FIVE CENTS TO END
Dear editor,
Prime Minister Scott Morrison assumes the five-cent Australian coin is no longer minted. This is not what his assistant minister, Alex Hawke insists. The coin is legal tender, while production is in decline along with falling demand, it will eventually be phased out.
Who makes these decisions? If our politicians don’t have it right, how do they expect their constituents to know? It was Treasurer John Dawkins, of Labor’s Keating Government who phased out the one and two-cent coins. The high cost of bronze, or copper as the coins were called and inflation reduced the value of the one and two-cent coins.
P. M. Morrison may predict the demise of the five-cent coins, or anticipate it in the near future, but consumers who still use legal tender, including small change, already know that they will be left short should these small coins be removed from circulation. Every cost will be rounded up to the nearest ten cent, especially on groceries. This affects many families and households. The only winners are the government and big business.
While Keating and Morrison saw no need for small change, the public have no voice. This is undemocratic and un-Australian. With both the U. K. and U.S.A. holding onto their lowest denominator coin, the penny, why should now our five cents be targeted here? In whose best interests is this move?
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
##
REFUGEE EASTER
Dear editor,
This Easter, the ninth year our refugees have been locked up in our camps. Broken lives and 15 known people have died. Try to imagine – locked up for escaping wars and persecution. Maybe this year compassion, kindness and freedom will be theirs? It’s time.
Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
##
DEMOCRACY AND POLITICS
Dear editor,
While I do not support the Party of Dan Purdie, I agree in a peaceful democratic country, wanton vandalism of political signage is unjustified (Coolum Advertiser April 6), whether the signs are permanent or temporary election signs. The Labor candidate for Fairfax, Sue Ferguson, has had quite a few election signs damaged already.
Since the vandal wrote “liar” on Mr Purdie’s sign, it may also be a sign of the times, as there are many discontented people who lack respect and trust in our elected representatives. Unsurprising really, given the shameless lies and spin told too often by some (not all) politicians, who set a low standard when they should be raising it by example.
Prime Minister Morrison is an example, often denying he said something when the evidence of videos and media reports, freely available on the internet, prove otherwise. But, as Mr Morrison said in an interview, he has learned to just not care.
As the saying goes, the standard you walk past is the standard you accept. Our Leaders and others in public life should act with integrity and accountability. I would hope Mr Purdie agrees.
Robyn Deane,
Bli Bli
##
POLITICS AND MONEY
Dear editor,
With reference to the good intentions of Anthony Albanese to “fix” the aged care problems, one has to wonder where he will find the nurses required to be available 24/7 at these facilities for the aged and infirm.
Personally, to be consigned to such a facility would be a fate worse than death, a decision I made in my youth when I saw both grandmothers in aged “care”. I don’t understand how any person in possession of their senses could allow themselves to be admitted to a nursing home or whatever these institutions are called. When I reach my use-by date, if not taken by changing climate or a nuclear explosion beforehand, I aim to end my days by consuming vast amounts of a better quality wine than I presently consume, daily.
I support Albanese’s plan to increase expenditure on childcare, provided it will allow a parent to find gainful employment and not expend most of their payment on childcare, as is presently the case.
And when the Liberals have a crack at the supposed lack of financial acumen on the part of the Opposition, someone should remind them of the five billion dollars to be paid to the French for the cancellation of the submarine contract! I have a sinking feeling this debt will put a big hole in the future budgets of any government…Lest We Forget!
Linese Norrish,
Coolum Beach.
##
SALVOS AT EASTER
Dear editor,
There are times when it feels as though the world moves from one tragic event to another. It’s certainly felt that way recently. Sometimes our personal lives can feel like that too. But even in the midst of that hardship and heartache, there is a message of good news and hope. For The Salvos, that hope is found in Jesus and revealed to us through the Easter story.
Coming into Easter this year, our country has faced devastating natural disasters like floods and bushfires, the continual rise of the cost of living, and the enduring threat of COVID-19. For some, there has been little to hope for.
Research undertaken for The Salvation Army late last year revealed a quarter of Australians were worried and stressed about their mental health. Other research, among people who had received emergency relief from The Salvos, showed that many of them did not feel valued (43 per cent) or loved (36 per cent). Figures like this break our hearts. We do not want anyone to feel this way because we believe everyone is valuable and loved.
This Easter, we want to encourage you to seek support from your local Salvos. Whether you need someone to talk to, a place to develop meaningful relationships or somewhere to find spiritual connection, we are here for you. We can also provide practical support if your current situation is weighing you down.
Last April, The Salvation Army’s Moneycare financial services provided nearly 4800 sessions of care and our Doorways Emergency Relief services provided more than 20,000 sessions of care to people in need. Hope is available.
We encourage you to take action this Easter and seek comfort in God’s hope and love. No situation you are facing is too difficult for God to handle. We invite you to visit your local Salvos church this Easter to celebrate this wonderful gift. For more information, go to salvationarmy.org.au/Easter
Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson
The Salvation Army Australia
##