Greg Smith in Western Australia

I have a very simplistic view on right and left governments and societies:      LEFT leaning : The government tells the people what to do.      RIGHT leaning : The people tell the government what to do. I exclude "far left" and "far right" - somewhat different things The recent comments from Jim Chalmers opposing the One Nation proposal to let people divert some of their super into their pay packets.Chalmers (in typical left leaning attitude) says no and that the proposal is against the long term interests of the workers.  One Nation says that people should have a choice. 'nuff said.

If you haven't seen Sci-Fi Short Film “Slaughterbots” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-2tpwW0kmU) you should really watch it. The Russia - Ukraine and USA - Iran conflicts clearly show that drones (rather than people) are the big thing.  No-one is going to land 2,000 troops into a hostile context any more. If China does invade Taiwan, my geuess they'll do it with 2 million drones. An MIT Technology Review article - Data from drones in Ukraine is fueling a new Wild West marketplace (https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/09/04/1143452/drone-data-wild-west/amp/) claims that the UK is buying real world drone data from Ukraine to train AI.  As I understand it you have to train AI using things that work and things that don't work.  In the war/drone case a "good" result in the destruction of an enemy machine or soldier. A "bad" result is getting show down yourself or missing. Slaughterbots from 2020 is a warning that we should worry about.

Last week I read two articles about small businesses closing.  Why?  The increasing government regulation and reporting requirements were just too costly. One was a dress shop and had to regularly prepare report to six different federal, state and local government departments.. This week I read that Australia's GDP is stubbornly low - not even keeping pace with inflation.  I'd bet the productivity per person or per worked hour is way down. Even Labor fan Gratten was concerned, and further Reserve Bank rate rises appear to be on the horizon. Chalmers has lots of excuses but not enough skill or imagination to change anything. I think he has little clue. (If only the Liberals could get a good leader and get their act together. Albo's mob MUST go.)

My daughter has a small shareholding in Rural Funds Management (ASX : RFF).  I have no idea how good an investment they are.  I have no association with them. But the lead articles in their regular newsletters are excellent.  The recent newsletter featured an article ("Space, Food and the Price of Peace") that highlights the real role in rural industries in war and peace.  Food is essential. Here's an email I sent to RFF.  Their website ( https://www.ruralfunds.com.au/ ) has a link to the newsletter and  article ( https://www.ruralfunds.com.au/resources/news/rfm-newsletter-edition-25---2026 .) Hello, Unfortunately I'm not in a position to invest in your organisation, however my daughter has a modest share holding and receives your Newsletter. I DO very much like the articles.  The "Space, Food and the Price of Peace" article in Edition 25 is well written, informative and (for me) opened a new view I had never before considered. Thank you so much for th...

In another " You WILL be healthy " push from our medical " I'm better than you " medical people, a sugar tax is being pushed. I propose a 12% price hike twice a year. Let's see how that plays out.

Australia to way too timid in a modern world.  The media is doing it's very best to demonise data centers which have a potential to centre Australia as in dispensible engine room for future world economies. And the government is taking note of the fear and suspicions by introducing draconion rules that risk making it "too hard" for investors. Sure data centres, like any industry, needs to follow reasonable rules regarding location, resource usage and environmental impact but the positive impact they have on GDP and security should not be ignored. All levels of government should stand ready to help, not hinder.  Manufacturing followed the same path. Dealing with increasing regulation, uncapped labour cost rises, and government laziness, manufacturering in Australia collapsed. Yes, we ship iron ore overseas and get it back as washing meachines.  Australia must be less timid, not be afraid to fail, and be prepared to adventure.