In my last letter I promised to update you regarding the arrangements for schools and kindys when Term 2 kicks off on Monday, April 20.

These were announced yesterday on Easter Monday. They are a little complicated, so I will try and unpack them for you.

We’ve made it to Easter! In these times, that’s something to celebrate. Sadly, much of this COVID19 update concerns cancellations.

As the pandemic develops, we have now reached the point where states are adopting different COVID19 rules to reflect their individual situations.

For instance, Western Australia has a complete closure of its border, even to returning residents. It has also put travel restrictions in place between different regions within the state.

A week is a long time in a pandemic, so I am contacting you again to provide further updates on changes to restrictions and supports due to the corona virus.

As the battle against coronavirus reaches a new stage, the changes have been coming so fast that I am sending you a summary of key ones for Gregory.

An Agricultural Omnibus Tour - February 2, 2020

I am writing this from parliament as the first sitting week of 2020 has wrapped up. There are limited sitting weeks before the October 31 State Elections, but if this week’s shenanigans are any guide it is sure going to be wearing.

Labor played every trick in the book, dropping in unexpected bills that could have been properly listed for debate to adjourning debates before a vote. But the worst was the use of omnibus bills.

Parliament sat last week. From Jackie Trad’s point of view, the timing was lucky. She was nearly out of money.

Yes, even though she is bringing the next budget down early, we needed to top up the till urgently.

WATER MANAGEMENT

November 8, 2019

Making The Desert Bloom

This was David Ben-Gurion’s dream for turning Israel into an agricultural powerhouse. We need an Aussie version of it.

Much of our climate is similar and the need to manage our water and our landscapes are the same, if not greater. Yet somehow, with the honourable exception of the Snowy Mountain Scheme, we Aussies don’t seem to be able to talk sensibly about water management. We seem doomed to a long time between drinks.

DROUGHT REFORM

October 18, 2019

Like a Bush Rat in the Scrub Python’s Embrace

Like a bush rat in the Scrub Python’s embrace, this week the rest of Australia woke up to find drought is choking the life out of us.

After years of “beating the drum”, I have mixed feelings about what has unfolded. Drought became this week’s crusade. It seems everyone had something to say. Some of it useful; a lot of it, less so. All of it was a bit late.

THROUGH YOUNG EYES

Friday, October 4, 2019

It’s a Small, Small World

You would think smartphones and social media should have made us all closer, but sometimes connectivity can be toxic.

Seeing it Through Young Eyes

I have just seen the anti-cyberbullying ad made by 15 year old Charlotte McLaverty for Dolly’s Dream.