Thanks to GregMacGregor, and congrats to XG and witherd1

Day 1,874, 00:48 Published in Australia Australia by Chris Carnage
THANKS TO GREGMACGREGOR

GregMacgregor's administration has been much maligned over the past few weeks. As the transition to a new administration takes place I'd like to reflect on the administration from my personal perspective.

It has been a difficult month, that's for sure. It was always going to be challenging to keep an active congress and engage the population during the Christmas and new year period. Couple this with inheriting a conquered colony of eChile and the difficulty increases exponentially.

One topic that hasn't been addressed sufficiently IMO is the fact that Greg's administration also appears to have inherited the 'eFiscal cliff'. Massive surpluses had been squirreled away in the country accounts during good times, but with the bad economic times, lack of production bonuses and reduced tax rates successive administrations prior to Greg had spent above their means. Even the Ranger administration, who took some significant steps to reducing spending and funded a number of MPPs through private donation still ran a deficit. Greg was the unfortunate bunny who was CP when the money ran out and had to cut critical programs, in particular MU funding.


Dang! The money ran out...

The obvious big achievement of Greg's administration is the eChile Treaty. This has been the centrepiece of discussion for the entire term, and rightly so given how critical it is to our future. This was always going to be tough to deliver as there was no consensus within the population. There are those who reject any treaty on any terms and want to keep fighting, those who hold that any treaty must include as a prerequisite the return of all eAus regions, those who think we should have got a better deal. Personally I supported the treaty, knowing that our bargaining position was extremely weak, on the basis that it is the beginning (not the end) of a process. The treaty is step 1 toward eAustralia repositioning itself in a position of friendship with the majority of our neighbours for the first time ever. For newer citizens in particular I need to point out that if this is followed through it is a monumental change, of the type that only comes about every few generations.

It is an important first step, and a fragile peace now exists. We can still screw it up and go back to the days of being the region's whipping dog, or take further steps down the path of friendship. The transition is by no means complete, and I'm encouraged that both major CP candidates supported the treaty and planned to take step 2.


It doesn't have to be this way?

Greg's administration have opened the door to a new future in extremely difficult circumstances and for that I thank and congratulate him and his team.

Unfortunately the reputation of the administration has suffered due to legitimate (in my view) criticisms of the level of communication and community engagement. I think it is fair to say the community has not felt adequately engaged and informed during these very difficult times. Enough has already been said of this.

COMMENDATIONS TO WITHERD1

My party and me personally have been strong supporters of our presidential candidate witherd1. He's a great bloke, a strong candidate and would exceed expectations given the opportunity. Alas that is not to be this time.

Witherd1 ran a strong campaign, I hope he'll run again next month and if so will have my full support. Regardless, I'm sure he'll continue contributing to eAustralia in every way because that's just how he rolls.

CONGRATS TO THE NEW ADMINISTRATION


Xavier Griffith ran a good campaign, secured good support and is a deserved winner. I served on XG's cabinet a couple of times I believe, IIRC it may have been my first 2 terms in cabinet. They were good times, cabinet was well run and the administration was very effective. XG has the experience, the mental toughness and a dedication to the community that I'm sure will come to the fore over the next month.

I'd also like to welcome back my old pal venja to cabinet. We've had some nice lulzy debates in our time over the best economic model for eRep. Well, here we are with the economic module fundamentally broken and a financial crisis on our hands. Let's see what you can do big fella 😃.