Sadly out of all the people I know, very few have any sort of understanding of the economy and literally none has got a clue as to why gold matters... I don't think this will change.
I would like to thank all those who supported this petition through their signatures and contributions to its creation. I have closed the petition to any further signatures and passed it on to Senator Barnaby Joyce in an email requesting that he sponsor this petition before the Australian Senate. If he chooses to do so, which I hope he does, it might get its day in the sun. If there is any further progress on this petition, I will keep you all updated here. Thanks again and kind regards to all. Edit: Here's the link to the online petition - http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/aussiegold ... oh and feel free to send a note to Senator Joyce asking for his support before the Senate. Contact details are here: http://www.barnabyjoyce.com.au/
Thanks for answering EM. So does that mean he cant present petitions to the Senate cos he's now in the HoR and they dont do petition presenting?
Correct again EM. You would need to try sending it to another one. Maybe try that Brick-w-eyes bloke from the PUP. More chance of him presenting it than a LNP mem.
Thank you EM for pointing out that change in status of Barnaby Joyce and for making the suggestion of rallying Clive Palmer. I have taken your suggestion and emailed the PUP and two of its elected Senators, Dio Wang (WA) and Glenn Lazarus (QLD). http://palmerunited.com/senate/ Perhaps they are interested in repatriating Australia's gold, I hope so. I've been through the list of sitting Senators (http://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian_Search_Results?q=&sen=1&par=-1&gen=0&ps=0) and can not identify any who might be interested. If PUP doesn't respond, I will solicit every other non-mainstream Senator.
While we pass the time waiting for an enlightened Senator to grasp the necessity for gold reserves in this time of monetary insanity, here's the head of the ECB explaining the wisdom of holding gold as a reserve asset. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG4RJ4P6gm0[/youtube]
This may seem like a backward step, but I believe that it may be more beneficial to start again with a single issue petition. "Bring back our overseas-held Gold." This single issue has the potential to spark public and political interest. Using Gold for backing our Currency is an entirely separate subject for discourse and too messy for mainstream politics at present. The general public can grasp the principal of how ridiculous it is that Our precious sits in a vault (allegedly) half a world away and that it should come back Home where it can go on display at Sovereign Hill or be used to make future Melbourne Cups out of. Even Barnaby would have a crack I reckon. Start to talk about changes to currency and you lose most of them. You've tried hard at this Gino, I hope you keep at it. Just needs to be simpler to reach the widest audience.
Unfortunately I'm a single petition kind of guy. I'll add that if anyone has a personal relationship with a Senator, please feel free to broach the subject of them presenting this petition. Or, if there any suggestions for Senators to approach, I'm more than happy to follow through.
For those following the status of this petition, here's an update: - Correspondence was received from Barnaby Joyce to confirm he could not present the petition before the Senate and suggested I engage my local Senator. - Senator Xenophon responded to say he prioritises the constituents of SA and suggested I engage my local Senator. - PUP has ignored both my initial approach and my subsequent approach on this issue. - I have now approached my local Senator. Hopefully there will be a flicker of concern and comprehension of risk after the near debt-default of the USA last week.
Yes thank you Kevin 747, Julia and her very many merry men and woman. I think the medieval method of dealing with crooks who debased money may gain renewed favour in future years. To address rampant inflation in England 12th century. " By 1124 Henry had had enough of this abuse and summoned the various Mints to Winchester (then the capital of England) in what was called the 'Assize of Moneyers'. Two thirds of them were found guilty of debasing the currency and either had their right hands cut off or were castrated". Debasing money soon went out of favour.
Aaaaaargh I'm right handed. But then again, if I was castrated it wouldn't matter if I had two hands or not.
One of my wittier posts yet it only got two "thank yous". Anyway, a bloke like you would know full well what I'm referring to.
Another update for petition participants and interested observers: My local Senator has not responded within the week since my approach. I have followed up, including the following information: I would point out to you that in support of the intent of the petition, it is being reported that Chinese gold imports are now exceeding global supply, meaning the difference must be being made up by the transference of non-Chinese gold reserves to China. Please see the information linked below. Current annual gold supply 1,025.5T (including recycling) Total Chinese gold demand for the first eight months of 2013: 1600 tonnes. What this portends may be anyone's guess, but I suggest that some prudent action on the part of Australia is required. I still hope that a response may be forthcoming.
