Queensland cops; state tax collectors.
"Inappropriate behavior."
Bloody hell, the Bligh government is in what it likes to pretend is a campaign against disorderly behavior. In reality it is setting out to make it easier for the police force to raise revenue for an overspending government, which has taken us from debt free, to lower credit ratings and massive deficits.
The latest ploy after massively increasing the existing fine structure, because they claimed it didn’t impact enough, is to give the police the power to issue on the spot fines for “inappropriate behavior.” Some of these fines are in the order of $300.
This is in a state where the police asked for fines for jaywalking to be increased to $75 plus a demerit point off your license. Just what the hell does walking have to do with driver’s licenses? Something as harmless as not wearing a seatbelt costs $300. On one occasion here, in the main street, the cops found a stop sign, which was obscured by bushes and set up a trap for motorists. They were really raking it in for Anna.
This is a clear indication of how the police view their role, not road safety, but revenue raising. If they were in any way concerned about safety in a slow flowing area, the logical move would have been to point it out to the Council, not set a trap.
Actions like this make you wonder just what inspires them to get up in the morning, put that blue uniform on and be just busting to get out there to make pricks of themselves. Lots of petty regulations as we have now mean that we get the sort of people joining the force, who like the idea of ramming them down our throats. These are the sort of people who are getting this power over us.
Mind you, this is not for illegal behavior, the proper realm of policing where people cause damage or harm to others, but that nebulous phrase inappropriate which is any sort of behavior viewed by someone as in some way, well not appropriate, whatever that might mean. This means that it is essentially a matter of luck on what cop happens to be around as to whether that bit of harmless fun costs you dearly or not.
Fines of one hundred dollars for swearing is ridiculous, and when it comes down to it, just what words constitute swearing? Bloody is a swear word in the eyes of some. This whole thing is draconian and has no place in a free society.
The actions of the state government are inappropriate behavior, but you can bet your arse they won’t be fined for it.
Any illusions I had that Australia was full of strong willed, independent minded, Croc Dundee types were shattered a long time ago, but that link has sent me into shock. I still rate Oz over the UK but it sounds like QLD is going to be the exception. Oh, and it's too hot up there for us poms anyway.
ReplyDeleteI talked to a Pom who had just returned after a trip there. He is shocked to be greeted with this on his return, but still feels the British are way out ahead of us.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the Big Brother state? I'd agree with that. Maybe you caught this in The Australian last year? It covers much of what generally sends me into an incandescent rage that would probably cost me several thousand dollars in Queensland. What was missed was mention of some of the scarier Acts passed by the Labour government (and which the recently formed coalition haven't talked about repealing, or not that I've heard). I'm not saying they'd abuse them but eventually someone will. Oh yes, better in Australia.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Nanny state wise I'd say it's pretty close to a draw.
I did see it and found it really disturbing and think I actually posted on it at some stage.
ReplyDeleteApart from the arrests and threats to children by these babbling tyrants which is disturbing in its own right, the worst aspect by far is the mind control and conditioning that goes with it.
It is little wonder its getting harder and harder to find people who are able to actually put a case rather than mouth slogans from their masters.