It has beeen both a busy and a quiet month for us in Adelaide. Early in the month we had the Federal Budget. Remembering that an election is due later in the year it was a good one mainly. Peter Costello (Treasurer) was generous to many. Tax cuts were good. On average we have about a $14 .a week cut. That's not to be sneezed at. Would buy at least a couple of 'burgers! He was good to Ex POW's from the European area (Had previously done same for X Japanese POW'S) a one of payment of $25,000 approximately 2200 people were eligable, War Widows also qualified. Disabled Veterans were also granted increases along with a one off $500 payment to pensioners.

Military spending increased (understandable when you consider Iraq and Afghanistan). Importantly service pay was increased. There was no great increase in excise. Of course, generally excise is indexed to the CPI and does increase. The Government has cancelled increaese at times especially petrol, that is now at $1.35 a litre. The Government also make a cotribution to the superannuation of lower paid workers. This can be as much as $1500 a year. It cuts out at about $58,000.

The Super structure here is that Employers pay $95 in addition to salary. Employees can also make their own contribution. If they do the 'super' comes out of pay before tax is calculated. This gives extra benefit to contributors. To finish on finance the State Budget is due in a few days (aren't we lucky to get 2!!) but the State Treasurer will not be as generous. More on that next month.

Mother's Day in Australia is in mid May. We had a lovely lunch at our favourite hotel restuarant. I paid not Lauren-Jane! I have changed jobs this month, moved from Flinders to the Repatriation General Hoaspital's Psychiatric Unit. Repatriation hospitals were set up by the Federal Government after World War 1 to care for Veterans and their dependants. They were administered by the Commonwealth for many years but are now part of the State Health Systems. That meant for me a simple transfer with no loss of earned entitlements. The Repat mainly caters for Veterans now but also the general public. The Psychiatric unit specialises in PTSD mainly now with Vietnam Vets.

On the sporting front both our Australian Football Leaque teams are doing reasonably well although the' Power were comprehensively thumped at the weekend. Both are in the top eight. They need to stay there to play finals in September. On that congratulations to Celtic on the "Double".

The weather has been a bit wild and wooly this last few days with a good lot of rain. More is still needed to help the farmers and the River Murray . The Federal government has a $10 billion plan to fix the Murray. Unfortunately the States (mainly Victoria) are playing politics. Well the States all have Labour Governments and Federally of course it is a Liberal coalition! Winter joins us on the 1st. that should mean a fine day. Conversely the first day of summer usually brings rain!

The two main streets in the city (King William and North Terrace) are in the process of being torn up for the laying of tramlines. Sound familiar to those of you in Edinburgh?. The Gleneelg Tramline (a major tourist attraction) is being extended. Many of course are for this but just as many are against it. That should be no surprise. Major traffic disruption of course! Hopefully finished by years end!

Kim's birthday plans are progressing. At times it seems that she and I will fall out over details, but we persevere. The bottom line is that Kim will have a night to remember and enjoy. At last count 100 guests. I'l tell you all about it next month.

Until then ...... Eric

(article by Eric Ford, Australia)