Barton Highway response
The most recent announcement emanating from the Federal Government regarding the Barton Highway is just another set of statements repeating almost exactly what we have heard before, except that now we learn that the previously announced $1.75 million for a business case study into the proposed duplication will not now be available.
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On top of that insult, we see the Member for Goulburn telling us that too many of us use the road and too many of us travel to Canberra for school, work and services. So, it is our fault, apparently. Let me see, according to the Member for Goulburn, there are not enough of us using the Barton to justify the duplication but there are too many of using the Barton to go to Canberra to use the services which the Government of which she is a member refuses to provide here. Work that out. I can't. Unless the policy is 'blame the voter', which appears to be the case.
So, where are the infrastructure funds which we need to provide the building blocks of roads, schools (such as the original plan for Yass High or the re-opening of the Public School at Murrumbateman), hospitals, etc, etc upon which the local businesses can thrive in which the Member for Goulburn says we all should be working - rather than clogging-up the ACT as our ever supportive Member for Goulburn accuses us of doing? Not here are they. No, the Baird Government, in which the Member for Goulburn is a Minister, spent 90% of its priority infrastructure fund on projects in urban areas and that is according to its own Auditor-General. How much of the 10% applied to rural areas was spent here? Yes, that is a rhetorical question.
Ms. Goward - please do not blame your own constituents for your failure to deliver. Please put the blame where it truly lies - your own office and your own State and Federal Governments.
Yours sincerely,
James Harker-Mortlock
'Blackburn'
Australia Day from a different angle
Each year on Australia Day, Australians come together to celebrate living and being part of this nation, a multicultural nation, a nation expanding and thriving on accepting people of all different races, cultures and backgrounds. However, this year I am asking you to look at multiculturalism from a different angle.
While multiculturalism describes the values and beliefs we hold close, this term can be divisive in nature. Multiculturalism recognises the differences in background, skin colour and lifestyle and asks us to accept them.
Instead of multiculturalism, a term which focuses on the differences of our country and our people, I implore you to focus more on a common humanity. We all have this, yet no one celebrates what we have in common, we instead focus on our differences.
The key to acceptance and harmony is both; finding similarities, and accepting differences. Neither are more important, and having one without the other creates an imbalance which grows into disconnection with community, feelings of being unwelcome and isolation.
Our country is diverse, and we should celebrate that.
I have worked with young people my entire life and have seen a variety of kids from all different cultures and backgrounds grow and develop into kind, generous and thoughtful people. Their backgrounds are irrelative to their nature, my kids are good people because that is who they are, and that is what defines them.
Australia Day is a time to focus on our common humanity, but like many of my other messages we need to continue to adopt this approach in our everyday lives. Australia will continue to develop, our people becoming more diverse and our cultures intertwining.
It is up to you to develop with it.
Yours Faithfully,
Father Chris Riley—CEO and Founder at Youth Off The Streets