Occasional Grumpy columnist, CEDRIC BRYANT, of Watson, can’t get over the wastefulness of the tram-launch knees-up.

ACCORDING to a well-known overseas tourist publication last year Canberra was rated as one of the top cities in the world to live in. Really? 

My wife and I have been around this city since 1964 and have watched not the gradual, but rapid deterioration of this city since self-government.

At almost every major shopping centre we see the homeless sleeping on the streets while the low-cost housing in the city has been demolished for high-rise luxury units, especially in Barr’s Northbourne Boulevarde. Those living in low-cost accommodation have been shifted to the outer areas away from most essential services. 

And yet it has just been revealed by the Canberra Liberals that the Labor/Greens combo spent a staggering $446,000 on a tram party to celebrate its opening and I would think that most of Canberra’s population would be indignant. 

Not that the opposition has performed much better. It has been timid in its approach to the abject poverty in this so called highly-rated city. 

Yes, I used the word “abject” given the level of homelessness and the number of unfortunate people who cannot afford basic rental accommodation and survive with handouts of food from the many charity organisations such as Vinnies, the Salvos and St. Johns along with the “safe shelter” accommodation. 

I feel ashamed to live in our nation’s capital; $446,000, I just can’t get over it!

Grumpy is an occasional column dedicated to things that get up your nose. Readers are invited to vent (no more than 300 words, please) at editor@citynews.com.au