Paul1405,

What should we do if the vaccine is years away? Self-Hibernation of course. Yes, you heard correctly: self-hibernation. Please don't ask me what I mean by that because I just don't know, just like Soot 'Beam up me Scotty' Morrison doesn't know what he means by hibernation.

Hassy greetings from Comrade Scumoski,

Why ask me, ask the Commissar, you can't miss him in his Cronulla outfit glued to the telly waiting for May 28th 20??.

News from the Soviet Republic of New South Wales.

DONSKI IS GONE! Much sadnest in hearts of NSW Soviet people.

Local Party Secretary Comrade Bignoseski had sent Comrade Donski for political re-education. Comrade Donski failed to understand simple party directive from Politburo. Comrade Donski under questioning admitted the errors of his ways and how he collaborated with Yankee imperialist! Unfortunately while being questioned by peace loving members of Soviet Police, Comrade Donski unfortunately contracted Imperialist Virus, and die in 30 second, despite heroic efforts by glories comrades to save his life. All members of Politburo very sadden on hearing this terrible news. Comrade Donski was loyal and devoted party member, comrade Donski will be given full state funeral, after laying in state for 3 days. All members of Politburo will be pallbearers for Comrade Donski, Commissar Scumoski will deliver glowing eulogy for Comrade Donski

With business demanding, and getting, billions of taxpayer dollars in handouts to keep it (possibly) viable, what should the taxpayer expect, and receive in return. If as some suspect Capitalism is withering on the vine, never to recover, and with growing concern about Australia's self-sufficiency, is it not time to consider NATIONALISATION under government ownership of key industries, transport, aviation, communications, health, education and some sections of manufacturing.

Australia has in recent times experienced what unfettered bailing out of Capitalism achieves, absolutely nothing. The taxpayer poured billions into propping up the Yankee car industry here, only to see the Capitalists give 15 minutes notice, and walk away with pockets stuffed with Australian dollars.

Such a seismic shift in the way Australia operates would require substantive change to the Australian political landscape, and frankly those in power now would be unable, or unwilling, to embrace such monumental changes. Unfortunately today's leadership would need to be put out with the rest of the garbage. Agree?

Paul1405,

I totally concur with your line of questioning.

The Wuhan pandemic is a real game changer that must lead towards a restructuring of the values and ideologies that have been driving the world down the path of mass consumerism over the past 30 years.

This pandemic is what we call one of the great turning points in history. What will our world look like post-Wuhan virus? One can only ponder over the next 12-18 months waiting around for a vaccine (if we're lucky).

Totally agree Mr O, take the two airlines operating within Australia, on major routes, QANTAS and Virgin. Many would say a two airline duopoly is preferable to a one airline monopoly, at least the duopoly gives some semblance of competition and better service to consumers. Now with the pandemic, both airlines are haemorrhaging large amounts of unsustainable cash, and Virgin is the weaker of the two and the one most likely to go belly up, if its not bailed out in some way. Virgin is owned by a conglomerate of foreign national airlines, some government owned. If this conglomerate of foreign owners are unwilling to bail their baby out, what should Australia do?

1. Do nothing.
2. Bail them out with no strings attached.
3. Bail them out with strings attached.
5. Go into partnership with the conglomerate.
6. Buy the conglomerate out, nationalisation with compensation.
7. Nationalise without compensation.
8. Something else?

Lots of choices, what do you think?

Hey Paul 1405,
I say:

1. Do nothing, let them go bust.

Do the public get a share of the profits when things are good?
How many cheques have you received in the mail?
Then why should we pay when CEO's paid far beyond what a regular person is paid mismanage their own companies?

Let them go bust.
Give them nothing.

I say no precedent for bailing out highly paid and incompetent CEO's
You do it for one, and they all think it's an insurance policy, but they never paid for coverage.

Let a new carrier who is looking to expand take their place.
Let the workers move companies.
The government will still get its tax, but the people won't have to pay for rich CEO's shortsighted business decisions.

Try something new.
Fly TigerAir.