This just got released! what a load of Crap.
Thursday 30 July 2009
BRUMBY PROPOSES SAILING LICENCES
In another mad grab for Victorians’ cash, the Brumby Labor Government is now proposing to introduce a licence for wind surfers, kite surfers and yachties.
Shadow Minister for Ports Denis Napthine said a recently released State Government review of the Marine Act put forward a proposal that would require all operators of wind powered vessels to be licensed.
“The review specifically mentions kite surfers and wind surfers but I am unsure where in their Speedos these operators would be expected to carry their licence,” Dr Napthine said.
“Imposing licence requirements on operators of sailboats and yachts would hurt these healthy sporting activities.
“Sailing is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by children, families and the keenest, most competitive yachting enthusiasts, participating in regular races, the Olympics and major ocean racing events like the Sydney to Hobart Classic.”
Dr Napthine said it was ludicrous that children being taught to sail, or people with disabilities enjoying sailing on a lake or bay and experienced yachtsmen like American Cup-winning Skipper John Bertrand would now be required to pass a test and pay for a licence under John Brumby’s new scheme.
“This sounds like another money making exercise from the increasingly cash-strapped Brumby Labor Government,” Dr Napthine said.
“Victorians are getting sick and tired of the nanny state approach of the Brumby Government which is much quicker at imposing new rules, licences and costs on Victorians than it is at solving real problems facing citizens who want safer streets, trains that run on time, reliable water supplies and a hospital bed when they are sick.”
Dr Napthine said the Government surely should have more important things to do than introduce a time consuming, complex and costly licensing system for Victorians who enjoy wind surfing and sailing.
Media enquiries: Denis Napthine 0407 234 366
Background from Page 8, Review of the Marine Act 1988.
“Options…
Require all operators of wind powered vessels to be licensed.
Require operators of sailboats and yachts to be licensed…”
Yeah what a load of crap! It might be time to start a riot and we can use our bars and lines as weapons! Or maybe a demonstration at least! Typical Australian Governments, make everything cost a dollar to make more money for their employers to drive around in our money funded cars and petrol supplied for their personal use!!!!!!!!!! **** off!
I went to the Gold Coast last year and was able to skateboard down Cavill Avenue with no hassles. In Adelaide the cops threaten me with fines. Over regulation and over policing of trivial laws and offences is crap.
It is getting to the stage that if something is fun the government will regulate the fun out of it !
Go catch some real crooks- if you need to change legislation change the cruelty to animals legislation that allows the sick b#$tard who cut off a dogs ears and tail with scissors to face a maximum 12mth jail term.
Our government and local politics suck ! they are a bunch of morons who panda to wowsers and prudes who are vocal but a minority. P#$@ off and leave us alone !
The people get the Govt they vote for. Sadly Australians and the media now seem to have an appetite for Govt intervention.
Values like personal freedom, tolerance, live and let live and taking individual responsibilty for solving challenges are out of vogue. These are values championed by political forces to the right of the spectrum but people are not voting for or supporting these forces. The media is also giving the left leaning forces a dream run with little real critical analysis of the growing tentacles of Govt.
Labour Govt's simply cannot control the bureacrats lust for more and more regulation. They have no philosophy that tells them to resist the forces that want to tell us how to live our lives. Now we have Commie Kevin leading the revolution and turning the clock back decades.
i already have a car, boat and CAMS licence so simply put, I Refuse to comply,
how are you going to police that PM Dumbass??
in a boat you need to carry your licence at all times, sure there is somewhere to put it, no problem
i imagine i'd have to shove mine up brumby's ass so he can see it when he asks.
AND if you are on the water - please note the inherant dangers posed to kiters with water police trying to ensure you are licenced.
police - "sir pull over!"
kiter - "you cannot operate a power vehicle soo close and you have to be doing 5 knots so rack off!"
--> pulls out gun
-->kite stops and suspends themselves in water attempting to get licence out while controlling a kite
government is now liable for the accident about to happen.
great work and amazing foresight Brumby
can we ALL PLEASE VOTE THESE JERKS OUT !
i keep on trying but we need more people to join the party.
i agree with what's been said so far. About lack of freedom, government finding new ways to fund them selves, and the ridiculous path our society is heading... next thing we will need license for swimming, walking etc etc....
however, if by some chance this does eventuate, what's the huge deal anyway. For example if you are a motorbike enthusiast, nothing will stop you from doing your little course and getting a license. Same with kiting... if you are really keen about the sport, i'm sure you won't care too much about some pissy test, as long as you can keep doing it. Maybe this will help filter out those who are bad for the sport...
besides why would you need to carry license anyway... we are heading to the future... they just need to scan you retina from the beach and either verify you or send an instant fine....
There are actually beaches in the USA where you aren't allowed to use 'hard' surfboards..LOL
they were banned in Sydney in the 60's haha
news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1301&dat=19620910&id=1loVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EeYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5350,3413300&hl=en
I'm all for it actually! I think it would be hilarious seeing water police trying to fine people and inspect their licenses at St Kilda in a 25 knot south wester. What are they gunna do when you don't have one? Arrest you? I think it would be a crack up!
Uh-oh !!!
Nanny State...
And I sort of have a licence.
Doesn't my AKSA (membership) tag indicate that I am some kind of responsible kiter ???
Politicians - gotta love 'em. Should learn to engage brain before mouth. Or at least think plans through to the implementation and regulation stage !
Anyway... That might be three cents worth !!!
BAP
I declare that our kites now be used as weapons
Ill be dive bombing!!!!!!
Any1 wanna giv me a old kite that i can dive bomb in to them
although the kite might be returned with tiny little pricks in it!
Registration check scenario
You have just launched and the local officer instructs you to provide your rego details
you ask the officer to hold your bar while you get it out of your pocket...
Problem solved.........
I'm going to go out on a limb here...
Rather than bitch about what the Victorian gov't is planning to do on this forum Victorian kiters have got a couple of options here...
1) get KBV on to this straight away (if they aren't already) & get them involved to meet with the relevant bureaucrats & politicians...
2) as individuals, take some positive action of your own & contact the Minister for Ports and let him know of your objection(s).
Hon. Tim Pallas, MP
Minister for Roads and Ports
Department of Transport
GPO Box 2797
Melbourne VIC 3001
Tel.: (03) 9655 6666 (DOT's switchboard)
You might also want to contact your local MP & lodge your objection to the proposal.
Here's the contact details for your Premier...
By mail:
Office of the Premier
1 Treasury Place
Melbourne
Australia 3000
or E: [email protected]
Crew have been making smart arsed comments about politicians, the system, freedoms being abolished, yadda yadda...it's really simple people - get up off your slack arses & do something about it, rather than just bitch about it.
If you don't complain or object BEFORE it happens you don't really have a strong argument here...
It's time to step up folks...
sorry guys but I agreen to some extent-
As long as this licence isnt expensive of course,
I can see the logic in sitting a small test, similar to your "L"s when you get your car licence.
Many many many people get out on the water without any knowledge of the giveway rules etc of the boating world. I see all too often "near misses" were guys are riding too close to boats, kayaks, swimmers, etc and I can see that many accidents can happen really easy.
I think we should be pro-active about this, lets get together and help develop a test/esam that helps the sport grow, it will show the government that we are serious about our sport and that we will endevour to navigate the sport in the right direction.
Anthony
0419 821 409
Yup, I'm all for it. Way too many close calls, and fools on the water. A license will serve to ensure that we are all competent to kite and eradicate the fools, and the inconsiderate , just like it does.............ON OUR ROADS !!!!
James and Robe,
Where does it stop?
A license will serve to ensure that we are all competent to kite and eradicate the fools, and the inconsiderate , just like it does.............ON OUR ROADS !!!!
Really, what sheltered existence do you live?
Should we introduce the same for SUPs, surfboards, kayaks?
Stop hugging trees and try a little bit of common sense and take responsibility for your own actions.
Baz.
i can't believe some of the things i have just read? people suggesting that they agree with kiters having to take tests and maintain a liscence to participate in an activity like ours? suggesting that having a liscence would rid our sport of people doing the wrong thing on the water? seriously WTF where have u been living your whole life? a liscence system would fix all those problems just like it does on our roads.
-MAYBE WE SHOULD FIT A BREATHALYSER SYSTEM TO ALL NEW BARS TOO, ENSURING NO DRINK-KITING.
WAKE UP AUSTRALIA, COMMON SENSE GOES A LONG WAY.
one hundred percent agree,
BUT...people arent using common sense-otherwise we wouldnt even be having this issue-
Its IS that simple.
I honestly hate the idea of licencing, and its everywhere! fishing industry is a prime example, but for those idiots that are abusing the system, they have ruined it for everyone, once again!
I want to be able to take my children to the beach, teach them to kite, ride with them til dark every day, and if I have to get a licence to show I am responsible and I ride in a safe manner for those around me to have that privelidge, well sign me up.
Or lets go the other way, have a think? Councils are watching us already, lets boycott the licence idea, what will they do? Limit our beach access-thats what they'll do, send us miles away! smarten up, unfortunately this IS the way the world is going, the smart option is to get on board and make sure we can control the direction its going to go. Give ourselves boundaryies, rules and regs. and show the local governments we are sensible and that we can be trusted to be doing the right thing.
Just curious BAZ,
Where did you learn the road rules?
Did you at 16, go to a car yard, buy a car, already know how to drive and instantly know all the rules?
Kiters can buy kites at any age!
Robe
Spoken like a true bureaucrat, so you directly equate kiting with driving a car. As with your entire line of so called logic its completely flawed. Maybe you should live in North Korea where your life will be controlled to your satisfaction. Or should we wrap you up a fluffy white pillows so nothing can hurt you.
regards,
Baz.
So, tell me what should we do? I agree this world has become wrapped if cottonwool and nobody is accountable for themselves-facts are facts-numbers are numbers and if the government is going to do this, wouldnt it be best to shape it rather than have it implemented without us having any say?
You guys are crapping on as though it has already happened. The idea is a line item in a review that is about to happen. It's not policy. It's not law. It's just hot air. It's never going to happen.
Look boys, I'd like to apologize, I WAS BEING SARCASTIC !! I don't know what it's like where you guys drive but it's insane here. I use the Mitchell freeway early in the morning and the standard of driving is apalling.A driving license does'nt prevent fools and those who lack experience from making our roads dangerous it's the sorry lack of enforcement and fitting punishment. Here in WA, the penalty for risking removing yourself from the gene pool by not wearing a seatbelt is 500 bucks but for risking someone else's life or risk putting them into a wheelchair by texting or talking on your mobile while driving is only 250 bucks . Clearly , those who set the penalties don't have a clue, the fines are woefully inadequate as I see drivers driving and using their mobiles every day, and I would not be willing to part with anymore of my hard earned until I think big brother is worthy of it, they've got some way to go.
All licensing will do is generate income for the goverment . You don't need a license to kite.
I think Juddy is on the right track. It seems to me that AKSA is perfectly placed to provide leadership, co-ordination and representation. I'm sure other parties with a vested interest will likewise have a similiar organisation to do the same.
Regards,
Baz.
Kiters Licensing Test
Q1: When landing to blindside, your bunghole is pointed
A. upwind and backwards
B. downwind
C. puckered
D. forward and upwind
Q2: You are blissfully planing at 20 knots. You see a ferry headed straight towards you. Do you...
A. fall in
B. smile and wave at the ferry captain
C. cut downwind to launch off the wake
D. kiteloop over the ferry
Q3: You are invited to a complimentary stay at a Fiji kiting resort. Upon arrival you find the resort is still partially under construction. Do you
A. Trash the place
B. Trash the owner
C. HTFU & kite
D. Call a taxi to the nearest 5 star chain hotel.
