February Dragon

Jennie's Address today is called "February Dragon" a reference to Colin Thiele's 1965 novel. Jennie reminds us that the fire season now extends from November to April. Jennie's focus today is on political inertia following the unprecedented fire storms of  2019 to 2021 and the challenges faced by fire fighters. She recalls the political responses made at the peak of these bushfires: by our Prime Minister - "I'm focused on the needs of the people in this room today"  - and by an Eastern State's Minister - that "this is not the time for a conversation by people who want to politicise climate change."
As both State and Federal elections draw nigh, Jennie asks - "When is the time?"
In Adelaide - we've enjoyed a comparatively cool and comfortable summer. A war is now raging in the Ukraine. Large areas of the eastern states are flooded, inducing a temporary amnesia, washing away memories of Thiele's February Dragon. Floods and fires are both caused by global warming and climate change. Elections are approaching and many pollies are still mute on the subject. Voters, distracted by war - are left with stone-walling, political inertia and inaction by our leaders. Isn't now the time?!