Perth Voice Interactive

Your free, independent newspaper

recent posts

about

  • No old fossils on council

    No old fossils on council

    LAST week Bayswater council voted in principle to not invest with banks that are involved with the fossil fuel industry, following the lead of Vincent and many other local governments. In this week’s SPEAKER’S CORNER Bayswater Cr BRENT FLEETON, who voted against the policy, gets stuck into the “chronic hypocrisy” of those who supported it.

    THE proxy war between extremist Green movements and common sense is forever gathering steam, with the latest front opening up at the Bayswater council.

    After one meeting with 350 Australia, no consultation with ratepayers, and a week’s notice to councillors, the City of Bayswater changed its investment policy to effectively take a position against the fossil fuel industry.

    So much for this local push for transparency and broader community inclusion in decision making.

    Our formal investment policy now states the City “will seek opportunities to invest in financial institutions which do not invest in or finance the fossil fuel industry, subject to all such investments meeting the risk ratings, favourable returns and diversification limits set out in the Investment Policy.”

    Seems pretty harmless, right? Why shouldn’t a local government get involved in the national energy debate and put the middle finger up to those evil fossil fuel industries?

    Not a single councillor could say that reasonable steps were taken to consult with our ratepayers of this policy change. To gamble with our $75 million reserve to play environmental politics, not endorsed by (or even communicated to) those we serve, is plainly wrong.

    • Cr Brent Fleeton. File photo

    The City admitted the extent of consultation was a single meeting with the 350.org Perth Coordinator.

    This is not consultation, this is an extreme activist group lobbying—which is totally within their rights to do so—but for the city to back them up and recommend we skip due process flies in the face of good governance.

    This was more than just including an aspirational statement, this was a local council stepping out of its simple remit once again and entering the national energy debate with no facts, no research, just chasing pure ideological nonsense about how “amazing” it would be if we had 100 per cent renewable energy fuelling our country while flipping the bird to coal, oil and gas.

    If we are really going to divert our limited time and attention from dealing with all our local issues and engage in this debate, let’s at least have it when we are equipped with the right information and all the facts. What we were presented with at the meeting by way of context and supporting information to make our ‘informed’ decision was embarrassing. There was no modelling on what power prices would be if we had to rely on 100 per cent renewable energy, or facts and figures on what our state would look like should we remove all fossil fuel projects from out economy. Please remember this is the aim of groups like 350 Australia; to never see another project starting again in the coal, oil or gas space.Those pushing divestment around the council table have no regard for the colossal impact on the many businesses in WA involved along the supply chain should our new stance against coal, oil and gas become reality. Talk about being divorced from reality. To those still saying “it’s just a statement, it doesn’t mean anything” so, why say it? Why include it as a formal policy? You either believe in what 350 Australia is pushing, or you don’t.

    By its own admission, the target of the divestment movement is to harm reputations—not to actually change financing arrangements. Divestment seeks to ‘stigmatise’ the current foundation of these industries to delay and disrupt projects by eroding support for them.

    Divestment targets companies that are conducting lawful business, complying with environmental regulation, providing jobs, investing in our communities and paying royalties and taxes.

    And are we now going to reject funding from state and federal governments which we know would have come in part from royalties or taxes paid by individuals and businesses working in industries connected to fossil fuels?

    Let’s not even mention the chronic hypocrisy of the notion that, as an investor, Bayswater should boycott a whole class of companies at the same time that we are extensively relying on those companies’ products and services for so much of what we do every day. I trust everyone who visited the council chamber that night either walked, or carpooled in a Prius.

    The divestment campaign is illogical and unethical, arguing that fossil fuels are no longer necessary to provide energy for the billions who live without it. This is not true, as they remain the more affordable, versatile and widely available energy source. Restricting their use will delay energy access to the world’s poorest people with attendant adverse impacts on life expectancy health and education outcomes. I get many of my colleagues grandstand at the local council table for future political ambitions within the ranks of WA Labor or the Greens, but to extend that to interfering with the future investments of our ratepayers is just wrong and should not be encouraged—especially not by the city administration which should act removed from a particular ideology. But given so few people actually care enough to take part in the local process, these examples will keep happening.

    Let’s hope come the next round of elections this October there are more people with some common sense interested in running for local council to solve local issues.

  • Perils of Pauline

    Perils of Pauline

    PAULINE HANSON’S latest thought bubble of shunting autistic kids into “special” classes earned a dunce’s hat, but I still feel bad for the Paddo after its shin-kicking from supposed friends for hosting a meet-and-greet with the controversial Queensland senator in March.

    Talk about shooting the messenger.

    There’s a disturbing trend in modern ‘debate’ of shouting over people we disagree with and regurgitating their arguments in such black and white tones that others are denied the right to hear them or their nuances. I don’t care if you later tuck yourself into bed full of self-righteousness; it’s plain brownshirting.

    So I was pleased the Paddington’s management stuck to their guns and went ahead with Pots & Pizza with Pauline, and with a belly full of self-righteousness I popped in this week to square the ledger with a free speech thumbs-up via a glowing review; fingers crossed the kitchen was up to it.

    And it was; good value and tasty pub grub.

    I started with a taster of cauliflower and garlic soup with some toasty bread alongside ($9). The garlic was nicely balanced to add a great taste to the cauliflower without overpowering it, and the overall texture was smooth and creamy, a drizzle of oil across the top helping out.

    I must have been a wolf in a previous lifetime, because I’ve had crazy lamb cravings recently, so jumped at the chance for sumac crusted lamb cheeks with a bed of mash and a couple of asparagus spears lounging across the top ($26).

    Sumac is actually a fairly wide-spread spice, though it’s more commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking. It’s sour, lemon-like flavour is used to wake up the taste of the main dish, and it did a particularly good job on the lamb, which also came with loads of a delicious, red-wine jus.

    The lamb itself was well cooked and tender, and came with just the right amount of fat to keep me satisfied but not feeling ripped off.

    The mash was warm and creamy and the asparagus had just a hint of crunch left in them.

    The generous soul behind the counter had signed me up for the takeaway cake and coffee deal, though I was well and truly glued to the seat near the fireplace, so I scored an apple and rhubarb crumble and coffee for just $7.50.

    The rhubarb was just a touch underdone, leaving me with a couple of stringy and blobbish lumps to deal with, but the flavour was still excellent and with a dollop of ice cream on top did the job of filling me up.

    The coffee…well, I had just enough left in the glass of a nice Serafino shiraz ($7) to wash that away, but really, it is a pub so I wasn’t expecting too much.

    The Paddo’s a local institution, and with the local precinct aiming for some rejuvenation, it should be with us long after politicians come and go.

    The Paddington Ale House
    141 Scarborough Beach Road,
    Mt Hawthorn
    9242 3077

  • Get hooked at fish’d

    Get hooked at fish’d

    Don’t think for one second that fish’d is your average ‘chippy’.

    Beaufort Street’s newest eatery is bringing Fish n Chips into the twenty-first century with its fresh, clean, modern seafood restaurant right in the heart of one of Perth’s most popular strips.

    With full view of an open kitchen, diners can watch fully qualified chefs prepare gourmet meals with fresh produce, most of which is sourced locally and delivered daily.

    There’s a variety of fishy favourites available from Saltwater Barramundi to King Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Salmon, Whiting, Sardines and New Zealand Hoki, all of which are available in a crunchy batter or coated in a crusty parmesan crumb.

    There is also a BBQ grilled option for the health conscious which can be enjoyed with one of eight salad options. We recommend the Goat Cheese Salad ($12) which includes earthy Meredith dairy goat cheese, kalamata olives, capsicum, cucumber, red onion, tomato and topped with a nutty Egyptian dukkha.

    There are a variety of platters available which makes fish’d the perfect place to enjoy the company of friends and family over a steaming hot meal and a glass of wine or an icy cold beer.

    BYO wine is welcome with $3 corkage per bottle.

    Some of the delectable sides which accompany the platters are pea croquettes, pickled onions and pickled chilli, tender baby calamari and a yogurt minted salad.

    If you’re a lover of Barra but you’re after something a little more substantial then there are three mammoth-sized burgers to choose from all served in a fluffy brioche bun with a homemade tartar sauce.

    If you’d prefer to enjoy your meal from the comfort of your own home, take away options are available which can be conveniently ordered and paid for from the fish’d website. The team at fish’d have designed their own take away boxes with the customer in mind so you can guarantee you get what you pay for when you leave the restaurant and arrive home.

    To add an extra touch of panache, the walls of fish’d are adorned with stunning, fun murals by celebrated local artist Rene Brink.

    Make fish’d your first choice for your next night out on the town. You’ll love it!

    OPENING SPECIAL! Crumbed or Battered NZ Hoki Fillet, Pea Croquette, WA Royal Blue Chips and a Mediterranean Coleslaw $18 the lot. Dine in or take-away.

    273 Beaufort St,
    Perth
    Phone 6180 1896
    perth@fishd.com.au
    Open 7 Nights from 5pm – Late
    Bookings can be made online at fishd.com.au

  • Battle of the coin

    Battle of the coin

    PERTH band the Money War are getting ready to blitzkrieg Perth this month.

    The duo will shrug off the winter blues with warm harmonies and summer anthems as they support Holy Holy on their Australian tour.

    Money War’s Dylan Ollivierre and Carmen Pepper were doing a road trip across America in 2015 when they used an iPhone to record songs inspired by their travels.

    Trialling their material in a rundown San Francisco boozer, the pair caught the ear of producers Arne Frager (Prince, Paul McCartney) and Thom Monahan (Fruit Bats, Little Joy), who said they liked the songs and encouraged the duo to follow their dream.

    • Money War’s Dylan Ollivierre and Carmen Pepper. Photo supplied

    The pair did exactly that and one year later they won Triple j Unearthed, landing a spot on the line-up for the 2015 Southbound festival.

    There is a real eclectic mix on Money War’s self-titled debut EP: channeling Fleetwood Mac in Recall, and Pepper’s ethereal vocals on the sombre, In the Dark.

    Ollivierre wrote, produced, sang and played on the EP and says he is “hell keen” to be heading home to play venues where he used to hang out.

    “There’s just something about Perth,” he says.

    “We definitely have a culture of our own that’s really inclusive and really chilled out.”

    Having played dives, sell-out festivals, and everything in between, Ollivierre says intimate gigs are his favourite.

    “Festivals are cool, they’re a lot bigger, but at intimate shows the sound’s better and you can really focus on the songs,” he says.

    “We are all about songs that convey a really strong feeling.”

    The duo’s latest single Right Kind of Love, is a dreamy mirage of percussion, strumming and Ollivierre’s smooth vocals; but he says he wasn’t in a good frame of mind when he wrote it.

    “There are so many horrible things going on in the world,” he says.

    “I guess it puts a positive spin on a shit situation.”

    The accompanying video has footage from the pair’s travels, as well as some great shots of Fremantle’s West End.

    The single is from Money War’s upcoming second EP, which will be released later this year.

    The duo have been performing in a beefed-up five-piece for the last month while opening for Aussie indie-rockers Holy Holy.

    Set to be an indie-rock wet dream, you can catch the Money War and Holy Holy at Jack Rabbit Slim’s in Northbridge on Friday, July 14.

    Doors 8pm, tickets $30+bf.

    by CHARLIE SMITH

  • ASTROLOGY July 8 – July 15, 2017

    ASTROLOGY July 8 – July 15, 2017

    ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
    There’s no going anywhere without taking account of your emotions, or the emotions of others. Any attempt you make to hide yourself behind a rock, will be so obvious that your cover will be blown in the blink of an eye. There’s a creative connection to Saturn. Be philosophic. Get wise.

    TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
    Even though you may be carrying plenty of responsibility and authority, you have a lightness in your step and are willing to play. This is brilliant. You aren’t likely to micromanage your team into sadness and despondency. People have feelings. Be aware not to get too lost in dreams.

    GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
    There is much to be gained by taking time out from all relationships and giving yourself the space to get in touch with your feelings and spirit again. Though Venus is ruling your roost presently, the first love has to be towards yourself. From this, a different more joyous altruism will rise.

    CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
    The Sun and Mars are passing through your sign. These are two traditionally macho male planets, moving through the deep waters of femininity. It could be a match made in heaven, or it could bring a raft of buried gender issues out into the light of day. Be prepared for either option.

    LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
    Mercury has moved into Leo, giving you access to his quicksilver chicaneries. If you are prone to being as cunning as a fox, he’ll hone your skills to such perfection that you are bound to get caught in your own net. If you aren’t deceived by cunning, then he will offer you illumination.

    VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22
    Gather your acorns. Put your roots down. Rent a pile driver and establish rock-solid foundations. Or find your own metaphor. The point is clear. With Mercury in Leo, watch out for your mind seducing you into feeling more special than all the special ones around you. Consolidate.

    LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
    Though Jupiter is sailing through your skies opening up all sorts of possibilities, there are influences around determined to keep you small. They are operating on the inside and the outside. Your saving grace will be your capacity to remember that your journey is ultimately a spiritual one.

    SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
    With the Sun passing through Cancer, which is a water sign like you, your journey should be seamless, quiet and satisfying. There’s nothing you have to prove. There’s enough people around you on your wavelength, that you don’t have to get your hackles up or force your point.

    SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
    The fact that you have to be patient is forcing you to own up to and get friendly with, emotions that you probably would have missed if you were going at speed. There are blessings hidden under every rock. All that’s required is the courage to find them. With feelings comes creativity.

    CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
    The Moon is full in Capricorn this week. Integrate your love of the heights and your capacity to tap into the depths. Wholeness requires both. The Goat in astrology has a fishes tail. Peaks and valleys come as a pair. Relationship will challenge you to expand. Be independent, and loving.

    AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
    Relationships are asking questions of you. Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the Greek god of the sky, and Saturn, the Greek god of rocks, bones and time. You are destined to be a host to both. Rise high with your feet firmly planted on solid earth. Intimacies will inspire you to integrate.

    PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
    This is a good time for healing. It is a good time for riding your intuition. It’s a good time to seek the deepest version of integration and harmony you can wrap your neurons around. The full Moon will help you tap into the kind of feelings you need, to crank up your imagination and soul.

  • People in glass houses

    People in glass houses

    HANDLE Property Group launched it’s much-anticipated The Bottleyard development on Palmerston Street last Saturday, the miserable weather not stopping a steady street of interested viewers strolling the new complex.

    The Bottleyard is named after one of the site’s previous uses: in the early 1900s it became the burgeoning city’s largest bottleyard, home of the Perth and Fremantle Bottle Exchange Company.

    The development is surrounded by the lush greenery of Robertson Park, which boasts a tennis club as well as an artists’ studio, and has the Northbridge precinct a mini-stroll away. You’d have just enough time to stretch your legs before taking a dip at Beatty Park.

    Having more than 5000sqm to play with has given the designers an unprecedented opportunity to create something special close to the city. The development was awarded “design excellence” by Vincent council’s Design Advisory Committee and caught the eye of government architect Geoff Warn who says hopes “it sets a benchmark for future projects of this kind”.

    At the centre of the development is an urban garden, which is a nod to the site’s use as a market garden in the 1800s after the wetland was drained.

    The complex is set out more like a small town than a lumpy urban ghetto, with the designers using the site’s space to break it into seven different buildings.

    There’s 125 apartments which had a great response when they were sold off-the-plan, but there’s still some one-bedrooms available from $429,000, two-bedrooms for $589,000 and three-bedrooms for $775,000.

    by STEVE GRANT

    The Bottleyard
    75-99 Palmerston Street,
    Perth
    Claire Swan
    0415 866 881
    Handle Property Group
    9403 8080

  • Care and ageing seminar

    Care and ageing seminar

    Speakers at two days of seminars at the first Perth Care and Ageing Expo will address issues as broad as aged care for the culturally diverse, to dealing with dementia and even a touch of comedy as part of an address by entertainer Max Kay on ageing disgracefully.

    Both State and Federal ministers responsible for aged care will be among a host of speakers over the two days who will address various facets of how we go about looking after an ageing population.

    Group of senior people with some diseases walking outdoors – Mature group of friends spending time together

    The seminar will be part of an exhibition of up to 60 organisations promoting a range of services from residential care providers; home care providers; retirement living providers; equipment providers; service providers; health care providers (physiotherapists, cognitive therapists, counsellors etc); vulnerable care groups – indigenous, LGBT, homeless; legal, financial, banks, superfunds, insurance; medical, pharmacy; consultants; technology; NFP support groups; Local, State and Federal Government agencies; workforce, recruitment

    Federal Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt, will provide the opening address on the Saturday, followed by entertainer Max Kay, whose Ageing Disgracefully address will take an at-times humorous look at his own experience of the world through mature eyes.

    On the Saturday radio and TV presenter John Burgess will be broadcasting his 6IX show live from the Expo. Perth Care and Ageing Expo will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday July 29 and Sunday July 30.

    Further information and to purchase tickets at http://www.careandageingexpo.com.au

  • 20 Million Reasons to Celebrate!

    20 Million Reasons to Celebrate!

    WA Bendigo Bank committed to building strong communities

    Directors and staff from 46 Bendigo Bank branches across WA recently gathered in Perth on 4 & 5 May for the annual state Community Bank® Conference. There were several reasons to celebrate – but perhaps none more so than the $20 million milestone reached in community contributions to benefit organisations and special projects throughout WA.

    North Perth Community Bank® Branch has contributed to this total by donating more than $2.5 million to local organisations and projects, since it was established in March, 2001. Community Bank® Chair, Mr. Nic Catania, said the branch was dedicated to supporting a thriving North Perth community.

    Pictured is Nick Catania with board members & staff of Bendigo Bank North Perth Community Bank

    “We believe successful customers and communities create a successful bank – in that order. We think about what we can do beyond banking to help our customers and the communities they live in. Every time a customer banks with one of our locally owned branches, a percentage of revenue goes to benefit the local area.”

    Funding granted by North Perth Community Bank® Branch has gone towards many initiatives including:

    Multicultural Services WA – Funding the Wellness Centre for the aged

    Vincent Men’s Shed – funded the acquisition of new equipment

    Telethon Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre – New vehicle funding to visit children with diabetes

    Rotary Club North Perth – helping to fund the annual Hyde Park fair

    “With the support of the North Perth community, we can continue to grow our business and share the inspiring success stories that underscore the true value to all those connected with this unique banking model. If people are after ideas about the types of projects that may qualify for funding, the full list of projects can be found in the Community Section of our website”

    For more information, please contact Paul Burnett – Branch Manager at paul.burnett@bendigoadelaide.com.au

    North Perth Community Bank® Branch has contributed to this total by donating more than $2.5 million to local organisations and projects, since it was established in March, 2001.

    North Perth Community Bank® Branch
    431 Fitzgerald St, North Perth  9328 3955
    http://www.bendigobank.com.au

  • TAX TIME FEATURE

    TAX TIME FEATURE

    Tax Season is Here!
    Are You Ready? Getting your taxation affairs in order can be a daunting exercise for many, that’s where the team at TAXPRO can step in and take the stress out of preparing your tax return. Our expertise and experience makes all the difference. We have been servicing Perth for more than 35 years combined all year round. We work together with you, to get you the best result possible, no job is too big or too small. At TAXPRO we provide high quality Individual Tax Returns and accounting services.
    Do you know every single expense that you’re legally entitled to claim? More importantly to do you know the expense claims that the ATO is targeting? For most of us the answer to those questions is “no”. That’s why most Australian’s use a tax professional. According to ATO data more than 74 per cent of taxpayers use the services of a Tax Agent.
    If you have been thinking about engaging the services of tax agent or thinking about changing from your current accountant please do not hesitate to give us a call and chat to one of our friendly staff members.
    Taxpro Australia Pty Ltd 
    Suite 4/207 Balcatta Rd, Balcatta
    Suit 12A Cambridge Forum 350 Cambridge St, Wembley
    Phone: 9240 7629  
    Email: admin@taxproaustralia.com.au  
    Web: http://www.taxproaustralia.com.au

    Setting Up a Successful Business
    There is always a lot of excitement when starting a business venture. But with 25% of new start-ups failing within the first 18 months, how can you ensure that your business flourishes?  Here are some tips:
    Get the structure right – Sole trader? Company?  Partnership? Trust?  Who are the people involved in the business?  Changing your business structure can be costly if you start off with the wrong one! Get advice on the benefits, pitfalls and tax consequences of each structure and choose the structure that is right for your business.
    Registration – ABN? TFN? ACN? Apply for the necessary “numbers” as soon as you have your business structure in place.  Not every business requires an ACN, but you may land in hot water if you do business without an ABN.
    Know your taxes – GST, PAYGW, PAYGI, Payroll taxes, income taxes, superannuation guarantee!  Every category of tax has a different registration threshold and reporting & payment frequency.
    Know your numbers – Ensure that the accounting is done on a monthly basis, no matter how big or small your business.  Cloud solutions are inexpensive and very portable.
    Cash is King – Get a handle on the cash requirements of your business.  This can be as easy as a schedule of anticipated money in vs money out.  Update and review this frequently.  Forecasting can save you money.
    Start with the end in mind – Small businesses may grow into big businesses.  The business may take on new investors.  You as the business owner may retire and close the business for good.  Review your business regularly and have an exit strategy in place.
    If you require any assistance in getting your business on the right track, don’t delay – contact Richard, Leana or Steve today!
    Australian Tax and Accounting
    Suite B3A, Westfield Whitford City, Endeavour Business Centre
    Cnr Banks Avenue & Endeavour Road, Hillarys
    Phone: 9307 1666  
    Email:  info@ataxweb.com
    Web: http://www.ataxweb.com

  • Ticket to ‘ride’

    Ticket to ‘ride’

    FEDERAL Perth MP Tim Hammond has backed a plan to crack down on robotic ticket scalpers following more shady deals, this time for former Beatle Paul McCartney’s Perth concert in December.

    Automated “bots” slipped through a gap in Sir Paul’s website to snap up a large number of seats that had been intended for a limited pre-sale.

    They’re now offering them at highly-inflated prices on third party ticketing websites.

    Another scam tricks fans into thinking they’re buying tickets to see their favourite Beatle, but when they turn up it’s actually a tribute act.

    “There is an enormous risk of misleading and deceptive conduct right here in our community every day when it comes to hardworking mums and dads, whether they want to go and see a rock concert or The Wiggles,” Mr Hammond told federal parliament.

    • Which Paul McCartney have you bought tickets for? The gold-plated one, tribute act John Kater, or the one that died in 1966?

    NSW Labor MP Tony Burke has moved a motion to crack down on robotic ticket scalping, and wants ticket websites like Viagogo, “that allow the selling of fake tickets and tickets that have been sold multiple times over” to be regulated.

    “Only the first person to the gate on the day will get in the door,” he said.

    Mr Hammond says the issue is affecting venues like the Astor Theatre in Mt Lawley, which has been upfront in its advertising of “tribute” acts, but cops a serve from angry patrons who’ve bought dodgy tickets from official-looking third party websites.

    Recently one of the sites was offering tickets to McCartney at the Astor on July 22, but that’s when tribute act John Kater is booked to play.

    “One would have no reasonable way of knowing that a consumer was purchasing a ticket to a tribute show, as opposed to ostensibly the real deal, once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of us who grew up loving the music of the Beatles, the Wings, and then Paul McCartney in his oft-maligned—in my view, for no good reason—solo career,” said Mr Hammond

    “[Dodgy ticket selling] is a practice that not only harms consumers but also harms artist, and it also harms small communities and businesses like the Astor Theatre, who are unnecessarily targeted by disappointed consumers who mistakenly believe that there may be some culpability involved at the shopfront in relation to marketing something that people just are not expecting to receive”.

    “Consumers want and deserve better protection. Artists want and deserve better protection. Primary ticket sellers want better protection.”

    Mr Hammond added the US congress has passed the “Better Online Ticket Sales” Act, outlawing bulk-buying of tickets by bots for the purpose of reselling them at a profit.

    by DAVID BELL