Rose-coloured glasses view of the Budget
RE: Budget Shows Government Means Business (Our Say, Western Advocate, May 10). While acknowledging any and all further work on national rail infrastructure is a positive move from this government, you have presented a very warm and cosy interpretation of the budget in general.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As if, nothing worrying to see here, folks. Carry on as normal.
This was a budget designed for the next poll results; politics coming way before the interests of the general public.
This was a budget with no mention of climate change, or any repercussions of it. It was a further assault on younger generations, and those trying to work towards home ownership.
Not to mention the assault upon universities and their students, as if to illustrate the low level of importance placed on education by the COALition.
The further demonisation of those on welfare stood out as much as anything, placing yet more burdens on those who can least afford them.
During a press conference, Michaelia Cash spoke of an “intensive compliance phase” for welfare recipients. These “mutual obligation requirements” are all about changing behaviour, according to Ms Cash.
The same senator is one who has found it difficult to remember how many investment properties she owns. The increasing marginalisation of welfare recipients appears not to trouble her at all.
Many among the general public might imagine that “mutual obligation requirements” might equally apply to politicians, that they are elected to govern in the best interests of all the population, not merely those at the top of the tree.
The Minister for Employment has precious little of a positive nature to show for her time in office, given the level of unemployment, especially of young people.
That Scott Morrison has stooped to an agenda of testing sewage to track down drug users, in order to cancel their pension, is a new low.
What about increasing positive services to assist these people, rather than punishing and demonising them further?
Indeed, this is a budget framed by a government struggling in the polls, with very occasional positive inclusions.
It would have been helpful for regional residents had you made more in your editorial of the government’s failure to consider a rural medical school. This was another unacceptable omission .
Elizabeth Chandler, Napoleon Reef
Thank you to our army of wonderful volunteers
IT is with a heart full of gratitude that I thank all who have volunteered with The Salvation Army.
Their generous contribution of time, skill and commitment makes a real difference to those they work alongside, and to those who benefit from all they do.
The Salvation Army and the wider Australian community is a better place due to their collective volunteering impact.
I continue to be amazed that over 30,000 volunteers across Australia regularly contribute to the mission of The Salvation Army. This number swells to over 100,000 during Red Shield Appeal.
Together we seek to bring practical care, dignity and hope to those who need it most.
We believe that The Salvation Army’s impact will strengthen in the coming years with the merging of the two Australian territories into a single national territory.
Our mission and message will be united, and administrative changes will enable a more economical structure – meaning more resources will be channelled where they can be used most effectively.
While National Volunteer Week gives us a specific opportunity to say “thank you”, please know that we extend genuine and continuous gratitude to our army of colunteers who serve with us throughout the year.
