Oh the price we pay for democracy that relies on the judgement of voters. By any measure public opinion is that around half the people make the right decisions and half do not. At least in general elections it is compulsory to vote, however where voting is optional the turnout is alarmingly low.
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This has been the case in Australian Wool Innovation board elections and in Wool Poll where the turnout does not reach 30 per cent. In the forthcoming election three positions on the AWI board are up for grabs.
For goodness sake do not throw out the baby and the bathwater
All those nominating are well known in the wool industry and are to be commended for either renominating or nominating. The highly qualified Meredith Shiel who was instrumental with others in the development of Tri-Solfen is standing down.
In these times of belligerent action by animal rights activists she was a perfect fit for the AWI board. She must be replaced by a qualified animal health practitioner and veterinarian Michelle Humphries from Jeriderie fills the bill.
Long standing AWI board members Wally Merriman and David Webster have had to offer themselves for re-election. No criticism of those vying to fill their places, but woolgrowers need to take into account the special rapport they have established with overseas wool industries. We have seen record wool prices fuelled by demand in an under supplied market.
Merriman has a no-nonsense approach to sheep breeding and has been very successful with his family's Merryville stud bloodlines at the forefront in Australia and even overseas. For goodness sake do not throw out the baby and the bathwater.
Vegan v barbecue
And how about this. "A Perth vegan has taken her neighbours all the way to the Supreme Court, furious about the meat and smoke smells emanating from their backyard barbecues."
She said she was fed up with the smell of meat cooking on barbecues next door. She claimed they cooked fish so she could smell it. "I can't enjoy my backyard; I can't go out there." The massage therapist was also angry about cigarette smoke that wafts over the fence. Also on her hit list, but hardly vegan, was the noise from her neighbours' children playing basketball. She is in so much turmoil she is unable to sleep. The offending neighbour has removed the barbeque and the kids no longer play ball.
In true Aussie spirit her neighbours have planned a street barbeque close to her house. There are scant reports that veggie burgers will be part of the fare.
