[Kharon]

On the plus side, Chester at least has the sense to take over the ‘announcements’ which means a lot less Beakerspeak. With the election looming large it is a chance to be ‘seen’ as concerned and grab some front page time although he must be careful in his choice of words.

I wonder if his minders are fully aware that Chester has a major, although hidden problem associated with the credibility of the ATSB. Some one should point out that official reports on aviation incidents and accidents are closely scrutinised not only by industry and peer groups, but by insurance companies acting for and against ‘victims’. There are enough holes, some big enough for a horse and cart, in the ATSB credibility to cause serious embarrassment. A sensible man, looking to be re elected would take steps to put distance between himself and the stench emanating from the Beaker bunker, making certain that any and all research data findings were absolutely above board, kosher and made public as soon as practicable. Mud sticks and when the Beaker Malaysia relationship is examined in the wash up, Chester will need plenty of credit and distance to avoid being splattered.

Chester has used a couple of his fourteen honeymoon days; let’s see how fast he can pick up the real picture and act as a fair dinkum minister should do; sure there’s political credit to be gained but at what price? If the presstitutes do get off their collective beam ends and start ‘investigating’ there will be hell to pay. Malaysia can only control press their end; we can only hope our end remains at least partially independent and a little less timid. Brave would be out of the question.

We shall see.