The results of dealing with deaf organisations

Luckily for me, none of the problems that I deal with are life and death.  However, in some areas they can be, and this story from the Victorian bush fires shows how the alleged failure of government authorities to respond to the concerns of residents can be deadly.

This story also highlights why I believe it is vital that any contact that you have with a government organisation must create a paper trail.  If things do go wrong, you don't want to be in a "he said, she said" situation.  Put your concerns down on paper, and put a note in your diary to follow up within a suitable time period - perhaps 3-4 weeks later.  

In some cases, tenacity and follow up will be required in large measures, and it may be a case of constantly wearing the buggers down until they finally see sense.