Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

All Western countries have drug problems - I saw injecting rooms in Basel Switzerland - and Australia is no different, so don't let this issue be a deciding factor about whether to move here or not. Australia is a fantastic place to live with the benefits definitely outweighing the problems. I couldn't find an easily accessible link to the EIU's Where To Be Born index, but this will give you an idea: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/...countries.html

Good luck

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

You saw injecting rooms in CH. Well how about that? Why look so far and not look closer to your adopted country Australia. The first opened here in Kings Cross way back at the turn of the century. Melbourne has at least one in Richmond as well. While drugs have long been an issue in Australia, meth and similar drugs take it to another level. We in Australia are probably the biggest users of this rather horrible drug, which can create extreme violence and psychotic episodes in people. Don't write it off as just another drug. It is having a major impact within society and is everywhere impacting severely on many . It is certainly an issue to keep in mind and the reality is Australia doesn't differ much these days on a living basis outside of weather and a few related things. UK has a free health system as well as a pension not means tested , (to compensate ) Further, I would be looking at something more evident to support claim around Australia's position in where to be born, rather than relying on 2013 figures. Over inflated housing prices, stagnating pay rates for money, poor aged care provision, not to say corruption that keeps raising its head in many areas of local government and beyond, before we even get to the drug problem are all suggestive of far lower rating.

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

What's everywhere? Drugs? Violence? Are you saying there is no where in Australia you can live because of drugs and violence?

I wonder how the other 25 million Australian cope.

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

Here we go again

Please point out - the specific sentence please - where I stated that there were no injecting rooms in Australia
All western countries have drug problems. Agree that ice is a terrible drug and that Australia has a problem with it - but it shouldn't be a deciding factor about whether to emigrate from the UK or not, as that nation also has serious drug problems
Australia has a largely free health system that is affordable to the taxpayer and is sustainable - whereas the UK's everything free for everyone, forever, which is currently costing GBP190 billion per year, is not
In this country, people provide their own pensions - with a safety net for those who don't. Just think, in this country, you could live your whole life not paying a cent in tax, yet get provided with a pension until you die. How f**king good is that! The pension model of Western Europe, where the state provides for everything, is broken - as will become evident in the next few decades
The data from the EIU is academically rigorous (unlike the opinion of some geezer with an axe to grind on the internet). They may have published data after 2013 (which will show something similar) but it looks like it's behind a paywall. I will endeavour to find out either way. Either way, their data is excellent - good enough for Masters level assignments anyway
House prices rise all over the world - but only in Australia according to you
Incomes may be stagnant but they are still high by international standards - certainly generally higher that the UK and Germany. Like everywhere, inflation is very low - the feedback loop in other words
Aged care in the UK is, overall, not that great either
Corruption is everywhere champ, but in Australia, like most western countries, is low. Have a look at the CPI Index - we sit towards the top, roughly between Germany, the UK and Austria

This may be my last post on this as, have I have stated many times before, debating with you is like debating with a cornflakes box - basically pointless. Your understanding of even basic economic principles - school level stuff - is non-existent

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

And here was me thinking Shangri-la did not exist.

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

As mentioned the drug ice. I don't expect 25 million Australians are aware of it necessarily. Although many have a relative or child either victim or indeed involved. It could be in your street without you necessarily being aware. Most in my area are professional people with a few students. I only became aware when a rogue element took up residence nearby and over time drama after drama ensued. What I am saying is drugs are very widespread in Australia and take a good look at the neighbourhood before committing. Violence doesn't necessary become part of the process. Indeed more a rarity from personal experience. They operate within the law with things like Restraining Orders for anyone becoming to suspicious.

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

I just don't see the need to mention CH when injecting rooms are in the country that you reside in. I'll return the compliment. Just where did I write that the ice crisis in Australia should be the deciding factor? It should be a consideration in pointing out Australia is far removed from drugs, with ice being seriously out of control and not an issue as yet in UK. No Australia does not have a free health system when things get beyond the usual not too difficult stuff. Even with private insurance can be substantially expensive. What's the point of data out of date besides attempting to score a personal point.? We brank down on many measurements from ages care to among the least affordable housing in the world. Well the pension is hardly living in what is paid in the Australian context. Without owing own home and having savings it will most likely point towards a struggling time in old age. You really need to compare with countries that do ensure that is not the case. Having a pension system based on the share market is something of a gamble as well. Incomes need to higher than Europe with such a system in place. Best not rely too much on internet figures 'champ'. Corruption is substantial here but no desire to go into that on a public forum.

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

So you have a drug house in your street, specifically meth, and it's drawn attention to itself, and that prompts you to claim its everywhere. FWIW I am sure there are meth users in my suburb, but I don't typically see meth users wandering the streets, maybe I am not sure what to look out for. Should I be on the look out for people with wild eyes and bad skin? If I find these people should I consider moving? Meth is a problem no doubt but I think you are over dramatising it's correlation with where one should live.

It's pretty simple, the lower socio-economic position the suburb is, the greater problem you will have with cheaper, higher impact drugs like ice.

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

Actually far more than a single residence. Thing being most are Not meth users, at least to the best of my knowledge. No meth heads calling in person either. They are often professional people with a few tradies thrown in for good measure. If the house that completely lost the plot hadn't surfaced, there would be every chance that it would have gone un noticed under my radar. I can assure you I am not over dramatizing in the slightest. While the car chases and base ball bats and doors being kicked in is in the past and concerning only one house, the rest continues with nothing much to interfere with proceedings. At least the centre has been 'cleaned up' somewhat . I think the former Lib leader's comments assisted that. Perth is no longer meth capital in Australia either. Now that title belongs to Adelaide apparently. And no my suburb is not low socio economic. It is inner city, I guess well located for the sort of business involved, and as mentioned not users but often professional type people. You possess a' typical stereotype ' of users not those profiteering.

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

People are going to do things with their lives that don't resonate with the way you live yours. Joys of living in cities with neighbours. If the professional and tradies are functioning drug takers or over zealous alcohol drinkers, what concern is it of yours, if it doesn't intrude on your life? Back to the point where you are trying to convince someone they shouldn't move to Australia because of drugs, again Australia is a very vast place, some areas will have drug problems which intrude on your life where as others do not, just like the UK or any other western country.

Given you do tend to see what's happening in Perth and tarnish the rest of Australia with that brush, I do agree with your point on Perth. Walking through Perth of an evening can be not the nicest of experiences, with not the most wholesome of characters hanging around, in the vicinity of Hay St. I certainly didn't feel overly comfortable at times and that's not something I would experience in the Sydney CBD or Melbourne for that matter.

Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thread)
 

So you are advocating the right of others to make and trade in drugs now? No wonder the country is a mess with those with the potential to make more than adequate incomes overcome by greed to make ever more. My point is clear signs of a non functioning society. I'm trying to convince someone of nothing of the sort. Just that Australia has more than its share of issues to contend with outside of the promotion pitch. Like I already mentioned, meth/ice is a somewhat special drug that is thankfully not on the ground yet in UK. A simple visit to hospital emergency wards may yet convince you of the severity of this drug instead of attempting to sell it off as just another drug.

But the issues are far wider than drugs. I doubt any thing I'd write would influence any decision anyway. Although negatives are not what most want to read, But yes, if in a comfortable position in UK or Europe worth seriously considering upheaval, if much to loose. If nothing of note then go for it.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Ho ho. Nice try on bringing your resentment agenda on greed into this.

There is no denying meth is not a nice drug, nor is alcohol, but you sell it as if everyone affected by it in Australia. This is complete nonsense and you should not make up such nonsense when trying to persuade those looking for balanced advice on moving to Australia.

The drug agenda has crept into your arsenal of arguments. Drug abuse is a problem in all countries and Australia is not immune, nor is the UK. If meth is reserved for the wealthier party community in the UK, so be it, there are plenty of other substances to get your fill and potential despair in the UK.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Poor attempt at attempting to cloud the hazards of the out of control illegal' drug industry' that has developed in Australia. If not greed when professional types 'engage in it , I'd really like to know what it is? Community service perhaps you would rate it? Meth not a nice drug? Well at least you concede something. Neither is gravel.(horrible substance that has similar impact) As for bringing the drug agenda into my arsenal of arguments, I and many others consider it a issue of rather great importance. Not the cutting deal of taking Australia out of contention as a place to migrate to, but a careful observation required of the area one may decide to rent or purchase as a consideration. Even then hard to get right, but will outline the worst of it.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

You have deviated again and gone off target. Perth might have an out of control meth problem. Where I am, we do not. Perth is not Australia. Its a far out post. Feel free to peddle McGowans suggestion on checking for bananas, avocado and meth. The rest of us don't care what you do over there.

Where are we on your list of arguments now, house prices, lack of jobs, greed, and meth - What a miserable place you live in.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

No it is you off target. Perth does have a meth problem but not alone. NSW countryside has the same problems as rural places Australia wide. Wellington for example. But worth looking up what Michael Adams QC said when he was in a position. Interesting stuff but hardly revealing to those in the know. McGowan is an Australian politician so limited expectations should be in order as elsewhere. You live in a more miserable place obviously.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

There you go. Perhaps next time someone is asking about such a big move, perhaps clarify your position. It should read something like this, sound familiar?

"Perth does have a meth problem but not alone. NSW countryside has the same problems as rural places Australia wide. Wellington for example"

OK, if you insist. Whinging volumes would suggest its more likely you.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

If you call it whinging about a problem impacting on many severely in Australia, that's your call I guess. But points volumes into the reasoning too little is being done to arrest the situation. I do think that you are incapable at looking at any critique objectively, with historical evidence of past comments reflecting that fact. Never mind. Plenty know what's going on. The will to unite and force change though probably still a way off.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

You whinge about a lot of things and you do it in such a dramatic way that it requires others to call bullshit. Sure, housing is expensive, where is it not in relation to the average salary, drugs are a problem, in some places worse than others, where is it not?

Just remember your personal grievances should be put into context, location, your personal circumstances, when trying to give advice to others embarking on what can be a life changing mission. It's not fair on people seeking advice otherwise.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

The blight of drugs especially meth, is not a personal grievance, but something that should be of concern to all Australians. This is an Australia wide problem, impacting severely on rural Australia . But it won't be the deciding factor. Still many Australians don't have experience of it, but at the same time many others do. It could very easily be in or come to your street regardless of location. If so to move it on it can be very hard indeed. If you call that dramatic then you have lived a very sheltered life. Certainly nothing remotely close to warrant being termed bull shit.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

You really need to stop drinking the Mark McGowan koolaid tiger.

https://fb.watch/40kK1ANKx1/

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Well McGowan may yet save you poor little Sydney Siders from yourselves. Royalties obviously assisting your economy that comes out of the WA ground. Now turbo immigration has all but ceased earning Sydney a bit of a breather, best use this period period wisely.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Just to note further on this matter of drugs and especially suspected meth or ice. A friend of my partner, only vaguely interested previously in out trials and tribulations around the out of hand drug issue, is now very interested indeed. She lives in a very middleclass suburb (Duncraig) never been exposed to anything untoward in the close on thirty years been resident there, until renters moved in and alarm bells went off around drug concerns with the usual excesses. . Now five months later, after complaints which resulted in police smashing down the front door and taking away a suspect. Sadly no such police intervention in my location. Quite the opposite in fact.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Not a good job of vetting the tenants right?

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Turbo immigration will be back before you know it. We can't find enough people to work unfortunately. The construction industry over here is one of the big casualties. So many people and businesses willing to spend money, no one to do the work, knock on effect = less tax revenue.

I do hope you are finally getting on that property ladder before the immigrants steal your thunder again.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Wrong. As mentioned it is a finely tuned process in my area. Impossible to vet when applicants present with professional qualifications and often children (at least part of the time) and cats and dogs to express respectability. Obviously in more run down areas this may not be the case but in my manor appears the norm. Letting agencies turn a blind side, saying the premises presents well on inspection. But even when one place later experienced kicked down doors and some sixteen hours a day of 'cooking' , due process to be followed as accordance to law was cited. A very shoddy outcome al round, highly suggestive of nasty things influencing outcomes with little chance of rectification.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Nothing to do with the shortage of workers but plenty to do with keeping inflated house prices from crashing and wages down. When so many 'professionals' end up security guards, supermarket workers and trolley boys, it doesn't take much nonce to arrive at the reality that this country is being undermined from within. More a question of not enough jobs, and/or trying working conditions in so many areas.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Property is going through the roof without immigration. I would not let immigration bother you on that front. Just get on it before it gets further beyond your reach which it probably already has again.

Professional trolley boys? Yeah right.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Perth goes down again. Time for you to get out.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Totally agree spot ,no country is perfect !!

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

On the back of the tax payer subsidy. In fact some concern finally being expressed that housing has over heated as a result. No better to leave it well alone until a correction occurs. Rents are red hot in Perth. Not sure if immigrants will judge a move worth the effort, if things don't cool down. On the drug front speaking with a bank fellow the other day while doing other business, he originally from England, claimed when we touched on the drug issue that he could identify at least five houses producing meth in Clarkson where he lives. It seems pretty much accepted by most that it goes on and nothing is done to shut it down.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

No country is perfect, but not all attempt to sell themselves as near as.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Another acquittance told me the other day that their son , recently married who moved over to QLD about eighteen months ago from WA , moved from Ipswich in outer Brisbane because of the drug issues (mainly meth by the sound of it) in that location . Meanwhile fair to say inner city area Perth rat infestation around drug production worse. Or more noted anyway. Amazing what one spots being home during the days.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Good to see Fremantle attempting to clean up its act when there today. Police mounted and bicycle and on foot, appeared to have an operation in progress cleaning up the streets. Over past three months on about five visits to the port city, it was shameful to see just how far it had declined. Meth heads, anti social types, alcoholics, homeless and mentally ill appeared to have much the streets to themselves on those visits. Today far more other people about. A far better ambiance and hopefully a return to what things once were in Freo. A change from usual disgraceful language and constant hints at violence and or disruptive behaviour.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

When we first arrived in Perth on our first visit to Fremantle I turned toy DH and said " this place is rough" but over the years the lovely old buildings were refurbished and we use to visit most weekends, on our travels around WA we found it to be the most vibrant and felt slightly European ....I hope it has not "slid" back to the bad old days lol as I think it's a little jewell for Perth. A friend we knew moved from a big city in the UK to Perth so their children would be free of "temptation" growing up and sadly a few years later they lost their eldest to drugs so sad.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Indeed it was a rough place at one time. But going back decades it was a result of rough people and alcohol abuse rather than rampant drug abuse and a substantial per cent that look like they have been excluded from any since of economic well being. I recall being there for the 1988 New Year and it was a massive punch up every where. Never witnessed anything as Wild Western before, nor since. (closest would be a punk gig that went a bit ape in London years earlier.) Strangers thrown punches without reason. No in more recent times without international tourists, the place has been struggling. The coffee strip is a shade of what it was in the nineties. Far fewer on the streets apart from the waterfront where the fish and chip venues still pull them in. (A large Italian population originally brought change helped on later by The America's Cup, where Freo had to change their image and a coffee culture was born. in the eighties) But drugs are the big problem in much of Australia. Shocking here in Perth and I now am aware of several houses making the stuff in my area. But ripe in many places. Country WA has a big problem. In my local experience, those making it could easily remain under the radar, if not somehow brought to attention. They are either students or professional people , with a few tradies thrown in for good measure.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

We spent new years (1999/2000) eve in Freo with another family and let's just say the police were busy lol it helped with the entertainment..joking apart though at times it was like a wild west brawl

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

It seems most everywhere large crowds gather there is violence of a certain velocity. Perth this New Year was no different. Unsavory elements witnessed large numbers of families, especially of ethnic backgrounds seek 'protection' on a higher level; at the newish Yagan Square development. Police kept very busy at ground level. Still different to 88 in Freo though. Street drinking had been permitted (probably never again) I wonder if that is a reason many don't go out much in Perth? Especially to the city.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Back to the drug issue. Spotted a middle aged couple concealing what could be safely assumed as illegal substance both within and under their car , while walking the other day. (sadly in my street)I believe their daughter rents at the address and have noted some 'strange' activity previously, but nothing so overt. Car had country number plates (BSN) as did two other cars parked in drive way. I watched for about two minutes then witnessed their extreme nervous reaction when aware they were spotted.

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Fremantle is, essentially, a seaport, and those places tend to be on the rougher side. My next door neighbour, who is over 80, was born there and he has told us how tough and rough it was. It's been massively gentrified - which is not always the best for a city as you replace decent working-class families with inner city, champagne socialist, arty twits - but I'm not a fan of the place and find it hugely overrated. Okay for a night out now and again but I'd hate to live there. It's also wanker central

No thanks

Re: Drugs and crime in Australia (Off Topic posts moved from family of five thre
 

Fremantle has for a considerable time refined its port status. The days when cargo vessels lined the dock and seafarers and wharfies and Italian migrants filed the streets and pubs is but a distant memory. Many decades ago witnessed an all mighty brawl between Aboriginals and Zulu seaman off a visiting South African cargo ship in a night club called Cleo's. I was visiting myself, but that place had a name as a bit of a blood house. Rough pubs in those days as well. Always been socialist from my recall. There weren't many living inner city in those days. Sunday was near enough to dead in the centre, pre cafe coffee culture starting up just before America's Cup. Which in turn saw Freo become a tourist destination in its own right. With the loss of tourism ,a souless ambiance has resulted. The roughness of old has been replaced with more of a hopelessness for want of a more apt word with far too many down on their luck , drug abusers , homeless, or simply victims of changing economic circumstance and government handling of that.