29 Comments
User's avatar
PezR's avatar

Let’s hope the wifi & internet don’t go down so the app can be accessed.

Shane Shmuel's avatar

Don't they have a facilities coordinator who could do it?

Years ago, i had a flickering light above my desk. I don't suffer from headaches but on this occasion, it gave me a splitting one. I as told by the HSE manager it needed an electrician of a certain grade. I as gob smacked when he told me he calls out an electrician every time he needs a globe changed at home. In the end the general manager, took a globe and just changed it.

Neil Baxter's avatar

Was going to say unbelievable but unfortunately it is believable

Anne H.'s avatar

In the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 12, Jesus says, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

Jesus is the Light of the world and surely if more people recognised and acknowledged that fact, then there would be far fewer immoral, absurd, and inappropriate rules and regulations currently operating on the planet.

I wouldn't like to.presume what Jesus might recommend for the replacement of a light bulb at an Australian Army base but one could imagine that He might simplify the procedure so that those plunged into darkness wouldn't have to grope around in the dark for too long, as would be the current situation.

Axel Hart's avatar

Tenants in Qld. public housing are not allowed to change light bulbs: safety concerns. A phone call to the local housing office must be made. The office will then contact an electrician to go out and change the light bulb. The Dept. must then pay a huge call-out bill plus material/s used. At least the tenant is getting off scot-free. There will be paperwork/forms etcetera on both ends.

Mark Emerson's avatar

This situation isn't endemic to the military, but every government installation and government-controlled facility like hospitals, etc. I had this same problem with I worked for CSIRO. There was a 'process' to be followed. Didn't matter that it might take 2-3 months to get something repaired. So I would routinely take matters into my own hands and get things done fast... and they wondered how I was so efficient and productive!

Ian's avatar

Of course its not just defense where employees are no longer allowed to undertake minor 'fixes' like changing a lightbulb.

Just a perfect example of regulation overreach.

Jeremy's avatar

That was pure Collins Class.

Aili Holyland's avatar

No lightbulbs going off over my head to comment on this.

Lillian B.'s avatar

Nor in mine Aili. All the witty and cogent preceding comments have been greatly enjoyed and appreciated.

You too James of course.

I'm impatiently waiting to find out what you'll be doing on TV. Good that Sky's changing its name as it will avoid confusion with UK where 'Sky' is apparently quite lefty

Dianne Bentley's avatar

The average Joe can change a light bulb easily, however, I have also worked in places that need a chit to record the incident, a maintenance person, and a report to change a light bulb. Oh, yes, I was in the Air Force, that's right! However, I also worked at the Boyne Smelter when it first opened and they were exactly the same. It is called PYB. You can't have someone doing another's job or causing an accident. Also, the Defence Department have or had 60 years ago,, Stores Depots where I am sure they would have had lightbulbs! This is the crazy over protective world we live in

Axel Hart's avatar

Australia - the Nanny country!

Bella's avatar

100% it’s completely over the top all the compliance to “keep people safe” - maybe if people weren’t wrapped in cotton wool and allowed to learn how to do things themselves they would actually be safer than they think - probably smarter too!

Axel Hart's avatar

I saw a news item on TV yesterday: in NSW nobody is allowed to live on his/her boat, or yacht, anymore. Safety issues! A boatie got fined $750 for living on his 40' rather dilapidated home afloat. Reason given by the official: the anchor chain might break - safety issue!

Lyn Gray's avatar

Bureaucrats ruling the country. 🤷‍♀️. The sort of madness that makes us feeble.

Llanipsa's avatar

I'm not too sure where this is going, so I'll add another Question.

If a Leopard Tank throws a track, will the RAC come to replace it or will it have to be a tow job?

Judith Hughes's avatar

This is a festival of the absurd. Thank goodness this Lib senator highlighted this. ...not that it will change anything. But at least a few more people now know the quality of our defence organising. How I hate doing so much through apps now !! Less personal contact and it's harder to find a responsible human.

Dianne Bentley's avatar

I hate apps and I hate trying to get through to a robot if I need help with something technical, like talking to Telstra for example

Phil Sears's avatar

How many apps does it require to reload a machine gun which is more dangerous than a light bulb?Seems to me that the only loose canons are in Canberra.Do they change their own light bulbs or maybe they haven’t gone on yet.

Axel Hart's avatar

There are no light bulbs in the ACT. It is the Benighted Territory.

Marten Touw's avatar

I wonder if the Senator's questions wlll inspire the Defence Department to actually change the process, and if they do whether it will require a Project Plan to be developed by Consultants, a change management program, advertising, training, etc, etc etc. Perverse, but it's probably cheaper to leave it as is

Christine's avatar

I doubt it as that would require a modicum of common sense.

Bella's avatar

Guarantee it will require a project team and legislation changes that will take 12 months to rewrite and enact

Dianne Bentley's avatar

Don't forget the Royal Inquiry

Christine's avatar

😂😂😂😂😂

SB13's avatar

‘Spotlight’ on the idiocracy of our public service bureaucracy. The ‘rabbits’ aka public servants trapped, focused in on, by Senator Jess Collins.

“Remembering, ‘rabbits’ are born completely blind and helpless. Avoid handling as they are incredibly fragile and can easily die from stress.” Google

Not to worry Jess. Those who may have suffered anxiety and psychological damage from your questioning are now on leave paid for by the taxpayer. Of course, there are warrens more of other rabbits aka public servants, just waiting to take their place.