Three Things

I want to nominate three things that our government can do to earn itself some credibility while demonstrating leadership on three issues of national importance.

1. Our Media - Have the Communications Minister inform the ABC Leadership that they are to no longer provide a forum for News Ltd to push their right wing agenda. Make sure the ABC Board understands that this includes getting rid of the News Ltd staffers who *appear* on ABC shows. Tell them that if News Ltd wants a television platform then they should go see James and Lachlan and get engaged to Channel 10 - and pay the appropriate commercial rates.

2. Our Housing System - Get the Productivity Commission (or some other appropriate body) to enquire into the housing market including the banks, the developers, the state governments and everyone else who makes money by selling housing and its components to the poor old *buyers*. With the objective being to "level the playing field" and to remove the "distortions" that end up by lining the pockets of the *sellers* while ripping off the *buyers*. Regulate if necessary to ensure that all participants have equal knowledge, information and power - starting next week. Heavily tax the excessive profits of the profiteers - including the State Governments.

3. Our Personal Transport - Introduce a large *annoyance* tax on our oversized personal transport vehicles - that has the effect of seriously *increasing* the tax on large, heavy and fuel inefficient vehicles. If necessary, double or even triple this tax on large truck like 4wd's that are garaged in urban areas. Use this tax to actively discourage the use of heavy vehicles in urban areas. Introduce a rebate (that is funded by this tax) to people who choose to walk or use bicycles or other non-polluting urban transport. And do it now.

And use these things to buy some breathing space while you work out and start to execute a real plan for the nation.