HEARD ON THE GRAPEVINE

An astute political observer we know says the provisional outcome of the Tasmanian election , a swing of 12 percent against the Labor government, is likely to be mirrored in the NT . Strange that he should make this Territory linkage with the Apple Isle as there has been a strong Taswegian influence in the NT government spin department until recent times. Remember former Tasmanian premier Michael Field came to Darwin after the last Territory election to find out why the ALP had done so badly . Now there seems to be a swing to Queensland Lady Fingers in the spin machine. ****Don’t be surprised if there is another insurance industry crash like that of HIH which was placed into liquidation in 2001 owing billions of dollars, causing an economic crisis in Australia This was the advice given when talking to a contact in the industry down south . Sharp practices and operators were evident , he said, and one outfit in particular was performing like HIH .**** It is not only some Territory schoolkids who are lacking in numeracy skills . A supposed hotshot who does property valuations did his sums and under- valued a place by more than $200,000. Even though he should stand in the corner like a dunce, bet he hands in a hefty account for professional services rendered .**** It was like a scene from Are You Being Served ? when the Woolworths second in charge from south visited Darwin stores in the chain during the week . Everything was made shipshape and polished for his tour of inspection, and he responded, we are informed , like Mr Grace in the British comedy show by telling everyone to carry on, they were all doing a wonderful job.