HOMELESS RESPONSE
Dear editor,
In Robyn Deane’s latest letter, which again appears to be a rehash of an ALP media release, she concludes by saying, “Everyone has a right to live somewhere safe with a roof over their head”.
I agree 100% with this statement yet this is where the State ALP Government she defends has failed miserably. In her letter she mentions the word plan several times. This Government has had plans for everything, including housing, yet that seems to be as far as it goes.
Premier Miles and his predecessor are great with the media stunts, in their hard hats, standing beside construction work but the reality is, on housing, that seems to be as far as it goes.
We need a State Government that will actually do something, not one that after 10 years, is still releasing plans.
Des Deighton,
Coolum Beach.
###
HOW MUCH FOR POLITICIANS?
Dear editor,
Are our politicians – worth their salt? It was a Roman military term that signified respect and value of someone, whose service to Caesar and country was acknowledged and rewarded. Are our three-tiered government politicians worthy of such reward?
Should all politicians pass regular alcohol and drug tests, before work or be paid to serve their constituents, as in many industries. In a nation of 27 million citizens, are we over-represented in parliament? Should we need three levels of government for such a small population, or could it be done at the state level only?
Our taxes, direct and indirect, are paying for 76 senators in Federal Government and 151 in the House of Representatives. The states also have their politicians and share of taxes including G.S.T., representing the progress of their state constituents. Depending on which leading party is represented, each state is either Coalition or Labor. Then comes Local Government mayors and councillors, paid to represent the people in their individual divisions.
Issues raised in Federal Parliament, such as the cost of living, have significant impact on all Australians. State issues, like youth crime, housing, and electricity prices, are state-wide concern. Local Governments manage local infrastructure, development, roadworks, parks and gardens and water, financed by rates which home owners and businesses pay to support the works. These Local Government positions are also paid work, once historical voluntary work.
Politicians’ salary costs are in the $billions, raised mainly through royalties from business ventures and taxes. Then there are the “perks” of being representatives, such as airline flights, world tours and cars, with fuel allowances and living away allowances. Some of our 27 million Australians live below the poverty line, while our representatives “Live the life of Riley”. Are we over-represented? Do we get value for money from our government representatives, if they are not drunk on the job?
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
###
DIVISION 8
Dear editor,
It is said there are two classes of councillors: those who have the community’s interests at heart, and those more focused on their personal interests.
Whenever an incumbent councillor vacates their position, we see a plethora of candidates saying, “pick me!”, making broad statements about their values and “what they’ll do for the community”. So far three out of four have said they want to see balanced or appropriate urban development for Division 8, which for me is a plus.
But where were they over the last 10 years when communities north of the Maroochy River were fighting two huge, inappropriate development proposals: the Sekisui high-rise resort and apartments at Yaroomba, and the floodplain Twin Waters West residential application?
Only one of the candidates stood up at the time to advocate residents’ legitimate concerns, bringing media attention and facts to the debate at considerable personal cost to herself and her family. I don’t recall seeing the other candidates even in the crowd of bystanders, let alone at the forefront of advocacy, either for or against.
For my local councillor, I want someone who has already demonstrated their commitment to Division 8 issues, not just say “they will if they get elected”. I want a representative who is balanced and pragmatic and independent, not someone who will “toe a party line” or favour one interest group over the broader community of ratepayers and residents.
I encourage Division 8 residents to make their own list of “wants” and vote for their candidate wisely. Hearing them speak at the candidates’ Forum on 1 March at Yaroomba Meeting Place may assist in deciding whether they have the community’s interests at heart, or their personal interests.
Estelle Blair,
Yaroomba.
###
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Dear editor,
Are others like me weary of the lies and misinformation being put out by opposition politicians?
Now they are saying the Albanese government’s proposal to bring in a New Vehicle Emission Standard will mean the end of the big utes etc. and new vehicles will cost more.
What they are not saying is the NVES will mean new vehicles are more efficient and cost less to run. It has been estimated over $1,000 in petrol savings per year per new car by 2028.
The other big plus is it will reduce particulate pollution and improved air quality will mean better health and consequently reductions to the health budget.
The majority of car makers are in favour of the NVES as the world shifts to electric vehicles, indeed even electric utes and trucks!
The majority of other developed nations, except Russia, already have similar standards in place.
While the future is electric, the transition will take some time so let’s make it as clean as we can for future generations. Therefore, get the facts and be reliably and truthfully informed.
Robyn Deane,
Bli Bli.
###