Allegations of impropriety in high places, police investigations being hushed up , powerful Indonesian groups manipulating export of live cattle numbers from Darwin to benefit their own financial interests , even to the extent of forcing down the price of Top End stations they intend to buy , are just some of the many rumours swirling about the Territory capital .
If some of these are correct , then you have to wonder what has happened to the fourth estate . Are its members deaf , not mixing with the community at large , too busy being churnalists , chasing crocs and Martians , to be real , inquiring journalists , asking hard , probing questions ?
Another subject of fiery discussion in Darwin is the chaotic state of departments , partly due to the disastrous reign of the Country Liberal Party , tossed out in a massive landslide , and the actions of cliques and buddies within departments over the years . One colourful description for government departments is that they have been "smashed " , the canker within needing to be cut out .
An example of the extraordinary depth of feeling is an audacious website which makes outrageous , defamatory claims about individuals in a certain part of government , asserting whistle blowers have been punished .
The drug scene in Darwin is the subject of much scuttlebutt in various parts of town, with allegations of snorting in high places , names freely bandied about , the implication being that they are being protected . For the respect of the community and faith in the running of essential institutions , the Gunner ALP government ,which surely must know of these allegations , needs to give close attention to the matter .
"Why is this can of Coke so dear ? "... a question frequently asked in Darwin drinking circles by persons in the know .
A prominent Darwin resident expressed his concern about the local media failing to act on tips he has given them on matters of importance . It seemed, he said , if you did not write the story for the reporters , hand it to them , or send it by email they did not have the time to do what they are supposed to do , follow up and write reports.
He continued by saying that if reporters did not act on tips and failed to listen to the talk of the town , then they clearly did not have their digits on the pulse of the city .
He continued by saying that if reporters did not act on tips and failed to listen to the talk of the town , then they clearly did not have their digits on the pulse of the city .