Article: World-class pollie waffle? My word

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

World-class pollie waffle? My word

World-class pollie waffle? My word
Daniel Hurst
September 8, 2011 - 4:03PM

When Queensland's world-class politicians gather in the seat of power for some world-class debate, there is one overused phrase that really rocks their world.

Whether discussing transport or stadiums, nightclubs or urban renewal, school buildings or legal services, MPs this week reached for the "world class" label as if they had joined a cash-for-cliche racket.

A search of the official parliamentary record confirms politicians used the term no fewer than 35 times during the first two sitting days this week, enough to send any observer batty.

Labor's Brisbane Central MP Grace Grace employed the phrase when she heaped praise on Fortitude Valley's sometimes maligned entertainment precinct, saying "most people go there for a good time and to enjoy the world-class facilities on offer".

Premier Anna Bligh described hurdles champion Sally Pearson as an "absolutely world class" advocate for the Gold Coast's 2018 Commonwealth Games bid, a day before using the same term for the RNA showgrounds redevelopment.

And politicians weren't just saying the phrase – at one point they also debated it.

On Tuesday, Sports Minister Phil Reeves and opposition counterpart David Gibson got into a spirited to-and-fro about whether Suncorp Stadium could still be described as world class.

Perhaps Mr Reeves thought he would get extra points for using it twice in the one sentence.

"I had the pleasure of travelling from Garden City on the world-class South East Busway to and from the game on Sunday and then attending the world-class Suncorp Stadium," he said, during a particularly enthusiastic speech.

Asked about the "world class" repetition, the head of Griffith University's politics and public policy department, Robyn Hollander, said any phrase lost its meaning when repeated that often.

But Dr Hollander said it illustrated how difficult it was for a government to find descriptions to market  achievements, such as Suncorp Stadium, which people have been used to for some time.

"I think it's one of those things which probably in the first or second iteration actually sounds like it's a claim worth making, but 35 times? Every iteration, it loses its lustre."

Dr Hollander said the desire to spruik "world class" facilities reminded her of Brisbane Marketing's push to promote Brisbane as a "new world city".

"I suspect they don't use it [world class] very much in New York. In a sense it's trying to claim, 'Look at us, we're part of the international bandwagon'," she said.

"Brisbane has to be 'world class' in the way that New York or London doesn't. It's a part of that, 'We're not Hicksville, we are up to standard' so I think in a sense it's almost an assertion against any claim of provincialism."

However, Dr Hollander reckoned "world class" was superior to some political slogans, not least of which the one used by Prime Minister Julia Gillard during last year's federal election campaign.

"As long as we're not 'moving forward', we're OK. That one didn't need to be used more than once to lose its gloss."

'Shovel-ready' – a favourite of governments touting projects all set to begin – was named Macquarie Dictionary word of the year in 2009.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/worldclass-pollie-waffle-my-word-20110908-1jzd1.html

[O_128]

Would love to get a world class tram to the world class university, or use the world class rail system to go to the beach, or the world class busways (must be class three for third world), or the world class city glider, or the world class RNA, not to mention trains every 15 min 

[somebody]

While I can accept the SE busway being called world class, what is special about Suncorp Stadium or Valley facilities?

[Stillwater]

I almost feel sorry for Queensland's politicians now I have heard the academic explanation.  When they say 'world class'  (as in world class taxi service, ticketing system etc), it is an aspirational statement designed to cover the pollies' provincial embarrassment and is not, as one would expect superficially, a statement of fact.  I am glad we cleared that up.  Good article btw.

[O_128]

I almost feel sorry for Queensland's politicians now I have heard the academic explanation.  When they say 'world class'  (as in world class taxi service, ticketing system etc), it is an aspirational statement designed to cover the pollies' provincial embarrassment and is not, as one would expect superficially, a statement of fact.  I am glad we cleared that up.  Good article btw.

I reckon Bris times is a regular reader of RBOT. they are great advocators of PT compared to the winging CM

[Mr X]

World class 30min frequency train system with world class 44% buses. 

[Arnz]

World class 30min frequency train system with world class 44% buses.  

World class 60 min train system if you're headed out Doomben or Rosewood way.  

90 min 'world class' off-peak and 30 min 'world class' peak frequency to the Sunshine Coast, with 44% extra 'world class' rail-buses if you're heading up north

[Fares_Fair]

Pulls out telescope to see which 'world' they are referring to ...

Having said that, IMHO, the one thing thing that is truly world class in all of this, is the employees and managers of Queensland Rail.
They do a truly remarkable job with the resources and limited infrastructure that they have available.


Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[Cam]

No staff or open toilets at major suburban stations at 6.45pm on a Friday night is NOT "world class".

[ozbob]

No staff or open toilets at major suburban stations at 6.45pm on a Friday night is NOT "world class".

Yes, toilet policy needs a 'world class' review.  Also the long hauls really do need IMUs.   After a longish lunch at Nambour one fine day the train back to town was a beloved EMU.  I had to abandon the train on the way home during the run into Brisbane because the need for micturation became acute!  Another world class effort that one ... (PS.  I just made it into the loo in somewhat acute discomfort!)

[Arnz]

One has to question the reliability of the toilets on some of the World Class IMUs.  It wasn't too long ago when a number of World Class IMUs didn't have their World Class toilets working.   On another note, EMUs seem to be appearing more on the Gold Coast line of late. (which in turn does effect us on the Sunshine Coast as well due to the stretched IMU fleet utilisation).

What I do think is world class is probably most of the QR staffers doing a great job with what they have available, same for the maintenance/cleaning crew in repairing the toilets on the IMUs.

[Stillwater]

I thought that we mere mortals allowed some of our taxes to be spent sending state MPs on study missions to examine 'world class' best practice overseas and to bring that knowledge back home for the benefit of all.   It would appear that our parliamentarians have lost their way somewhat.

Instead of going to London, England, our pollies have been booked to go to London, Kentucky, the home of the 'world class' chicken festival.  Heading to Rome, they find themselves in the town of 38,000 at the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers, Georgia, a place with no major highway or traffic tunnels.

Paris is another popular destination with Queensland pollies.  It is an abandoned settlement on Kiritimati Island in Kiribati.  Ask a Queensland pollie where Toronto is and they will tell you it is the second largest city in Jefferson County, Ohio.  The public transport network is 'world class' for a town of 6000 residents.

Yep, compared with all of these destinations, Brisbane is, indeed, 'world class'.

[O_128]

Ehhh, Rome Italy's  pt is nothing to brag about, weird suburban lines with really low platforms , only 2 metro lines with trains the size or a lrt, and there central station makes bris ames central look like grand central station. They are however fixing the system up.

[Stillwater]

Another 'world class' claim from yet another government agency.  http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/errors-in-queensland-core-skills-test-highlighted-by-students-themselves/story-e6freoof-1226133790973

[Cam]

I'll bite my tongue on this very important issue & just say this. "World Class" & education at Queensland's state schools should not be used in the same sentence. I'm certainly not having a go at teachers in QLD, just the QLD state education system that has allowed substandard education compared to other states for decades. Nationalising the curriculum & bringing in the extra year of education in QLD will help somewhat but where are the opportunity classes & selective schools like other states have?

[Golliwog]

Opportunity classes?

[O_128]

I'll bite my tongue on this very important issue & just say this. "World Class" & education at Queensland's state schools should not be used in the same sentence. I'm certainly not having a go at teachers in QLD, just the QLD state education system that has allowed substandard education compared to other states for decades. Nationalising the curriculum & bringing in the extra year of education in QLD will help somewhat but where are the opportunity classes & selective schools like other states have?

why does the federal gov not just take over all aspects of schooling, its pathetic how in a country we have 7 different year 12 testing styles.

[somebody]

Opportunity classes?

For gifted students.

[HappyTrainGuy]

I wouldn't say sub standard. Some has to do with the students and the amount of sh%t they give to teachers before realising "sh%t I should start to pay attention more" when they get to year 11. My gifted classes didn't allow me to apply for an op even though the world class government said everything I was studying was in high demand

[Golliwog]

Opportunity classes?

For gifted students.

As in an extra curricular class or just within a certain subjects they split the cohort by grades?

[somebody]

Opportunity classes?

For gifted students.

As in an extra curricular class or just within a certain subjects they split the cohort by grades?

No, it replaces the normal classes.  In some (could be all) cases it's a different school.

[Cam]

why does the federal gov not just take over all aspects of schooling, its pathetic how in a country we have 7 different year 12 testing styles.

I agree 100%.

[brad C]

Many schools already offer a 'gifted and talented' program, amongst other initiatives such as accelerated programs and partnering with tertiary institutions.
Some schools offer scholarships to fill elite programs in Music, the Arts or Sport.
The State also operates 3 successful Academies in SEQ and a Mining and Metallurgy Academy in the Bowen Basin schools' cluster.
Queensland also offers Special Education programs either at mainstream schools or in Special Schools as well as offering ESL programs to the many refugee children entering the State. No, I'm not a spin doctor, just a dedicated Principal!!

[Cam]

Many schools already offer a 'gifted and talented' program.

I've looked extensively online and have found very little information on this. From what I have read, there appears to be only one state school on the southside, Robertson State School, offering such a programme & none in Ipswich. Where or how can I find out which state schools offer such a scheme?

The State also operates 3 successful Academies in SEQ

I'm aware of these operating from years 10 to 12. They are a great idea. I think that there needs to be more than just the one selective state high school though. What about Ipswich, Gold Coast, Logan etc? My concern at this point in time is for years 1 to 6.

[Cam]

brad C, as this discussion is off topic, I'll send you a PM to discuss further.

[Stillwater]

It has been four years since the Beloved Leader took charge as Premier.  Ms Bligh claims her government is operating at 'world class' standard when it comes to transport, that the taxi service is 'world class' and that even The Valley is a 'world class' entertainment precinct.  Honestly, Ministers need to get out on a Friday night, not just experience the thrill of the local fish and chipery!

Coincidentally, the Queensland Auditor-General, who reports independently to Parliament on government activities, in 2009 explored the government's management of urban congestion in SEQ.  His report coincides with Ms Bligh's attainment of the Premiership.  Here's what the Auditor-General found in his 2009 report.  Have things changed in 2011 after four years of Ms Bligh at the helm?:


Despite many activities to improve the transport network in SEQ, renewed efforts to address the critical issue of urban congestion and high levels of spending on transport infrastructure, the expected outcomes might not be realised as the framework supporting these initiatives has deficiencies. Through this audit I have identified four key areas of concern:

•   the leadership at the state level for managing the transport network and urban congestion is not coordinated effectively and makes it more difficult for government agencies to drive a strategic response in an integrated and coordinated manner
•   due to a systemic weakness in integrated planning across entities, there is no certainty that the agreed responses will achieve the optimal mix between the different elements of an urban transport network, such as land use, transport infrastructure, demand management and intermodal options
•   the continued use of out of date key transport documents and plans may result in decisions that are based on obsolete data and assumptions and not effectively address the current challenges
•   inconsistencies in data collection and reporting might have significant impact on the entities' ability to base their plans on accurate, complete and timely data, as well as
•   to report on outcomes achieved.

All entities had systems in place to manage the transport network in SEQ and address urban congestion, albeit at varying levels of development and maturity. However, these systems are not complete, integrated or consistently applied. Also, these systems are not subject to review over time to ensure their continued relevance.

Formal systems are not operating effectively across government to oversee a coordinated, concerted approach. No entity can deal with the critical issue of congestion alone and genuine collaboration between all levels of government is vital to tackle it successfully.

The roles and responsibilities of government agencies for various modes of transport and land use integration are mandated in legislation. However, strategic leadership at the state level is not effectively coordinated.

Transport planning and land use cannot be considered in isolation and therefore an integrated approach is required to provide the best outcomes for the transport network in SEQ. A high level of coordination and collaboration at various levels of government is necessary.

Inadequate strategic planning in the past has consequences that are evidenced by the current flurry of activity to develop systems, plans and initiatives to manage the transport network and address urban congestion. The current plans are at various stages of development and lack integration because of their immaturity.

Systems supporting data collection and reporting for urban congestion management have significant deficiencies which put the entities' ability to make informed decisions at risk. The shortcomings also limit the range of performance measures on which entities can report and ultimately might impact on the transparency and accountability of the initiatives and projects being undertaken to address urban congestion.

Congestion is not caused by one single factor but is an accumulation of factors that, when combined, cause what is known as congestion.

Urban congestion is negatively impacting on the social amenity, economic growth and environmental sustainability in SEQ.

Due to a systemic weakness in integrated planning across entities, there is no certainty that the agreed responses will achieve the optimal mix between the different elements of an urban transport network, such as land use, transport infrastructure, demand management and  ntermodal options.

To effectively manage the transport network in SEQ, including urban congestion, an integrated government response involving entities working across portfolios, agency boundaries and tiers of government is necessary. In so doing, it is critical that agencies collaborate to plan for and deliver transport services and infrastructure in a broad, consistent and concerted manner.

Planning for urban transport is necessary to ensure the network is safe, reliable, multi-modal and integrated. Effective planning activities that adopt a coordinated approach of complementary measures, tailored to the particular circumstances of each urban area, offer the best prospect of managing urban congestion. Moreover, effective planning must consider the complex interactions of different elements of urban transport, such as land use, the  existing transport infrastructure, transport demand management, transport options analysis and intermodal options.

Planning activity that adopts an integrated approach of complementary measures, tailored to the particular circumstances of each urban area, offers the best prospect of managing urban congestion.38 Moreover, the complex interactions of different elements of urban transport – such as land use, the existing transport infrastructure and transport demand management – requires multi-faceted and integrated planning responses.

The management of the transport network is a highly complex matter involving a number of stakeholders and affecting the community as a whole. A highly coordinated approach is critical to achieve a reliable, flexible, safe and integrated transport network and address urban congestion in SEQ. Genuine collaboration between all levels of government and transport agencies is vital as no single entity can deal with this critical issue alone.

There is a negligible formal and documented focus on urban congestion by the (then) Department of Infrastructure and Planning in its planning, management and reporting processes.

The following areas have been identified for improvement:

•   document how the concerns and issues underlying the recommendation of developing a SPP for transport and land use integration is effectively addressed through existing policies and processes
•   develop and publish TOD guidelines across the community, industry, state and local government entities to ensure awareness and consistency
•   implement the integration of land-use and transport co-ordination to incorporate a
•   greater focus on urban congestion.

World class, indeed.

[BribieG]

The other buzz word that really annoys me is "vibrant" - as in "this 70 storey development is designed to be the centrepiece of a vibrant...blah blah..". Does that mean all the people there are on crack cocaine or something?

[Jonno]

In do however prefer vibrant community to multi-storey or surface car park!!    

[Stillwater]

Don't forget 'integrated'.  As in 'this 70-storey building integrates with its park-like setting'.  That's better than saying it is a monstrosity that mars the natural landscape.

[colinw]

QLD Glossary of Terms:

"World Class" -> term used by publicity seeking politicians in a vain attempt to divert attention away from obvious deficiencies.

"Integrated" -> plopped next to.

"Transit Oriented Development" -> unit block next to bus stop or half hourly train service

"vibrant" -> it also includes a coffee shop

"leadership" -> we spent a lot of money on reports and consultants

"strategic planning" -> we don't intend doing this in the lifetime of the Government.

Pardon my cynicism.

[Stillwater]

 

[SurfRail]

"Transit Oriented Development" -> unit block next to bus stop or half hourly train service

This is a problem that extends beyond Queensland.  It is difficult for our planning and transport people to grasp that this is a fundamental concept, not a particular set of infill sites next to railways.  If it was ingrained well enough, we would have avoided chronic Delfinitis at places like Springfield and Varsity Lakes.

[Mr X]

Truth is, there is not a single proper TOD in Brisbane that is truely a TOD. The rest are all called TODs without actually meeting the core criteria.

And LOL @ anyone who thinks North Lakes is  TOD. 

[somebody]

Truth is, there is not a single proper TOD in Brisbane that is truely a TOD. The rest are all called TODs without actually meeting the core criteria.

And LOL @ anyone who thinks North Lakes is  TOD. 

Toowong goes pretty close though.

[Stillwater]

Here is what the Auditor-General had to say when he investigated this problem re TODs:

"Due to a systemic weakness in integrated planning across government entities, there is no certainty that the agreed responses will achieve the optimal mix between the different elements of an urban transport network, such as land use, transport infrastructure, demand management and intermodal options.

"Planning activity that adopts an integrated approach of complementary measures, tailored to the particular circumstances of each urban area, offers the best prospect of managing urban congestion. Moreover, the complex interactions of different elements of urban transport – such as land use, the existing transport infrastructure and transport demand management – requires multi-faceted and integrated planning responses.

"Genuine collaboration between all levels of government and transport agencies is vital as no single entity can deal with this critical issue alone. "

Until recently, there were no agreed guidelines for TODs.  The state has a considerable way to go, beyond the glossy brochure with a picture of a train station beside a block of flats.  In reality, there is little or no cooperation between the entity that provides the track, train and train station (state government) and the entity that governs zoning (shops, flats etc), builds the footpath and cycleway, plants the street trees, builds the bus stop and provides the bus that meets the train (council).  There's the problem, the A-G has highlighted it and brought it to the government's attention and the government has ignored the problem.  Worse, it does not see a problem.

It just goes around saying everything is 'world class'!  Does anyone in government read the reports they commission?  It is fascinating how they spell out the problem in plain english.  The government doesn't have a dictionary, it would seem.

[Mr X]

Truth is, there is not a single proper TOD in Brisbane that is truely a TOD. The rest are all called TODs without actually meeting the core criteria.

And LOL @ anyone who thinks North Lakes is  TOD. 

Toowong goes pretty close though.

Not really. Sure it has "good" access, but it's NOT a TOD. The site is practically split into two by roads.

[O_128]

Truth is, there is not a single proper TOD in Brisbane that is truely a TOD. The rest are all called TODs without actually meeting the core criteria.

And LOL @ anyone who thinks North Lakes is  TOD. 

Toowong goes pretty close though.

once ekka station opens that will be a giant TOD as will the milton though i don't hold much faith that FKP will build it.

[SurfRail]

I think its symptomatic of the problem that we speak of "a TOD" as if it means a particular site. 

Transit-oriented development should actually be a school of thought applicable to all development in Queensland.  We have the farcically named Sustainable Planning Act 2009, after all.

[Stillwater]

Oh there are lots of examples along those lines -- if you want to reduce penalty payments, you call the legislation the 'Fair Work Act'.  Totalitarian regimes call themselves the 'Peoples Democratic Republic of Whatever'.  If you even wanted to reduce the old age pension in Australia, you would introduce something like the 'Wealth Redistribution Act' or the 'Decent Living Wage Act'.

[SteelPan]

QLD Glossary of Terms:

.....

"vibrant" -> it also includes a coffee shop

.....

Hold on, is the coffee shop serving "certified" coffee??? 

Remember everyone - it's all "World Class" in Quensland!