Shaggy Dog Comments...

Spin number 1.

Sadly, we live in a world increasingly run by governments obsessed by spin and control, dealing with its citizens with an iron fist that would make the Burmese junta blush. On Monday, the annual general meeting (or wake) of the former Northern Rivers Area Health Service was held in Lismore. It was an exercise in going through the motions, with nothing to discuss because the annual report was unavailable. Why? Because the NSW Government changed the rules so that the public can't get hold of the report until the health minister has presented it to parliament. The minister, Morris Iemma, hasn't got around to it yet but hopefully can spare the time next week.

Spin number 2.

We've mentioned previously that Lismore Council general manager Paul O'Sullivan spends a lot of time defining Council decision making as either operational or strategic. The reason? Well, the elected councillors aren't supposed to fiddle with operational matters. So when they expressed alarm at plans to cede control of Lismore's tourism office to Ballina (see front page), Mr O'Sullivan simply replied that the matter was "operational". The word seems to increasingly mean "none of your business", "This is my turf and I can do whatever I like" or "I don't have to answer that question".

Spin number 3.

The federal Government celebrated International Day of DisAbility last Friday, spruiking its benevolence, compassion and understanding with a marvellous calendar from the Department of Family and Community Services featuring 12-year-old Rophin Morris, who has autism. The Indian-born boy has spent a decade in Australia, and was diagnosed as autistic while living here. But his parents have just had their application for permanent residency turned down and the trio now face deportation. Why? Because their son is disabled. Minister Amanda Vanstone initially said she wouldn't comment on individual cases, but later blamed their immigration lawyer for any problems. The Department says the family haven't been "officially" rejected, because the family's request for the Minister to intervene is still being considered.

Don't forget, if you're looking to spread a little Christmas cheer, that Kmart is running its annual Wishing Tree appeal to help the Salvation Army and Smith Family. Simply drop a gift for a child - with a note whether it's suitable for a boy or girl, and how old - under the tree up until Christmas eve. The charity organisations will be dropping off the gifts to families in need.

The final week of parliament has been a no-holds-barred with Page MP Ian Causley, getting caught up in the scuffle on Wednesday. Mr Causley is deputy speaker and was in the chair when he locked horns with opposition leader Mark Latham. The Deputy Speaker had objected to the Opposition nicknaming the accident-prone veterans affairs minister De-Anne Kelly "Calamity De-Anne". It led to the Opposition launching a dissent motion against Mr Causley's ruling (his collegue the new speaker has already copped two in the past week), with Mr Latham saying "we've got the ridiculous situation of a National Party Deputy Speaker trying to censor debate [about a National Party MP]". In response, Mr Causley threatened to "name" Mr Latham, leading Labor's bovver boy to declare: "Well, I'm moving a dissent motion ... Mr Deputy Speaker, I am reflecting on the chair. I am reflecting on the chair's ruling, because for you, sir, to sit down the Member for Wills is a betrayal of democracy." The end of the year can't come soon enough.

This slick new look to the Lismore Council meeting business paper has already been dubbed 'the dog's paw' by some critics. It's designed to explain to people in the gallery which councillor sits where in the Council Chambers. What it doesn't explain is that either side of the mayor sit six senior council staff, including the general manager - a case of nameless, if not faceless bureaucrats. Since Shaggy estimates that probably close to, if not more than $800,000 in ratepayer funds go towards paying this A team every year, the business paper could at least explain who they are.

You dirty dog you

Wollongbar Dog Obedience School founder Janet Goodwin (left) and member Damika MacLachlan with their dogs Ming and Meg, who'll both be getting a makeover at the Dirty Dog Christmas wash this Sunday.

Dog owners who want their pooch looking fabulous for the festive season can take them for a makeover at the Dirty Dog Christmas Wash this Sunday, December 12.

The wash will raise money for the Northern Rivers Animal Services, which cares for abandoned dogs and cats. Wollongbar Dog Obedience School founder Janet Goodwin hopes to raise more than $1000 for the service.

"This is a great way to show your pet you love them, whilst raising money to help other animals who aren't so lucky and don't have a loving home," Janet said.

The dog wash is at Hill Park Oval, Wollongbar, from 8am to 1pm. $10 scores a full hydro bath with flea and tick rinse, plus ear clean and nail clip. There's also be a sausage sizzle and raffle for owners.