Monday, 18 February 2019
Bill Shorten
Saturday, 22 September 2018
AUDITS & ACCOUNTABILITY
Good afternoon Michael,
RE: Re: Bob Mesibov 'Basketry' slides
Thank you for your email and notably so since it's sent after breakfast on a Sunday! The situation set out is pretty much as I know it. Also, I've been "banging on" for what seems to be eons in regard to the inadequacy of the QVMAGs 'collection policy'. Specifically, that it has nothing in it, or nowhere near enough, to mitigate this kind of outcome.
When management self-directs, self-regulates and ultimately self-assesses I put it to you that's where you'll find the box with a ticking noise inside – almost inevitably.
Basically, albeit speculatively and from experience on my part, the collection policy fails because it is designed by management in isolation from governance and funding sources:
- For the purposes of convenient and sometimes discretionary administrative processing;
- To allow for elastic and discretionary interpretation of 'purposefulness' by management;
- To afford governance the opportunities to assure itself of its appropriateness without critical review; and
- To, in its elasticity, be a tool to avoid serious/meaningful critical review; and
- Despite the provisions of SECTION 65 of the Tasmanian Local Govt. Act which all by itself it has worrying discretionary implications.
All this said, there is no implied or suggested malevolence in regard to 'staff et al' albeit that the opportunities need to be recognised and considered but as a 2nd/3rd/ /4th order concern.
In a public 'musingplace' its collections policy is the cornerstone upon which it's credibility is built and around which its 'accountability' is determined – functionally – in order that 'trust' can be invested in it. This should always be front of mind when framing and reviewing strategic directions and policies. Trusteeship demands 'trustworthiness' and elections by design, and in all kinds of circumstances just do not, arguably cannot, deliver 'trust by deeming'.
An 'audit' in this situation, as you suggest, will be a very good starting point but the audit needs to be independent, forensic and importantly transparent – I'm assuming it will be. It needs to be so in order that the 'trust' in the QVMAG's governance and management can be restored – and in all too many cases, won.
Currently, the institutions governance and management has become fundamentally blurred and arguably in ways that compromise it status as an 'public musingplace' in receipt of 'public monies'.
The missing 'Whiteley WAVE V', the 'Mesibov slides' and the apparent lack of documentation across some/many/various collections, and quite probably a number of other issues relative to the 'collections' policies' sound a timely alert. Whatever, in the end collection policies is a matter for 'governance' –trustees/aldermen/governors – and I look forward with interest as to where your suggested audit ultimately leads.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter and your response and your commitment.
Regards,
Ray
--
Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network

PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsites:
http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
https://thezinghouse.blogspot.com/
"A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody." Thomas Paine
"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept " David Morrison
Disclaimer: Whilst all due care and attention has been given to the compilation of this report, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions that may have occurred. Nor should this report be considered as constituting professional advice. Parties wishing to use or act on any of the contents of this report are advised to seek their own, independent advice before doing so.
From: Michael Stretton <Michael.Stretton@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Date: Sunday, 23 September 2018 at 10:37 am
To: Ray Norman <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Cc: Eve Gibbons <Eve.Gibbons@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Subject: Bob Mesibov 'Basketry' slides
Hello Ray,
Please find attached a summary of the current status of the Bob Mesibov 'Basketry' slides for your information. This information was provided to me by QVMAG staff. I can only really add that my commitment to a full audit of the QVMAG collection willreduece further such instances in future.
'…Report on the search for the Bob Mesibov 'Basketry' slides
· In March 2018 Mr Norman emailed QVMAG Director Richard Mulvaney enquiring as to the location of a set of basketry slides given to QVMAG by Bob Mesibov years earlier during the time when Visual Arts and Design (VAD) had its own manager.
· There were two components: a set of notes on basket making, and a set of slides.
· QVMAG staff found that the material had been deposited with the Visual Arts and Design Department. However, it is unclear why QVMAG accepted this material, as this subject matter does not relate to any focus of the VAD collection, or any other QVMAG collection. There notes are supporting information for research files and as such have no requirement for registration as part of the Museum's main collection. This is standard practice in all museums.
· In an attempt to expedite a result, the Collections and Research Manager spent some time on 13 and 14 April 2018 on an initial search for the slides himself, to no avail. It was noted that there was a very large collection of slides.
· A VAD collection officer was instructed to continue the search as a matter of urgency. This was done over the following two weeks, and a further search was subsequently performed by a VAD Honorary Research Associate around mid-May, still to no avail.
· It has been ascertained is that there is no catalogue record of the notes or the slides. Because of this, QVMAG is confident that they were not formally accessed into the collection.
· The current status is that the slides have still not been found, although this does not necessarily mean that they will not eventually be located. …'
Regards
Michael
Michael Stretton I General Manager I City of Launceston
T | 6323 3104 | www.launceston.tas.gov.au
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Wednesday, 29 August 2018
FW: A thought out loud
From: Michael Stretton <Michael.Stretton@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Date: Thursday, 30 August 2018 at 8:07 am
To: Ray Norman <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Subject: RE: A thought out loud
Thanks for your suggestion Ray.
From: Ray Norman <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 29 August 2018 6:21 PM
To: Michael Stretton <Michael.Stretton@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Cc: Eve Gibbons <Eve.Gibbons@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Subject: A thought out loud
Dear Michael,
I look forward to meeting up with you on the 13th!
Against the background that it having been discovered that Bret Whiteley's drawing 'WAVES V' is 'missing' (buried in the collection, stolen, misplaced, whatever) there is a MARKETINGopportunity for 'the museum'.
I recall that in 1986 the National Gallery of Victoria having its 'precious Picasso' stolen – https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/thomas-dixon-first-person-weeping-woman-20160623-gpqixc.html I was lecturing at the Art School at the time and the robbery spiked my interest and got my attention given that an aspect of my responsibilities was running a program in "Professional Practice".

Over the years there has been all kinds of speculation about the circumstances of 'the theft(?)' but I recall that people were visiting the NGV to see where the missing was etc. etc. etc.
Albeit somewhat audacious, with this incident in mind now might be a time to mount an exhibition on 'the missing image' … online and in the gallery. Such an event might just 'engage' the QVMAG's in the hunt if it's out there on some 'theif's(?) wall' as the Mayor speculates it may be. Moreover, it might even assist in expanding the QVMAG's Community of Ownership & Interest.
This is despite:
- The Mayor asking people to look out for the drawing in people's homes – presumably friends' and relatives' homes;
- The drawing never having been exhibited at the QVMAG;
- The documentation of the work having 'gone missing';
- Nobody apparently having a clear recollection of what it looks/looked like;
- AND this kind of outcome not being alone either here at the QVMAG or other 'museums' nationally – even internationally.
Such a strategy could be profitable in the sense of engaging with an audience albeit being a bit edgy and 'out there'. I rather doubt that MONA would flinch-an-inch or shrink from the opportunity but there it is – the idea is out there.
Click here to go to an image file
https://images7250.blogspot.com/2018/08/whiteley-wave-v-googlelook.html
Regards,
Ray
--
Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network

PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsites:
http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
https://thezinghouse.blogspot.com/
"A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody." Thomas Paine
"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept" David Morrison
Disclaimer: Whilst all due care and attention has been given to the compilation of this report, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions that may have occurred. Nor should this report be considered as constituting professional advice. Parties wishing to use or act on any of the contents of this report are advised to seek their own, independent advice before doing so.
Please consider the environment before printing this, or any other e-mail or document.
________________________________________
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
Information in this transmission is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying or dissemination of the information is unauthorised and you should delete/destroy all copies and notify the sender. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the information contained in this transmission.
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Monday, 27 August 2018
FW: Leaking collections
FYI
From: Hugh McKenzie <hughmckenzie7250@gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, 28 August 2018 at 5:34 am
To: Ray Norman <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Subject: RE: Leaking collections
Dear Ray,
I write in response to your email of June 28 regarding the Brett Whiteley drawing.
Following your email, I contacted General Manager Michael Stretton and then QVMAG Director Richard Mulvaney.
As you may now be aware following the media articles on the issue in question, it has been confirmed that the QVMAG has up until this point been unable to locate a Brett Whiteley drawing from the mid-1970s.
The General Manager confirmed that museum staff undertook an extensive search of crates of unframed artwork pieces within QVMAG.
It must be noted that while this initial search did not locate the Whiteley pencil drawing, that does not mean it has been lost.
Following the search, it was determined that the artwork was purchased by the art gallery in 1976, however there is little evidence of the artwork's whereabouts since that date.
The QVMAG's collection totals more than 200,000 individual items and staff remain confident that the artwork may simply have been mis-catalogued among that substantial collection.
The General Manager notified me that the art gallery will conduct a review of its archiving and auditing practices and plan to digitise the gallery's collection going forward.
Regards
Hugh
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: Ray Norman
Sent: Sunday, 26 August 2018 10:07 AM
To: Alderman Hugh McKenzie
Subject: FW: Leaking collections
Good morning Hugh,
Going through my records this morning this email caught my attention. I do recall you telling me since, from memory and perhaps paraphrased, that you hadn't made any commitment to me do as you said you would in your email of two months ago. Given unfolding events, and your experience as a chartered account and the trust invested in you as a QVMAG 'Trustee/Alderman' I'd imagined that either myself, given my research interests that are well known to you, or 'the public' might have received some 'advice' by now. It does not appear so.
You may recall that our conversation began with my expressing my incredulity to do with Council's outrageous behaviour relative to the late Stephan Walker's moral rights. I acknowledge that his widow and family have been engaged in the process of rectifying that but sadly, there has been no 'public acknowledgement' of Council's 'oversight'. Again, we are all diminished by this lack of acknowledgment.
I now ask, given the information that I've passed on to you for your action, have you gained any information that should/could be shared with your constituency – the QVMAG's Community of Ownership and Interest and the city's ratepayers and residents?
I look forward with considerable interest to any information that you may be able offer up to either dispel rumour or in regard an involvement of Council's unfortunate oversight.
Regards,
Ray
Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network

PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsites:
http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
https://thezinghouse.blogspot.com/
"A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody." Thomas Paine
"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept " David Morrison
Disclaimer: Whilst all due care and attention has been given to the compilation of this report, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions that may have occurred. Nor should this report be considered as constituting professional advice. Parties wishing to use or act on any of the contents of this report are advised to seek their own, independent advice before doing so.
From: Hugh Mckenzie <hughmckenzie7250@gmail.com>
Date: Thursday, 28 June 2018 at 8:35 pm
To: Ray Norman <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Subject: Re: Leaking collections
Ray,
I will investigate
Hugh
On 28 Jun 2018, at 4:38 pm, Ray Norman <raynorman7250@bigpond.com> wrote:
Good afternoon Hugh,
It was always just a matter of time but it was drawn to my attention today that a Bret Whitely drawing purchased by the QVMAG sometime in the 1970s is missing. Now as a 'Trustee', Alderperson and accountant/auditor I'm imaging that, given our recent conversation, that you might have some interest in this bit of news in the context of the QVMAG's accountability and dare I say it 'governance'.
Now I suspect that you probably need some help in assessing the drawing's 'worth' and probably even in need of help in putting Whiteley in context but perhaps start here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Whiteley I have no idea about what the 'missing drawing' is like nor any idea of its value but let's just say "quite significant"! Here is a random image that might help you but then again maybe not. Anyway as you might expect I look forward to your response with considerable interest.
BTW: You might ask what else is missing, cannot bet be found, destined for disposal, etc.
<image001.png>
LOT 89
Untitled (Nudes I & II)
ink on paper (double-sided work)
96.0 x 68.0 cm; 68.0 x 96.0 cm
stamped lower right with artist monogram
Provenance:
Private collection, Sydney
Estimate A$25,000 - A$35,000
Hammer Price + BP A$35,590.91
<image002.png>
https://willowweaverstasmania.blogspot.com.au/
<image003.png>
WEBsite https://wickery7250.blogspot.com.au/
Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network
<image004.png>
PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
"A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody." Thomas Paine
"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept" David Morrison
Please consider the environment before printing this, or any other e-mail or document.
________________________________________
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
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This disclaimer has been automatically added.
<image001.png>
<image002.png>
<image003.png>
<image004.png>
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________________________________________
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
Information in this transmission is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying or dissemination of the information is unauthorised and you should delete/destroy all copies and notify the sender. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the information contained in this transmission.
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Saturday, 25 August 2018
Leaking collections
Date: Thursday, 28 June 2018 at 8:35 pm
Subject: Re: Leaking collections
On 28 Jun 2018, at 4:38 pm, ........................ wrote:
Good aft,It was always just a matter of time but it was drawn to my attention today that a Bret Whitely drawing purchased by the QVMAG sometime in the 1970s is missing. Now as a ‘Trustee’, Alderperson and accountant/auditor I’m imaging that, given our recent conversation, that you might have some interest in this bit of news in the context of the QVMAG’s accountability and dare I say it ‘governance’.Now I suspect that you probably need some help in assessing the drawing’s ‘worth’ and probably even in need of help in putting Whiteley in context but perhaps start here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Whiteley I have no idea about what the ‘missing drawing’ is like nor any idea of its value but let’s just say “quite significant”! Here is a random images that might help you but then again maybe not. Anyway as you might expect I look forward to your response with considerable interest.BTW: You might ask what else is missing, cannot bet be found, destined for disposal, etc.
LOT 89Untitled (Nudes I & II)ink on paper (double-sided work)96.0 x 68.0 cm; 68.0 x 96.0 cmstamped lower right with artist monogramProvenance:Private collection, Sydney
Estimate A$25,000 - A$35,000Hammer Price + BP A$35,590.91“The standard you walk past is the standard you ac
FW: Platics and stormwater management
I'VE GOT MORE TO SAY AND I'LL GET BACK TO YOU
From: Ray Norman <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Date: Wednesday, 15 August 2018 at 5:51 pm
To: Hugh Mckenzie <hughmckenzie7250@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Platics and stormwater management
Good afternoon Hugh,
Yes, I did advocate that yourself, or someone, in Launceston should advocate for what the GM now informs me goes under the acronym of GPT –gross pollutant traps – with Council having 6 installed already. However, I asked you;
- When this was going to be announced in the 'FREEpress'?
- What budget allocation was this initiative funded by?
- Which agenda item the matter was dealt with under?
Neither of which you have responded to albeit that the GM has today and directly to me, in the most part, along with Ald. Soward and Sands.
While my questions weren't loaded its unsurprising that when you open a can worm might wriggle out only to spike my curiosity further. It needs to be understood that removing plastics from the so-called 'waste stream' is laudable but the issue is far more complex given that we are talking about stormwater management. So, it is somewhat surprising that while Launceston is a somewhat recalcitrant stormwater manager this detail has to some extent been addressed. In context, its better news than expected and so be it.
Then comes the bigger questions around 'resource management' and 'stormwater management' issues about which it is the alderpeople's role to determine strategy and policy. On appearances, this seems to be something that many/most/some alderpeople have given precious little thought to in regard to this issue.
Indeed, over a considerable period of time there has been a predeliction to 'look nthe other way' nand invoke the euphemism 'she'll be right'
- http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-03/tamar-health-worse-after-floods/10070042
- http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-24/tamar-river-in-poor-condition-around-launceston-report/6646734
- http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-11/tamar-river-sewage-dump-third-world-practice-yacht-club-says/6767682
- https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/we-must-fix-this-mess-tassies-clean-green-reputation-is-at-risk/news-story/de2af84794776eefe0013ffe5b66c4bf
- https://www.examiner.com.au/story/3964188/time-for-a-rethink-on-a-clean-tamar-river/
- https://www.examiner.com.au/story/3344667/temporary-solutions-sought-on-tamar-pollution/
- https://www.examiner.com.au/story/4662778/who-poos-in-the-river/
Hugh McKenzie says that is is done and dusted [my words] at Mondays meeting. Do i detect a new sense of urgency? And when is this laudable initiative going to be announced in the FREEpress so as we might get down to tin tacks?? BTW what was the BUDGET ALLOCATION and taken from where? ALSO, has Launceston managed to encourage adjoining councils to join them? .... ALSO perhaps Hugh might be able to tell us under which agenda item this initiative was dealt with. I'm sorry, I just cannot find it and I'm just a curious OLDbastard!! I make no apologies for being curious however. So Hugh can you help out since you were there and it's you who did the call out?
From: Hugh Mckenzie <hughmckenzie7250@gmail.com>
Date: Wednesday, 15 August 2018 at 3:54 pm
To: Ray Norman <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Cc: <Mayor@launceston.tas.gov.au>, <Michael.Stretton@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Subject: Re: Platics and stormwater management
Ray
This is why I won't respond to any of your posts again. Your challenge was someone should advocate for this. My comment was "already done at Monday's meeting". Meaning it was "advocated for" and it was by the Deputy Mayor, who actually spoke to the article you referred to in Alderman's question time at Monday's meeting of Council, which was your challenge.
Council officers will now need to consider/ research the information as I would hope you would expect they would before recommending any action.
Regards
Hugh
On 15 Aug 2018, at 3:18 pm, Ray Norman <raynorman7250@bigpond.com> wrote:
<image001.png>
https://www.facebook.com/pg/space.aus/posts/?ref=page_internal
Dear Albert, Aldermen and General Manager,
Since Monday's meeting I initiated an exchange with Ald. McKenzie in regard to stormwater management and the removal of plastics as demonstrated by the City of Kwinana WA – see graphic above. The exchange was facilitated by FACEbook, nonetheless Ald. McKenzie asserted/indicated/suggested that Council had dealt with the matter at "Monday's meeting" which was, on the face of it, quite good news.
Subsequently, I had some questions for Ald. McKenzie. The first was asking when is this laudable initiative was going to be announced in the press in order that we (ratepayers!) might get down to 'tin tacks'? Then I had a question to do with what BUDGET ALLOCATION the initiative had been funded? And then, I had a question to do with the possibility of Launceston managing to encourage adjoining councils to join them in keeping plastics out of the waterways. Sad to say, the silence has been deafening.
Also, I asked if Ald. McKenzie might be able to tell me under which agenda item this initiative was dealt with as I just cannot find it. I make no apologies for being curious or more to the point having an interest in this matter. So, Albert can you please help out here since you were present and in control of the meeting? For Launceston to be embracing this issue is very encouraging.
I've also sought information from various 'council people' who might have been able to contextualise any of this and I've drawn blanks in every instance.
It is possible that I have misconstrued Ald. McKenzie's advice and if I have I'd appreciate your advice in order that I might be better placed to project the appropriate message relative to the city's stance on this matter and related matters.
Regards,
Ray Norman
--
Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network
<image002.png>
PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsites:
http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
https://thezinghouse.blogspot.com/
"A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody." Thomas Paine
"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept " David Morrison
Disclaimer: Whilst all due care and attention has been given to the compilation of this report, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions that may have occurred. Nor should this report be considered as constituting professional advice. Parties wishing to use or act on any of the contents of this report are advised to seek their own, independent advice before doing so.
Please consider the environment before printing this, or any other e-mail or document.
________________________________________
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
Information in this transmission is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying or dissemination of the information is unauthorised and you should delete/destroy all copies and notify the sender. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the information contained in this transmission.
This disclaimer has been automatically added.
<image001.png>
<image002.png>






