FWIW, the BRB tip for the DAS Chalice Handicap.
Dear P2. It is a difficult decision to make; as you well know, we have the Mike Smith CV ‘on file’. Many; myself included, believe that it should be ‘out there’ for all to see, it is indeed a very good track record and fully supports a claim to serious consideration – operationally, practically and as a ‘proper’ solution to ministerial worries and woes. But there are problems associated with a release of the document. For starters, non of the other applicants would have their CV ‘published’. Which is unfair. There is of course no impediment to them publishing their CV, indeed, should you care to look at the ‘Linked-In’ site; many of the potential applicants CV’s are provided – at least in short form. Mike can be researched on that site and so, the ‘fair – unfair’ argument can be resolved. Whether the potential candidates elect to let it be known that their hat’s are in the ring becomes an individual choice. On balance, no real impediment of consequence there.
Item next: being the IOS choice candidate and the CASA internal ructions. We discussed this at the BRB – at length and in depth. Chester is ‘not amused’ and Boyd ain’t smiling much; they don’t like being directly confronted with the ‘balls and all’ truth. The gentle Tamworth introduction and survey expressed industry dissatisfaction and anger. Since then CASA have, and make no mistake they mean it, gone into attack mode. Now if the little dust-up at Tamworth has created the need for the stealth style panzer attack on industry participants then gods only know what a full frontal attack will do. The threats are real, live and terrifying; but ‘Mums’ the word. I worry that Smith may be seen as part of the threat. Fact is, Smith may well be the solution to industry and political problems, a win-win. But if the machine at CASA hits top gear, by getting the slightest hint that real reform is coming to Dodge, will, absolutely create a mini shit-storm. Mostly from those who are in the front line. However, the BRB resolved that the CASA iron wrong will know that Smith is a strong candidate; the phones and email will be running hot; and, that without a doubt the white ants are hard at it. So, publish anyway, that was the BRB resolution.
The final item considered was ‘ministerial fortitude’. This is a factor. The last go-around, Smith came within a whisker of getting the job. The politically motivated selection of Skidmore proved to be an unmitigated disaster; as was the previously politically motivated selection of McComic. Smith could run rings around both of these; in fact, my Grand Mamma could beat ‘em both hollow at any game you care to choose, any day of the week. Three ministers now; two nodded in the wong direction. Result catastrophe and much unneeded trouble caused as a direct result of ‘that’ selection. Whoever advised or persuaded both Albo and Truss to bet on the ‘departmental’ advice needs a severe kicking. Bad advice, for the wrong reasons, to a minister? Not a good look. CASA needs reforming. It would, with 20/20 hindsight, perhaps have been better to accept the lesser of the two weevils and ‘reform’ CASA, accept the shit storm, rather than the public circus of Tiger, Pel-Air, ASSR, TSBC and other reports – all confirming, what every fool in the market place knew; wrong choice made to avoid ‘unpleasantness’ from those deep with the systems who knew, full well, that a honest man would, without hesitation, effect the logical changes required.
So, to conclusions. The BRB was almost unanimous that publishing the Smith resume would have little if any effect on another political decision. Nothing the industry has said has ever made the slightest difference to what the ministerial advisors will pour into the ministerial ear; so why bother. The IOS and BRB have decided a simple statement will suffice.
The best man for the job is prepared to entertain the challenge and will resolve many of the potential ministerial concerns, if not all, without upsetting the apple carts and still get the job done; to industry applause and ministerial kudos. . Some ‘apples’ may get a wee bit bruised in the process; but the money making carts will, despite a change of owner remain intact. We’ll see your advisors and raise you a Mike Smith – it’s your your call minister. Yes sir, it is a big pot you’re playing for.
Here endeth the BRB discussion.
Toot toot.
Dear P2. It is a difficult decision to make; as you well know, we have the Mike Smith CV ‘on file’. Many; myself included, believe that it should be ‘out there’ for all to see, it is indeed a very good track record and fully supports a claim to serious consideration – operationally, practically and as a ‘proper’ solution to ministerial worries and woes. But there are problems associated with a release of the document. For starters, non of the other applicants would have their CV ‘published’. Which is unfair. There is of course no impediment to them publishing their CV, indeed, should you care to look at the ‘Linked-In’ site; many of the potential applicants CV’s are provided – at least in short form. Mike can be researched on that site and so, the ‘fair – unfair’ argument can be resolved. Whether the potential candidates elect to let it be known that their hat’s are in the ring becomes an individual choice. On balance, no real impediment of consequence there.
Item next: being the IOS choice candidate and the CASA internal ructions. We discussed this at the BRB – at length and in depth. Chester is ‘not amused’ and Boyd ain’t smiling much; they don’t like being directly confronted with the ‘balls and all’ truth. The gentle Tamworth introduction and survey expressed industry dissatisfaction and anger. Since then CASA have, and make no mistake they mean it, gone into attack mode. Now if the little dust-up at Tamworth has created the need for the stealth style panzer attack on industry participants then gods only know what a full frontal attack will do. The threats are real, live and terrifying; but ‘Mums’ the word. I worry that Smith may be seen as part of the threat. Fact is, Smith may well be the solution to industry and political problems, a win-win. But if the machine at CASA hits top gear, by getting the slightest hint that real reform is coming to Dodge, will, absolutely create a mini shit-storm. Mostly from those who are in the front line. However, the BRB resolved that the CASA iron wrong will know that Smith is a strong candidate; the phones and email will be running hot; and, that without a doubt the white ants are hard at it. So, publish anyway, that was the BRB resolution.
The final item considered was ‘ministerial fortitude’. This is a factor. The last go-around, Smith came within a whisker of getting the job. The politically motivated selection of Skidmore proved to be an unmitigated disaster; as was the previously politically motivated selection of McComic. Smith could run rings around both of these; in fact, my Grand Mamma could beat ‘em both hollow at any game you care to choose, any day of the week. Three ministers now; two nodded in the wong direction. Result catastrophe and much unneeded trouble caused as a direct result of ‘that’ selection. Whoever advised or persuaded both Albo and Truss to bet on the ‘departmental’ advice needs a severe kicking. Bad advice, for the wrong reasons, to a minister? Not a good look. CASA needs reforming. It would, with 20/20 hindsight, perhaps have been better to accept the lesser of the two weevils and ‘reform’ CASA, accept the shit storm, rather than the public circus of Tiger, Pel-Air, ASSR, TSBC and other reports – all confirming, what every fool in the market place knew; wrong choice made to avoid ‘unpleasantness’ from those deep with the systems who knew, full well, that a honest man would, without hesitation, effect the logical changes required.
So, to conclusions. The BRB was almost unanimous that publishing the Smith resume would have little if any effect on another political decision. Nothing the industry has said has ever made the slightest difference to what the ministerial advisors will pour into the ministerial ear; so why bother. The IOS and BRB have decided a simple statement will suffice.
The best man for the job is prepared to entertain the challenge and will resolve many of the potential ministerial concerns, if not all, without upsetting the apple carts and still get the job done; to industry applause and ministerial kudos. . Some ‘apples’ may get a wee bit bruised in the process; but the money making carts will, despite a change of owner remain intact. We’ll see your advisors and raise you a Mike Smith – it’s your your call minister. Yes sir, it is a big pot you’re playing for.
Here endeth the BRB discussion.
Toot toot.