PA to a Kelpie

PA to a Kelpie

@johnroddick.bsky.social

Adelaide, Australia. Flinders University Emeritus Professor. Pragmatic swinging voter. But quite frankly bemused at the direction of the LNP at this point. Likes and retweets do not constitute agreement with views or ideas.

1.1K followers716 following1.2K posts

The Govt has published the sales of petrol for the first half of the year and there are some startling results… . Overall, petrol sales down over 3% . Distinct shift to higher quality fuel (to 98+ octane) . Sales of ethanol blends dropped dramatically - over 11% Why isn’t this a story?

Interestingly, this drop very patchy across the country. Total Automotive Gasoline sales, Jan-Jun 2024-2025: NSW - Up 0.4% NT - Down 1.8% QLD - Down 6.5% SA - Down 7.8% TAS - Down 0.2% VIC - Down 1.0% WA - Down 9.3% Queensland led the drop in ethanol blends with a whopping 18% drop.

The rest of the world seems to be entering a new phase of engagement with the US. To start with the world was concerned about Trump’s actions. We worried about Americans and America’s place in world affairs. Now, to be frank, we don’t care. We are working around the US. It’s becoming irrelevant.

PA to a Kelpie reposted

Talking about road user reforms: how about removing the diesel fuel rebate, which gives nothing to roads while subsidising miners? #Auspol www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2023/09/14/r...

pv-magazine-australia.comReport exposes Australia’s biggest fossil fuel subsidy and how mining industry could be better servedA new report by Climate Energy Finance has revealed Australia’s diesel Fuel Tax Credit Scheme disincentivises growth in future industries and will cost taxpayers $37 billion (USD 23.8b) in lost tax re...
PA to a Kelpie@johnroddick.bsky.social

I have no problem paying a road user charge as long as it’s fair. And it’s not fair if it doesn’t: 1. Take account of how far people drive, and 2. Apply to all road users, including EVs, PHEVs, HEVs and ICEs. And mining and farm vehicles driven on roads. #auspol www.theguardian.com/environment/...

I have no problem paying a road user charge as long as it’s fair. And it’s not fair if it doesn’t: 1. Take account of how far people drive, and 2. Apply to all road users, including EVs, PHEVs, HEVs and ICEs. And mining and farm vehicles driven on roads. #auspol www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.comEV drivers set to pay road user charges as record number of electric cars selling in AustraliaPM says sustainable revenue for roads is needed as report shows nearly one in 10 new car sales are electric vehicles

PA to a Kelpie reposted

Replying to @reneweconomy.com.au

This paints the stark picture that America really is a fading power. I've lived here long enough to know that Americans are beginning to reject new ideas, new technology, and efficiencies. It's a socioeconomic, cultural and political problem that's become deep rooted.

Just been talking to an AI expert who’s just turned down phenomenal salary because it would require him moving to the US. “Too dangerous for my family”, he said. With the US President now saying the nation’s capital is too dangerous to go out at night, this attitude isn’t going to change.

We have two cars (family of 5). Running costs (similar distance covered): 1. ICE - service $1,300 (needed new battery - ironic huh), petrol $2,200 pa (~$40pw). 2. EV - service $120, electricity $230 less whatever I get from solar panels. Difference over 10 years over $30k!

In 2024, the US was involved in 8.31% of global trade. So that’s 91.69% of global trade that Trump’s tariffs won’t affect. You do have to wonder what proportion of global trade the US will be involved in in 2025. Tourism is tanking for a start. www.forbes.com.au/life/travel/...

forbes.com.auU.S. tourism will lose up to $29 billion as visitors plummet amid Trump policiesWhile tourism is booming across the world, the U.S. is a notable loser this year as millions of visitors are choosing to travel elsewhere.

PA to a Kelpie reposted

Trump's trade war probably qualifies as the greatest madness in economic policy in a developed country after WWII: 1. All decisions are made by one single person (Trump). 2. No principles are applied. 3. No economic rationale or theory. 4. All is based on Trump's emotions. /1

Sussan Ley, having lost control of the right wing of her party, now loses the moderates. Suggesting that free speech about an ongoing genocide is so unimportant that motorists shouldn’t be mildly inconvenienced is, quite frankly, incredible.

PA to a Kelpie reposted

Oh, yeah!! Good on ya mates!🇦🇺 Imagine the police "protecting" protests in the U.S.? Imagine a city shutting down the major bridge in a US city for 5 hours, for a protest? Imagine a protest for Palestine of maybe 50,000 people, in the U.S.? I'd say we need to "catch up" with the Aussies!

Just a reminder that BlueSky works differently to Twitter. . Repost = Retweet But . Likes in Twitter influence who else gets to see the post. BlueSky doesn’t do that - it trusts YOU to repost stuff you think others should see. Essentially, likes in BlueSky are just between you and the author.

PA to a Kelpie reposted

Spotify CEO invested in AI weapons, now bands are pulling their music - Los Angeles Times www.latimes.com/entertainmen... @spotify @youtube If you require government ID or facial recognition to use your apps, we are all leaving them. - All of us.

latimes.comSpotify boycott: Artists leave 'garbage hole' platform after CEO invests in AI weaponsDaniel Ek's investments in AI dronemaker Helsing have unnerved artists. One called Spotify a "violent armageddon portal."

PA to a Kelpie reposted

I was teetering on the fence of cutting loose from #spotify but AI controlled weapons used for genocide has launched me over the fence like a cartoon circus cannon #spotokillin #aiweapons #musictomurderby #buhbye #noprideingenocide

Stephen Barry@wa3zgt.bsky.social

Spotify CEO invested in AI weapons, now bands are pulling their music - Los Angeles Times www.latimes.com/entertainmen... @spotify @youtube If you require government ID or facial recognition to use your apps, we are all leaving them. - All of us.