In about a week’s time the old argument will be on again about Daylight Saving Time.
A study of its history is very interesting. It was used in Roman times when their clocks were altered according to the seasons. Benjamin Franklin wrote an essay in the 1700s proposing its use to reduce the huge consumption of candle-wax. It was used in WW1 and again WW2 by many countries, including Australia, to conserve energy for their war efforts.
It was introduced in NSW in 1971 by an Act of Parliament for 4 months – November, December, January and February.
At a referendum held in 1976 , the public voted overwhelmingly, (more than 2 to 1), in favour of DST. In the 35 -odd years since that time, the length of the DST period has been gradually increased, although the public have never again been allowed to vote on the subject.
In 1995/06 the period was increased to 5 months, with the addition of March.
During the Olympic Games in 2000 it ran for 7 months.
Then, in 2007/8, the NSW Premier announced that DST would now start from the beginning of October, instead of the end. This means that by stealth and without reference to the people, the DST period has grown from 4 months to 6 months over a period of 40 years. In fact, if you were born after 1958, i.e. if you are less than 54 yrs old, you have never been allowed to voice your opinion on the subject!
Apart from the obvious cross- border problems we have here, some of the arguments that were convincing 40 years ago may not apply today, especially regarding the length of the DST period each year.
For example many people complain of having to get up in the dark to go to school and work during much of October and March. Are we still conserving energy with lights on before going to work and home air-conditioners being turned on for an extra hour when returning home in the afternoons? Students leaving school as early as 1 and 2 o’clock have to occupy themselves for up to 6 hours until dark. We know how “The Devil finds work for idle hands”! I found too when involved in a tour business that DST did me no favours, with business during the long, hot afternoons being very poor. People seemed reluctant to do much more than relax in the shade somewhere with a quiet drink rather than venture out looking for a bit of excitement. I have also spoken to people who believe they are being robbed of an hour of the best time of the day – the early morning, in their opinion.
It’s high time the public were again asked 2 questions
(a). Are they still in favour of DST? (b). If so, for how long? 4, 5 or 6 months ??
The point is that whether you are in favour or against DST, it is clear that after many years to form an opinion, the public deserves the chance to vote on whether they want DST and if so, for how long. This should happen if we are still living in a democracy. Perhaps that’s another question worthy of a referendum!
George Beattie
Banora Point
