Academic Lawyer researching alternative dispute resolution. Concerned about human rights and social justice. Facing death from gioblastoma diagnosed June 2023
6 months till I die of brain cancer. As I move into the undignified phase of falling over and spilling food on myself I wish that we could be more supportive of each other instead of hurling abuse which passes as debate. Then the world I am leaving would be a better place.
Dear Twitter friends. My brain biopsy is done and the results are in. I have a Grade 4, irreversible and untreatable tumour which will kill me in 12-15 months. I hope I have made a contribution and will continue to try doing so for as long as I am able to do so. Best wishes.
Well folks, it’s been a while. 6 months ago I reported brain cancer with a prognosis of 6 months to live. In response I received so many abusive trolls I just blocked them all and left. But here we are and I am still alive and feeling pretty good. Thanks for your support.
Heartfelt thanks to the thousands of wonderful people who sent messages of love and support in the lead up to my death from cancer. Your love sustains me more than you could know. To the half dozen or so trolls who thought it appropriate to abuse me, I have blocked you.
Twitter friends. I’m back. Briefly. I’m having a brain biopsy on Wednesday which will determine whether I live or die. Really puts politics into perspective. Wish me luck.
I will not be alive to see an Australian Republic or the result of the Voice Referendum. I wish only that those who are hungry could eat, those without housing can be housed and that social justice & equity be restored between the rich and the poor. Then I could die peacefully.
With or without John Farnham or anyone else, I’m delighted that the Referendum date has been fixed for a date before my expected death and I will have the chance to VOTE YES in support of the sensible proposal that indigenous people will have a say in their future in Australia.
Security guy at Adelaide airport this morning: “Take your belt off Sir”
Me: “I have brain cancer, I’ll never get it back on again.”
Security: “Tough luck. You have to take it off.”
It’s not often that I find myself in agreement with the conservative side of politics but I absolutely endorse Dominic Perottet’s view that homes for flood victims should take priority over funding for football stadiums.
A huge thank you to all the wonderful health care professionals and carers at the John Hunter Hospital who are working so hard to care for me during my stay here. Our society greatly undervalues the huge effort you make for us.
Great article in this morning’s SMH by
@Peter_Fitz
about the Republic. As a lawyer with 40 yrs experience of navigating our laws, for me the Republic of Australia cannot come soon enough.
Here we are 24th August 2024. I have outlived the 12 month’s prognosis mentioned in my previous tweet. Saw the brain cancer clinic on Wednesday. They confirmed that my trajectory is in line with others. This may be my last tweet. Thank you for your kindness and positive words.
@lrids
He could have simply helped me thread the belt back through the loops -10 seconds, no big deal. As for the excuses, I have a large bald radiation patch with a 10 cm surgical scar across my head. It should be obvious even to the stupid.
I am pleased to say that I have lived along enough to vote (and have voted) YES in Australia’s referendum. For those who still don’t know, it’s time to find out.
Transport. What we should all now be doing is lobbying NSW cross benchers to withdraw support for Perrottet’s govt and pledge support for a Labor govt. Have a change of govt mid-term. LNP has lost its right to rule as a minority.
@blakandblack
I’m mildly concerned that the name Scott Morrison is still occupying so much air space. The next time I would like to hear it would be before the election when we reflect on the scandalous behaviour of the last LNP govt (Robodebt, illegal secret ministries, Harvey Norman theft)
I continue to be surprised by the number of well wishers and the amount of support I am receiving from the social media and general communities in which I move. Your support is truly uplifting and inspires me to continue the fight. Thank you all.
Worried that we now live in a world where a computer asks me if I am a real person and the emergency button in the train says: “Penalty for misuse - $5.00.”
Memo to my children: Weep not for me at your weddings and the births of your children. Rejoice rather that they will grow up in a world that will be a better place because they were here.
Good morning Twitter friends. I may be out of the loop for a little while. It seems that I have suffered a stroke or some stroke-like mitochondrial complaint which is being investigated. More soon. Fingers crossed.
In a nation that celebrates bush rangers and sports heroes, I propose that we elevate the memory of John Hubert Plunkett, a true hero who successfully prosecuted the perpetrators of the Myall Creek massacre in the face of fierce opposition from White Australia and the press.
@AdelaideAirport
Thank you for your contact. I have only months to live and I do not wish my experience of life to be further diminished by dwelling further on this unpleasant episode. Perhaps a memo about courtesy to all of the security staff would be in order?
@fifthgenaus
I’m 70, fit,Vaccinated against polio, whooping cough, mumps and measles as a child and more recently COVID. I’m a lawyer, not a medical person and I rely on scientific expertise and not on politically motivated conspiracy theories.
The problem with Mr Dutton’s take on the referendum outcome is that the LNP was in govt for 10 years and did precisely nothing for aboriginal communities. As he should be aware, if you say no, you need to have an alternative answer and he does not - about anything.
My glioblastoma is still there, my 12 months is up and I’m still alive. Over time I’ve had to arrange to see GPs for referrals to see treating specialists. Why, once you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal cancer can’t you have 1 referral for all specialists treating that cancer?
@news_australian
Perhaps someone should tell them that Julia Gillard was Prime Minister of Australia. There are other compelling reasons why Sussan Ley could never fill that role.
@Peter_Fitz
It’s a no-brainer Fitz. I have the right to vaccinate or not as I see fit and Mangan has the right (nay the duty) to refuse me entry if I don’t. I’d stake my legal career on it.
Wonderful piece by Jacqui Maley in this morning’s Sun Herald. She brings clarity to the LGBTIQ debate and exposes some of the nonsense being sprouted by Mark Latham and the policy bereft far right. It’s worth a read.
@colonelhogans
This is not a political problem nor a sexist problem. It is not a legal problem & will not be resolved by reintroduction of capital punishment or other laws. It is a social problem which permeates the whole of society and will only be fixed when we learn to respect each other.
How does Bruce Lehrmann, apparently accustomed to the use of illicit drugs, claim a reputation worthy of protection by the courts? (SMH front page today).
@colonelhogans
What is needed is a change in culture, education and a reduction in the aggressive violence that is promoted in advertising of macho male stereotypes on TV and in movies. Respect for women, minorities and the vulnerable might then become the values to honour.
@ProfRScolyerMIA
As a glioblastoma patient who has survived 12 months, I follow your posts eagerly. Thank you for your efforts and great courage. Thanks also to Neurologist Dr Liz Pepper, Professor Steve Ackland and Dr Mike Fay who have helped keep me alive for 12 beautiful months.
@bejopil
@JSSciencefocus
When I went to school indigenous Australians could not vote and married women could not work in the public sector. I think the conversation about race has actually advanced us as a society.
It’s been a busy Twitter day. I’ve blocked 3 LNP supporters, something which I only ever do when they have nothing to say and descend to abuse. I’m always happy to engage in robust debate with people whose views differ from mine but I will not cop personal insults or abuse.
John Barilaro was unable to attend the parliamentary enquiry yesterday due to mental health issues. It is surprising that the govt would have offered a $600000 pa job to a man who has a demonstrated recent history of mental health issues.
@MFWitches
I’m not sure why we amplify this person by repeating his “quotes.” Melbourne? Not far enough away. This is the kind of rubbish that promotes a society of violence that triggered the murders/suicides in Sydney this week. This is what we need to erase if we are to restore respect
@jamnic77
@RobynEl57843819
Solution to the problem:
1. Re-try Lehrmann using complainant’s evidence from the first trial.
2. Judge alone trial so the jury can’t be tainted.
3. Lehrmann preserves his right to give evidence or not.
4. Identify and prosecute rogue juror for perverting course of justice.
@ProfRScolyerMIA
Richard I can identify with every word of your post. My 12 month prognosis has now expired and I look for every flutter of the eyelid and tremble of the hand. I assure myself that there is nothing I can do and therefore no point in worrying. I enjoy what life I have left.
Ben Roberts-Smith resigns from Seven after losing defamation fight against Nine - Guardian Australia. Prediction: Kerry Stokes financed the Plaintiff’s case. I bet the Plaintiff will declare bankruptcy rather than pay costs if no security for costs.
@refurmerge
@blakandblack
What Barnaby is really saying here is that, in the absence of any valid reason to oppose the Voice, let’s invent 5 nonsensical bits of rubbish to create a scare campaign in accordance with the greatest traditions of the LNP to oppose all social reform.
Wonderful to see Australian Family Court judge Salvatore Vasta finally held to account for his disgraceful conduct in falsely imprisoning a litigant. A Federal Judicial Commission is much needed in Australia.
@CaraMia200
@JAPHswampy
My prediction is that the defamation action will either quietly be dropped or that it will fail. Clearly, the plaintiff will not be able to establish the “substantial harm” element and it is unlikely that she can prove a reputation worthy of protecting.
It seems that the cost of updating NSW train fleet has blown out by 1 billion dollars and will be delivered 3 years late because of inadequate planning, weak oversight and bungled project management. Where does this leave the LNP’s claim to superior financial management?
The Right wing nutters were out in force yesterday to oppose the budget. Nothing specific mind you, just opposing it (led by Angus Taylor with his drovers dog remark). I’ve engaged with most of it but I did block the gent who claimed that the election was rigged.
In a parting insult to democracy before it is removed from govt the LNP is staging a brawl in the courts to see who will represent them as candidates at the election. Such are their priorities!
More bad luck from Russia. Two senior military figures, Alexei Maslov (with former links to Ukraine) and Alexander Buzakov have both suffered “sudden deaths” in recent days. The deaths were described as “sudden, untimely, and tragic.” The price of failure in Russia is high.
@philmupp1
@FeathersMcGee
I would be interested to read Michaelia Cash’s reasoned opinion as to why she disagrees with the solicitor general. But I’m prepared to bet that the LNP would-be 1st law officer is not capable of writing a legal opinion - on anything.
Trump Doubled Down on the Right to Sexually Assault People, Told E. Jean Carroll’s Lawyer She’s Also Not His Type in Insane Deposition - Vanity Fair. This is the kind of lunacy that narcississtic conservative political thinking ultimately invites.
@YajYak22
It fascinates me that politicians in government can completely fail year in and year out and then at election time promise again what they have already failed to deliver and people believe them.
I agree with QLD University Professor Graeme Orr that the Liberals’ chances of successfully challenging the EC’s decision to refuse an extension of time for election nominations must be viewed poorly. You cannot blame the EC for the Liberal Party’s bungling incompetence.
Lehrmann Mistrial. For anyone interested in this and related matters, Monash University Law School is hosting a conference “Emerging Challenges in the Management of Sexual Assault Trials” Friday 9.6.23 at 555 Lonsdale St Melbourne 9am - 5 pm. Impressive list of speakers.
Newcastle’s trial relaxation of Liquor trading hours resulted in a 65% INCREASE of violent crime during the trial period so they are making it permanent. If that’s a good outcome, makes you wonder what a bad one looks like!
@BazzaCC
Last time we let an LNP party loose on conscription they conscripted me. I was old enough to fight and die for my country but not old enough to vote. Fortunately, those who could vote, elected Gough Whitlam and the nightmare was over.
@spike4169
Because they provide the prosperity theology upon which conservative political ideology is based which, in summary, goes something like “the good man is the rich man whose wealth must be protected from the masses.”
@MichaelSpring17
I would have thought that it is up to his electorate at the next election to decide whether he should remain in parliament. The problem for the Nationals then will be to find someone to oppose him. Congratulations Andrew.
@Mme_de_Boo
Keeping us safe? Really? How many security officers protect us from the threat that a terrorist might drop a drum of poison into Sydney’s water supply and kill 4 million of us overnight? Answer: None. Safety has nothing to do with it.
Power of the media: Yesterday, a sensationalist, grossly exaggerated and inaccurate “investigation” into alleged Medicare abuses is plastered on the front page of SMH. Today’s measured, sensible and entirely credible reply, finds a few lines on page 23.
@ProfRScolyerMIA
You are indeed a brave man Richard. I’ve had 2 nights in hospital to try to get BSL under control. I think I can survive till my grandchild is born on 6th July but that will see me out.
@ProfRScolyerMIA
@subbie
Richard our time lines and progress seem to be identical. I am a bit older than you (71) but battling along well in the hope of seeing my new grand child on 6th July. Think I can make it?
Australia Post is an appalling organisation and should be wound up. It provides no service, loses registered mail constantly and either delivers mail to the wrong address or doesn’t deliver it at all. Another govt service that should never have been privatised.
Why do we Australians harbour a stubborn refusal to speak English? The number of times I’ve heard people say “amount of times” is truly astonishing. See the quotation from NSW Premier on page 5 of today’s SMH. Cases are fought and lost on the meaning of words.
@MayoIsSpicyy
Maybe she could also benefit from a short lecture on the principles of democracy and the dangers of freely electing a dictator as President. The Germans did that in 1933 and it did not end well for them.
@blakandblack
Neither. I think the biggest threat to our democracy is our own apathy, inattention and failure to understand just how fragile democracy can be. It requires recognition of the rule of law, universal franchise and separation of powers. Nothing less.
@Peter_Fitz
Kamala. Trump already has 3 insolvencies (“bankruptcies” in American slang) and putting a rapist in front of a Fortune 500 company is never a good look. I might be wrong but I don’t think it’s ever been done.
@EmilyTisbury
A clear yes. It can. The requirement to call an election is in the Australian Constitution. Who chooses to nominate is up to them/their parties. If they don’t have a candidate then they can’t win the seat.
@AllanSeymour1
I hope not. Anyone who has read Richard Nixon’s biography will have noted that, despite his criminal complicity in public office, he did have some redeeming personal qualities. I don’t think that can be said of Scott Morrison.
@FloofyTyrant
Welcome to the world of law-in-practice. You need to write, telephone, visit and harass them until they work out that it is easier to accede to your reasonable position than to resist. Also include MPs, the Minister and the media in your campaign.
@RealMarkLatham
Your misrepresentation of “these people” (whoever you mean) telling “10 yr old boys they can be girls” etc is a cynical political stunt designed to promote your perverse right wing extremism. Youth mental health issues are on the rise because of racial and sexual intolerance.
@EuanRitchie1
@Sue0606
@elonmusk
@X
An example of the obscenely rich and ignorant seeking to use their wealth to silence the educated and informed. He is using his power to eradicate the right to freedom of speech which Americans claim to value.
@MikeCarlton01
That story suggests that the victim should sue the ACT police and govt for trespassing and for wrongful arrest. If I was advising the police I would be telling them to get proactive and try to settle the dispute for a decent amount of compensation before the litigation starts.
@blakandblack
People who use these epithets (commie, fascist etc) rarely know what they mean. Anyone who has bothered to read the Communist Party Dissolution Act 1950 and the High Court’s consideration of it would not go on with such drivel. We have the most secure democracy in the world.
Delighted to have graduated with my PhD on the 32nd anniversary of my admission to practice law and was presented to the Chancellor by Prof Anderson who was admitted with me all those years ago.
In this, the year of the Voice, I commend for your reading Mark Tedeschi KC’s book “Murder at Myall Creek” which tells the true story of John Hubert Plunkett, and his efforts to avenge the murders of 28 indigenous men, women & children who were murdered by stockmen in 1838.
NSW records 12,226 new COVID cases, 746 people in hospital as narrower close contact definition floated - The Sydney Morning Herald. Amazing how the failed NSW health system & govt can fix things by quibbling with words to improve the statistics.
@jasongriggles
What you need to do Jason is to read some of the extensive literature that is available on the subject of discrimination and the effects of discriminatory behaviour. If you do that, we won’t have to educate you.
Good morning twitterati. Message for the day: Maintain your integrity and argue your point as robustly as you can but do not descend into personal abuse, as tempting as that can be. It is sometimes a fine line. I hope you all have a great day.
My next question in the House would be directed to the Minister for Transport: “How much did the Registered Clubs Association pay you to torpedo the Premier’s gambling law reform proposal?” (They did say it was war and Elliott’s son works for Ainsworths).