A helping hand
Yesterday the Oz ran this editorial.
As they so politely observed, drought relief simply props up unviable
farms. What they failed to remark upon was that farmers seem to be a
special class of australians. Other sectors of the Oz economy are expected
to survive without massive subsidies whenever circumstances change, yet
farmers are apparently only part of the economy when there isn’t an
election coming on.
Another aspect of this saga is the whole question of land use in general.
By and large oz agricultural practices have been ill-suited to the
environment. We have continued to ignore substantial scientific evidence
and opinions that suggest our european based farming practices are totally
unsuitable for this country and its climate. The massive landclearing that
has occurred since white man invaded is a heritage that will haunt future
generations long after the farmers leave their unprofitable farms.
Adding to this disaster is the looming challenges of climate change. There
can be no doubt that chunks of australia that were once marginally useful
for farming in the old days will become dustbowls. As our rivers dry up
and our crops fail, we will have the very serious issue of basic food
production to consider anew. Little johnny’s handout to his mates and
their constituency will do nothing to address the problems of the future.
It won’t even get him re-elected, but we can certainly expect to see more
of the same type of generosity in days to come.
I wonder if he will apply a similar kindness to workers who are displaced
as other industries adjust to changing times.