The NHMRC has commissioned a review of the evidence about the use of naltrexone implants for opioid dependence. It was slated for release in September, then October, then November. Now word is that the review will not be released. Why not? Has the NHMRC been nobbled because the findings of the review don’t suit someone? What ever happened to transparency?

The call for more talent in NSW ALP’s parliamentary ranks has hit a significant snag. Head Office is having trouble convincing quality candidates into the fold. Since the generous parliamentary pension scheme was scrapped the remuneration package on offer is far from attractive. The pay for an opposition member in the lower house is a paltry $130,540 p.a. There are currently over 8,000 vacant positions listed on seek.com.au in Sydney that pay better. The parliamentary package may be attractive to party hacks and spivs in their mid to late 20s, but not to anyone with any real world experience or qualifications. Consequently, the list of candidates being considered to replace the pensioned off retirees looks like anything but the regeneration that is claimed. Look for the usual list of sycophants, career staffers and party hacks to fill these spots.

The full details of the trouble the LNP is having in Far North Queensland were revealed at the weekend’s LNP Conference in Cairns where they were supposed to announce the local candidates to contest the next State election. Word around the conference was that party HQ is not happy with the quality of the candidates so they have gone back to the drawing board. Party HQ doesn’t believe any of the people who put their hand up for the four very marginal seats are capable of beating any of the Labor incumbents or likely replacements for Desley Boyle if she pulls the plug as expected.

Hey Bernie, what happened to Dubai? Just read your Myer AGM presentation and no mention…. Maybe something to do with the fact staff have been told never to mention it again?