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A Moderator has issued a warning to Brendan, mainly for abusive posts. As a Moderator myself, I was wondering to myself if, due to the deterioration of the standard of debate we have come to expect, that this thread should be closed. The question has lead to inflammatory remarks, which are actually well off topic since the remarks have been personal attacks. However, closing a thread, no matter what the topic, could be seen as censorous, a denial of a freedom to express an opinion ON THE SENTIMENT OF THE TOPIC. Therefore, I have reached the conclusion that the thread should remain open. The point is, let's get back on topic. Perhaps we should move on to discussing the question, "Is a two-party system the most efficient way to provide governance to a Nation?" We have good examples of governments comprised of representatives of all political philosopies coming together to work for the good of a Nation. Consider teh British governmetn in WWII, and even the Australian Government in the same period. Let's have no more personal attacks. Let's raise ourselves out of the ralm of gutter politics. Say your piece on the topic, and back your statements on sources that can be examined.

It seems like most of the political journos are writing and saying that the rise of One Nation has meant the end of the two party system as we've known it. It might come to that, where we have three main parties for a period of time. Or One Nation could flame out, the coalition eventually rebuilds, and we're back to the old two party system. I don't follow European politics much, but some of those countries seem to have multi parties and they try to cobble together a coalition of parties after the election to get a governing majority. It makes me wonder if that's the direction we're heading here in Australia.

In my opinion although many people go on about federal or state government corruption, it is local government (councils) that are by far the most corrupt level of government

Well the two party system has seen better days. What we should do now is change from voting for candidates, to voting on issues, because it's the issues that are dividing our nation so much. The Governor General can appoint administrators to manage the issues that the voting public have given priority to by majority vote. Old habits die hard, so this proposal will be viewed as radical, but only until it's not. The present system of parties with their own stalwart conflicting opinions is not achieving real harmony or contentment. They're only producing division, nationally incongruent protests and murders in the streets. We need to finish up with the bitter verbal chundering and get on with finding a better way.

Yes there were three models. Each was $1 per cc of capacity. They were called Cossacks where I lived. A mate bought one with mild steel valves. Apparently they had to produce a certain number each month or the factory manager fell out a window.

I rather think that is because America didn't plan their logistics properly. They designed and sold a product they couldn't supply in a required timeframe. Also the Australian government didn't look ahead enough. And was silly enough to accept a trade-off deal of an obsolete product. When China takes over Taiwan, the only difference for us will be a likely rise in prices of prrmium silicon chips.

Even when new they were not worth the asking price. No idea why they are collectable now.

In Sydney they were called Voskod. A 650cc was $650. So I bought a Yamaha for half that. It went faster, stopped better and went around corners faster.

The ABC radio has just issued a traffic warning of a rooster on the loose in the vicinity of the big pineapple. They're on to it. It's usually something like a ladder on the road or an escaped cow or horse, but this is the first rooster warning I've heard.

Well, let's start searching through my posts to find those where I've made OFF comments about other posters. If there are any, they would be 100 times less than the abuse I've copped. The best I can remember, I've only suggested a member may be a Labor supporter.

In karate there's a short punch - not sure how it's spelled, but they pronounce it "shitozuki". I commented to another student tonight that I used to own a shit Suzuki, and that was also a short stroke (GS750F). Man that was a crap bike.

If they interview the bird, maybe it can answer that age-old question of why it was crossing the road...

The amalgamation of councils by the then state government made it a lot worse here. Small, well run councils thet were in the black and cashed up were swallowed up by the larger councils that were heavily in debt. The supercouncils it created was like handing kids the keys to the lolly shop. Higher rates, more potholes for most places. It increased the bureaucracy a lot; our council now has 1,800 staff and 1,000 of them work in the office behind a desk. Things worked a lot better under the old system of smaller, leaner councils. In our three tier system of government, local government is far and away the weak link in my opinion. They are the most wasteful of the three and the worst for caring about the people that voted them in. There would be good councils around the country and anyone who lives in those council districts is very fortunate indeed as it's not the norm.

The Urals like that M-63 frame I posted above, were made by IMZ-Ural who had a plant in the Ural Mountains. They moved there from Moscow during the war when a lot of manufacturing moved east. Their sister bike was the Dnepr brand made in Kiev, Ukrainian SSR. A lot of the frames and engines were identical and in the early days IMZ supplied engines to them. I think after that they were probably license built engines.

The new ones are a handy thing but certainly a bit expensive. For the last two or three years the ones imported here with left hand sidecars have the gear up option, which is 2WD on demand with the sidecar wheel driving for dirt road/off road use. It's a straight drive, non differential. Before that it was only the Russian/European/U.S. models with the right hand sidecar that had the 2WD option due to the drive shaft being on the right hand side. The new ones drive a lot better with a sidecar compared to the old ones that had telescopic fork front ends. The newer leading link setup pushes the front wheel as far forward as legal and makes them behave a lot better. They're headquarted in the U.S. now and have moved production from Russia to Kazakhstan to get around the war sanctions.

That's all negative, Nev. Clouds are beautiful...... so long as you are not trying to fly through them.

It appears as if quite a number of councils are really badly run, regardless of the State of Australia they're in. Here on the left coast, we've had quite a few councillors suspended, and their council placed under administration. The suspensions usually come about because of council infighting that makes the council dysfunctional. So the W.A. Govt steps in and appoints an Adminstrator for the Council until new elections are held. In some cases, the council is placed into Administration due to essentially becoming bankrupt due to poor financial planning, bad management, and gold-plated local projects. The Coolgardie Shire Council is typical, they went and built a massive mining accommodation camp, then COVID hit, and they ended up with a half-empty camp and a huge debt. I think the Camp cost around $45M, and there was still about $25M owing on it, when the Govt stepped in with a Strict Monitoring Plan, whereby the Council has to show it can regain proper financial and management control of its operations. The Coogardie Council Primary problems included: Financial Distress: The Shire recorded significant multi-million-dollar budget deficits and incurred liabilities exceeding assets, casting doubt on its viability. This resulted in deferred infrastructure projects, ratepayer protests, and community-led overhaul initiatives. Administrative Mismanagement: The Auditor-General’s audit highlighted that the council used restricted funds to cover shortfalls, failed to follow purchasing policies for a $1-million housing project, and paid out $150,000 to settle two unfair dismissal claims. Remote Work Controversy: The audit exposed that a senior employee was permitted to work remotely from the Caribbean island of Montserrat for almost a year, improperly drawing a council salary. Executive Turmoil: Long-serving Chief Executive James Trail was suspended following workplace culture investigations and subsequently left the council. The Chief Financial Officer was also suspended, requiring the Shire to implement an ongoing Financial Recovery Plan. I am very fortunate to live in the City of Stirling, which is well-run, has minimal debt, no "councillor-enhancing" projects, and has only very modest increases in rates, year on year. The City of Stirling rate increases have ranged from 2.95% to 4.9% annually over the last few years, with this year being the biggest at 4.9%. The City had to cope with a major Auditor-Generals upwards revaluation of Gross Rental Values right across the entire City in 2025, and they reduced the "rate-in-the-dollar" charges to reduce any major impact on residents rate bills. They're the biggest Council in W.A., with 254,000 residents, and they have to look after around 105 sq kms of very intensely developed surburbia. I read an article earlier today, where Albury is looking at a 42% increase in rates over the next 2 years! That is unbelievable! Either the residents have been getting dirt-cheap rates for too long, or the council has been too exuberant with its spending. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-16/albury-council-looks-to-steeply-increase-rates/106802924

They are Not good enough to be worth that price. Nev

PHONey's vetting practices haven't improved. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/16/one-nation-hitler-youth-john-drew-ntwnfb

onetrack, the last quote is not a totally over the top response, but I wouldn't put it in the respectful and courteous discussion category. When it comes to inappropriate speech on this forum, I'll be the first to put my hand up and admit to it. I've never pretended I don't. But I don't do it to other members because I don't like or agree with the content of their posts. The only time I ark up on someone is as a response to someone making unfounded and ludicrous attacks on me personally. And then I have to slap myself and remember the old Chinese saying that if you argue with a fool, there's two fools arguing. I'm not having a go at anyone here for their personal viewpoints, just calling out the blatant double standards that seem to be the norm on this forum lately. I think everyone on both sides needs to take a chill pill.

No, I think Brendan has a major anger management problem, and he needs to address that, before he can hold a respectful and courteous discussion without ranting.

They were $600 when new. I newly bought one but bought a Yamaha RT1 for similar money.

Another new/old toy picked up today, a 1970 Ural M-63 frame. Frame is original from the steering head back, including the rear guard. It also has left hand sidecar mounts which is a bonus. I haven't identified the wheels and forks as yet. The light is an Everwing, probably an old Datsun driving light. The bloke I got it from had only just recently bought it for a Yamaha 500 single motor that was in it. He said the engine was a tight fit in the frame which probably explains why the longitudinal brace below the steering head has been cut out. It's the closest I've been to an old Cossack since 1972. Second photo is what an original looks like for anyone who doesn't know the model.

And the shit throwing continues

One Nation, led by Senator Pauline Hanson, has faced numerous financial and lobbying controversies over the years, including undisclosed campaign funds, police raids, and National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) referrals. [1, 2, 3] Key Corruption and Financial Controversies: NACC Staffer Referral: In May 2025, a former One Nation senator referred a senior party staffer to the National Anti-Corruption Commission amid allegations the staffer sought commissions from clients met during a 2017 Senate inquiry. [1] National Treasury Audits: In mid-2026, financial accounting reviews revealed the Queensland branch of One Nation accumulated missing assets and repeatedly failed to lodge required audited financial statements with the regulator since 2022. [1, 2] Defrauding the Electoral Commission: In late 2021, the party’s national treasurer, Alexander Jones, was charged with fraud following a referral from the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) over fraudulent documentation relating to election funding. Jones later pleaded guilty to attempted fraud in 2022. [1, 2, 3] Internal "Money Grab" Allegations: In August 2023, two of One Nation's New South Wales MPs quit the party after alleging under parliamentary privilege that officials improperly misappropriated and funneled state funds into federal coffers. [1] Undisclosed Plane Donations: The party was referred to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) following allegations that party officials hid the true ownership and donations of a light aircraft, and misused state taxpayer money. [1, 2] NRA Lobbying Scandal: An undercover investigation in 2019 captured senior party advisers seeking millions of dollars in campaign donations from the US National Rifle Association (NRA) in exchange for lobbying to weaken Australia's gun laws. [1, 2, 3]

Until the last few days, this forum has been pretty respectful between people with different political views. Suddenly, it has deteriorated. I am happy to listen to any reasoned, respectful argument.

Looks as though they are recoiling or maybe it's Springtime in the Rockies? Nev

Tell me where you get the figure and show how you known it's corruption.

I don’t have a big social circle, but the people I mix with seem to reflect the surveys. I guess 80% of those over 50 are fed up with Labor and will vote for one of the alternatives. The younger ones are more likely to vote Labor , with only a third or so looking for change. Everyone bemoans the lack of a good alternative.

That's kind of like saying "I'm sick of this rash, I'd rather have my arms amputated."

I did.. but this house is taking a bloody long time and draining more funds than we imagined. , so every so often we have to pause to let them build up. Unf, this year, I made a bit of a blue of a decision because I was too busy at work to think things through and that cost be £25K as well.. So that has to be made up, too. But this week, things are back on, and it is some rewiring and all the decorative work.. If I don't sell the lot, I will subdivide, where I can sell the cottage to pay off the mortgage and then rent out the main house.

If you think the current crop of Federal Labor politicians are crooked and liars, you must have a short memory. Johnny Howard was a pretty good liar when it suited his aims. He took us into an unnecessary and useless War in Iraq, selling us American lies disguised as Truth. If Hanson gets any kind of power, she'd be right up there with Trump, sending all our Defence personnel and equipment to help in his unpopular, illegal, and unconstitutional Iranian War. I quoted the Hancocks, because Hanson adores Gina Hancock, takes millions from her, and thereby owes her "big-time", and would do whatever Gina insisted, such as ensuring unions were gutted - just like America, where workers rights don't exist, only continuous concessions to huge corporations. This American bloke in the video below points out how Australia is the land of robber barons, enriching themselves annually beyond the ordinary persons wildest dreams - whilst not working any harder than a lot of everyday employees. The corporate control over all over polticians is frightening - but the right wing politicians continually concede major concessions to them, thus making the everyday cost of living harder and harder for ordinary Australians. Hanson would be a pushover for corporate greed, and corporate greed drives a lot of Australia's basic problems. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/other/the-real-power-structure-controlling-australia-s-economy/vi-AA21hRmY

One problem is that during an election, the electorate doesn't really want to hear the truth. Take house affordability. Most people acknowledge that homes, especially for first-time buyers, are way too expensive. A politician who promises to lower housing prices will surely do well until people who actually own a home realise that devaluing housing prices devalues their property as well. Not a great election pitch to existing home owners. Note, I personally am fine with that; you can't have everything. I find that voters at election time are rather like kiddies sitting on Santa's lap. They just want to be told what is in it for them.

Labor changed their mind to HELP first Home Buyers get a leg on the Ladder of Home Ownership They knew Some would take the Opportunity to have a go at them but took the risk. Is THAT a BAD thing? Look where the Nat's/ Libs are NOW and it's looking worse for them every day. . Them's just the FACTS. For a Long time, all they have done is say NO and obstruct. The People have decided.. Nev

Circumstances change. What may appear to have been appropriate or good policy at one time, before an election, may be totally incorrect later. Rigidly sticking to an idea which is no longer appropriate just to avoid being accused of lying is irresponsible. One has to change with the tide.

Right wing. Left wing it does't matter, they are all sht at the moment. Have a look who backs the other partys before you pick on one paticular party. What has what Lang Hancock got to do with anything in the current climate. I only own my own home but am pssed off with politicians saying one thing before an election and changing their mind on it. Are you trying to tell me they had no pkans before the election on tjese policys. Are we supposed to just ignore the lies. These people are supposed to be the ones we trust with running our country and they are the least trustful out there. No wonder ON is doing well. People have had a gutsful of the dishonesty and are trying to punish the current batch.

Bullying?? This - from one of the most abusive, right wing ranters I have seen on any forum? In every second post you are being personally abusive to other contributors, with personal denigration attacks. You take peoples statements out of context, or amplify them to extreme levels. You abuse Nev because he has reservations about Rotax engine designs, and makes out that he says all Rotax-powered aircraft are going to fall from the sky. I'm not "shit-scared" of getting out of my car in Northam - but I do have personal experience of my wife being threatened with rape in a womans toilet in Northam by a gang of dark-skinned teenage juveniles who followed her in, unbeknowns to me. I do know, with 5 police or ex-police in our extended family, that Northam registers high on crime rates, and I know it's a combination of drugs, poor parenting, and juvenile delinquency. My nephews big industrial property just out of Northam was raided, and the thieves stole every computer in the place, costing him a motza. The crims weren't immigrants. These problems, of poor parenting, drugs, juveniles being led in to crime, are world wide, not just in Victoria. Your state does seem to have a spike in crime by the offspring of Sudanese immigrants, I guess the police will get a handle on it, soon. You live in a world of "left-wing" hatred and abuse, generated by Hanson, Trump, Gina Hancock, et al. It's about time you took a hard look at yourself and put yourself in other peoples shoes. You're obviously very wealthy, you own several trucks, you're a businessman, you own aircraft, you can afford to fly regularly, you probably own more than one property. You've achieved all that, despite "left wing liars" (another abusive right wing tirade - as if right-wing politicians never lie) being in Federal and State power, for a large proportion of the 21st century. You still make good money under Labor control and decision-making. I guess you want to live in the right-wing dream world where there are only white people in Australia, where corporations can do what they like, where poor people are alway just regarded as poor, because they're lazy, and where juvenile criminals are sent to the electric chair for stealing a car. You live in a world of childish simplistic answers and solutions.

Brendon, you maybe should reflect on your own postings. As a new poster, you did rather come in quite aggressively. Many of us have been posting here for many years. I started posting in 2007. Although we have different views, here we can politely disagree and move on, instead of referring to "left wing turkeys" etc. I have often had disagreements with Nev, but I would never say this, and he would not say this about me because I don't make aggressive posts. You generally get what you give. T

By labour, I guess you mean Labor. Here is a breakdown of the levels of crime per state. Here is how the states and territories generally break down by safety and crime rates: Here is how the states and territories generally break down by safety and crime rates: Northern Territory: Highest per-capita crime rate nationally. Cities like Alice Springs and Darwin often top national per-capita crime lists. [1, 2, 3] Queensland: Has the highest crime rate among the major eastern states, with surging rates of assault, break-ins, and youth-related property crime. [1, 2, 3] Victoria: Frequently ranks highly on a per-capita basis, with recent statistics indicating record highs in criminal incidents—particularly in the Melbourne CBD and specific regional centres. [1, 2] New South Wales: Despite the high total volume of reported crimes (driven by its large population), its per-capita crime rates are relatively low compared to the rest of the country. [1, 2] Australian Capital Territory: Consistently considered one of the safest jurisdictions in Australia with significantly lower crime rates. [1, 2, 3] If you are making a connection between Labor governments and crime, you have to account for the fact that NSW has a low per capita crime rate. Is this an achievement of the NSW Labor government? The ACT has been governed by Labor since 2001 and has significantly lower crime. I am not spruiking for Labor here, I am not a party political person. In one of your posts you link to an ABC News site, which is lists all the crime stories. These are Australia-wide, not just Victorian. If you keep doomscrolling, of course, you will become anxious. I live in Victoria, and of course, I would like crime to be as low as possible; however, you have to keep things in perspective.

crime is the worst it has ever been and it started with daniel andrews. you have no clue at all. i see this shit every day working around melbourne. cars flying past on the freeway full of teenagers. burnt wrecks every where from the thefts the night before. albo or ellroy which is his real name and snake chalmer along with bowen are driving this place into the ground. stop rabbiting on about overseas governments for comparison. you are shit scared to even get out of your car in northam yet you know all about crime in melbourne. i work with asians, turks, sudanese, italians and others and we all get along great. i am not a rascist i just want this country fixed. take a hard look at yourself cut and paste cowboy.

In case anyone is wondering why I clicked the informative button on Brendan's post - I saw the post and he had a string of icons there starting to resemble a poker machine. There was left to right, 1 Like, 1 Haha, 1 Winner and 1 Sad. So I thought why not give him a crack at getting the full jackpot - one of every type, the full string. So come on blokes, don't be mean, all it needs now is 1 Confused, 1 Thanks and 1 Agree. I'm not sure if anyone's ever hit the jackpot on this forum before.

On that rate topic, I also heard the Gold Coast mayor on the radio saying they're keeping the rate increase this year to a 4% average. I'm not looking forward to my next bill after our council recently announced they're a billion dollars in the red on their budget.

I might have to stop complaining about my 30% council rate increase last year. I was listening to a grazier speaking on the ABC radio country hour talking about his latest rate bill from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. He's had a 60% increase this time around. Combined with big increases preceding that, he's now handing over a third of his income to council in rates. Or as he put it another way, for every three cows he sells, one goes to paying rates.

Yes, I remember them being cheap. Solid frames but often had awful Soviet era welds. Factories used to supply free vodka to the workers; maybe the bad welds happened when the vodka ran out. The new Ural Gear Up 2WD outfits start at $35,000 for the standard model.