Dear Kim Hames, Health Minister

Dear Kim Hames, Health Minister

I was really sad this week to hear that you are going to sign a 3 million dollar contract with Serco for the new Fiona Stanley Health Campus. Actually, I was even sadder that the only way I found out was because the union of the people you're going to displace by hiring private contractors, chose to demonstrate by blocking traffic in St Georges Terrace earlier this week. Whilst I disagree with the method, I agree with the sentiment. Why do you think it is a good idea to privatize the services in a Public Hospital?

Also, why does the opening date keep moving for the hospital? It was being discussed in 2006 by the previous government, you promised to start work on it in 2008... and here we are in 2011, and all that is done is the land is picked out. It's supposed to open in (what is now) 2014. I heard Doctors have been hired, but they have nowhere to work yet.

Please get on with it.

Regards,

Julie

Open Letter to Oprah re her visit to Australia.

Dear Oprah.

All week I have been hearing about your Visit To Australia.

Well, your visit to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, anyway. I understand why you aren't coming to Western Australia, which is of course one of the three other states (including Tasmania and South Australia) you aren't visiting. I mean, Perth is after all the most remote capital city in the world (and imo the prettiest, and probably the cleanest but anyway), but why aren't you going to Tasmania? It's not that far by plane from Victoria, and is supposed to be incredibly beautiful.

I was kind of bothered when I heard a soundbyte on the radio that you wanted to stay at a Real Aussie Family's house. It may surprise you, but "real" Aussies are in fact everywhere. Probably even in Chicago. Also, what constitutes a "real" aussie?

One other thing. You are (one of) the richest women in the world. And yet you can't even pay for your own trip?

I think I actually like you less now.

Regards

Julie

Just one thing

Yesterday, when Tony Abbott was talking about cutting Billions from the Budget, I said he'd stop spending on; Infrastructure, Education and Health (not in that order).

And today we hear that the coalition wants to Axe the National Broadband Network Plan (Infrastructure), Cut More Infrastructure (frustratingly including all of the things we really wanted in WA), although admittedly, everyone is trying to win us over on Education. But you'll have to do more than that to win the votes, people. (Also, this statement 'Education spokesman Christopher Pyne said Labor's scheme had "obvious flaws".
"I have four (children), I have three that play the violin, two that do the piano and two with special needs," he said.
"You know that as a parent that you need help for a range of expenses." What about the kids who can't afford violin, piano or oh, a laptop, you peanut and don't have the same facilities at home as their wealthier peers.)

Although regarding the Education pledges, it's like, W00T Congratulations, you say you'll cut all this spending, reduce our debt only to... increase our debt by making unrealistic pledges! Yay!