SUPER TAX
Dear editor,
Boogieman? Is it Whyalla wiped off the map? Is it that EVs will take away your weekend? No, it’s $3 + million in superannuation being taxed. Look over there- it’s not the Robodebt scam.
Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
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LETTER RESPONSE
Dear editor,
In response to the letter from Peter Bayliss (22.02.2023), the political reality is that political parties want to hold on to the seats they have, and win seats from the opposing parties, therefore marginal seats get the most attention.
Less safe electorates, makes those vying to represent us work harder by being more active in the community and lobbying the government of the day, whether they are part of the government or not, that goes with the job.
At present we have two state Labor MPs on the Sunshine Coast, and they are being listened to in George Street. Both are working hard to be re-elected by delivering as much as possible for their community.
May I remind Mr Bayliss that, when the Liberal National Party were in power, not only was it wall to wall LNP MPs in this region and they included the Speaker, and from memory, two or three Ministers. Unfortunately, they were not effective in securing much in the way of funding for the many infrastructure projects needed here.
Why not? Complacency? Seen as too safe to lose?
Being taken for granted has kept the Sunshine Coast the poor cousin to the Gold Coast, and at last, we are getting more attention from the Palaszczuk government.
Robyn Deane,
Bli Bli.
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YOUTH CRIME
Dear editor,
Juvenile crime is symptomatic of dysfunctional home lives, drug abuse and family breakdown. Where are the parents and elders to teach respect to the children choosing crime as a career choice? Guilty by omission? Juvenile repeat offenders have no deterrent of consequence.
Our laws are powerless to create apprehension or fear. They commit crimes in broad daylight with bravado, knowing they will not see jail time. Government negligence has failed to protect communities from these domestic terrorists.
Roaming around in packs at night, carrying weapons, they confront their targets, knowing they are untouchable. Stealing cars, with no driving experience, they give no thought for the cost to their victims. Should their parents be arrested and fined, after all? It may make a difference. “Closing the gap” means ensuring these recalcitrants are forced to attend school regularly, with parents held responsible for attendance. Education is the road out of poverty. Government failure to deal with young truants and their negligent parents has an expensive social cost.
Their parents must be made accountable to society, to change this behaviour. Laws must reflect community expectations, making parents of juvenile offenders pay for their negligence. Children learn what they live.
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.