Thanks for the memories Pete & Vaile Dame Anita Roddick

Busy newsweek, and it is only Tuesday. While we are coming to terms with a Post-Beattie age in Queensland, speculation about the position of the Prime Minister continues given the polls showing a landslide loss for the Coalition Government.

Peter Beattie had incredible political timing and judgement for the most part. Policy analysis aside, the Premier was a consummate communicator to the electorate. Many politicians speak in another language, but not Premier Pete who was always plainspoken.

Part of his success is that everyone (oh well most people) has a Peter Beattie story. He has been in public life for a long time and has managed to meet lots of people and his memory for faces is legendary. He might not remember names (at a function in Cairns in a previous life, he asked me the name of a candidate, personally chosen by him, just before he got up to address the audience!), but he has a fantastic memory for faces and recalling where you had met.

In stepping down, Beattie talked about the importance of renewal. Beattie was elected in 1989, and there are still a few 89er's around. Perhaps some of his former colleagues might think about their own future and consider whether to run next time. Because he was the consummate politician, I for one, found it hard to believe that he would do anything else. But he has surprised us and says he is looking forward to his new life.

He had impeccable judgement when it came to calling elections. He has given Anna Bligh a great opportunity to recast the Government two years out from the election. That is the right thing to do to your successor.

Renewal is a good thing. Look at the pickle Prime Minister Howard has himself in at present. Keep watching the news. Mr Howard says he won't go, Mr Costello won't challenge and there is a whole two weeks of Parliament ahead!! Good grief with all that pressure the roof is sure to blow!!


Vaile Dame Anita Roddick

I was greatly saddened to hear of the death of Dame Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop earlier today. She was an early pioneer in the ethical business movement. She established fair trade by buying produce from the third world. She put Greenpeace campaigns in her shop windows and was a passionate advocate for human rights. In Australia, here in Brisbane the Body Shop is a supporter of The Big Issue as vendors, who are homeless, come in to collect and drop off their magazines.

All Body Shop staff contribute one day every year to volunteering for a charity. Good stuff, all the while, making buckets of money.

As I embark on my own micro business she is a great inpiration of creative and ethical entrepreneurship. I am saddened to hear she leaves behind two daughters, in their thirties. She was only 64. We all need our Mums......

Thanks Dame Anita.