’d have to get it first.. 🙂

It’s their modus opperandi here. They ignore what you have written, make up stuff which you haven’t said, then post it here as if quoting you.

(In the real world this is also known as “lying”.)

colourful sydney racing identity said :

Mysteryman said :

Pommy bastard said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Well if the qualification for participating in one of yoru parties is “must support spending taxpayers money on crappy public art” I’m sure your parties are a real hoot!

Gosh I’m envious…

It appears one of the qualifications is “must be a mindless supporter of pointless initiatives”.

No. The qualification is not to whinge about everything.

I can just imagine what fun it must be at your house when you gather around the stick every christmas and smile smugly at the fact that you did not waste money on decorations.

The eyes of your children must light up when you say to them ‘I was going to get you some great presents but I didn’t – but hey, it’s the thought that counts!’.

If I was in a position of not being able to afford a house, or not being able to pay for medication that was needed, or not being able to afford transport to get to work, then I wouldn’t be spending money on decorations.

Do you get what we’re trying to say, or are you intentionally missing the point?

Jim Jones said :

Mysteryman said :

Pommy bastard said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Well if the qualification for participating in one of yoru parties is “must support spending taxpayers money on crappy public art” I’m sure your parties are a real hoot!

Gosh I’m envious…

It appears one of the qualifications is “must be a mindless supporter of pointless initiatives”.

Yep, art is pointless. Let’s tear down the National Gallery – what a waste of money.

Burn some books whil we’re at it?

Mysteryman said :

Pommy bastard said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Well if the qualification for participating in one of yoru parties is “must support spending taxpayers money on crappy public art” I’m sure your parties are a real hoot!

Gosh I’m envious…

It appears one of the qualifications is “must be a mindless supporter of pointless initiatives”.

Yep, art is pointless. Let’s tear down the National Gallery – what a waste of money.

Mysteryman said :

Pommy bastard said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Well if the qualification for participating in one of yoru parties is “must support spending taxpayers money on crappy public art” I’m sure your parties are a real hoot!

Gosh I’m envious…

It appears one of the qualifications is “must be a mindless supporter of pointless initiatives”.

No. The qualification is not to whinge about everything.

I can just imagine what fun it must be at your house when you gather around the stick every christmas and smile smugly at the fact that you did not waste money on decorations.

The eyes of your children must light up when you say to them ‘I was going to get you some great presents but I didn’t – but hey, it’s the thought that counts!’.

Pommy bastard said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Well if the qualification for participating in one of yoru parties is “must support spending taxpayers money on crappy public art” I’m sure your parties are a real hoot!

Gosh I’m envious…

It appears one of the qualifications is “must be a mindless supporter of pointless initiatives”.

housebound said :

Finally, something sensible comes out of a politician’s mouth.

Remember when schools were closed to save $250-$500k a year, and scrap metal, sticks and stones (aka public art) was installed at $750k? Where were the politicians then?

where did you get those figures from?

Diggety said :

Zed, make an election promise and you have my vote.

colourful sydney racing identity said :

Jim Jones said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Parties are so pointless when the money could be better spent on health care.

Why did they waste money on balloons? Drab grey is so much better.

I don’t think either of you could distinguish between your own money and somebody else’s.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be wise to attend one of your parties.

Wow, you would vote for someone on the sole promise that they would stop funding public art? I might need to rethink my views on compulsory voting.

Finally, something sensible comes out of a politician’s mouth.

Remember when schools were closed to save $250-$500k a year, and scrap metal, sticks and stones (aka public art) was installed at $750k? Where were the politicians then?

Pommy bastard said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Well if the qualification for participating in one of yoru parties is “must support spending taxpayers money on crappy public art” I’m sure your parties are a real hoot!

Gosh I’m envious…

Nah, at our parties we’re all frowning and complaining about ‘the gummint’ wasting ‘my tax dollars’.

Good times!

Zed, make an election promise and you have my vote.

colourful sydney racing identity said :

Jim Jones said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Parties are so pointless when the money could be better spent on health care.

Why did they waste money on balloons? Drab grey is so much better.

I don’t think either of you could distinguish between your own money and somebody else’s.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be wise to attend one of your parties.

Pommy bastard said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Well if the qualification for participating in one of yoru parties is “must support spending taxpayers money on crappy public art” I’m sure your parties are a real hoot!

Gosh I’m envious…

No, the qualification for attending one of my parties is ‘not to be a boring old git complaining about the cost of the candles on the cake’.

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Well if the qualification for participating in one of yoru parties is “must support spending taxpayers money on crappy public art” I’m sure your parties are a real hoot!

Gosh I’m envious…

Jim Jones said :

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Parties are so pointless when the money could be better spent on health care.

Why did they waste money on balloons? Drab grey is so much better.

colourful sydney racing identity said :

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Parties are so pointless when the money could be better spent on health care.

gee you lot would be fun to have at a party.

Mysteryman said :

I couldn’t agree more. Stanhope is blowing money on idiotic legacy projects and things that the general public don’t need or want. He’s getting further and further out of touch with the people of the ACT.

Was he ever in touch?

I couldn’t agree more. Stanhope is blowing money on idiotic legacy projects and things that the general public don’t need or want. He’s getting further and further out of touch with the people of the ACT.

The Frots said :

Thank God someone in there says what a lot of us think. Stop this stupid spending on absolute crap and lets get the money where we need it most……………………………….health care!

Seconded!

This has come as a result of Hopeless asking Katy for more money to spend on more outdoor artworks as the 1% Capital Works budget is now all exhausted.

Maybe they could reallocate some of the funding back to something useful… like the Australian Science Festival… though that won’t leave an ongoing memorial to Hopeless once he expires.

Yes for Zed!

Enough public art is already in Canberra. Some of it ineresting but a lot of it CRAP. No more vanity projects from his Chiefliness.

Thank God someone in there says what a lot of us think. Stop this stupid spending on absolute crap and lets get the money where we need it most……………………………….health care!

May Zed actually listened to the public for a change, nah, he’d be thrown out of the polly union for that. All very well to say you’re against it, but how about some action.

Maybe Zed’s been reading RiotACT – or at least my comments here. Let’s see if he remembers this if (big IF) he gets elected and after the pressure groups have got at him.