The Lefties Thread

[Paddo Colt 61]

Tradies do a great job crab. Some of us do really appreciate you.

Good ones, yeah, but they are few and usually the older brigade. The problem is that they're seldom available and one needs to resort to the second and third tier.

A friend did his Electrical apprenticeship with BHP back in the day and hated it from day one. Eventually he got his TAFE ticket but BHP declined to keep him on as an Electrician. No problem, he knew that he had little aptitude and wasn't keen on the work anyway so he became a QANTAS steward. Sensible. How many, however, with the same level of skill and interest, hold themselves out as "Tradies" and without a hint of embarrassment quote the same money as the highly skilled? The answer is most. In any profession there are those who actually like the job, take an interest in what they do and who work hard on honing the required skills. They are a small minority. Most are marginally competent, like any other line of work.

Possibly your deep admiration for the new backbone of the Tory constituency might change were you to build a new house? Reality bites.

[Paddo Colt 61]

Wow I wasted all those hours and weeks studying Macro and Micro Economics at Uni - Cost of living crisis's are linked to those "greedy/slip shod" tradies and not because of Inflation i,e wages growth , high employment rates, increase in household incomes and consumer spending , supply and demand factors ( increase in the price of good and services) etc

No need to change interest rates to reduce spending to control Inflation. - Just have a cap for what tradies can charge for any work they undertake - minimum wage of $25.20 per hour as the starting point.

Macro economists certainly don't concern themselves with grammar it seems. "Crises" is simply a plural, it has no Apostrophe. Obviously there is an elite of Economists and then the rest, jut like tradies. The difference is that few economists earn anywhere near the sort of money that basic tilers, bricklayers, plumbers, carpenters and electricians quote. It has been building for the last 10 years during which there has been almost nil wage growth generally and very low inflation. Part of the problem is the cashed up but largely ignorant Boomer consumer easilly parted from his/her cash stash.

I concede that your minimum wage point is a good one. The median wage (the most commonly paid community wage) in NSW is around $50K a year (Google it). Admittedly, employed tradies earn around $80K p/a according to Google. It is the self employed or Trades employers doing the ripping off or maybe the wage statistics reflect only what the ATO sees and does not take account of the cash payments that most demand.

[Paddo Colt 61]

Despite Duttons continuous stuffing up in his presentation of how Australia will benefit from nuclear energy, I personally believe that the idea is sound and has merit.

Dutton said a reactor’s waste would fill a Coke can. Try 27,000 of them

Australia would confront an unprecedented security and environmental task under the opposition’s nuclear energy plan, which would generate 880 barrels full of highly radioactive spent fuel each year and require secure storage for hundreds of thousands of years.

Last week, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton revealed the details of his long-awaited energy policy, which would build 14 gigawatts of nuclear energy generation by 2050 to back up renewable power without generating greenhouse gas emissions.

But Australia has never had to confront the challenge of storing the toxic byproducts of nuclear power generation, a thorny political issue in some countries with reactors.

Dutton said in June that the waste produced each year by a 450-megawatt reactor, far smaller than a typical generation unit, would be minimal. “If you look at a 450-megawatt reactor, it produces waste equivalent to the size of a can of Coke each year,” he said.

Dutton was referring to small modular reactors, which are not yet in commercial production. Experts said his calculation was inaccurate and that the reactors in development are expected to produce at least several tonnes of radioactive waste per year.

A typical large-scale nuclear reactor, with a 1-gigawatt capacity, usually generates 30 tonnes of spent fuel a year, according to the World Nuclear Association. This nuclear waste would fill 10 cubic metres, or 10,000 litres.

The opposition claims it would have its first nuclear reactor up and running by 2037, and the entire fleet – on up to seven sites with multiple reactors on each – built before 2050.

When all reactors are operating, the 14 gigawatts of nuclear capacity would produce 140 cubic metres, or 140,000 litres, of waste a year.
This would fill 880 oil barrels, each holding 159 litres.

The Coalition, which was contacted for comment, plans to store nuclear power waste at the same facility that will store it for Australia’s planned nuclear submarines under the AUKUS program. “The prime minister signed up to the nuclear submarines and therefore sent a very clear message to Australians that there are no safety concerns about the latest technology,” Dutton said last Friday.

Opposition energy spokesman Ted O’Brien said on Thursday that nuclear energy was the world’s safest form of power generation.

“Thirty-two nations safely manage nuclear power plants today and 50 more are looking at introducing nuclear for the first time,” O’Brien said in a statement.

The spent fuel from a nuclear reactor contains highly radioactive material. Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause skin and blood damage, cataracts, infertility, birth defects and cancer, according to the World Health Organisation.

According to the World Nuclear Association, nuclear waste is stored safely around the world and has not caused harm to human health.

The opposition has stated their reactors have an 80-year lifespan, which means they will generate 70,400 barrels over their lifetime.

Using Dutton’s can metric, the 140 cubic metres of spent fuel each year would fit into 373,333 cans, or almost 27,000 cans per reactor.

Over 80 years, Dutton’s fleet of reactors would generate 29,866,640 cans full of waste – more than 2.1 million cans per reactor.


Australia generates intermediate-level nuclear waste, which can include used clothing and equipment from nuclear facilities.

Each year, about 40 cubic metres of low-level waste and 5 cubic metres of intermediate-level radioactive waste are generated by Australia’s Lucas Heights nuclear facility outside Sydney, which creates research and medical products. The waste is stored onsite.

Australia would also generate considerable low- and intermediate-level nuclear waste if it had a fleet of 14 reactors, on top of the millions of barrels worth of spent nuclear fuel.

Most countries with nuclear reactors permanently store spent fuel and other nuclear waste in secure facilities, often onsite at power plants. Some spent fuel can also be reprocessed for use again in reactors.

Australia has committed to operate nuclear submarines under the AUKUS pact, and to develop by 2050 a permanent storage facility for the waste generated from their reactors, to be located somewhere in the country on Defence land. Many have speculated the most likely site is Woomera in South Australia.


The Albanese government last year abandoned plans for a facility to take medical waste at Kimba in rural South Australia due to community opposition.

Renewable energy also has waste issues.

In 2023, Australia had 110 operational wind farms, of which 31 were more than 15 years old, according to the Clean Energy Council.

An estimated 15,000 tonnes of waste from wind turbine blades will be created in Australia by 2034, and up to 4000 tonnes a year. The Clean Energy Council said at least 85 per cent of a wind turbine can be recycled.

A report by the University of NSW Australian Centre of Advanced Photovoltaics forecast the total volume of disused solar panels would reach 1 million tonnes by 2035.

About 95 per cent of a solar panel can be recycled. However, there is not yet a large-scale recycling industry in place to handle the industry’s growing waste.

Well done Randy. Surprising that folks don't already have the info from the Media which should, of course, inform not run an agenda for one side of politics.

Remember "Synrock" back in the day? Fraser (and Murdoch) discovered an amazing new tech way of trapping nuke waste in rock in order to neutralize the popular belief that nuclear waste was a problem. Never heard of before or since.

[King Salvo]

Mmm, I think Comrade Paddo is talking about himself with this comment with his complaints about tradies and what they charge. " Part of the problem is the cashed up but largely ignorant Boomer consumer easilly parted from his/her cash stash"

Obviously Comrade Paddo has never heard of getting quotes and any references for past work that had been completed - Building 101

https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/h...20the%20quotes.

[mightyrooster]

Good ones, yeah, but they are few and usually the older brigade. The problem is that they're seldom available and one needs to resort to the second and third tier.

A friend did his Electrical apprenticeship with BHP back in the day and hated it from day one. Eventually he got his TAFE ticket but BHP declined to keep him on as an Electrician. No problem, he knew that he had little aptitude and wasn't keen on the work anyway so he became a QANTAS steward. Sensible. How many, however, with the same level of skill and interest, hold themselves out as "Tradies" and without a hint of embarrassment quote the same money as the highly skilled? The answer is most. In any profession there are those who actually like the job, take an interest in what they do and who work hard on honing the required skills. They are a small minority. Most are marginally competent, like any other line of work.

Possibly your deep admiration for the new backbone of the Tory constituency might change were you to build a new house? Reality bites.

My deep admiration for the new backbone of the Tory constituency?? Looks like nothing has changed with your ridiculous presumptions.

No I have never built a new house but have had a few renovations done over the years and a few recently. We got a really good builder to redo our bathroom and deck. He was very good. Recently we had new insulation put in the roof and the trades were great except for the electrician who should have consulted us on an issue which would have saved us money in the long run. We also just had a new RC air conditioner installed. Mostly good there though the sales rep organisng it all was pretty disorganised.

[Paddo Colt 61]

I bet it cost a bomb. How much did you pay for the labour? I supply everything just the labour is a cost. Some examples: Quoted $2500 to hang 5 ceiling lights. Got it done for $450. $5K to clear 60 metres of saplings and brush. A non tradie guy with hand tools did if for $1k in less than a day including tipping. The point is they're all at it and most are not much chop. Tradies bosses' earn more than professionals. How did that happen? I remember the days of "Tradesman's' Entrance" now they're the new aristocrats.

[mightyrooster]

I bet it cost a bomb. How much did you pay for the labour? I supply everything just the labour is a cost. Some examples: Quoted $2500 to hang 5 ceiling lights. Got it done for $450. $5K to clear 60 metres of saplings and brush. A non tradie guy with hand tools did if for $1k in less than a day including tipping. The point is they're all at it and most are not much chop. Tradies bosses' earn more than professionals. How did that happen? I remember the days of "Tradesman's' Entrance" now they're the new aristocrats.

I can’t remember the breakdown off the top of my head but none of it was cheap. We had planned the deck and then Covid hit and the price of materials skyrocketed due to shortages. The bathroom was forced on us as we had a leaky shower. It cost about $27k and almost 4 times what we paid for the previous upgrade in the early noughties. The RC aircon I took advantage of the ACT government’s interest free 10 year loan program for replacing old gas heaters with energy efficient electricity upgrades. None of this would be possible if I hadn’t paid the mortgage off about 4 years ago and the kids finishing school etc. Also, I lost both parents between 2019 and 2020. The sale of their modest NSW country house was split between me and my siblings. This actually paid for both of the first two renos. I would still be saving without it. It was always Mums dream to leave the house for us kids. I look at my two now and wonder if they’ll ever be able to afford a home loan.

[Paddo Colt 61]

I can’t remember the breakdown off the top of my head but none of it was cheap. We had planned the deck and then Covid hit and the price of materials skyrocketed due to shortages. The bathroom was forced on us as we had a leaky shower. It cost about $27k and almost 4 times what we paid for the previous upgrade in the early noughties. The RC aircon I took advantage of the ACT government’s interest free 10 year loan program for replacing old gas heaters with energy efficient electricity upgrades. None of this would be possible if I hadn’t paid the mortgage off about 4 years ago and the kids finishing school etc. Also, I lost both parents between 2019 and 2020. The sale of their modest NSW country house was split between me and my siblings. This actually paid for both of the first two renos. I would still be saving without it. It was always Mums dream to leave the house for us kids. I look at my two now and wonder if they’ll ever be able to afford a home loan.

It's very expensive. You can see the rip off if you consider the hourly rate. Most are $100p/h but that is now rising to a common $120 p/h. The tiler said work would take 3 days. They normally don't work 8 hrs but let's just say he did So 8 x120 x 2 (2 guys) = $1920 but the labourer offsider wouldn't get the same rate, he'd get maybe $45 p/h top. Rounded off, the correct charge on a very generous $2 per MINUTE (or $120 p/h is $6k but the actual charge was $8500. And that's cash so he's free of the 40% - very nice lolly for 3 days work. Dob 'em in to the ATO, they need to pay tax like the rest of us.

Possibly The Crab can explain how that is not a rip off.

[Paddo Colt 61]

Mmm, I think Comrade Paddo is talking about himself with this comment with his complaints about tradies and what they charge. " Part of the problem is the cashed up but largely ignorant Boomer consumer easilly parted from his/her cash stash"

Obviously Comrade Paddo has never heard of getting quotes and any references for past work that had been completed - Building 101

https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/h...20the%20quotes.

Of course I got quotations, what do you take me for? They find out on the grapevine what the going rate is. Only occasionally does one find an honest guy though I haven't yet. Years of experience has taught that most are not much chop. Mistakes abound usually and then they wan't money to rectify THEIR mistake.

[ism22]

Here's a picture of my favourite tradie. He's always up for a cashie and a smoko.

[horrie hastings]

Here's a picture of my favourite tradie. He's always up for a cashie and a smoko.

No tradie crack

[ism22]

No fake tradies this time around?

When was it? (I think Obama's 'Joe the Plumber' was the first). We went through an era where members of conservative parties would pose as tradies, then barge in to ask questions of left-wing leaders that were always along the lines 'of do you believe in social welfare? Coz that sounds like communism!!!! I work bloody hard as a [trade] and you're gonna give my money to a bunch of bludgers?!?!? Sounds exactly like communism to me and there's no way me or any other average joe is gonna buy it'. They'd get a heap of coverage in conservative media until a less biased outlet did a bit of research and was like 'he's not a registered tradie, he lives in a mansion [so isn't a battler] and he's got a lifetime membership to the conservative party... surprise surprise'.

Kinda sad that such stunts have ended as they were sorta fun.

[King Salvo]

Funny that Comrade Paddo is knocking tradies when he had a very cushy job as a chalkie, which had 12 weeks of paid leave per year—worked only 40 weeks a year, less public holidays, and the so-called pupil-free days.

30 hours a week of which 21 or so hours are face to face teaching. - Most likely the curriculum hardly changed either requiring very little preparation time.

[Andrew Walker]

Funny that Comrade Paddo is knocking tradies when he had a very cushy job as a chalkie, which had 12 weeks of paid leave per year—worked only 40 weeks a year, less public holidays, and the so-called pupil-free days.

30 hours a week of which 21 or so hours are face to face teaching. - Most likely the curriculum hardly changed either requiring very little preparation time.

It’s just typical of your ilk to be insulting our countries educators like Paddo Being a school teacher is a fine career to undertake I have a family member who is considering undertaking this fine and essential profession

[Random Rooster]

Here's a picture of my favourite tradie. He's always up for a cashie and a smoko.

Ohhh yeeeaaahhh naaaaa yeeeaaahhhh!! For those who don't know thats Mike Nolan from the Big Lez Show thats on Youtube.

There is a spin off called the Mike Nolan Show- its only 6 episodes that go for 5 minutes each-but they are hilarious


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuc9frxacfE