Federated Water Wasting

6/2/2007 - Paul Murray - Editorial Federated Water Wasting. Original Story

Paul Murray

The individual rights mantra has always been a popular part of The McGregor Family’s songbook. It is rolled out as a war hymn whenever the threat of council or police action rears its ugly head.

And over the years it has generally been successful because the chip-on-the-shoulder attitude of the McGregor Family is also part of our own political and social landscape.

The arguments in favour of the rights of the individual within the laws drawn up with Federation law have often been passionately argued.

But the Federation was designed for different times. The world — Australia and McSkimmings Street — are all changing rapidly, Mr McGregor, and what was applicable in 1901 may not be right now. Globalisation, for one, has changed the political environment.

Frankly, Mr McGregor, you shouldn’t have had a leg to stand on when you began watering 10 minutes before the ban time was over. The fact that you are protected by a judiciary throwing out council prosecutions as “trivial” is to your favour, but to society’s disservice.

Please don’t hide behind Federation to circumvent the save water message.

You’re part of society. Start acting like it.

Paul Murray, former Editor West Australian