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Wesfarmers Chairman Appears Critical of Government's Handling of Economy

Here's an extract from the Wesfarmers Chairman's Address at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.  It's worth a read. "Of course the prosperity of Wesfarmers going forward will be a function not only of how well we operate ourselves, but also of the environment in which we operate.  At a national level, a strong and growing economy provides more opportunities for businesses and attracts more investment; and there is a symbiosis here: profitable and growing companies support the community, pay wages to employees, pay taxes to governments, source goods from suppliers, serve customer needs, pay dividends to shareholders including millions of superannuation investors, and generate economic growth through investment. Today, though, our economy is facing headwinds – low growth, weak productivity, dismal confidence and limited ambition or capacity for reform. Taken together, this economic and political environment has a significant impact on companies and their capacity to find an...
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Four Corners - A Tragedy in Journalism

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The ABC's Four Corners used to be Australia's premier current affairs program. But about 10 years ago it started to off the rails. Stories were badly piut together with little or no effort at impartial reporting. The whole program became a soapbox for whatever woke style messages the producers wanted to push. I think the downfall started with the tenure of Sally Neigbour (2015-2022). Post Neighbour recovery under Carney and Tozer has not been great. The reporting and bias is so bad that the ACCC has taken Four Corners to task a few times. This one is the latest. I never watch it these days. Just rubbish - more intent on changing YOUR mind on issues than honest impartial reporting. (Just listen the the background music and chosen images).
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Twisted words on abortion

I oppose abortion for convenience. A recent article talked about abortion in the twisted terms of "women's reproductive health" . Forget about the baby's health.
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The difference between right and left societies

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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.
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Slaughterbots are closer and closer

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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.
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Labor is stuffing up the economy

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.)
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An excellent article connecting food supply to world peace

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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...
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