The Cobra Effect

I love learning new things, especially when they are in an area where I've had some experience.

After nearly 14 years in the Federal Parliament and at least the same in political activism, I thought I'd heard most of the theories and explanations associated with politics.

But just as I've been broadening my mind with a new language and achingly slow guitar skills, I learned something new about politics today.

It goes a long way to explaining why well-intentioned government programs are so useless and often counterproductive.

This particular policy gem emanated from India when it was under Colonial rule.

It's known as The Cobra Effect.