THE LATEST FEEDBACK POSTINGS
Recently I've heard proposals to change the flag, change the national anthem, change the date of Australia Day and a call from the indigenous community to unite with the white community and to move forward. I would approve of all of the above but first we need to declare a Republic. That done, concrete moves on each of the above proposals would follow naturally.
Judy Bevan
Bundaberg QLD
29 January 2009
________________As a union delegate and a private citizen, my concern is that we need to place older and mature aged workers of all industries into higher tertiary education or these workers will be left behind and forgotten in the community and on the jobs front. As the saying goes, a fair go for everyone in Australia in education!
Tina Rozonatos
Dulwich Hill NSW
28 January 2009
___________________As January 26 is tied to white settlement, I suggest moving the date to February 16 - the date Kevin Rudd apologised to the stolen generations and we finally grew up as a nation.
Jim Oman
Glebe NSW
27 January 2009
____________________I was a little embarrassed by those gooey women going soppy over Prince William. Now I am sure that he is a fine lad - but he is a Brit! Nothing against the Brits. My father was one. However, I've been waiting for a Republic for more than fifty years and I'd like to see some movement on that. Could ministers throw out some conversation starters to get the people talking around the barbie, at the club or at the hairdressers. Anything so that they will know what they are voting for when the time comes.
Judy Bevan
Bundaberg QLD
26 January 2009
________________I would like to urge the government to create a system that encourages people to be responsible for maintaining good health. I rarely visit a doctor, I do not take any medications and do not want to receive the pharmaceutical benefits that is attached to my pension. I think that the plan should be created to be marked on the prescription and the discount provided accordingly versus giving additional money to those who do not need it.
Ailene Hewitt
Northcote VIC
25 January 2009
__________________Keep up the pressure on literacy. English education is slack and disappointing to say the least. Just look in advertisements for the sale of cars and bikes and you will read some of the most appalling English. Teachers must be employed on their ability to preform; not permanent employment disabling the future of Australia.
Diana Woods
Crafers SA
23 January 2009
_______________I congratulate the government for efforts made to right the wrongs to our indigenous people. Much more is to be done, but there seems to be sincere intention to improve the situation. This is a priority, and all available resources should be applied to raise the standard of our First Australians. I am concerned, however, with the continued support for the Israeli persecution of the people of Gaza. Is the Zionist lobby so powerful in this country that we turn a blind eye to the war crimes committed during the Cast Lead operation? I was a long time supporter of Israel, and lived there for nearly 2 years in the 1970s. But things have changed with all the land grabs by settlers, and the increasing influence of religious zealots on the government. Please, please, stand up to the Israeli government and tell them that real friends will not support inhumane actions that will actually breed anti-semitism.
Maree Gunn
Montmorency VIC
22 January 2009
________________In the last Queensland state election, the Conservatives denied the existence of the world financial crisis. Now federal Opposition leader Abbott seems to be in denial of global warming. What do we have here? A local branch of the Flat Earth Society?
Neville Lines
Clontarf QLD
21 January 2009
___________________Doing what you suggested in the article (Tougher emission standards for vehicles) will help but it is not the best we can do within ten or so years. If we finance the local car industry to develop battery packs that can be taken from a vehicle and replaced with charged ones when they are flat, all emmissions can be eliminated. All cars within twenty years can be electric if this technology can be achieved. Power from solar, gas and wind can be provided in appropriate amounts to make it environmenyally acceptable. This will rid our cities of all car polutants.
Ken Morehouse
Wangaratta VIC
19 January 2009
________________I refer to the article by Anthony Albanese, Tougher emission standards for vehicles.Yes, I believe the government should introduce tighter standards for auto emissions as soon as possible, even if there is a cost involved; it can only further help in cleaning up our environment.
Brian Dwyer
Barnsley NSW
18 January 2009
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Clare Wilson
Wallsend NSW
15 January 2010
______________________
How is it possible to be in favour of continued population growth in Australia when we can't even manage the population we have without destroying everything in our path? There are so many other species on the verge of extinction, so many environmentally unique and beautiful places destoyed for industry and suburban expansion as it is!
Catherine O'Neill
East Fremantle WA
14 January 2010
__________________
Sam Murphy
Toorak VIC
13 January 2010
_________________
I am very concerned with the recent developments in the Southern Arctic
Whale Sanctuary and am asking
Australia
to take immediate action. The Japanese are breaking the law and sought to deceive
the Australian Government with their actions. They will continue to do this as
long as they are allowed. I am asking for swift action against the Japanese
Government. Lives of sailors have been compromised and this is not acceptable
in any nation.
Sonia Villette
Bouvron,
France
12 January 2010
___________________It seems to me that where getting a little bit overboard about this whale issue. I understand that the Japanese and the Chinese have been hunting whale for thousands of years yet it was we, Europeans, who hunted them to the brink of extinction. People in glass houses should not throw stones. We kill kangaroos, emus and run over wombats and nearly wiped out the possums for their furs. Now we are born again? I don't think so.
Rodney Dickson
Cairns QLD
11 January 2010
________________
So one thing has emerged from Tony Abbott with regards the CPRS and that is that he can't stand the fact that low income earners may receive an extra $3.00 per week on which to survive.
Shaun Newman
Deeragun QLD
8 January 2009
___________________How anyone could vote for the Liberals with Tony Abbot as leader, I cannot understand. He has made many clangers about climate change; this is unforgivable for any leader and takes away any credibility he may have had. Labor must take advantage of this weakness by showing strength in regards to climate change. Now is the time for Labor to lead the world by example. It must present a CPRS where there are tough deterrents to halt carbon pollution and meaningful rewards for not polluting.
Bron Dahlstrom
Inverloch VIC
7 January 2009
____________________Australia shoud certainly have a carbon trading scheme or carbon tax. One thing that can be said to counter Tony Abbott's "great big tax" argument is the "great big tax" imposed in 2000, namely the GST. This did replace other taxes but so could an ETS, and compensation would be paid to many people to counter its effects. Tony Abbott is wrong in saying that other countries haven't committed to reduction targets; some have, and others, such as the US, probably soon will do so. Even China has committed to major reduction in the carbon intensity of its economy, though not to verification of its performance. Emission intensive trade exposed industries could be protected by tarriffs on imports from countries that do not have either an emissions trading scheme or a carbon tax.
Margaret Dingle
Norwood SA
6 January 2009
____________________I strongly believe that Australia Indigenous people are closer to recognising their potential to heal within themselves. I am a strong Aboriginal woman believes in healing for individuals and healing as a nation. Time is the essence and no better time than now as we need no longer keep what's in our hearts to better the well-being of this nation as indigenous people but deliver it with our hands from the heart and see tremendous change in healing.
Tra-cey Duval
Casino NSW
5 January 2009
__________________
Leilani Miller
Leasingham SA
4 January 2009
____________________
It saddens me to see an Opposition that only wants to use any means possible to further its own political agenda rather than be 'fair dinkum' and resolve serious issues in an Australian-like way. Instead, it changes direction like the wind trying to fill out the sail of its own boat. The 'Global Warming' issue could be debated 'til the end of time, regardless of human activity contributing to rising temperatures or not. What we are doing is polluting the planet and this should be the key issue to be addressed. I think everyone would agree with that.
Keith Johnson
Seaham NSW
19 December 2009
_________________Australia does not need nuclear power; we should become leaders in solar power again and develop other alternative energies. I can thank the government for the rebate that allowed me to put solar panels on my roof. I am now generating my own electricity and feeding it back into the grid. The whole of Australia could be doing the same. Don't let Abbott and Co. continue to misinform Australians about nuclear power. It is still very costly, uses lots of electricity and water, is very dangerous and generates waste that won't break down for a quarter of a century. Australia should leave uranium in the ground and take the high moral ground. Don't put nuclear waste dumps in the Northern Territory on Aboriginal Land; let the countries that generate nuclear waste deal with their own.
Jane Morrison
Banks ACT
18 December 2009
________________I firmly support the Government's initiatives on the Economic Stimulus which has afforded not only a lot of people work they would not have had and local communities infrastructure that they would not have had. Australia has come out of the world recession well, but I don't believe it to be over yet. I'd like to see the government keep the 50% rebate on business purchases for another 6 months. I see Ford putting on a Saturday shift for the first time since 2005, and the current rebate would be responsible for this. To the Government, I say well done. I can't wait for the next election were Labor MUST claim the senate. We can not afford this country to be held back any longer by the die-hard conservatives.
Stafford Hall
Hamilton VIC
17 December 2009
________________
Why are Liberals so good at attacking and Labor is not? Why do Liberals dispute very strong science so pasionately in regards to the environment yet what evidence did they need to go to war in Iraq? None. The GFC was a collapse of the economies and Liberals say it is only cyclic and not a failure of philosophy. The obvious question is: if it is only cyclic, why didn't they predict it? By definition a cycle is the most predictable of things and they flaunt that they are economic experts, why didnt they predict it?
Malcolm Leonard
Wellington NSW
16 December 2009
___________________I am very impressed with Wayne Swan. Not only has he managed this country very well when we needed it most, not only has he been responsible for some very wise monetary policy, and not only has he kept the place ticking over, I see he is also a very good swimmer! Wayne opened the renovated club rooms of the Coolum Beach S.L.S.C. So unlike his Liberal predecessor, Wayne can even swim against the tide! Well done!
Stafford Hall
Hamilton VIC
15 December 2009
_____________________There remain many and varied ways to tackle climate change. In my part of the world there remains the potential to generate greenhouse free energy from the Burdekin Falls Hydro Electricity Scheme as well as many solar opportunities and other varied means. Please invest in Australian renewable energy as a way of helping the little people like me.
Shaun Newman
Townsville QLD
14 December 2009
______________Unit pricing is a terrific innovation but I'd like to see an education campaign so shoppers are encouraged to make use of this system.
David Amery
Humpty Doo NT
13 December 2009
____________________ Well done Mr Rudd for the $35 million to Toyota for the introduction of hybrid cars. It's not only about meeting the expectation of Australian life style; the idea also helps the climate problems. The production of those cars are most welcome to save this nation from wasting billions from importing oil. This action will also influence other companies to adopt this genius system of manufacturing cars which will strengthen our economy and save us at the same time.
John James
Keysborough VIC
12 December 2009
____________________Liberal hypocrisy: When Australia survives the global recession better than any other country, the Liberals attribute this to "global forces" rather than credit Labor. When these same global forces cause an increase in illegal boat entries into Australia, the Liberals attribute this to Labor. Any first year Psych student will tell you this is the "Fundamental Attribution Error". It occurs when unintelligent individuals attribute blame blindly based on bias rather than rationality; eg., A misogynist might say a car accident was caused by bad driving if a woman was at the wheel and bad conditions if a man was. Careful analysis will show the Liberals guilty of the FAE at every turn - all good things are the result of global forces and all bad things are Labor's fault.
Brian Salter
Normanhust NSW
11 December 2009
_________________Mr Abbott's constant use of the phrase "it was just a throw away line" is highly reminiscent of Mr Howard's "non core promises". Not just interviewers but anyone listening to what he is saying has a right to ask if tomorrow everything he said today will be just a throw away line.
Jose Tejero
Warilla NSW
10 December 2009
____________________ Keep up the good work. It is good we have a government that cares for people. When the Liberals were in, all they cared about was the rich; they never helped the battlers. Let's not let the Liberals win the next election; they will bring back Work Choices and we will lose all of our rights at work.
John Muller
Cranebrook NSW
9 December 2009
_____________________I find it fascinating that over the last two years as the science of climate change, accelerating mass extinctions and large environment degradation has moved beyond any doubt, the number and volume of sceptics has hit a cescendo. Is this humanity putting its collective head in the sand, hoping the charging winds of change won't wipe them out? Australians understand that we need to modify our ways. In our economy, change will come from either the market (hence an ETS) or from government. The preference is certainly to engage the market place; yet the Libs and Nationals, who supposedly believe in the market place, won't support the legislation. It just deosn't make sense. Perhaps the Libs and Nats are a fraud who don't know what they stand for.
Gerard Azar
Maroubra NSW
8 December 2009
________________Thanks to the Federal Government for making unit prices in large supermarkets compulsory. It has made my life just that little bit easier. Any policy that makes life a little bit easier for consumers to make informed decisions is a step in the right direction.
Tilly Jarvis
Ferny Hills QLD
7 December 2009
_________________Who is running the Liberal party? Not the elected members but some evil, ancient fossil from behind closed doors. (Perhaps this is not new). I am very worried about recent events with the trading scheme and believe we need to act now. Scientists risk becoming the next blight of society....this is really bad; their opinions are so important.
Lee Alexander
Keysborough VIC
6 December 2009
____________________It's pleasing to see the ACCC being asked to investigate the weekly petrol price cycle. Local fuel merchants have claimed that the cycle is international and too complex to explain, but this is a blatant lie. Each day, I pass two BP and two Shell service stations. Over recent months, the BP stations have increased their price on Thursdays, while the Shell stations have not. Twice, Shell lowered their price on the same day as BP increased theirs, making a mockery of the fuel merchants' claims.
Ron Woods
Alfredton VIC
5 December 2009
___________________I am appalled and horrified to hear the new Liberal Party leader raising the spectre of nuclear power as an alternative energy source for Australia. I hold my head high that I fought with other clear-thinking Australians to ensure we would NEVER again consider the introduction of nuclear power, with its unmanageable waste and unimaginable safety issues. I believe Labor has an obligation to constantly reiterate these ideals and ensure that the battles which were fought in those heady days are not forgotten and trampled into the dust by narrow-minded individuals. The safe and waste-free alternatives to nuclear power are many and varied, including solar, hydro, wind, tidal, natural gas, and cleaner coal. I am educating my grandchildren to the dangers of nuclear waste and hope it will never return to the agenda.
Russell Triggs
Morpeth NSW
5 December 2009
__________________Following the defeat of the ETS in the Senate, I believe one of the best ways to combat climate change is to effectively utilise renewable energy sources. For example, not only is Perth the 3rd windiest city in the world (and we're not taking full advantage of that) but did you know that an outback area of 50 kilometers covered with concentrating solar power mirrors could satisfy ALL of Australia's electricity demand. To be serious about climate change on the world stage, we should fund and install more and more solar power plants in the outback.
Robbie Williamson
Wembley WA
4 December 2009
________________This has to be one of the darkest days in the Liberal Party. Though not a supporter of Malcolm Turnbull, at least he showed intestinal fortitude in the debate on the ETS. Still, it shows up some of "anti everything " policies coming out of the mouth of "babes". Liberals, you have handed Labor a very nice political Christmas present. Where to from here Mr Abbott? Let us the Australian people hear YOUR POLICY on the ETS!
Kevin Grose
Baffle Creek QLD
4 December 2009
_________________Today has been a sad set back for the health of our planet and the part that Australia could have played in restoring the equilibrium. I commend our Government for trying to forge ahead and do the right thing by Australian citizens, our following generations and the Earth and I hope deeply and sincerely that they continue to do so. The arrogance and shortsightedness (near blindness) of the Opposition, and in particular their new leader, saddens me beyond words. It is such a sad, frustrating pity that a Government of this calibre has an Opposition that is in politics purely to argue and choose ignorance. I am a 26 year-old mother with a 4 year-old daugher and the future for her scares the heck out of me unless action is taken now with the environment. Although we cannot go to Copenhagen with a scheme, hopefully what comes from Copenhagen will be enough to change minds not only in this country but the world over.
Celia McAulley
Lawson NSW
3 December 2009
____________________Please continue hard with the ETS legislation. Liberal ideologues can't be allowed to undermine our environmental future.
Grahame Riethmuller
Wauchope NSW
3 December 2009
_________________Dawn breaks on what should be the big day of Australia having a CPRS, but who can predict what the Liberabble Party will come up with next? I'm sure even they can't, though many of them appear to have amazing certainty about much more complex matters. Anyway, thanks to the Government for getting us this close. Good luck today to you, Australia, and the planet. But for the less engaged of our citizens, it will have appeared that there is still serious debate about the science of human contribution, or even whether there is non-cyclical climate change at all - the issues that were settled ten years ago. I hope the Prime Minister will again lead public opinion on these matters, cutting through the complexities of both the problem and the solution. We needed a way to discourage pollution so that cleaner and safer energy is no longer disadvantaged. What could be wrong with that, except to vested interests? We will all need to adjust but don't our grandchildren deserve at least that from us?
Gareth Evans
Bangalow NSW
2 December 2009
______________________
You guys in the Federal Government should be very proud of your achievements. Keep up the good work and I will continue to vote for Labor as I have done all my life. I'm now 70 years and doing a degree I wanted to do all my life. Still want to work one day a week - ideal for pensioners.
Veronica Blakers
Woolgoolga NSW
2 December 2009
__________________Congratulations on Labor Party policy regarding"white ribbon" day. I am a survivor of extreme physical and emotional abuse and I understand the mechanisms of social denial as regards the phenomenon of family violence. I would like to point out however, the issue regarding violence that males experience in society which is usually directed by males against them, sometimes females.Violence must be seen as unacceptable when directed against both genders. However, the majority of violent perpetrators in family violence are males. Further, in the context of child sexual assault, it is the case that such abuse can be perpetrated against male and female children. Both genders can be the perpetrators of child sexual abuse. Further, violence encompasses physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse.
Suzanne Brown
Mirani QLD
1 December 2009
_________________Congratulation for a job well done, and successfully staring down the Howard-Dinosaur which refuses to leave the Mesozoic epoch. With Labor into a brighter future.
John Klumpe
Milsons Point NSW
1 December 2009
_________________I would like to thank the Labor Government for things they have done. My husband cannot work and I have a child with ADHD and another child with a disability. Because of the stimulus package, I was able to buy new furniture for the house. My son will go to a special needs school next year which, thanks to your funding, the school is getting a new hall.
Kelly di Gregorio
Camden South NSW
30 November 2009
____________________I am a Liberal voter, but I am DISGUSTED with their continual wasting of public time and money quarrelling over petty issues and their denial of the most prevalent issue of our time - the bloody planet is going to wipe us all out if we don't do something to help it.
Adam Fletcher
Goonellabah NSW
30 November 2009
________________It was pleasing to see Malcolm Turnbull being honest about the need for the adoption of ETS & its related programs. The Opposition quite rightly negotiated changes that they thought important, and this is what a credible Opposition should do. Kevin Rudd, being the Australian people's choice and the person he is, sat down with Mr Turnbull and listened to the points that were submitted and agreed to incorporate some of them. This is what government is all about; not the "bun fight" some of the Opposition have created.
Kevin Grose
Baffle Creek QLD
29 November 2009
_______________First, I think this talk-back column is a great idea. I know some people keep getting their own message across and that's ok. i enjoy reading all the remarks. Second, This Labor government has achieved more in 2 years than the Liberals ever did under Howard.
Alan Curry
Anna Bay NSW
28 November 2009
__________________On the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, I say congratulations to all in the Labor Government for having the courage and foresight to embark on such a politically dangerous passage. I hope that you succeed with your attempts to get this important issue through parliament, even though you are dealing with an Opposition that has not a brain between them. I don't believe you have gone far enough but you can only do what you can do. I thank you on behalf of my unborn grandchildren and again I say to you: keep fighting the good fight because we need you to be successful.
Peter Doblo
Cornubia QLD
27 November 2009
_____________________Encouraging household action on climate change needs encouragement from Local Government. Council planners have to change their attitudes and facilitate environmentally designed buildings. Council must accept that building shapes, forms, roof orientations, use of new materials and new technologies are the keys to move towards to environmentally sound buildings. Environmental issues should become a priority and progressive architecture should be promoted. Environmental solutions should be integrated in our buildings as part of design solutions. Architecture should also reflect regional environmental conditions. Let's built for the future!
Philippe Goriaux
Oyster Bay NSW
26 November 2009
____________________ I call that we acknowledge population control as a major factor of a total climate change policy. This can be used as a parallel strategy to carbon trading and emissions reductions. Through the education and empowerment of girls and women in developing countries, population is controlled. Through family planning and access to contraceptives population growth is controlled, inequality is reduced and the demand for heavily polluting industry in developing countries is reduced. Through population control and the introduction of pensions to families to allow them to have fewer children, children can be brought into the world who may be cared for and wanted. Studies indicate that families in developing countries would have less children if they had the knowledge of family planning and the financial support to afford such a choice. The result of curbing population growth in the world, directly taking increased pressure off our planet and its limited resources.
Michelle Corby
Canberra ACT
25 November 2009
__________________I think that employers should be bound by legislation to give full and honest reasons for not hiring potential employees. It's too much leeway to just let them not hire people without reason; they could easily be discriminating and we wouldn't know. I myself have never been given a reason for not being hired, and I think that there were discriminatory grounds behind it but can't do anything because legally they haven't said anything.
Nathan Earles
Ballarat VIC
24 November 2009
_________________We are still more than happy with how PM Kevin Rudd and his government are acting. Oour only wish which has been for sometime now is for Malcolm Turnbull to walk away from politics and just shut up.
Noel and June Miller
Waterford West QLD
23 November 2009
___________________Last week I was extremely frustrated with the way others were twisting the Oceanic Viking issue and was hoping the asylum seekers would be forced off the boat so that the Government could get on with other important domestic issues. Well I was wrong. The Government knew best. If you were to strip away the politics and look at what Australia needed to accomplish on this issue, Kevin Rudd has been successful.
Michael Ferguson
Perth WA
22 November 2009
____________________First off I'd like to say thank you for everything the Federal Government has done so far and are trying to do. I'd also like to express my deepest gratitude for the ceiling insulation; my home is so much cooler now. Thank you; I had no hope of paying for it myself on a disability pension. Why can't the Liberals be forced to do the right thing by Australia and Australians. I'm in my 50s now and they have never done the right thing by any of us.
William Davis
Morwell VIC
21 November 2009
___________________I suggest that people read Dark Victory by David Marr and Marian Wilkinson. Published in 2003, it details Howard's perfidy in what is vernacularly known as the Tampa affair. The recent events and comments from the conservatives backing for TPVs etc are similar to the mindset back then. A humane refugee policy with bipartisan support is required, not more of "we'll decide who comes to this country and the circumstances etc". Good on Senator Faulkner for the senate inquiry that exposed much of the shameful business.
Paul Gill
Alstonville NSW
20 November 2009
____________________I owe the Australian Prime Minister deep respect for the "Apology to the Forgotten Australians", for the words formed a warm and authentic message that touched me. I wish leaders in other countries could follow and learn from Mr Rudd. Thank you!
Rainer Ripper
Jokkmokk Sweden
19 November 2009
___________________
Thank you Mr Rudd. My eyes well up with tears as I write this comment for, sadly, the welfare system got it all wrong in our family with incorrect records. Now both my mum and dad have passed and it is I and my siblings who have to carry the inner sorrow to our own graves. Nothing can undo the damage; nothing can turn back time. Has it all made me stronger? I can't say it really has although my siblings and I have turned the table of a broken home into deep love for one another. For all the children and those yet to be born may they be under the leadership of a caring and loving government who will look in our backyard in Australia as well.
Jannette Barnes
Earlwood NSW
18 November 2009
_________________Mr Rudd is making a history that Australians will always remember. The apology to a Stolen Generations and the Forgotten Australians are some of the remarkable events that we will not forget. This is a history for this country and the people of Australia in general. Is there any single things that we can remember about Mr Howard? The answer is NO. It is only Mr Rudd who puts gorgeous smile on our faces.
John James
Keysborough VIC
17 November 2009
____________________________
Thank you to the Government for saying sorry to the Forgotten Generation. The enormity of the abuse and neglect foisted upon this large group of people and the horrors that many of them suffered may not be wiped away with a few words. But reading the words it is truly amazing how perceptive they are and also to a great degree how they might go some way to relieving the pain, suffering and probably unjustified guilt about their circumstances that all of these people have borne. This 'Sorry' statement is a step in the right direction and I personally applaud those who brought it on.
Les Dwyer
Ninderry QLD
16 November 2009
__________________I want to thank Mr Rudd and the Federal Government for giving me, a disability pensioner, the extra $32 a week. For the first time in 12 years we have been recognised as Australians. I can now control my Diabeties better as I have money to buy food. Could you please give Mr Rudd a big kiss from me as I am so grateful. Thanks from an oldish lady who will become a Senior Pensioner in Jan 2010.
Linda Wood
Heathridge WA
14 November 2009
_________________Congratulations to the Labor Government on not removing restrictions on importing books. This is great for Australian authors and publishers and, thus, Australian and world readers. If the restrictions had been removed we would have missed out on many future authors who already find it diffucult to have first books published. Thanks for a well thought-out decision.
Bron Dahlstrom
Inverloch VIC
13 November 2009
________________________It was with interest I watched "Four Corners" on the ABC. One can only feel sorry for Malcolm Turnbull, whose party is not at all united in policy or actions as regards climate change. Some Liberal MPs still deny the scientific reality of climate change and refuse to vote in the affirmative for the carbon reduction trading scheme legislation. The program also described how some Liberal and National MPs refuse to attend information sessions, headed by scientists of repute and experts on climate change, like Professor Will Steffan. This blatant ignorance, defiance and denial of the scientific evidence illustrates why I won't vote for the Liberal Party or the Coalition, as they have no policy as regards environmental issues. No one is suggesting they should not dissent, but what exactly is their policy on climate change? What alternatives do they propose to tackle climate change? Barnaby Joyce's stance ignores the Farmers Federation request that CRTS reflect carbon capture and the associated reward credits be included. Farmers could be rewarded for carbon capture with measures like crop rotation, water recycling, solar energy use, mulching, reafforestation and so on. I have actually farmed coffee organically and sustainably, so I have been a farmer. Barnaby is completely incorrect. I am not from the city. I support the carbon trading reduction scheme bill and we must take a lead in response to Garnaut and other scientists and academics.To do otherwise is foolish, negligent and demonstrates a lack of foresight.
Suzanne Brown
Mirani QLD
12 November 2009
_____________________The employees of the International Energy Agency say the world has reached the Global Oil Production Peak. The oil peak is a real problem that the Government needs to look closely at for it will affect Australia and the world in profound ways. An effort must be made to re-examine our town planning and our transport systems in light of this issue. Many people think that global warming is the world's biggest threat, but truthfully Peak Oil will be a hundred times worse.
Jason Smart
Sydney NSW
11 November 2009
______________I agree with the Government's policy on asylum seekers; ie, tough on people smugglers but humane to asylum seekers. I heard that the captain and crew of one of the people smuggling boats was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment yesterday. Maybe the sentence needs to be a bit harsher to send a clear message to the people staffing the people smuggling boats that it is unacceptable. After all, their actions have led to the death of many asylum seekers.
Robert Jensen
Carindale QLD
10 November 2009
______________It not surprising that the Ex-PM Howard was seen on television at the weekend commenting on how the people's money collected by his government was being spent at the present time. It was probably envy that caused him to comment. The money that was collected from the Australian taxpayers was collected to be spent on services and infrastructure to benefit Australians - not to hoard and spent on his re-election propaganda.
Allan Brown
Batemans Bay NSW
9 November 2009
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John James
Keysborough VIC
8 November 2009
_____________________
I am disappointed that Costello was given a position on the board of the Future Fund. I am afraid that I regard the Coalition and its members past and present as class enemies, and do not see why they should be appointed to positions by the Government. Such gestures are seldom accepted graciously; the Sneer continues to sneer, and sees this as simply another chance to do so.Betty Birskys
Kawana QLD
7 November 2009
________________________
Chris Miller
Glen Waverley VIC
6 November 2009
________________________
On climate change and carbon reduction, I would suggest that looking only at the reduction of carbon emissions is a sided view; how about we look
at locking up carbon. Permaculture
guru Geoff Lawton created a farm out of the desert using permaculture methods and technology.
Imagine large permaculture/organic agricultural cooperatives in Australia on land
which was once semi arid and virtually useless, thereby locking up millions of
tonnes of carbon. This would have a
positive carbon footprint. Imagine what
Australia could be we supported groups of individuals to pursue these goals and show the
rest of the world how we can make a difference.
Philip Woodgate
Mount Druitt NSW
5 November 2009
__________________
In view of Peter Garrett's push to reduce energy use and greenhouse emissions by more efficient appliances, I'd like you to know that I have reduced my electricity taken from the grid by an estimated 700Wh to 1kWh a day. I was running a very old 12 cubic foot (320 litre?) fridge which was too large for my needs and very inefficient. I bought a new 249 litre fridge with an energy rating of 4 stars and rated to use 387kWh a year. My import from the grid since then has been between 700Wh and 1.4 Wh a day, instead of hovering around 2kWh a day. Talk about low hanging fruit!
Margaret Dingle
Norwood SA
4 November 2009
___________________
I recently visited New Zealand and had the opportunity to watch their parliamentary question time. It was a real eye opener. The speaker had complete control, and when he got to his feet there was an immidiate silence. There were no dorothy-dixers - all questions came from the opposition side of the house and answers were short, the questioner was afforded the right to a proper answer, and was allowed three goes to get what they were after. It would be a welcome move for the Australian parliament to adopt such procedures.
Derrick Somerfield
Murray Bridge SA
3 November 2009
___________________
In my opinion it would prudent for the Government to employ an expert in drilling oil and gas as an independent observer/adviser who would be located on the rig which is attempting to plug the hole on the adjacent burning rig. This means hopefully that the report back to Government can be more accurate and detailed. It also ensures extra measures can be used if things are not going well.
Ian Andrew
Plympton SA
2 November 2009
_____________________
It is about time that Australia became a republic. Let's hold a referendum soon. I also believe the president should be directly elected by the people. Let's canvas these issues.
Kenneth Corbitt
Murwillumbah NSW
1 November 2009
_________________________
I know that the Tamil asylum seekers currently sitting off
the Indonesian coast are not, legally and strictly speaking, Australia's
responsibility. However, I suggest we would be far better off to take the ethical
rather than the legal route in this instance. We can successfully
defend a decision to bring these people to Christmas Island to process
their claims on humanitarian grounds.
Lorie Werner
Box Hill South VIC
30 October 2009
____________________The huge amount of federal government funding for non-carbon energy generation and future development of ideas is very welcome. I'd also like to see consideration given to the idea of a "hydrogen [H2] economy", where the main currency in energy is liquid hydrogen? I note that Germany already has service stations supplying liquid H2 at the bowser.
Rob Quinn
Werri Beach NSW
29 October 2009
___________________
If the Fred Hollows Foundation can operate on cataracts successfully for $25 per eye, why should tax payers be paying enormous rebates to line the pockets of wealthy ophthalmologists? Once again, the Coalition (helped by those Liberals in sheep's clothing - Fielding and Xenophon) is protecting the rich to the disadvantage of the poor.
Val Hooper
Benowa QLD
28 October 2009
___________________
I would like to pass on to the Federal Government my great thanks for the solar energy offer package. It was installed yesterday with just 4 hours work. Straight up, and to my amazement, my power meter was for the first time running in reverse. It actually fed power into the supply grid. I had "on" at the time the TV, computer, laptop and ceiling fan while on standby I had three radio clocks, two cordless phones, Microwave, DVD, ADSL, Network Switch plus two mobiles on charge. Stiil the power meter was crawling backwards. This meant that our household was running entirely on the sun. I am a licenced electrician with cert. Electronics engineer and it was just a buzz to see this happen. I also look forward to the National Broadband Network to improve the internet speed here on the Sunshine Coast!
Mark Thorne
Coolum Beach QLD
27 October 2009
______________________
I'd like the federal government to consider making nationwide the refund system SA has for cans, bottles (both plastic and glass) at 20 cents per item. I believe this would start a good environmental practice for the future of Australians.
David Prince
Russell Island QLD
26 October 2009
___________________
Wonderful to hear about the Federal Government's preventative health initiative. It will succeed if it draws together the best of orthodox and complementary medicine. The latter modalities are based on a preventative philosophy and have a great deal to offer at a very modest cost. Remember that 30+ years ago natural therapists were ridiculed for promoting diet and lifestyle; now both things are seen as being at the core of preventative strategies.
Isaac Golden
Gisborne VIC
23 October 2009
__________________
It is good to see the Labor Government re-balancing Australia's foreign policy priorities away from damaging Howard-era complete bilateral subservience to America and toward a more healthy blend of bilateral relations as well as multilateral institutionalism, regionalism and good international citizenry. The xenophobic fear mongering, populism and reckless "realism" of the Howard government was not only undiplomatic but plainly unsustainable in the economic and security context of the Asian-Pacific strategic landscape.
Jeremy Stokes
Townsville QLD
22 October 2009
________________
I am concerned about our country's rate of population growth. Increasing
population can only further deplete resources, add to the effects of climate
change and ultimately reduce the standard of living. Arguments for an increase
in population are made on antiquated economic models which can no longer be
viewed as sound. A new population policy is essential to achieving an effective
climate change policy, maintaining our fragile environment and the future of
all Australians.
David Thacker
Torquay VIC
21 October 2009
___________________
For many years I was very p***** off with Labor as I believed the grass roots beliefs of the party had been lost - even though many said they hadn't. I am in my early 50s I always believed in the Ben Chifley beliefs and to see the party depart from that style left me cold. Since the Rudd Government has taken office, however, I have watched and read what they have been trying to achieve through these hard economic times and I believe that it has taken a lot of guts to not only come up with these stimulus packages but to actually implement them. Stimulating the country in this way when facing hard times is the correct action to take.
Bob Watson
Gympie QLD
20 October 2009
____________________
I support the Government stimulus money going to improving educational infrastructure. However I do feel that some of the wealthy private schools should not have been part of this benefit because their facilities are already so much better, more numerous and in many cases grander than any of those of the public schools, some of which are desperately in need of basic facilities. Stimulus packages should provide work for the construction workers and create much needed facilities for the poorer educational institutions.
Colleen Duffy
St Georges SA
19 October 2009
_________________
I am concerned the Government may feel obliged to join the chorus of those in the Liberal Party who are currently resurrecting the dog whistling tactics of Howard over asylum seekers. The Liberal Party is not just a laughably inept band of ageing politicians wallowing in poor leadership and lack of policy. It is - and has always been - a vicious and calculating party intent on its own survival and will, without a blink of an eye, play on the fears of people over asylum seekers arriving by boats. The Government must not cave into this kind of fear-mongering by the Liberals. Labor is the only major party with any integrity and humanity.
Trevor Robertson
Upper Crystal Creek NSW
16 October 2009
___________________
On the subject of a Bill of Rights for Australia, I wish to point out that Australia is the only western democracy without a charter or bill of human rights; and that John Howard, Philip Ruddock, George Brandis are some who oppose a Bill of Rights while Geoffrey Robertson, Susan Ryan, Julian Burnside are some who support a Bill of Rights. Our so-called rights, the ones we often say that generations of Australians have fought and died to defend, are non-existent in law. Let us not forget that, until Australia becomes a republic, the Australian parliament only exists due to an Act of the British parliament. The Australian Constitution is a British document. If our so-called rights are not capable of legal enforcement then they are not rights at all.
Kym Ryan
Earlwood NSW
15 October 2009
___________________
I would like to say that Australians are far more community orientated than we give ourselves credit for. Things like "a fair go" have to be explained to immigrants and the younger people as a real national value, perhaps because of the Howard years where policy seemed more like "keeping up the appearance of fairness while secretly marginalising communities with propaganda-based hysteria". I am a 25year-old ex-Catholic for anyone who may be wondering and love my country which means to me that I love the real values we stand for. And I personally cannot bear the thought of another Liberal government in power which, if given the chance, would drive another wedge into our community until we devolve to a point of complete ignorance. So thanks Labor for all of your efforts in bridging the gap in our communities.
Sean Cochrane
Geelong VIC
14 October 2009
__________________
I have just returned from China where, amongst the people I was with, the Rudd government is held in hight regard; it is seen as good and fair. The Rudd Government is doing the 'right thing' in almost all areas of its responsibilities, and a 'double dissolution' would likely result in an extended victory and finally allow it to get on with the job of governing effectively rather than being distracted by opposition irrelevancies.
Bill Gates
Blayney NSW
13 October 2009
___________________
Why should we follow on climate change? Let us lead like we've led before. For example, which
country was first to have a 40-hour week? And did we wait for the rest of the world
to give women the right to vote?
Darryl Whiteside
Toogoom QLD
12 October 2009
_________________What a pity it is that Australians continually hear negative/scare tactics from the so called "opposition"! (and many others). No Government has been or will be a perfect solution for any country, but Australia's current Labor Government is and continues to be one of the best federal governments this country has ever had! Cm'on; if YOU can come up with better, positive policies that do not just only favour the "elite" at the expense of the average Australian, let us hear them, not rhetoric!
Kevin Grose
Baffle Creek QLD
9 October 2009
_______________
The Liberals want to denigrate the Government for spending money on the stimulus. The Government has been vindicated by the secretary of the Treasury telling us the stimulus should not be withdrawn yet as the economy is still fragile. The electorate should be told how much these unnecessary Senate inquiries instigated by the Libs are costing. A huge amount no doubt, and they have the gall to talk about money wasting.
Val Hooper
Benowa QLD
8 October 2009
_______________
The overarching principle regarding executive salaries should be that no executive or board can set their own salaries. Their salaries should be set by shareholders. Executives should not be allowed to hold shares in their own company, thus avoiding their involvement in salary fixing. There should be a salary ceiling of A$1,000,000 per annum with retirement packages not exceeding their annual salary. They should also be allowed an equal amount to their salary which they must donate entirely to registered charities recognised by the Government. Maximum salaries would be indexed to inflation on an annual basis.
Bob Loveys
Galston NSW
7 October 2009
______________
I purchased 15 energy saving globes less than a year ago for $8 each and to date 50% are no longer working. I was informed that these globes would last thousands of hours but they have not even outlasted a normal globe. I'd like the Government to set a standard on these products.
Paul Zammit
St Helena VIC
6 October 2009
____________________
Well done to the Federal Government for offering everyone a free flu shot. Also well done managing the GFC - I think things would be much worse without your intervention.
David Jackson
Kelmscott WA
5 October 2009
____________________
I wish to express my concern for the suffering of the people of Gaza which has been caused by Israel's blockade and escalated by the recent airstrikes and military incursion. I believe that Israel has been able to pursue its policies because it does not receive strong enough condemnation from countries seen as its 'friends'. I'd like to see the Australia pressure Israel to lift the crippling blockade and to enter direct discussions and negotiations with elected representatives of the Palestinian people (including members of the Hamas Government) in order for progress to be made toward peace.
Christopher Rouphael
St Kilda VIC
3 October 2009
____________________
In 18 months Labor has accomplished so much. I am a pensioner and we received an extremely generous rise recently; what did we ever get under Howard? The only thing I can see from the Rudd government is the many reasons we should never consider another Liberal government. Thank you Labor for so much.
Ray Fowler
Port Augusta SA
2 October 2009
___________________
Family violence affects and is perpetrated by both male and female adults and child abuse, both pscychological and sexual, is inflicted by both sexes against both female and male children. Violence is violence and is not limited by gender; we need a community that recognises that violence is unacceptable. The amendments to the Family Law Act (Shared Responsibility) are a move in the right direction as child abuse and family violence is considered for the first time in judicial determination in parenting residence and contact applications.That is, shared parenting should be the norm unless there are issues of family violence or child abuse.There is a psychological phenomenon in human behavior which I call "The politics of denial". Such attitudes are evident in society regarding child abuse and family violence, as well as climate change.
Suzanne Brown
Mirani QLD
2 October 2009
_________________
It is reassuring during difficult times that the Federal Government is doing all it is able to do to improve all major aspects of Australian life. Most important to me and my family is security & safety, and the fact that our government and industry are taking Earth Health seriously is fantastic. They are making real changes to secure the future for all humans here on Earth; the emotional well-being of Australian citizens will be vital to Australia's strong future.
Melanie Casserley
Tumby Bay SA
1 October 2009
___________________
I'd like to see the unfair "lifetime health cover loading" on private health insurance scrapped. It is something the unfair and untrustworthing Liberals put into place and I believe more people would join up if it wasn't an additional expense. I am curently looking at changing my fund but, seeing as the premiums are so high, I might just scrap it altogether. I still have to pay to see a doctor and the hospitals aren't that flash anyhow, so what is the point of adding yet another monthly expense for something which I might not need?
Grant Dawson
Mermaid Beach QLD
1 October 2009
_________________
What exactly is the Liberal Party's position on climate change? They have no policy as far as I am aware. All they seem seem to do is delay, stonewall and generally engage in empty rhetoric. If we do not act, the national economy will suffer in dealing with the devastating effects of global climate change. The Australian people want change and action on climate change. Japan has committed to reducing greenhouse gases by 25% by 2020 to 1990 levels and, if they can do that, so can we. Scientific opinion is overwhelmingly in agreement about the reality of climate change. Is the Liberal Party really prepared to risk the nation's health, safety and life itself by their negligent lack of thought, policy and action?
Suzanne Brown
Mirani QLD
30 September 2009
__________________I would like to thank the Rudd Government for the rise on pension - our first in ten years. I am grateful for it. But now find the state government has decided to take some of it for housing rental. I'm starting to wonder how much of the increase will be left in our hands after everyone has taken a piece of it. I am in a pensioner unit and feel lucky to be here. My rent will increase with the increase of pension; this I understand. But they should not have decided to take more.
Maureen Law
Morisset NSW
30 September 2009
________________________
Well done on tackling the ophthalmologists! The other specialists also need to be confronted about their unashamed support of private hospitals and their money-making priorities. The other day I went to see an specialist with a friend in need a pancreatic cancer operation. The specialist told her that she "could go to a public hospital but then would have to be putting up with old men in the same room" while in the private hospital of his choice she "would have a much better chance to be comfortable in a single room". No indication of which hospital she would be SAFER at if she had complications, or how much more money he gets for working in that specific private hospital. Or if he has shares in that hospital, as is often the case. How can they play with the fears of such vulnerable people?
Lola Menendez De Llano-Neilley
Erskineville NSW
29 September 2009
___________________
Course work as a contributory factor to the HSC should be scrapped. In the UK, this has just been done due to the fact that, with the internet, it is now so easy to cheat. This should be pushed on to the states.
David Francis
Winston Hills NSW
28 September 2009
__________________
Climate change is the one big issue facing us today. Without a planet we have no economy, no sustainability in food production and living in harmony with all elements on our planet. Australia has to lead the world in setting and demonstrating that we are achieving the goals. Let's be a leader in the world, not a follower.
Anna Nolan WA
28 September 2009
___________________
Congratulations to the Government for returning land to traditional owners in Northern Australia - generating paid work to care for the country. In 2006-2007, we were fortunate to visit the NT to support a project on clean drinking water. Such stunning places are worth it. So is the health of the people. So let's follow up with paid work for local people to build facilities, test, report and maintain clean drinking water across remote Australia.
Laurel & Ian Fisher
Sydney NSW
25 September 2009
________________________
As a mother of a six year old Autistic son, I just want to say thank you to the Government for listening and then acting upon our concerns in regards to the Helping Children with Autism package. My son's funding has run out, but it is heartening to know that so many other children will benefit greatly by these changes. Thank you.
Name Withheld
Colonel Light Gardens SA
24 September 2009
___________________Contrary to the clear implication that domestic violence is something that men do to women and children, the research shows that at least 30% of victims are male, and that the majority of perpetrators of child abuse are women - with the largest single group of perpetrators being biological mothers. This data means that services should provide for male victims and female perpetrators - as occurs in other nations. Attempts to reduce family violence will at best be only partially successful if they are not based on the evidence.
Micheal Woods
Springwood NSW
24 September 2009
_____________________Kelvin Thomson is right with recent comments on population. Australia needs a population policy so we can keep our environment and quality of life. I want Australia to stay a multicultural country with plenty of employment opportunities, a sustainable environment and affordable housing for young people. The baby bonus needs to be scrapped and immigration levels set where we can still get the skilled people we need for economic growth, but slow or stop population growth.
Jason Wilde
Thornlie WA
23 September 2009
_______________________Please reconsider the sponsorship taking place in the Australian War Memorial. My father was one of the Rats of Tobruk and I lost three friends in Vietnam. I feel strongly that some aspects of our culture should be above any form of commercialisation. Our taxes should pay for the War Memorial and similar institutions.
Ian Gribble
Canberra ACT
23 September 2009
_______________________
I would like the Government to push for stronger action on climate change. This is too an important issue to be pushed aside. We need action now; not in December.
Euan Thomas
Box Hill South VIC
22 September 2009
_________________________
I'm pleased to see the special employment programs for disabled and other challenged groups. The next essential target group is people over 65 who wish to continue contributing to the nation and their family by using their experience and skills in the workforce, but who suffer [mostly hidden] age-discrimination.
Jaymz Daash
Borroloola NT
22 September 2009
___________________
How dare the Liberals in the Senate waste millions of tax payer money holding a Senate inquiry into the stimulus package. Every important economic advisor has stated that the package is why we are not in a recession. Yet who was the first person they called to the enquiry? An obvious economic Liberal who stated we are in a recession and the stimulus is a waste of money! What a complete shambles the Liberals are; they have to go.
Val Hooper
Benowa QLD
21 September 2009
___________________
Great to see that we have a PM who can stand up to other MPs. People need to express themselves and say what they really think. Real debates are necessary and overheated conversations show signs of faith. Social changes in our society did not happen only around cups of tea. However, man must be careful that he does not think himself as always right. Watching recently question time in Parliament, I thought all parties should have a neutral observer helping politicians to reflect on their behaviors of the day. A psycho-analyst may be!
Philippe Goriaux
Oyster Bay NSW
21 September 2009
_____________________
Mr Rudd was right when he swore during "The Robust Conversation" with factional bosses. $100,000 for printing allowance is way over the top. It's time for all politicians from all sides of the fence to get their snouts out of the trough!
Greg Brennan
North Beach WA
21 September 2009
____________________
Thanks to the Rudd Government for splitting up Telstra, because more competition is needed. Where I live in a small village 15 kms from Hervey Bay, people cannot get broadband and Telstra wants a three year contract to sign people up. Thanks again for action taken so far.
Darryl Whiteside
Toogoom QLD
20 September 2009
_________________________
I'm really looking forward to 1st October when I receive my extra single disability pension. I heard on the news that it was the first time in 100 years that there had been an comprehensive update regarding pensioners. Could the Government please point out very firmly to Turnbull and all the Opposition members that they take notice and reflect on how they treated those on a Disability Pensioners over their 12 years of Government. We have heard all their lies and getting fed up with their excuses. Thank you Mr Rudd and your members for making me feel like a real Australian now.
Linda Wood
Heathridge WA
20 September 2009
____________________Thank you Prime Minister Rudd & your competent ministers for all the marvellous things you're doing for our country. It's the best government I've lived under. I have just had my free government batts installed this morning & am really delighted with the result. Thank you once again.
Iris Boyd
Mornington VIC
19 September 2009
___________________
Surely the goal towards universal health care is a goal worth pursuing, and the idea of tax relief on private health premiums anyone earning say $75,000+ is clearly absurd. The money saved would be much better used in the public health system.
Michael Morgan
Gold Coast QLD
19 September 2009
___________________
I strongly agree with David Fryer (16/9/09) that means testing should be applied to government benefits. It irks me when I must lodge First Home Owners Grant applications for people paying cash for a $1.5 million property and seeing them get a grant of $14,000. If you can afford to pay one and a half million dollars for a property, you do not need any assistance from the Government. This grant was intended to assist low income and young people to enter into home ownership, not to line the pockets of the wealthy. Means testing is not a dirty word; it's just fair. Welfare is for those who need it and should not be a good lurk for those who know how to rort the system.
Lorie Werner
Box Hill South VIC
18 September 2009
___________________
I was unaware of the 'ALP International Projects' scheme (http://www.ip.alp.org.au/index.php) and found the tab while browsing your site. The Government is to be congratulated on maintaining the scheme (as well as acknowledging its genesis). In my view, this is an important example of our foreign policy, particularly when it is targeted towards the Asia/Pacific region.
Chris Cudmore
Thuddungra NSW
18 September 2009
____________________
It is a great pleasure for me that Kim Beazley has been given the job of ambassador to the United States of America. I have been a follower of this great man for a very long time and, until Kev came along, I thought he would have made a great prime minister. So once again thank you; I know he will do a great job.
Rodney Dickson
Cairns QLD
17 September 2009
_______________________
On behalf of my brother & my brother's
fiancé, I would like to thank the Rudd Government very much for the insulation for our house which we moved into less than 4 months ago.
Leon Watson
Lalor Park NSW
17 September 2009
____________________
I support the Rudd Government's proposed breakup of Telstra because it will be better for all Australians whether they are in metropolitan, regional or rural Australia.
Jason Toppin
Boronia VIC
16 September 2009
__________________
Do the members of the Liberal Opposition realise that a large proportion of the voting public agree with a fair system for means testing a person's wealth before receiving any form of benefit from the government? Baby Bonuses, First Home Buyer Allowances, Centrelink Payments and the like should not go to people who can well afford it . PRIVATE Health Care and PRIVATE Education are absolute choices a person makes and money siphoned in this direction should be used for the whole nation's benefit, not a selection of some well off people only. Our entire attitude to who gets what needs a major overhaul.
David Fryer
Charmhaven NSW
16 September 2009
________________________
It is absolutely disgraceful that the Liberal party has voted down the Private Health Rebate bill. This cannot be allowed to continue. We voted in the Labor Party who are doing a magnificent job, but are stymied all the time by the Liberal majority in the Senate. We have to have a double dissolution to remove these clowns. Is anyone watching Question Time in the House of Reps on TV? The Liberals continually catcall and talk over the answers to all questions. If these people are thinking of running the country ever again, then surely no one can believe they have a hope in heaven!
Val Hooper
Benowa QLD
15 September 2009
_______________________
The current industry protectionist walls surrounding Australian publishers should be removed. Books in so many other countries of the world, both developed western countries and in the developing countries, are significantly cheaper than what the book buying public in Australia are expected to pay. When it comes to making a book purchase, a decision as to whether or no is impacted by the price. Allowing greater access through opening up the market and allowing a more competitive environment can only encourage greater readership. That surely would be considered of major benefit in ensuring a literate society?
Merle Thomson
Wembley Downs WA
15 September 2009
____________________
For the life of me, to see this Liberal party raising the body of WorkChoices from the grave has to be political suicide. There cannot be much in the way of policy when the Libs choose to return to the cause of Howard being thrown out of government. This has to be another act of Liberal suicide. Just how smart is the Liberal think-tank?
William Boeder
Rosebery TAS
14 September 2009
__________________
With Howard and Turnbull aggressively defending the Libs' economic credentials, it might be time to dig up the footage of Howard in 1996 stating that he had inherited from the Labor government an economy that was "Better than good in parts". Our economic stimulus packages have been brilliant. We have come through GFC better than any other Western country. Howard never had to face any such crisis. In fact, he had to create/invent crises to try to justify irresponsible spending binges. The Hawke/Keating reforms laid down a very solid foundation for Howard to build upon. In 12 very good years, he hardly made it past the damp course. What a waste! What a waster!
Keith Warren
Mile End SA
14 September 2009
_____________________
Regarding women in the front line of the armed forces, I suggest take it somewhat scientifically. Put a group of the best women soldiers against a group of the best men and see who wins in a prolonged series of test battles. Paintball is an interesting method because any strike is immediately visible. I believe that men will always fight to save the woman in the group. Instinctive. So their aim will be comprimised. No matter how good the women may be, it will always bring a change in the men's behaviour. Thanks for allowing public comment; it's good.
Michael Warner
Leongatha VIC
13 September 2009
____________________
With all the fabulous work federal Labor is doing to improve the lives of working families and Australians in general, at a local level the councils are doing there best to destroy people's futures with unrealistic rate increases - in my case up $400 dollars in one year. I'm now paying $700 dollars every three months and I only get the bin emptied. How about looking into these greedy councils and how they're ripping people off.
Greg Galleghan
Ourimbah NSW
12 September 2009
________________
I have to both agree and disagree with Janet Monks' comments regarding Religious Education (dated 8 September). Several years ago, my daughter came home from her Catholic primary school and told me I would go to hell because I didn't believe in Christ. I had to explain to her that, as a former Methodist Sunday School teacher, I certainly did believe. We don't need bigoted misinformation being peddled to students, but we should teach them about the major religions - not to indoctrinate or convert them, but to promote tolerance and respect by giving them a basic understanding of those faiths.
Ron Woods
Alfredton VIC
11 September 2009
____________________
I would like to thank Kevin Rudd for doing a great job, but would just love that damn Turnbull and Joe Hockey to let Kevin Rudd get on with his job instead of knocking back the Private Health reforms, carbon emissions etc; the list goes on and on. All Turnbull and Hockey do is whinge and waste time. They should stop whinging and stop being on the rich people's side and finally help the poor and the everyday hard workers. God almighty help us if Turnbull ever won, telling us that if he had his way we would all have to pay for our medical care ourselves.
Evelyn Camilleri
Ruse NSW
11 September 2009
____________________
I have been watching Australian question time in Parliament and ask Mr Turnbull: "were you born an idiot or did it take years of practice?" I congratulate PM Kevin Rudd and the Australian government for the work that you are doing. As a New Zealander I cannot help but give the credit you deserve for the upgrade of schools that you are undertaking. Well done.
Robert Fisk
Christchurch NZ
10 September 2009
_______________________
Has anyone noticed the tattoo epidemic; children are now getting tattoos. Of course its predominantly tied up with self esteem and identity issues. I think you should be at least 21 before you are able to make a mature decision regarding whether you should get a tattoo. But for my mind anyone who gets a tattoo is pretty immature.
Alex Marsden
Bunbury WA
10 Spetember 2009
_________________
May I suggest that our federal government in partnership with all the states offer free uni fees for all those who wish to study to become doctors but with a very strict contract on time and where they must practice. This will keep more doctors in Australia and allow overseas doctors to practice in their own country where they are most needed. I am not a student but a retired meat worker, so it's just an idea where we may improve our health system for the long term and do away with Howard's deal to let the AMA select the numbers.
Darryl Whiteside
Toogoom QLD
9 September 2009
_________________I do not agree with funding increases for private schools. My view is that if you can afford to send your kids to private schools then the government should not be contributing lots of money to these schools. I actually feel that the government should not contribute to private schools at all; that the parents should pay and if the parents can't afford it then the kids don't go there but to a public school instead.
Sue Fisher
Brighton VIC
9 September 2009
___________________Tourists climbing on and defecating on a sacred site is 'very sad'; tourists staying at ground level and admiring Uluru for what it is would be a very much better thing. Would we let people scramble around on the roof of parliament house? Or defecate in St Mary's cathedral?
Heleanor Feltham
Marrickville NSW
8 September 2009
____________________ I am very disappointed that Religious Education (Christianity) is not available for primary school students in our public school. I watched a movie based on a true story of a wonderful teacher in the USA, The Ron Clark Story. I would love to see something like this in our schools. Schooling and teachers play such an important role in the future of our children and their development. Teachers can make or break our vulnerable children.
Janet Monks
Bagdad TAS
8 September 2009
______________________Thank you to the Rudd Labor Government for your promise to build and open the Coolac bypass and the duplication of the Gundagai bridge on the Hume highway just recently. After 11 years of a neo-liberalistic, ultra-conservative Coalition Government under Howard he promised and promised - but never ever delivered. Not one dual carriageway project at all under the 11 years of Liberal rule ever went to the Hume Highway. It just shows time and time again the the Liberals are so out-of-touch when it comes down to our highways and roads. Typical Liberals not caring about our highways at all - at least the Rudd Labor Government cares very deeply about our highways and the state they are in. People are getting killed and injured on our highways every day, especially on single carriageway roads. Dual carriageway roads can prevent deaths by up to 90 percent. Neo-liberalistic Liberals should be called the "unrealistic and out-of-touch Liberals"!
Paul Mitchell
Gosford NSW
7 September 2009
_____________________We are very proud of the Government's school improvement program. Please do not remove the signs giving credit to the Labor Government just because the Opposition demand it. Almost everything they do and say is because of jealousy or spitefulness on their part. They did nothing for anyone, except the already wealthy. The last Liberal government was the worst, most elitist government ever.
Val Hooper
Benowa QLD
7 September 2009
____________________ The legal drinking age in the USA is 21. It's time we lifted the drinking age in Australia to the same. Too many Australians are dying either on the roads or in hospital because of alcohol related injuries and disease. If the US can make 21 the legal age, then why can't we? We need to do something soon before more lives are lost. Forget the pussyfooting about with minor increases; hit hard and now.
Alex Marsden
Bunbury WA
4 September 2009
_________________The only way to control the cane toad is to put a worthwhile bounty on them. There are lots of unemployed and under under-employed persons in the bush who would go "a-hunting" if they could make $100 or more a day. Forget spending money on discussions and expert advice; the only research needed would be for what useful things could be done with the cane toad corpses.
Richard Scotte
Yarralumla ACT
4 September 2009
_________________Sod the frogs! Why isn't Labor shouting as loudly as it can about the tremendous boost given to disability employment by the actions of Senator Arbib? The assurance provided to the thousands of mostly young Australians with disability in employment who are reliant upon on-going support is part of a package of good news delivered by the Rudd government. My own organisation assisted 66 people to become taxpayers in August and some 286 over the past 6 months - a 65% increase over the same period for 2008. Well done Labor, you need to trumpet this success.
Martin Wren
St Marys NSW
3 September 2009
____________________As a disabled person in my early twenties, and the need of a carer, my partner, I am very happy to read of the new measures to help keep pensioners afloat. It is hard enough for my partner to keep his employer pleased with his limited hours, necessitated by my care needs, without having to worry about our pensions not helping enough. Even those like us, who are "very frugal" by today's standards, are feeling the pinch. It is actions like this, actually showing care towards the people of the nation, that is truly drawing in a young support group for the Labor party.
Leilani Miller
Leasingham SA
3 September 2009
______________________Congratulations to the Government for the decision to apologise to the Forgotten Australians and the Child Immigrants. We have had to carry the scars of our childhoods for all our lives and this decision by the Labor party gives us the dignity and respect that we deserve. We would never have got this apology from the Liberal Party, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Brian Cherrie
South Melbourne VIC
2 September 2009
_____________________It is time we had a flag that truly represents and honours Australia. The present flag does neither. It is a foreign flag.
Colin Fraser
Tamworth NSW
2 September 2009
__________________For the sake of Australia from a national development perspective, I am unable to comprehend the babble and rhetoric that is the sole product of today's Liberal Party. There needs to be some sort of system in place so that the time wasted, the blather of name-calling, and the gibberish and pointless argument can be calculated and packaged. This then would show precisely what the Liberal Party provides to Australians. When I look to what policies are offered, the unknown direction of the Liberals, the negative decisions, the constant refutations of facts and the grandstanding media interviews, I am unable to fathom just what is the need for such a Liberal Party. Hosting such a party in Australia is a highly expensive excercise, yet the people of Australia receive nothing in return other than the above-mentioned blather. In times of financial constraint, such a pointless and directionless political party is something Australia could well do without.
William Boeder
Rosebery TAS
1 September 2009
______________________I refer to the Government's decision to provide a formal apology for the abuse and neglect suffered by many children in institutional or other out-of-home care during the last century. I was placed in the Girls' Home in Launceston in Tasmania and can vividly remember the cruel things that these so-called carers did. I've been angry for the past forty years because of it and need to find some peace.
Rexine Ewart
Launceston TAS
1 September 2009
___________________Great news on the Youth Allowance. Thanks to the Government for taking time to listen to the youth in regional areas.
Paul Battista
Hamilton VIC
31 August 2009
_______________________As CEO of Epilepsy Action Australia, a national non-profit organisation delivering education and support services across the country, I am extremely grateful to the Australian Government for temporary financial assistance that has been announced for our organisation. In Australia, nearly half a million of our close friends and family are likely to be diagnosed with epilepsy during their life-time. There is currently no cure for the condition and over 30% of people living with epilepsy will not respond satisfactorily to medication. The Global Financial Crisis has hit Epilepsy Action Australia hard, threatening our ability to deliver vital services to change lives for the better. With a commitment of funding, we can continue to provide vital education and support services to minimise the debilitating impact of seizures.
Carol Ireland
Epping NSW
28 August 2009
___________________I am very concerned about alcohol-fueled violence. We need to change the drinking culture in Australia. The present situation is totally unacceptable. New research shows the great damage alcohol does to the brain of the adolescent. Alcohol is far too readily available in our community. I'm fed up with hearing about all the assaults and violence; I have had enough. There is popular support for strong leadership on this issue and for measures that will have an impact on the problem.
Name Withheld
Frankston South
VIC
28 August 2009
_____________________It's good to see the Federal Government taking some action in reforming Australia's Financial Markets. I suggest it includes a charter or bill of shareholder rights. The number of Australians who hold shares is now significantly greater than ever before, and it is time to address the rights of the silenced majority and bring our laws into line with other advanced countries. This vast army of small shareholders are all voters and their best interests need to be protected.
Terry Kelly
Charnwood ACT
27 August 2009
__________________Why is just Domestic Violence "against women" rather than "against any person"? As a male victim of domestic violence requiring surgery to fix to injuries inflicted by my wife (and a 4th generation ALP member who has received the ALP's 'Outstanding Service Award'), I strongly object to this sexist campaign.
Gary Gleeson
Perth WA
27 August 2009
____________________I am thankful that as an aged pensioner I will be getting an increase in my pension in September. I wish that the increase in my daily living had been able to wait until then. I am paying extra $40 per fortnight in the last 3 pension payment for increases in rent, electricity, and the Funeral Fund. I can't wait until September comes and I will be better off.
Sandra Houghton
Fennell Bay NSW
26 August 2009
__________________
I would like to see the Federal Government acquire railway infrastructure from the states. They could make money from them as well as decreasing freight traffic on the roads and highways, lessening the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere. The railways have been severely neglected and privatisation has not been a success. For example, in northern NSW and south-eastern Queensland, rail lines have been closed and it is impossible to train from Brisbane to Murwillumbah and further south. The rail line ends at Robina. This is idiotic in my view. I used to live in the Blue Mountains and it was extremely easy to commute by train rather than drive. Rail freight would take the strain off the roads and highways, and better railway systems encourage people to commute by train rather than drive.
Suzanne Brown
Mirani QLD
26 August 2009
_____________________
The announcement on aged pensions is great. The party should gain great
political mileage from it, as it is the
first government to recognise that age pensioners are subject to different cost
of living increases than normal wage earning people. Well done!
Name Withheld
Ferntree Gully VIC
25 August 2009
___________________I have read with interest that Brendan Nelson is going to quit politics and force a by-election. I also read that it the Labor Party may not stand a candidate because it is a blue ribbon Liberal seat. Bennelong was also considered a blue ribbon seat and yet Maxine McKew won that seat well. Isn't it always worthwhile running a candidate, no matter what?
Veronica Naylon
Smythesdale VIC
25 August 2009
_____________________Congratulations to Mr Rudd and his government for the excellent policy initiatives occurring in Mackay in Queensland, namely the storm waste water plant and the implementation of a renewable energy co-generation plant with Mackay Sugar at Racecourse Mill in Mackay. Both projects are innovative and make complete sense.The latter will generate electricity from sugar cane trash (bagaase) and by 2013 will supply one third of Mackay's energy needs.The passing of the Renewable Energy Bills has enabled this project to proceed. This will mean 200,000 tonnes of green house gases will be eliminated from the environment. This is an intelligent alternative to coal fired power stations. The projects are and will create new jobs.When constructed, the co-generation plant will produce 36 mega watts of electricity and 27 megta watts will be exported to the national power grid. Sugar-cane farmers should be pleased as this is value adding of their product.They are subject to the vagaries of the market and export prices fluctuate rapidly.Value adding makes sense. I am a tenant on a cane farm and I watch the senseless burning of the trash which is wasted. It is a much better idea to generate electricity from the trash as well as ethanol production which I know CSR already produce. Fantastic! Who says positive change cannot happen!
Suzanne Brown
Mirani QLD
24 August 2009
______________________There is every indication that the Liberal Party is running out of substance. The heckling and the jeering toward the Labor ministers by the Libs in times past now sees them alone and prone to the tedium and vacuum of their value to society.
William Boeder
Rosebery TAS
23 August 2009
____________________I support alternative energy generation and the reduction of dirty power. My analysis of quotes obtained recently for a replacement hot water system with a heat pump suggests the prices are outrageously and deliberately (I contend) inflated. The technology is basic, cheap and easy to manufacture yet still costs just short of $4000. Magically, after the maximum subsidies available, the price comes down to just about exactly the same price as an electric hot water system. The same with solar panel systems and wind turbines. Turbines are even more basic technology, much of which is ex-China. The engineering is generic and mass certified. These systems need to be much cheaper and should be. The subsidies might in effect be creating a sanctioned cartel. The world needs to get greener sooner. Pricing itself out of the market is silly. Please reconsider subsidies. Food for thought.
Keith Spencer
Townsville QLD
22 August 2009
__________________________________I think the Rudd Government has done an excellent job in keeping Australia afloat during these difficult economic times, while at the same time building our nation after years of neglect under the former Howard government.
Mark Neville
Adelaide SA
21 August 2009
_____________________The trouble with people who advocate for population control is that their arguments usually stem from thinly disguised racism. The key to lowering world human population is education. Australia, as a wealthy nation, should be putting all possible efforts into ensuring that the people of the third world countries on our planet get an equal opportunity to an education and a fulfilling life. For us to argue that we cannot take people from other nations is disengenuous and adds to the already sullied reputation we gained in some parts of the world during the Howard era. The number of humans on the planet is most definitely an important factor in limiting greenhouse gas emissions; however, it is not helpful for that discussion to be hijacked by those who would argue that we should shut our borders.
Lorie Werner
Box Hill South VIC
20 August 2009
_____________________Thank you to the Rudd Government for the Disability Pension increase. But my very big concern is that the WA State Government will take much of this increase in rent. With that, and the big increases in electric, gas and ever increasing basic food prices, it's just that much harder to be any better off. Basically, the Federal Government giveth and the State Government taketh away even more.
Name Withheld
Beeliar WA
20 August 20009
___________________So, 43,000 more people took out private health insurance in the last quarter. Where are the thousands and thousands that were going to leave, according to the fear campaign put about by the Liberals earlier in the year? Another load of rubbish from the out of touch Opposition.
Val Hooper
Benowa QLD
19 August 2009
_____________________I thoroughly agree with what Kelvin Thompson has to say about the over population of the planet. Of course it is an enormous problem and one that we are bound to ignore until we choke on our own emissions. The problem is there to see on every highway in the country; in the fact that our infrastructure, hospitals and schools cannot keep up with the explosion of people. China has tried limiting one child to one family, but a small effort in the overall vast problem. Unless the whole world limits its population, we will most assuredly go the way of the dinosaur.
Iris Ashton
Kallangur QLD
19 August 2009
_______________________I cannot believe that the Liberals are still stalling on such an important policy as one involving the issue of climate change. What we need now is action, not discussion or arguing over the science, or if there is enough evidence; the evidence is there at so many levels. The news last night for example, a report on the decrease in ice levels in both the Arctic and Antarctic at 4 times the rate as initially anticipated just a few years ago. Scientific evidence! Malcolm Turnball and the Liberals need to get their head out of the ice and start looking at and living in the 21st Century - whatever is left of it at the rate we are going and the Liberals are sending us by defeating the Government's ETS.
Valerie Close
St Ives NSW
18 August 2009
____________________ If I were in charge, I would send it back to the senate every week till they get serious. If at first you dont succeed try, try again! Thanks for your very able prosecution of the task. Reason must prevail!
Maurice Smith
Altona VIC
18 August 2009
_________________I am concerned at the National Hospital and Health Commission's recommendation on Medicare Select which proposes to introduce "competition" into the delivery, funding and reimbursement of government benefits. I contend this would destroy Medicare and wipe out the administrative efficiencies and simplicity, and capacity to compile accurate statistics to assist with health services planning and delivery and policy deveopment, and the prevention of fraud. To understand the dangers of this recommendation, ministers should re-read the Nimmo Report, prepared in 1969 on health insurance, or speak to Dr John Deeble who can provide them with the policy arguments and statistical background he has known and worked on since his seminal work in 1969. Better to talk to Deeble than to take the word of people whose background in private health insurance makes their calls for "competition" a little suspect.
Megan Stoyles
Aireys Inlet VIC
17 August 2009
____________________Today the Opposition is positively crowing because the ETS bill has been split. They portray our wonderful government as 'giving in' whenever the Liberals demand a change in the proposed legislation. Please let us have a double dissolution so we do not have to creep around the party which we threw out at the last election.
Val Hooper
Benowa QLD
17 August 2009
__________________If Ross Garnaut is right, and we only have a ten to fifteen year window of opportunity to halt climate change before it has globally catastrophic consequences, I want the government to take a courageous and unpopular stand by declaring a state of emergency to bring it home to the populace that we've only got this one chance to save our future. It's no time to think about careers and politics. It is an emergency.
Phoebe Mostafa
Linden NSW
16 August 2009
_______________________Why is it I feel one of the main reasons the Libs are so stubborn on not supporting the Climate Change Bill is they do not want Kevin Rudd to turn up at the global discussion and being greeted as a world leader on climate change. They have still been able to accept the defeat at the last election.
Hal Crossing
Happy Valley SA
16 August 2009
________________In regards to the unjust detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, I find this behaviour inhumane. Being a victim myself, I can relate strongly to her ordeal. It's good to see the Australian Government taking a strong stance on detention, knowing fully well the impact this has on one's mental wellbeing.
Shafiek Abrahams
Caperdown NSW
15 August 2009
____________________ I like that the Labor Party has acknowledged the potential and importance the internet plays in our lives as a means for telecommunication. I hope that the Australian Government educates all Australians (at least those who do not know or realise) what the internet means to Australia's future.
Trevor Davis
Towradgi NSW
15 August 2009
___________________The Opposition's recalcitrance on climate change shows that they are only interested in stopping the Government from governing in the hope of gaining electoral support, rather than the welfare of this country or its people. Just as the Howard government provided some of the most divisive and unproductive legislation, in opposition they are totally failing to fulfill their role as an alternative government.
Martin Turner
Athelstone SA
14 August 2009
___________________In regard to the proposed changes announced for the anti-terrorism laws, I ask that the Government consider including gender into the amendment concerning inciting violence against someone on the basis of their race, religion or political views. Some migrants have come from countries where violence and even murder of women is allowed to cleanse the family. I'm not prejudiced but our cultural framework in reflected in our laws. Gender-based violence is viewed differently in some countries, while in Australia women are not considered property of another. I have real fears that, without appropriate legislation, gender in itself is indeed a very real basis for terrorist incited violence.
Tricia Steinthal
Brunswick West VIC
14 August 2009
___________________I was pleased with Minister Penny Wong's responses on the Meet the Press; she seems to focus more on rational reasoning that some other do. While my own position has a preference for taxation on CO2, I do appreciate the potential of the Labor Policy on this issue while I do not understand just what the new Turnbull suggestions amount to. I am but a pensioner and my means are limited but I already have six solar cells on my roof and am hopeful to have another three soon and shall continue to purchase what I can, as I can, for I see the need to achieve as much peak power as we can so that the government will be able to place a high cost on the coal power industry. As I believe you know, we will probably not be able to avoid global warming but we must try not to cross too far over the threshold and leave us no chance to limit the catastrophic outcome. I therefore with great respect wish you and us all the greatest success.
Peter Friis
Buderim QLD
13 August 2009
_____________________I'd like to say thank you to Kevin Rudd for the economic stimulus payments throughout the last year. Not only were they a financial relief, but very much a welcome psychological relief too - just the knowledge that it is there makes things a lot more relaxed at home.
Name Withheld
Bligh Park NSW
13 August 2009
________________We should get a move on with changing to clean coal. Surely this is something that should be in place now or in the very near future. I live in the Latrobe Valley, surrounded by power stations, and the reduction of carbon pollution cannot come too soon for the Valley's population.
Virginia Dye
Traralgon VIC
12 August 2009
____________________The majority of the Australian people would not be worried about gay and lesbian citizens being given the right to marry their partner. While there are those who do not understand the concept of choice, does that mean that the majority must toe the line and live by their rigid rules? There is more respect to be gained by doing the right thing than by pandering to those who would restrict our rights.
Lorie Werner
Box Hill South VIC
12 August 2009
____________________ It's a breath of fresh air to at last have a Government and Prime Minister in Canberra with positive new thinking and actions rather than the tired old Coalition thinking that has dogged that party and still continues in the same form it did decades ago. Costello has it right when he recently said that the Liberal/Nationals still had not learned from their last election loss. Also their campaigns of fear and smear used all the time, particularly when their election chances are low, continue as they have for past decades rather than coming up with alternative policy proposals. As Julia Gillard announced in question time recently, "Watch what they do, not what they say". Keep up the good work Kevin and Co.
Allen Agnew
Devon Park SA
11 August 2009
_______________________Irrespective of which party is in power, to work effectively, the Westminster system of government needs a strong and intelligent government and a strong and intelligent opposition. The role of the opposition is to prevent the government of the day abusing its power - without obstruction for the sake of obstruction. While we certainly have the first, we clearly don't have the second. The present opposition not only lacks leadership; it seems to lack any form of intelligence as it blunders from one "utegate" fiasco to the next. The Rudd government is doing an excellent job, despite the obstructionism and (at times) sheer incompetence displayed by members on the other side of the House. I'm proud of the Rudd government, which is showing the world that the Westminster system does work in Australia!
Ron Woods
Alfredton VIC
11 August 2009
_______________________Some people doubt the climate change, so I am glad to see the term pollution being used as there is no debate about the need to reduce the pollution level. In fact, pollution is a much more important issue as it is the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe that is a concern. Limiting the CO2 is finally a step forward - giving a cleaner environment to our children is more important than to preserve our waterfront properties from rising sea levels.
Philippe Goriaux
Oyster Bay NSW
10 August 2009
____________________I would strongly urge Mr Rudd to threaten to hold an early general election if the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme fails to pass the Senate on Thursday.
Nathan Scalia
Carlton VIC
10 August 2009
____________________ The business of "rebirthing" motor vehicles is still going unchecked. I saw on the TV news where you could still get caught with a vehicle that was welded from parts of wrecks - a death trap waiting for someone to spring it. There has been talk of a National Registry for wrecks to put a stop to this practice. Someone should put some action into this before more people are killed.
Richard Scotte
Yarralumla ACT
9 August 2009
____________________
Please keep up the good work on climate change, for two reasons. First it will be good for the planet and renewable energy will produce more new jobs. The other good thing will be the splitting of the Coalition. I just love Senator Joyce; every time he opens his mouth, they split a little more.
Darryl Whiteside
Toogoom QLD
9 August 2009
____________________
I smoke cigarettes and, as with all smokers, I have to give up eventually. A pack of 40 cigarettes costs about $17. The best health measure you could possibly do is to increase the cost of cigarettes. For a pack of 40, a more realistic price is $25 to $30. Another idea is to print pamphlets to be distributed to where cigarettes are sold about techniques for decreased use.
Justin Cottam
Berrigan NSW
8 August 2009
___________________I hope the PM remains an unapologetic optimist about Australia's long-term future. The Government is forging ahead where Australia and Australians need to go, on health, education, climate change and a hand up for the disadvantaged and challenged brothers and sisters. It is steering a course that makes our country proud. Thank you and please keep the heart for the challenges that lay ahead.
Name Withheld
Girrawheen WA
7 August 2009
______________I live in the seat of Mayo in South Australia held until recently by His Lordship Alexander Downer. I believe that Labor can win this seat if a strong candidate is chosen. The Liberals are a mess & I want to live in a Labor electorate. Let's bring Mayo onto the Labor side.
Bill Wheatland
Crafers SA
6 August 2009
_________________________This country is lucky it has PM Rudd to take us out of the economic mess that every country in world has to cope with. Excellent work PM Rudd and administration. I am so sorry that I am not a millionaire; I would have give a half to Labor for what they have done for the past 15 month. You deserve it.
Michael Rudd
South Melbourne VIC
6 August 2009
______________________I'd like to see the Opposition give the Australian people's choice of government a chance to get on with it. The Liberals should stop the constant aggression in Parliament, and stop trying to assert they are right and the people's choice is wrong. I'm turning off politics mainly due to the bitchiness of the Turnbull and Joe Hockey strategy. Give us a break; we're not idiots.
Georgina Grunden
The Entrance NSW
5 August 2009
____________________ The PM's vision and proactive approach to building Australia's future in this harsh global economic crisis has given me hope for a stable and strong Australia for my grandchildren to grow up in. I can now relax and enjoy my retirement with peace of mind knowing that he is caring for their future. What a wonderful holistic approach he has for us all. In my 65 years, I must say this Government is the best we have ever had.
Name withheld
Leonay NSW
5 August 2009
_______________________I support the Denticare idea of the Government subsidising basic dental procedures, even if it is funded by a rise in the Medicare Levy. One can walk away from a GP appointment having paid a maximum $20 gap. However, I never seemed to walk away from the dentist paying less than $200 for my annual consultation(s) until I got private extras cover. Now it still costs about $90. A very poor person wouldn't go to the dentist at all, or would wait a long time for dental treatment at a public hospital.
Margaret Dingle
Norwood SA
4 August 2009
_________________I am very pleased with the Labor Government's actions to reform Medicare. I believe it will give a further sense of fairness to the middle class and fairer outcomes to the general community. Even though taxes might increase and Medicare levy too, I have strong faith that the Labor Government will do everything in their power to stabalise this matter and make it sustainable. I was also very satisfied with Kevin Rudd's conference speech. The goals he mentioned the ALP is working on are very beneficial to our community and to strengthening our economy. As a Year-12 student and a member of Young Labor, I am proud to have a federal government which reforms the economy for all types of working class people and not just a select few.
Nikola Skrob
Adelaide SA
4 August 2009
________________I was so impressed with Penny Wong and Peter Garrett's presentation. Their understanding that the whole functioning of our economy will have to change to combat climate change and its effects is so reassuring. It is great to have such competent Labor people steering this change.
Barbara Burton
Round Corner NSW
3 August 2009
____________________ It is really exciting for us and for the future of Australia to know that our current leaders are visionaries in national policies in setting and actualising our basic goal of giving all Australians a fair go and treating all of us as equal partners in our wonderful nation.
Dominic Chuo
Rowville VIC
3 August 2009
_________________What a fitting tribute to Hawkey - ever charming hero, never dull in helping ALP since he left office. Both Simon Crean and PM paid excellent tributes to a man still very popular with the people. ALP members must be rightly proud of this hero.
Mukul Desai
Hunters Hill NSW
2 August 2009
_________________I have never been so inspired as to hear Mr Hawke speak at the ALP National Conference of his recollection of the past and present achievements of the party. I am now a sincere and believing voter with a newfound understanding that my vote matters. That speech was profoundly Australian, and irrespective of cultural influence, the Labor Party now stands alone in ensuring that you can bend and stretch - and still reach for the stars.
Adam Ndreu
Murrumbeena VIC
2 August 2009
_________________For many many years, I have watched & listened to previous previous governments to see if they were going to tackle the global pollution problem. We are running out of time & it's good to know that the Labor Party led by the Prime Minister Mr Kevin Rudd is taking on this challenge, knowing that it won't be easy. Before becoming PM, he said that the country needs a party that will work for the people rather than for themselves. So thank you Prime Minister for keeping your word. You & your crew are doing the best you can for all Australians & we cannot ask for anymore than that.
Peter Belbin
Nerang QLD
1 August 2009
__________________I think that Kevin Rudd is doing a great job job of helping the working class. Far better than John Howard ever did.
Many Liberals who are bosses seem to want to crush the very people who create the wealth for them. The working class are not dogs to be hounded and beaten. Why do so many bosses moan about the wages they have to pay their workers? Do these bosses expect the workers to pay them for the privilege of working in their factories? Now come on! Didn't Jesus Christ say: " Love thy neighbour as thyself. " Here it means to pay all workers a decent living wage so that they can live in dignity and support their families properly with food, shelter, clothing, and a decent education no matter how lowly their job may be.
Richard Leschen
Ararat VIC
1 August 2009
_________________I'm a party member and I'm an avid reader who does purchase novels from UK more cheaply, even with with added freight charges. I'm not wealthy and I feel guilty spending $32 for a novel here in Perth. My instinct tells me that more Labor supporters are the readers of the nation than any other group. Please lift the restriction on parallel importation.
Rosemary Parke
Leeming WA
31 July 2009
________________________I have just read the PM's opening address to the Labor Conference. All I can say is wow. I am proud of our government and have been for the past 18 months. There were only two occasions where I was proud of the previous government - gun control and the Indigenous intervention and that wasn't not enough for 12 years of government. Both were social issues and that tells me that whilst my hip pocket is important, far more important are the decisions taken by our governments for the good of the country that benefit, if not all of us, at least the most disadvantaged of us. I am so proud of the PM and of his team. Keep up the good work.
Josephine Torcasio
Endeavour Hills VIC
31 July 2009
_________________________Thank you so much to the Rudd Government for my low income earner rebate on my Tax Return. Currently unemployed and only able to do part-time work, it has helped pay some big bills including car rego / insurance and house insurance.
Louise Archer
Geilston Bay TAS
30 July 2009
___________________The Liberals stripped the country without shame and only PM Rudd could have, and is, pulling us out of a deep fiasco. And it's been achieved against immature Liberal leadership and constant bickering. Congratulations PM Rudd: you have said many things about improvement and, on scale of ten, the 10 is yours. Bravo.
Michael Rudd
Melbourne VIC
30 July 2009
___________________I am really glad that public housing has been given 1000 new homes. I am in public housing and as a single person with intermittent mental health and employment issues and would never be able to rent privately as it would be detrimental to my mental health.
Pearl Tabart
Nundah QLD
29 July 2009
____________________ Gough Whitlam's jeans are going under the hammer tomorrow night (Thursday July 30) at the annual Jeans for Genes dinner & auction. The sale will raise money for the Children's Medical Research Institute. Renowned artist and two times Archibald 'Peoples choice' winner Vincent Fantauzzo has turned Whitlam's jeans into a work of art. Ensure they go for the right amount of money - come along and bid! For details call 02 92672711.
Courtney Goddard
Clovelly NSW
29 July 2009
_____________________
Naomi Cartledge
Shellharbour NSW
28 July 2009
________________________I have noticed that the power of the financial institutions and banks have grown beyond control. A striking example was when the Reserve Bank lowered interest rates the banks did not pass this on to their customers; in fact some of them increased their lending rates. A way to counter this behaviour would be to create a new "Commonwealth Bank". This bank could be financed by investments of the superannuation funds and provide loans at a reasonable rate, thus attracting customers away from the Big Four Banks and eventually forcing them to become true competitors. I don't think that our banks at present really compete against each other in all areas.
Theodoor de Bie
Wanatirna South VIC
28 July 2009
_________________As a young teenager when Gough Whitlam was sacked by Govenor-General Kerr, I decided that I was a Labor supporter and have continued to this day (for good reason). Should it be decided to lower the voting age, I would suggest that consideration be given as to whether the time is right for our younger generation. Politics does not seem to matter to my teenager as much as it did to me. They have different interests (namely msn, myspace, ipods etc) not like me (power strikes, train strikes, teacher strikes etc). I know that there are other interests for teenagers older than my daughter, but even talking to 16-17 year olds in general conversation I think you will end up with voting swingers!
Name Withheld
Strathpine QLD
27 July 2009
_____________________
Michael Brazel
Kedron QLD
27 July 2009
____________________ About international efforts to tackle global warming, how about this analogy? A lot of nations have packed down in the scrum; Australia is in the second row, and pushing hard, but we find the front row is hardly pushing at all! The Coalition wants us to walk off the field and sulk. The ALP, and all reasonable Australians, say that we should: (a) give the front row a kick in their bums, and (b) push harder!
Richard Blake
Hurstville NSW
26 July 2009
____________________________Stimulating the economy could be helped by extending the First Home Buyers Grant to men and women who have been separated or divorced, once owned a home but due to the separation haven't owned a property for 10 years, who haven't re-entered the housing market; and were disadvantaged by the separation - like where one gained and the other lost out. I think this would help a vast number of people who are possibly the most disadvantaged, and deserving of a second chance.
Peter Croft
Scarborough QLD
26 July 2009
___________________Further to the recovery of Australia's economy, I appreciated the powerful delivery of facts by our Prime Minister. Let not the Liberal underdogs dare to savage the wisely considered and much-needed policies as so spoken and implemented by this courageous Labor Party and this Prime Minister.
William Boeder
Rosebery TAS
25 July 2009
______________________Instead of building houses for indigenous families in remote areas, I suggest offering free houses in areas where there is a real chance of jobs and already has proper services.
Barry Avery
Taree NSW
25 July 2009
__________________Thank you for reviewing the counter-terrorism laws. The laws brought in by the Howard Government went too far and, rather than protecting us, they represent a grave threat to our civil liberties. Particularly worrying are laws that deny those held by police the right to notify their next of kin, and that forbid people from talking about their interrogations after they are released. Such laws could leave relatives panicking about their loved ones' whereabouts, and prevent traumatised people seeking help because they can't relate their experiences. Please overturn these laws, which create fear rather than reassurance.
Johnny Hackett
Wonthaggi VIC
24 July 2009
____________________If Malcolm Turnbull and the Liberals won't sign to the climate change bill, take the double disolution and call an early election. The Lib's will get smashed and Labor will win by a massive majority, which will almost assure them of winning the following election.
Adam Jones
Sydney NSW
24 July 2009
____________________Everybody on this planet must understand that we have no choice but to look after our planet for of mankind to enjoy. I have nothing but praise for the Labor Party for standing up & doing something about it. Not like others who talk fresh air & do nothing. You need guts & a strong protocol to deal with the climate & I believe we have a Government that doing just that.
Peter Belbin
Nerang QLD
23 July 2009
_______________________I believe that it is vital for us to stop the pollution which is destroying our planet. If material interests are allowed to dominate and destroy the environment at the present rate, it won't be worth living here.
Daphne Lascaris
Athelstone SA
23 July 2009
____________________I am so proud of what our Dear Prime Minister and the Australian Labor Party have achieved with such diligence, in such a short time! Australia is finally in wise, humanitarian hands! I believe that the best is yet to come; we are now well guided.
Enia Stamatiades
Whalan NSW
22 July 2009
________________The best thing that Western governments can do to address climate change is similar to that which they did to address sexual and racial discrimination. It was called "affirmative action" ... and in fact it was discrimination in reverse. The groups in political, economic and cultural power were discriminated against in favour of the groups that needed a hand up or would never get the chance of equality of opportunity. So it is with environmentally friendly industries and technologies; they need a hand up. I suggest we need to bring solar panels, batteries and inverting equipment down to a reasonable price, and change the building code so that every new house has the ability to harvest the sunlight falling on its roof. Industry and commercial buildings will follow suit as the green culture takes hold.
Maurice McGahey
Carina QLD
22 July 2009
__________________While the take-up of private solar electricity systems has exceeded the Government's incentive estimates, the overall number of installations is minimal. The inhibiting factor is cost; licensed installers make sure that the cost absorbs all the incentives and add on a healthy profit. I suggest that the Government implement a strategy to assist the manufacture of cheap solar panels and, maybe even, a government-run department to manage installation systems at reasonable cost. Now that would be something Australia could crow about in the greenhouse debate.
David Bell
Thornleigh NSW
21 July 2009
__________________The 'good news' stories of Aboriginal Affairs seldom see the light of day - so here is one. During August and September, five indigenous people will be ordained as either deacons or priests by the Anglican Bishop of the NT. While all of these ordinations are significant, one is particularly significant in that the first traditional indigenous woman [Rev'd Yulki Nunggumajbarr] will be ordained.
David Amery
Humpty Doo NT
21 July 2009
___________________I think the Government is doing a great job. I am a rusted-on Labor supporter and it is incredible the pressure that is being put on this Government by a hostile Senate and media. The Opposition have a lot to answer for with their tactics and for their attempts to destabilize every policy and program. They are eroding confidence and still have the opinion that they are born-to-rule. The performances of the Labor ministers has been excellent and it is important to keep up the calm, measured and practical demeanour to cancel out the hysterical, opportunistic, and obstructionist Opposition. They get far too much air from the media.
Robyn Lipshut
Tatura VIC
20 July 2009
___________________I am very impressed with Labor's use of social media. It is very forwarding thinking and will best capture the views of a wide cross-section of the community. Also, I am pleased that Keep Australia Working has been adopted as a slogan. David Bradbury's Keep Penrith Working campaign has high-visibility and support.
Elaine Talbert
Emu Heights NSW
20 July 2009
________________The Government is doing a fantastic job under very difficult circumstances in all areas. I get really dissapointed with criticism that is unwarranted. I think the majority of Australians need to take a leaf out of President Kennedy's speech and think a little more of what we can do to help ourselves. The Government is responsible for the country but are we not as citizens responsible for our own actions? There are and always has been things completely out of Governments hands, and is up to the people, to each individual to help make this world a better place.
Patricia Hayes
Melton South VIC
19 July 2009
____________________ The Government's move on television and computer recycling is a great idea for national recycling program. A cost could be added to the rates people pay (for curbside recycling and rubbish removal) and the council can inform people where to take the TV's and computers (even mobile phone?) via the local paper or Local Member pamphlet.
Pearl Tabart
Nundah QLD
19 July 2009
_____________________I work overseas but return to the country I love as often as is possible. Under Mr Howard's Government, I was really worried about my safety in other countries, including Nigeria, Tripoli and Iraq. I feel much safer under the Rudd Government's watch as the Labor Party cares about people. Aussies are now respected in most countries I work. Thanks again for the confidence you have given me.
Alen Lawson
Bentley WA
18 July 2009
_________________In the interests of climate change reduction, I would like to see all small rural towns like ours (currently powered by a large diesel powered generator) subsidised to go to alternative energy for power. The alternatives need to be practical, cost effective and sustainable for small communities.
Robyn Holtham
Blinman SA
18 July 2009
___________________I am a third generation Labor voter and I bless the day we chose Kevin Rudd as our Prime Minister. The Government has done and is doing wonderful things for families with Autism but now it needs to look at the teenagers and young adults whose lives do not have any purpose and yet such potential. We will rue the day when these young people are old and need State care unless we look into what can be done now. My son is 16 years old and so we have fought the hard fight and I will make sure he will put his talents to use - but my concern is for the families who cannot, and who do not know how.
Bette Sartore
Kyneton VIC
18 July 2009
________________I note some remarks on Lateline by some commentators on Australia-China relations worried that the Rudd government may be retreating from the "pragmatic relationship" of the Howard era and worried about the current government "sending mixed messages" and needing a "consistent and coherent, long-term strategy". It seems to me on the contrary that the pragmatists are the ones who are shackled to the short-term, and that Kevin Rudd has been conveying a consistent message that says: "Yes, we encourage engagement, but our relationship is not unconditional and we shall remain frank and fearless in our stand on democratic principles." After a too-long decade of "wedge" politics and "whatever it takes", I for one am far happier with a government prepared to take the very long view and stand for the principles that place human dignity at their core. In the end, they are good for business, too.
Guy van Enst
Mildura VIC
17 July 2009
___________________After the election of Kevin Rudd and his excellent government, my inner feelings of pride in this great country have been boosted greatly since the divisive and racist policies of the ex-Liberal / National Party Coalition Government. I sense in the community around me a more certain and effervescent outlook on Australia's future, even though the world is subject to the Global Financial Crisis. I now do not cringe when I think of the conditions under which my children will be working under post WorkChoices laws. Thank you Kev and your team for making the hard decisions and helping one and all to enjoy our future with communal respect and pride. Keep up the good work.
Garry Travers
Medowie NSW
17 July 2009
____________________ I support Kevin Rud's policy on climate change and suggest that the Opposition should stop being negative.
Ankim Swamy
Flynn ACT
16 July 2009
_______________________We must do something about climate change now; tomorrow will be to late. Enough time wasting & whinging has been done over the last few years & nothing done by millionare Turnbull & his mob. Now is the time - not when nothing is left in our world for our children's children.
Colin Sutherland
Toongabbie NSW
16 July 2009
_______________________I congratulate the Federal Labor Government for taking climate change seriously and would like to make a case for the rescue of several atoll communities east and northeast of Bougainville. These communities are under threat of annihilation due to the rising sea level and severe weather events driven partly, if not entirely, by global warming. I'm an Australian citizen by birth, married into the outer atoll communities who adopted me 30 years ago. The Bougainville war severed these atolls from the essential services they once received from the PNG Government and Bougainville. Adding to their woes is the swamping of their islands by high seas, which leave the islands waterlogged and have destroyed food crops and the limited arable land that once existed.
Warwick Brooker
Tuggeranong ACT
15 July 2009
____________________Yes, the global economic crisis is impacting us badly; but so is climate change Mr Turnbull. Should we ignore our planet in favour of saving money? The answer is an obvious no!
Zoe Gray
Wayville SA
15 July 2009
___________________I worry about the proposed internet censorship (or any of it really) as the slowdowns combined with overblocking could become a serious inconvenience. I believe overblocking was said to be somewhere between 1% and 3% but that's a scary number of pages when you factor in the millions of pages available. Australia has been behind the rest of the world in terms of internet access for years (thank you Liberals!) and anything that makes it any worse won't go down well with a lot of people. But on the positive side I have heard we'll finally be getting high speed internet over the next few years; great move.
Nathan Bloemen
Dapto NSW
14 July 2009
_________________________Congratulations on the moves to reduce homelessness. But one group that needs help are the unfortunates thrown out of their homes by the Family Court and left with nothing to restablish themselves. That's why I think there should be a Minister for Men's Interests.
Gary Gleeson
Perth WA
14 July 2009
_______________________Congratulations on doing something positive about homelessness. It's a shame on our society that people are homeless, so good on this Government for tackling the problem. Disadvantage and misfortune can affect anyone, and we should all heed this problem in our rich country.
Pauline Mulberry
Adelaide SA
13 July 2009
____________________
I would like to thank the Labor Party for recently introducing the nationwide travel for pensioners at concession prices. However, I would like for the same concession scheme to be applied to currently enrolled, full time students such as myself when interstate. I pay full Adult fare on the Connex Train system in Melbourne and find this quite unfair as I normally receive concession rates. Also, the public transport system seems to be the only institution that enforces this as other organisations such as the movie cinemas and entry into tourist attractions are quite happy to allow students, no matter their state, receive the cheaper fare in recognition of the low income we have to live on while studying.
Louise Pfeffer
Goodna QLD
13 July 2009
__________________________
I'd like to see two-tiered government in this country in lieu of the current over-regulated three-tier. I feel it should come before a referendum; that Australians should have the vote whether or not state governments should remain in place. This is just a simple point of view, and in a democracy, I have the liberty to voice such. Annette Staines
Wallerawang NSW
12 July 2009
____________________
I think aged pensioners should be allowed to earn extra money before their pensions are reduced. The assets tests is now improved for those with more assets - dare I say for those who are better off than myself - but I have to work the few extra hours just to live a little easier.
Loretta Crossin
Broadmeadows VIC
12 July 2009
____________________________
My wife and I are really happy with what this Government is doing for our country. We're disappointed at the negative comments that the Federal member at Albury sent us in her newsletter. We expect people in Government to be positive, especially when the world's economies are struggling.
Barry Jenkins
Henty NSW
11 July 2009
_____________________
I'm supportive of the comment made by Stephen Learmonth of Manly yesterday. The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2007 found that 1 in 5 Australians experience mental illness each year and nearly half of us experience mental illness at some point in our lifetime. It is indeed an issue of great importance. I note that DOHA have published a National Mental Health Plan, but it covers the period 2003 to 2008. We're half way through 2009 and publication of a new National Mental Health Plan is past due.
Craig Rowley
Williamstown VIC
11 July 2009
___________________
These days, people talk a lot more openly about mental illness. And with much more science about the mind, I believe it is time to better care for these poor suffering individuals. This is the last area of stigma and discrimination. Please, like climate change, make this a topic for discussion amongst our people and with other leaders of great countries.
Stephen Learmonth
Manly NSW
10 July 2009
__________________I'd like to see the Government propose and implement a People's Bank. I am sure such a bank would be well catered for by the public, especially low income workers and those on pensions and the like. Keep up the good work.
Machs Colombani
Goodna QLD
10 July 2009
__________________This may come as a shock but the working poor still exist. While our Government have taken steps toward helping us, much more needs to be done. Perhaps a GST increase only on items the wealthy buy such as luxury cars and imported French wines? Extra revenue needs to come from those who can afford to pay.
Shaun Newman
Deeragun QLD
9 July 2009
_____________________Keep up the good work; there is light at the end of the tunnel, and a better Australia under Labor.
Joseph Richards
Harrington NSW
9 July 2009
__________________Thank you to the Australian Government for coming together with the Tasmanian Government to save our Tasmanian rail system which has for so long, under private ownership, been neglected. It is so good to see, at last, Governments which understand their existence is to serve and bring these essential services back to public ownership.
Kevin Page
Claremont TAS
8 July 2009
___________________As a passionate smoker, I need to share my concerns about proposals to hurt and shame smokers with more tax. Smoking has been a pleasure of mine for many years; it's an outlet that offers that bit extra life enjoyment for me. To be forced to pay double for a packet of cigarettes will hurt. Life is not forever, and sure smoking does affect people's health. But so does the overconsumption of alcohol, fast food, stressful work environments, sunburn, and broken relationships. Thus as well as cigarettes being doubled to $20, I propose that a big mac be doubled to $10; a takeaway large pizza to $20; a kfc family box to $40; a chocolate donut to $8; a soft serve ice cream cone to $6; a bottle of scotch whiskey to $60; and a beer stubbie to $8. Plus that there be a sun tan tax of $19; a heartbreaker tax of $600; and a tax on bullying workplace managers of $500 a week.
Philip Michelmore
Glenroy VIC
8 July 2009
_________________Congratulations to the Federal Labor Government for a fine performance in parliament the week before last. The Opposition have just one policy - 'smear smear smear'. Congratulations too on the school improvement policy. I was a school teacher for 23 years and an administrator (DP and P) for 14 and this is the first time any Government has spent decent money on improving infrastructure in our schools. Although, yes, Gough was good too. The $700 million Howard threw at the public system was like throwing crumbs to the paupers (still, that's how the Libs have always treated the weak and destitute - the old class system is alive and well with them). And it was great to see the transport concessions applying across the country. This will be of great benefit to all seniors and of course the tourist industry. Keep up the good work.
Bruce Thompson
Long Jetty NSW
7 July 2009
______________________As a senior, I say thank you to the Federal Government for the extended travel. But having just read about the dreadful living conditions of the people in Gunbalanya (average 17 to a house), I would happily forgo the cheaper travel to have the money spent on housing for those Aboriginal people.
Janette Mercer
Erskineville NSW
7 July 2009
_____________Very well done, Julia Gillard. The big shipping agencies said that they can't compete with foreign ships in this country because of the cost of labour. So instead of lowering the Australian seamen's wages to make shipping in this country more competitive, she has made a submission that all foreign owned ships plying for trade on this coast must be paid in accordance with Australian seamen's awards. The Maritime Union of Australia has been trying to bring all seamen into line with Australian conditions for years and now it seems that all foreign seamen on this coast will finally profit from this new law. A small step in balancing the world's wealth.
Iris Ashton
Kallangur QLD
6 July 2009
____________________Centrelink should use the same system as banks for attending to customers. Currently when a pensioner visits Centrelink they have to join a queue and stand in line waiting to be served. It would be much better for each client to receive a numbered ticket; then they could sit down and wait their turn until called by a Centrelink official. I believe this idea is called modern customer service policies.
Vernon Vale
Kedron QLD
6 July 2009
__________________Yes it's very important that Australia gets a new broadband network. However, our communications network should not be owned and run by a foreign country. It should be Australian-owned, either by the Government or by an Australian company on the ASX. That way, Australians keep control and also can share in the profits by being shareholders. Use the money from the Future Fund, which was money that Australians paid for Telstra shares, to build & run our own new broadband network. We have the knowledge & technology. And it will give work to Australians.
Pat Orr
Queens Park NSW
5 July 2009
_____________________Some time ago I heard Malcolm Turnbull say that if he had his way, everyone would be paying for their health care. He is going to kill Medicare if he gets in. I really hope that he will be eating his own words when he loses the next election. Why does he hate the pensioners so much? We are people too or maybe he thinks we're not worth bothering about.
Innocenza Morehouse
Wangaratta VIC
4 July 2009
_________________I think all the Labor Party's policies are fantastic and the Government has diligently acted to promote these policies. I am particularly happy about the plan to generate electricity from sugar in Mackay and surrounding districts. Also the plan for extracting ethanol is terrific as it is the type of "value-adding" that is environmentally friendly and will reduce greenhouse gases. Also the solar regeneration policy. I believe one has to act locally to think globally.
Suzanne Brown
Mirani QLD
4 July 2009
_______________________
Congratulations to Peter Garrett on receiving the prestigious French honour, L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. It is due regonition for his dedication to Australia and Australian music. Peter has been and continues to be a great ambassador for Australia and deserves all honours afforded to him.Peter Nowfel
Greystanes NSW
3 July 2009
__________________Kevin Rudd and the members of the Labor ministry are to be congratulated on the workload that has been undertaken, and all this in the face of Senate intransigence and Opposition smearing tactics in the House of Representatives. I send my heart felt congratulations to all members of this talented Labor Government.
Neil Roberts
Helena Valley WA
3 July 2009
_________________I read that, over two years, the $25 million Local Government Reform Fund will assist councils implement new asset management and planning consistent with a national framework; fund the collection and analysis of robust data about councils' infrastructure assets; and support collaboration between councils on a regional basis for service delivery and planning. I very much like the sound of this.
Carolyn Cordon
Redbanks SA
2 July 2009
_________________I have read the Government's Mid Term Progress Report and am amazed at the amount of work this Goverrment has done to keep the wheels of industry turning and uphold our standard of living. Faced with crises after crises, it took courage to keep the ship steady we now see a new Kevin Rudd who will in my mind be our best PM ever.
Kevin Gleeson
Burpengary QLD
2 July 2009
____________________ Thanks to the Rudd Government for removing the ridiculous penalty on refugees for their accommodation. Your increasing concern for the human rights of refugees does you great credit.
Howard Hodgens
Burwood VIC
1 July 2009
____________________ The Government's Mid Term Report is very impressive. It makes me feel proud of our current Government. I am not an expert in financial matters, but I know the Labor Government has taken the right decisions to move the Australian economy ahead without falling into recession.
Luis Romero
Regents Park QLD
1 July 2009
________________I was never been a fan of Bob Menzies but I am sure he would be utterly ashamed of the current Liberal Party and how far his party has sunk. I will not go into personal insults but I do not believe that the current leaders of that party could lead a line of congo-line dancers, let alone a political party. They attack members of the Government only to cover their own lack of policies. Their members do not truly have faith in their leader's ability to lead, but they do not have an alternative leader to elect. Would anybody buy anything from that mob if they were door-to-door salesmen?
Lynette Jones
Swan View WA
30 June 2009
__________________
Of course the Liberals wont agree to a fair workplace; they still live in the land of 'Work Choices'.Charles de Groot
Sunbury VIC
30 June 2009
____________________
Congratulations on proposed legislation regarding detainees, especially ensuring that children are not held in detention, that detainees are held for a reasonable period & that they are not required to reimburse expenses for their period in detention. This has been a national shame for too long.
Keith Boswell
Caboolture QLD
29 June 2009
_____________I believe the Federal Government is doing much better than could be expected. I certainly cannot see the Opposition managing any better; their policies would only make the rich richer and the poor poorer. It would contribute little to the economy. You certainly had a win over the fake email affair. I am surprised that Malcolm Turnbull would attempt such an amateurish sting in his attempt to win back lost support.
Kenneth Matthews
Bundarra NSW
29 June 2009
________________In the Federal Government's Mid-Term Progress Report, you have not mentioned the substantial and impressive changes to the asylum seeker regime and other changes to the administration of the Migration Act. Congratulations to Chris Evans and staff.
Ellen Goodman
Sydney NSW
28 June 2009
____________________The Federal Government has achieved a lot in a short time, and it wasn't the best time to take over government. But I think Australia needs a Bill of Rights in our Constitution; and not a charter that can be suspended or changed at any time depending on who's in power.
Graham Davis
Darwin NT
28 June 2009
__________________It's not the leak so much as the fake. Why is nobody addressing the real problem: who faked the email, under whose advice, and who were the accessories. Surely Turnbull and Abetz shouldn't be able to hide behind parliamentary privilege if they were accessories before the Senate hearing. The AFP ought to be allowed to establish these facts.
Barbara Hilliard
Blue Mtns NSW
27 June 2009
__________________Prior to the last election, Joe Hockey made much on TV about the threat of 'union thuggery'. My observations of his behaviour in parliament - and the behaviour of the opposition's front bench - leads me to believe that the real concern is Liberal Party thuggery. Their standards of behaviour in the House are disgraceful. Constant points of order, appalling abusive interjections, time wasting divisions, yelling and shouting in Question Time and failure to address the issues at hand just disgust me. I know this is not a matter for the Government, but can't some approach be made to the Speaker to address this sort of behaviour more firmly? Or perhaps the government could draw the public's attention to this Liberal thuggery? It really, really angers me.
Trevor Williams
Fitzroy North VIC
27 June 2009
_______________Congratulations on a wonderful initiative to grant MBS & PBS rights to Nurse Practitioners & Midwives. This initiative is forward looking and promises great things for the healthcare of all Australians. Now I'd like to see the granting assistant numbers to Perioperative Nurse Surgeon's Assistants to allow them to practice in the private sector. This would release many GP assistants back into practice allowing them to see more patients and reduce the waiting time to see a GP for Australians.
Lloyd Dodds
Wahroonga NSW
26 June 2009
_____________________
The Opposition Leader Mr Turnbull's reputation is in tatters. His accusations based on a document he apparently hadn't even seen, let alone verified, is a disgrace and the Liberal party would be better off without him.
Ross Smith
South Hurstville NSW
26 June 2009
___________________
As refugee, I would like to thank the Australian Government for everything they have done for refugees. A lot people have no understanding of what it's like to be a refugee in their own country - like in Sudan. I want to let Australia know that in every community there are people who are bad and those who are good people, and that the bad are a minority.
Jok Keer
Toowoomba QLD
26 June 2009
_____________________I find it appalling that Malcom Turnbull could stoop so low. Does he think this will get him through to win an election? I think not. He has just shown the nation that he can not be trusted. I applaud the PM Mr Rudd for bringing the Federal police in to this case as it shows he has nothing to hide.
Anne-marie Kittel
Morphett Vale SA
26 June 2009
_________________It is amazing for myself, my colleagues, family and friends to see how low the Opposition and in particular Turnbull will go. In these extreme difficult times, he is wasting the time of the government in being negative and non-productive with no good policy to mention. He is an embarrassment to the Australian people in the eyes of the world and does not deserve to be in politics.Mr Rudd, Mr Swan and the Labor Government are working their guts out for the country and doing a great job, and it hurts me to see them being smeared in the worst way possible. And to just think if Turnbull and the Opposition are capable of being this nasty and dishonest towards the Government, imagine what they could do to the people of Australia! (scary). I also know traditional Liberal supporters who are disgusted with Malcom Turnbull!
Isaac Leame
Mascot NSW
25 June 2009
_______________
John Lovegrove
Port Lincoln SA
25 June 2009
__________________
Which party used 'people overboard' to get political points? Which party used fake election how-to-vote cards? Which party used fake emails to try to get political gain? There seems to be a pattern! I wonder how many politicians in this party used similar tactics within their own party to get where they are now. It looks like Liberal tactics are just rotten to the core. Members have probably got away with this in there own party. They have lost all credibility with me.
Don Walker
Bega NSW
25 June 2009
____________________
Thomas Wertheim
Dandenong VIC
25 June 2009
_________________
Gerald Smith
Moruya NSW
25 June 2009
____________________
I am writing to support Mr Rudd in regard to the fake email scandal. I am sick of seeing and hearing people like Malcolm Turnbull and Joe Hockey make unfounded allegations based on an email. This email was faked! I have found this attack on Mr Rudd disappointing and disturbing as the time wasted and the money it costs untangling the lies could be going into something worthwhile. I have a very low opinion now of the Liberal party. The Liberals should look to someone else in their party to lead them as Turnbull is just a bully and can't be trusted. Mr Hockey also needs to look at his part in this lie. I am sick of all the negative stuff coming out of the Liberal Party and being published in the papers and on TV. The Labor Government is doing the best it can in the circumstances. Australians voted in the Labor Party, so let them govern. The Liberals should stop wasting money and time trying to undermine them using lies.
Joyce Oerlemans
Woodcroft SA
24 June 2009
___________________There is enough egg on Malcolm Turnbull's face to provide breakfast for all the pensioners in Australia. After his big boo-boo re the fake email fiasco, I cannot understand how he is still Leader of the Opposition - though who else is there to choose from? Joe hockey, as usual, made a fool of himself. Thank goodness for Rudd and Swan to keep things in perspective; they are doing the best they can under the very bad global cirumstances. I trust them all the way, as do most Australians.
Bill Shaw
Woodridge QLD
24 June 2009
__________________I would like to express my support for the Prime Minister and the Treasurer, who have done no wrong yet had to contend with the scurrilous campaign inflicted by the Opposition based on a fake email. An apology and resignation by MrTurnbull is in order. I have been particularly happy with the Government's policies and for once in Australia there is action concerning issues such as the environment and climate change that matter to me and most other citizens.The Liberal Party offer no real credible alternative, and Australians are wise to their dirty tricks! I knew that in due course Turnbull would emerge with "egg on his face".
Suzanne Brown
Mirani QLD
23 June 2009
_________________A very good day in Canberra politics. Please emphasise the terrible waste of time created by this fake email, fake leader of a fake party which has no policy other than to TRY to muckrake on the integrity of leaders who have Australia in the strongest economic position of any country.
Terry Kingston
Lancefield VIC
23 June 2009
___________________Just a little idea I think would be really helpful. In the modern era, we have O + 0, 1 + I + l - in other words, the capital O, the numeric zero, the number 1 and the letters capital i and lower case l are a bloody nuisance. Everybody has codes and passwords. I'd like to see the Federal Government change the Australian alpha numeric system such as including the diagonal line through a zero as part of our language structure, and encouraging the whole world to do it also.
Michael Warner
Leongatha VIC
22 June 2009
__________________I express my full support for the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the Government in the face of the dishonest and reprehensible smear campaign of the Liberal Party Opposition in what has been dubbed the "Utegate" affair.
Michael Vaughan
West End QLD
22 June 2009
_____________________Back in the days when the Liberal Party was in power, parliament was bothered by their heckling and jeering Liberal Party ministers. Now today we see the same type of conduct by them in Opposition. It seems that there has been no change toward intelligent discourse from these ego-inflated blowhards. The failure of the Liberals in times of plenty to address the deportation of jobs by their ministers should now be emphasised as to their regard toward their fellow Australians.
William Boeder
Rosebery TAS
21 June 2009
_____________________The live pilot for the filtering policy has been great so far. I have not seen a single inappropriate web page yet, and I have been looking just to test the system. A friend i know, Leonard, was thoroughly disturbed when he checked his email a few days ago, and found a video link to bikini mud wrestling. The disturbing thing is that Leonard is 10 years old. I can't wait for the full results of the trial.
Rajesh Koothrappali
Perth WA
21 June 2009
__________________________
I am appalled by Sarah Hanson-Young's performance in the Senate. She demonstrated that she has no understanding of the principles underpinning the rules about who can attend parliament. The Australian people decide who can enter the Houses of Parliament, and there should be no special favours for the families of politicians, or any other exceptions. What next? Will she grandstand her daughter the next time she wants political points about issues facing families and children (on which she campaigns extensively)? Will her child be allowed to cry through a debate, hindering the discourse and effectiveness of our parliament? Parliament is not a regular workplace, the rules are there for a reason. If she doesn't like the rules, then she can work somewhere else - but don't start compromising the democratic principles of my country for her convenience.
Carlos Milochis
Belconnen ACT
20 June 2009
_____________________________
Having a child is a personal responsibility and, if a woman wants to become a politician, she should organise her child to be cared for. A toddler does not belong running around the halls of parliament house, or breastfeeding. These women have to realise they are making a choice like every other working mother and are not special. Girls, grow up - you're just like the rest of us who have to juggle whilst we choose to work.
Jane Davies
Castle Hill NSW
20 June 2009
__________________
I think it would be a shame if the carbon trading scheme bill is rejected and put on the back burner. I'd like to see the Government push the Greens harder and perhaps give them some (not all) of what they want. I would love to see a compromise with the Greens and leave the Coalition rabble, together with Xenophon and Fielding, looking like the negative idiots they are.
Janice Piper
Denman NSW
19 June 2009
_________________As somebody who is not a construction worker, but was twenty years ago, I applaud the Rudd Government for the current Industry Improvement Amendment, Fair Work proposals. The construction industry, like politics, can be a tough and ruthless game and the majority of players (workers) should not be punished for the likes of one or two who don't play by the rules.
Peter Whitelaw
Ferndale WA
19 June 2009
____________________I'd like to see the Federal Government reshape the way business is done in this country. It's obvious from Commonwealth Bank's decision to raise interest rates and to more or less spit in the face of the Government and taxpayers who have kept them afloat during the recent turmoil shows that the big moneymen at the top just want to go back to the turbo-capitalist 'greed is good' business models that got us into the economic mess we're in now. The financial services sector should be fully regulated so that it operates for the common good of the nation - not to line the pockets of a handful of shareholders.
Paul Grealish
Brisbane QLD
18 June 2009
___________________It shouldn't be left up to the Government to block content the internet. It's up to you, the parents, to get involved and take responsibility for your children's internet activities.
Name Withheld
Sydney NSW
18 June 2009
____________________ I was mortified when I saw the internet history of my teenage son. Not only did I see swimsuit images, but also lingerie web pages. As our family is highly devout to the Christian faith, I don't exactly know how to move on from the incident. A clean-feed of the whole internet can be the only way to protect not only my own children - I have another teenage son and do not want them looking at such filth - but also for the benefit of other families. I pray to god that the internet, which has been nothing but trouble since it was invented, is cleaned up like every other service available.
Sheldon Cooper
Sydney NSW
17 June 2009
______________________Labor needs to start getting right into those Liberal prigs who stand for nothing except the "right to rule". Take the gloves off and show voters the alternatives of "No stimulus" and "No ETS". Show them that a do-nothing approach would have unemployment at 15% and debt still at record levels; show them how not having an ETS and moving forward leaves us high and dry in a changing world economy. Either we lead and be at the forefront of the new economy or we follow as we always have and miss the opportunity.
Donald Taylor
Lara VIC
17 June 2009
_________________This country needs Labor for the next 10 years to catch up for all the neglect of our hospitals, schools and roads. I could never understand why Howard did not spend some of the money from the mining days. That would be like us neglecting our home when we could afford to fix it, and then when we did not have the money, (eg. on retirement), watching our asset deteriorate. So keep up the wonderful work of giving our children the best country we can. The pennies will take care of themselves as soon as this time in history has passed and we again have more money coming in to revenue.
Lorraine Sluyters
Hobart TAS
16 June 2009
______________________A very big opportunity to capitalize on Australia's natural wealth has just been lost. I'm referring to the once in a hundred years flooding of Lake Eyre. We could have had reservoirs ready to catch the water that entered Lake Eyre instead of letting it evaporate over the entire Lake (9800 sq k) Gigalitres of water have been lost which at least should be used for hydroponics and fuel for solar/thermal plants and maybe new self sustaining communities.
William Joiner
Batemans Bay NSW
16 June 2009
________________I'm a big fan of the Labor Government and the changes it's ushered in since the election - keep up the good work! I'd like to comment that I'm really fed up with corporate Australia, and banks in particular, for taking advantage of an essential service and charging consumers in every way imaginable to maintain outrageous profit margins, not to mention down right despicable CEO salaries, during these difficult economic times. With the Commonwealth Bank's recent announcement about increasing interest rates, I'm sure many Australian consumers would like to move their mortgage and savings accounts to a more competitive bank service, but can't because they're locked in by large penalty fees. I think it should be illegal to lock consumers into a mortgage and not allow us to switch to a more competitive product! I think the same thing applies to phone plans and similar products.
Norm Hanel
Mawson Lakes SA
15 June 2009
___________________Those concerned about the internet filter being used as a censorship tool are worrying over nothing. The proposal seems to be aimed directly at improving both the safety and standard of online content for all Australians. Please keep up the good work.
Joseph Goebbels
Canberra ACT
15 June 2009
__________________If China can prevent people from seeing pornography and other inappropriate material, then surely those technical skeptics are wrong when they say the same cannot be done here. That's right, real world evidence from another country surely is proof in itself that all bad material can be blocked for all.
Howard Wolowitz
Brisbane QLD
14 June 2009
____________________I, for one, welcome the Government's attempt to protect our children from harmful internet content, and I sincerely hope they start with some of the worst child-abuse material out there: religious indoctrination. I can't protect my child 24/7, and the last thing I want is for my child to have their upbringing warped and damaged by "church leaders" and their poisonous agenda.
Deefna Elcon
Epping VIC
14 June 2009
__________________Irrigation farmers need to take a leaf from the Israelis. More than 30 years ago, they began to make the Negev Desert bloom with fruit & other crops by using very little water. If their methods were used today, 95% of the water the farmers here use would be flowing in the river systems.
John Hunter
Bowen Hills QLD
13 June 2009
______________________As a shift worker, I'm partial to the odd late night House of Reps & Order in the House. Watching the debates on T.V. only reassures my support for the Labor government further. I am proud to watch Mr Rudd and the other Ministers as they try their best to be diplomatic toward the Opposition. It seems to me we are now exposing a confused ol' bunch of Liberals and they all look right out of their comfort zones. Congratulations Mr Rudd, keep up your insightful plans for our future. Watching them lose it as they come to life is humorous to say the least!
Jesika Baxter
Ridleyton SA
13 June 2009
________________________I congratulate the Federal Government for being brave enough to clean up the internet. It is about time somebody took control and made sure that what we get on the internet is properly classified. Some countries have already taken a bold lead and Australia would do well to take a leaf out of their books and apply the same techniques.
D Durlive
Ashfield NSW
12 June 2009
_____________________With respect to the internet filtering plan, I am concerned about the sites being filtered widening to include whatever the government of the day deems controversial; that would be unacceptable. I don't know how the freedom of information laws apply to this; it is worth investigation. I am also concerned that future steps in addition to a filter could follow the path of China's internet censorship, as an extreme example. If it must go ahead, there should be a regular independent review of what is put on the list, and in the legislation, clearly-defined categories of sites that can be blocked - not, for example, vague reasons such as 'unacceptable content'.
Thomas Graham
Ridgehaven SA
12 June 2009
_____________________I have never voted Labor and it is likely I never will. However, I like what you are doing with the water buying schemes. Please keep it up. The environment in Australia needs all the help it can get. Let's get rid of inappropriate agriculture that uses too much water.
Gavin Small
Gundagai NSW
11 June 2009
______________________I walk past the Mobil on Brighton Rd and Alma street corner every morning and evening, and am constantly amazed at the 15 cent jump every Thursday morning. Last night it was 1.10, this morning it was 1.28. How is that possible? There's no way oil prices give that big a jump on the same day of each week!
Trish Cameron
St Kilda East VIC
11 June 2009
_______________________I think the Federal Government's plan to start blocking access to internet pornography is a brilliant idea. I'm sickened by the growing amount of pornography and other evil influences that my children have access to on the internet. I think they should go one step further and start classifying every site on the internet so that we know exactly what is on each link before you go to it. It would save a lot of time and hassles.
Richard Castly
Belair SA
10 June 2009
_______________I'm 47 and work in a factory and am concerned about the raising of the retirement age from 2017. While I understand the Government's reasons (the aging population etc), it may be okay for people in offices but to expect people in forestries and factories to work longer while doing shift work is not realistic. People may be living longer but their bodies still wear out. I know people where I work who are approaching 65 who can barely get around the factory while waiting for an operation. At 65, most people look forward to retirement so they can ease the stress on their bodies.
John Duff
Devonport TAS
10 June 2009
____________________ Seriously, does Senator Fielding think we should sit down and start discussing the cause of global warming/or lack of global warming all over again. It will take months and years and even then we would perhaps never come to any agreement. He should state his stand and shut up, and WE should move on. There are outcomes which are more beneficial in the area of energy saving (renewable energy). WE are not shutting the coal mines altogether, not in the immediate future anyway. He is neither here nor there. He should be voted out in the next election.
William Dielenberg
Gordon ACT
9 June 2009
__________________Could I please thank the minister for communications for boldly pursuing the internet clean feed initiative. Not long ago, my son somehow got access to hard core porn which was hacked into the site of a prehistoric dinosaur web page which he had to research for school. If the filter can reduce the risk of the risk of that happening again, I'm all for the idea.
Yornoc Tuoteg
Adelaide SA
9 June 2009
_________________
Fellow Australians, please unite with the Federal Government to prevent our children from accessing pornography. Kevin Rudd will force ISPs to offer a clean-feed system to ensure nobody is offended by content on the internet. No child should be subjected to rude, obnoxious, or other inappropriate material. Yuck!
Dersidur R.
Sydney NSW
8 June 2009
___________________
The appointment of Senator Faulkner as the Minister for Defence is the best news since Howard lost his seat. I have been in awe of this man's intellect for so many years. Now it is his turn to step into the limelight, and his light will be the best thing for Australia. Well done.
Robina Burns
Ferntree Gully VIC
8 June 2009
___________________
The position of Prime Minister of Australia should not to be considered as a position of envy by anybody at this time. There are elements within the printed media that do not see the enormous pressures that Kevin Rudd has to deal with on a day-to-day basis - like trying to clean up the wreckage of what became a covert complexity of spin and bended truths during Howard's term in office. The sniping Liberal Party ministers of today could not do half as well as our Kevin on the hard decisions so ruthlessly tossed into his lap. There is much to be gained in recognizing the supreme effort and determination of our worthy incumbent Labor Ministry to try and give of their best judgements and decisions in managing this present fragmented financial trough, as brought about by the plastic champions of the greedy corporate world. We in Australia have unfortunately been forced to attend to the American-inspired collapse of truth, honesty and fidelity in all their worldly dealings. For all those short-minded and blindly-led critics of this present Labor government, try and imagine the 'what' and 'where' of our individual circumstances under the braggadocio of Howard's mob of empty-grinning synthetically-spun false heroes. Do give Kevin Rudd PM the time to improve the lot of all Australians.
William Boeder
Rosebery TAS
7 June 2009
___________________As a NSW voter and a Vietnam Vet, I am greatly relieved that PM Rudd has chosen Senator Faulkner to head the Department of Defence. He will generate great respect from our military establishment, and his appointment turns a political negative into a significant positive for the Government. Congratulations Senator, and all the best.
Mike LaFave
Wollongong NSW
7 June 2009
__________________Where are the Liberals policies or ideas? They want to object to everything but have no policies of their own to bring to the table. The Liberal Party seem to forget that part of their "surplus" was the selling of public assets like Telstra (31 billion dollars) and the over-taxing of everyone. If we still had Telstra, could be giving total dividend to the Commonwealth of around $4-5 billions/year.
D Durrant
Pakenham VIC
6 June 2009
______________________
I think that the clean feed that the Rudd government is pursuing will be far more effective than the rubbish free filters offered by the Howard government.
Retlifo N.
Melbourne VIC
6 June 2009
____________________ I am very angry that people like Joe Hockey are allowed to smear the Prime Minister. It is absolutely disgraceful, and on Channel 10 Joe Hockey was allowed free rein. The newsreader then tried to deflect Lindsay Tanner from commenting by asking him an unrelated question. Cleverly, Mr Tanner returned to the smear campaign and set the record straight. It is appalling that the Opposition are allowed by the media to let rip without having to produce any proof of their allegations. The media is so biased in favour of the Malcopops Turncoat party.
Val Hooper
Benowa QLD
6 June 2009
_____________________I think the proposed internet censorship is a bloody good idea. I'm fed up with all sorts of filth popping up on my screen when I look at the footy scores. Can't we limit the internet to a selection of approved sites? We can call it the National Organised Broadband and all real Aussies will be proud of it. Bless you, Mr Rudd.
S Yornoc
Inglewood VIC
5 June 2009
__________________It is time for the Opposition to accept the fact that the world is in recession and assist the present Government to carry on with what they are doing very positively to bring us out of this crisis. It becomes so very obvious when their argument is that we are going into so much of debt when they refuse to say how much debt they would go into. Do they really think that we the people do not realise this folly on their part. They say that they will be in debt too but refuse to tell us by how much. What is their problem? They also continue to take credit for the recent good news saying it is because of their good management in the past - grandstanding. Listen people, you ruined the best days when revenue was pouring in limitless; now it is time to take real stock of the difficult days and do what has to be done in this present world crisis.
Name Withheld
Glen Waverley VIC
5 June 2009
____________________ In relation to gross executive salaries, why not set the amount which seems reasonable ($3m?) and then have a 'greed tax' of 95c in the dollar on that person's total income. No need to phase the tax. I think that this proposal would sit well with all but rich Australians.
Michael Delaney
Walcha NSW
4 June 2009
__________________The Federal Government's spending on Public Works is similar to the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was the foresight of one man that gave us the Bridge. One of Australia's problems to date is that it hasn't fixed transport and amenities till we have enough people - but then it's aways too late.
Ross Beattie
Sunshine Coast QLD
4 June 2009
__________________I would like to know why nobody ever mentions that the only reason Australia ended up with such a high surplus under Mr Howard is because he sold Telstra and spent the bare minimum on roads, hospitals & education - just so he could have the Future Fund.
Andrew Bennett
Corrimal NSW
3 June 2009
___________________Finally something is being some about obscene content on the internet. I fully applaud the government for bringing the internet in line with other media and blocking obscene content from the source. Keep up the good work.
Name Withheld
Brisbane QLD
3 June 2009
___________________I was upset to hear Senator Barnaby Joyce refer to the PM as having had a "spac attack". Mr Joyce's lack of sensitivity to people with disabilities and the language that has been used to belittle and differentiate them in society is upsetting. Spastic is a derogatory term used in the playground, but cerebral palsy is a condition that affects over 2700 people within Queensland, the Senator's home state. Language impacts greatly on the fabric of our society and I ask the Federal Government to request an apology from Senator Joyce for his inappropriate language and that he refrain from using language that continues segregation and isolation of people with disabilities.
Katrina Nguyen
Beckenham WA
2 June 2009
________________It is good that the Government will assist low income households both with their utility bills and to become more energy efficient. The latter is most important. I have PV cells on my roof and my latest electricity bill was $148 in credit, yet I receive an allowance presumably for utilities. I pay $70-80 per quarter for gas hot water and cooking. I suggest that people should be helped with their gas as well as electricity bills, and that solar water heaters and PV cells should be heavily subsidised for low income people and families.
Margaret Dingle
Norwood SA
2 June 2009
_____________________For the last 5-10 years at least, Singapore has been poaching Australian manufacturers, especially international companies. The Singapore Government is offering some years tax free, free land, relocation assistance and so on. It is now getting harder for Australian business to get many manufactured items, and ingredients, unless imported in large quantities from Singapore. Couldn't we do something similar in Darwin? In the long run it would cost nothing, and make for more employment, more manufacturing and more taxes.
Michael Angel
Wyongah NSW
1 June 2009
____________________ I applaud all the rail infrastructure projects supported by the Rudd Government. Rail, both freight and passenger, is generally more energy efficient than road, and this applies also to all forms of public transport. Thus road congestion, greenhouse emsisions from transport, and problems of oil shortage arising from peak oil are ameliorated. I don't support the funding of urban freeways, though - these just generate more traffic. Congratulations to the Rudd Government for all its rail infrastructure funding.
Margaret Dingle
Norwood SA
1 June 2009
____________________ I am tired now at 49 and have been working since I was 16. The thought of having to work another 18 years till I get the pension seems exhausting when I was looking forward to more freedom at 60-65. My mother got cancer at 67 and passed away at 69. I have paid my taxes over the years and I should at least get the chance to enjoy some retirement days before sickness and old age looms. There needs to be more jobs for the younger people and allow older ones to retire gracefully at 60-65 and to enjoy discovering new activities that time doesn't allow for when working full-time.
Sue McPherson
Noarlunga Downs SA
31 May 2009
__________________I watched Foreign Correspond with amazement; I did not realise that the car industry downturn and the public not consuming have destroyed whole cities in the USA and left them like ghost towns. I was amazed to see Detroit nearly empty of people and vehicles shops boarded up and homes empty. Thank you Mr Rudd for taking action across our cities and towns; I do hope Mr Hockey and Turnbull took note.
Lorraine Sluyters
Hobart TAS
31 May 2009
___________________On the topic of social justice and protection of Australia's children, firstly I congratulate the Labor Government on its new measures concerning under-performing schools and the $48 million invested to support homeless youth. I'm a Year 12 student and I think the government should address the issue of unclarified reasonable chastisement. Many parents don't understand what this means and still spank their children with hands or belts. Light physical punishment which does not leave any sort of mark is okay as a last resort only, but beating children or smacking them on the head is unacceptable. Bottom line, leaving a mark is abuse and the law should say that.
Alexander Zuesse
Torrensville SA
30 May 2009
_________________It is good to see all this money money being spent on infrastructure for the future. I have herd a lot about roads and rail, which are needed; but why not spend more money on capturing and piping the water that seems to keep falling up in Queensland every year and re directing it (perhaps via the Darling) south somehow.
Moreno Chiappin
Hanwood NSW
30 May 2009
__________________Poorly designed curricula are the problem with our schools. They're designed for mediocrity, not excellence. We've Americanised ours and no longer appreciate a classical education, but rather use contemporary material instead. Education' is a discipline, it's not a creche;, it's a socialisation process that should have the best possible outcomes in mind both academically, artistically and spiritually.
Lynette Loton
Wantirna South VIC
29 May 2009
__________________In monsoon season, billions of litres of water flow over the Burdekin dam & are lost to the sea. A pipeline built along the top of the range, all the way to Melbourne, could metre offshoots for every dam all the length of the pipeline. Once pumped full the water, it would be self-siphoning with each amount diverted being billed to the user. Water could be diverted in a similar manner, during monsoon season, from flooded rivers into all streams being a benefit to all eastern states.
Raymond Linsket
Raceview QLD
29 May 2009
_____________________The new Transparency in Schools initiative is a welcome step towards making schools accountable. Too much public money is wasted on unnecessary schemes and programs that someone important thought was a good idea at the time. I should also scrap the "world class education" tag. Most of the world's children are not getting anywhere near the educational resources available to Australian children. Maybe "world's best education" is more like it.
Olive Weir
Brisbane QLD
28 May 2009
________________Could the Federal Government please ban the sale of tobacco products? They are dangerous goods that cannot be used at a safe level. Addicted people could obtain these products on prescription from a pharmacy in much the same way that methadone is distributed. Please stop people hurting themselves.
Gaye Wingett
Springwood NSW
28 May 2009
___________________I applaud the Government's plans to establish large solar power stations. It is also important to support other forms of renewable energy, including geothermal, which has the capacity to provide base load power and replace all coal fired power stations in Australia. There needs to be infrastructure, such as power lines, available as soon as that technology proves to be successful. While I am not opposed to help for trade-exposed industries in the CPRS, I oppose free credits to coal fired power stations whose competitors are other Australian power stations, not exports.
Margaret Dingle Norwood SA
27 May 2009
_________________I can't agree with performance transparency for schools strongly enough. It will finally draw attention to the plight of education in Aboriginal community schools. Since my first time at the helm of such a school in 1975, they seem to have steadily further declined in efficacy.
Dieter Moeckel
Wonbah via Gin Gin QLD
27 May 2009
_________________I love to hear about the efforts to create a better, safer, and more just social system, nation and world. The Labor Government seems to be having a good crack at addressing many issues. However, I would like to see a better effort toward bipartisan politics - if possible. So much time and effort is wasted (particularly by the Leader of the Opposition party) in denouncing Labor planning, policy, and legislation. Come on pollies - call out those who are playing dirty schoolyard tricks. It's time for Australian politics to grow up!
Nina Brown
Frankston VIC
26 May 2009
_____________________I'm a young carer of 21; the friend I care for is 34. My only income is the pension and allowance. I recently tried to acquire a car to be able to get to doctors appointments, hospitals and so on - but didn't have the finances for it. But with this increase in the Carer's Pension, I'll now be able to afford it. So thankyou to the Rudd Government for thinking of carers in this year's Budget. I'd also like to say thanks for the supplement payment as I've got a lot of bills piled up that need to be paid and that will pay them nicely! I thank PM Rudd personally for doing his best to make this nation a better place to live. And thank also those who are supporting the PM in the many different and varied roles.
Neil W
Brisbane QLD
26 May 2009
____________________It is a huge relief to finally have a government that is responsive to the problems in society. I am the single mother of an Aboriginal child whose father is in jail. Determined to rise above my circumstances, I returned to high school as a mature age student to complete my HSC. The Howard gov took away my JET childcare funding and, after 2007, Mr Rudd immediately restored it. I am now in my first year of uni and am majoring in political studies. It is people like me who the Labor Government supports, people who desperately want to get ahead in life and have the determination to do so. I will not conform to stereotypes that the Liberals would like to box me into; I am worth more than that. Thank you ALP for your compassion and commitment to the values that make Australians proud to call this country home. You will always have my full support.
Sarah Rivers
Katoomba NSW
25 May 2009
____________________
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon is my hero! I never thought that midwives would gain Medicare, PBS and MBS in my working life. I have left midwifery in recent years because I felt the system was broken, and it really was not good for me or the women I was working with. Thank you so much! I am looking forward to seeing the initiatives and perhaps stepping back into the profession.
Nicole Carver
Caroline Springs VIC
25 May 2009
______________________
The Government's borrowing to invest for the future is very good for this time and more so for the future. Why is good for everyone in Australia to borrow to invest and go into debt but when a government does on behalf of the people, the media and Opposition jump up and down. We have all been in debt at one time or another to progress, and so should governments. Stand up and defend the debt; don't be afraid to pull the other mob on. Debt is not a bad thing.
Darryl Whiteside
Toogoom QLD
24 May 2009
________________________The Opposition claims that the Government is spending money like drunken sailors. The Government should be pointing out that not doing anything would only throw more people out of jobs, send more small businesses into bankruptcy and big business into liquidation. The fact that small business is still employing people is a very good sign the the economy is still strong. My grand-daughter has been given a pay increase for effort. The cafes are still doing a roaring business. The shopping malls are still crowded with people buying stuff. The streets are heavy with traffic. The Government should be attacking the Opposition with the argument that doing nothing would make it more difficult for the country to recover and to pay for the infrastructure that will be left in a very bad state of repair, let alone improve. Don't pull your punches!
William Dielenberg
Gordon ACT
24 May 2009
_________________To protect the family, encourage saving and send a clear message of support to struggling families, I believe the Government should provide a tax rebate on first home buyers interest payments; allow families the option to enter the shared equity system if they find they could lose their home; and provide working families with a single property with tax credits if their savings grow & exceed $20k over a financial year.
Colin Constance
Mandurah WA
23 May 2009
_________________Patching up the public school system is doomed to failure without corresponding constraints on so-called 'faith' based schools. Every dollar spent on state schools should be matched by a corresponding decline in 'faith' based school funding. I am old enough to remember the DLP and the church mounted attacks on the general Australian psyche - attacks that were by and large successful and are on-going.
Peter Williams
Newcastle NSW
23 May 2009
_____________________I was very pleased to hear from Senator Clare Moore's office that the Government is NOT going to implement the recommendations of the 'Report into Retirement Incomes' commissioned by the Government that "the age at which Australians can access their superannuation should be gradually increased to 67 years". The fact that this very unfair recommendation was even suggested was quite harrowing and I am very happy to know that it has definitely been rejected by our Government.
Iris Ashton
Kallangur QLD
22 May 2099
________________________In places like Britain, Ireland and New Zealand, aged pension is paid out after the requisite age but pensioners are still able to work without loss of pension. They pay tax on their pension and earnings and generally work 1, 2 or three days often doing jobs young persons would not want to do and in some cases providing expertise and mentoring. The advantage to the country include: the tax collected subsidises the pension; extra tax dollars for the nation; pensioners will do the menial tasks others will not do; keeps expertise in the country and for industry; a happier and healthier generation which will take pressure off the health system; and, the money earned will be spent locally and help the economy.
Francis Daly
Cooya Beach QLD
22 May 2009
_______________________I think the Rudd Government is doing a fantastic job. The stimulus packages provided to Australians should continue if the economic situation doesn't improve this year so that the Australian economy doesn't fall into a deeper recession. Well done on the Government for its handling of the economy. Keep up the good work. I'm proud to be Australian.
Ron Prezner
Sydney NSW
22 May 2009
______________________It is very obvious that the Opposition approach is: "Nope, block it, it's a Labor party idea" - even if it was initially a Liberal idea and the Labor party worked it to get get going. Joe H says there should be "national unity" but turns around and attacks everything. Voters are just the same; all complaining but no ideas to try and better something. Good work and keep it up.
Names Withheld
Wellington NSW
22 May 2009
____________________I agree with means testing private health insurance even though it will mean I will no longer get the rebate. It won't stop me from using it. I believe having a strong public health system is far more important than putting public money into the private system directly or indirectly. I do not want us to go anywhere near the direction of the US health system. We are very fortunate to have the relatively good public health system we have.
Austin Caffin
Toowong QLD
21 May 2009
________________To the Government, I say have faith in what you are doing. If the chance for an election arises, take it. Australians can see straight through Turnbull.
Kim Shepherd
Ovens VIC
21 May 2009
_____________________I applaud the Federal Government on a bold and visionary push towards the future and the positive changes that are being brought about. The nation building program has to be one of the most progressive in this country's history. However, I wish that someone would tell the non-believers how broadband could change even regional towns and cities and actually try and quantify the benefits in a way that the average man will be able to understand.
Neil Fonseca
West Pennant Hills NSW
20 May 2009
_________________________One of the recommendations of the 'Report into Retirement Incomes' commissioned by the Government is that "the age at which Australians can access their superannuation should be gradually increased to 67 years". I hope the Government does not accept this recommendation. Some people become frail at an earlier age than others and having the choice to retire and fund that retirement from money they have saved can be a life saver. After working from the age of 14, my husband felt it was time to retire at age 62. We had eight years of great happiness during his retirement before he died at the age of 70. If the age at which he could have accessed his super was 67, we would have had just three years of the freedom to enjoy our later lives and, frankly, that is simply not enough after a lifetime of work. I sincerely hope that my arguments will be taken into consideration before any decision is made.
Iris Ashton
Kallangur QLD
20 May 2009
__________________________
I and many others are disgusted at Turnbull's pure vitriol and mud slinging, which was supposed to be a serious reply to the Budget. On the ABC program Hockey started off on the same foot but, after realising the absurdity of his remarks, changed his tack! Keep Labor in government and we will see a major turnaround for the best (as we are seeing now) in the future of Australia - not the "drab, gloomy, dark age" rule of the Howard era of Australian politics.
Kevin Grose
Baffle Creek QLD
19 May 2009
____________________Congratulations Mr Rudd. So far you have shown that you can lead this nation with strength, social moral consciousness and compassion. People on high incomes shouldn't need a government handout in the form of a rebate for private health cover. The rebate by any other name could viewed as being the equivalent to a part pension; it might be called a rebate but it's still a government handout! Any Australian earning a high income that accepts any government handouts during such difficult economic times should hang their head in shame. It is this moral issue that Mr Rudd has addressed and in doing so has shown a calibre of leadership rarely seen in politics.
Carmen Polidano
Werribee VIC
19 May 2009
___________________________How appropriate that the Opposition's reply to the budget was done by a retired investment banker who does not grasp that the shortfall in government revenue is due to the huge deficits created by (in the main) the finance industry. Malcolm's speech was more like an election campaign intro than an honest assessment and honest alternative. Also I am sick and tired of hearing the words 'cash splash' and 'hand-outs'. What he is really saying is that all taxpayers' money is contributed by LibGnats and that the Government should not engage in casting pearls before swine (the hoi-polloi).
Harry (Snr) van der Nol
Mulgrave VIC
18 May 2009
____________________ Malcops Turnbull's reply to the budget was just as I thought it would be. Slug the less well off with tax hikes on cigarettes. Just as long as his rich buddies don't get have to pay extra on the private health insurance. Conservatives have never been for the working class. Hypocrites to the end.
Moira Morgan
Kilsyth VIC
18 May 2009
______________________I think the Government is doing a very good job. The budget was excellent and building programs are necessary to ensure people are employed and spending their money around the community. Stay strong and stick to your views. The couple of independents looking for personal publicity need to look for a new career - perhaps in acting. As a single person trying to buy a house, pay private health insurance and other bills and continue working full-time, I appreciated the $900 - thanks for thinking of us for once. I cannot remember a government that every gave this group of people assistance. I have missed the family bit and now must wait to get old enough to enjoy some assistance as an older Australian.
Name Withheld
Bendigo VIC
17 May 2009
_____________________Turnbull and Hockey annoy me with their incessant complaints and inane mantra regarding the Government's policies to lift our country out of this universal recession. It is high time that the Liberal Party began to be constructively cooperative with the Government and the people of Australia and stop this idiocy of being negatively destructive and self-serving.
Peter Girdlestone
Bowral NSW
17 May 2009
____________________ Stop pollution before it gets into the atmosphere. Make the polluters clean the emissions prior to getting into the open, no matter what the cost, and do it now for a clear pollution-free Australia.
Brian Crocker
Tea Tree Gully SA
16 May 2009
___________________At last, a Budget with some forward thinking. It was not as tough as I thought it might be and I was especially pleased to see people with disabilities and their carers receive help. Putting jobs before deficits is a great idea and, when the economy recovers, Australia certainly will be well positioned. Schools and hospitals didn't miss out and hospitals benefited, as did midwives and nurses (great for my country area), and money to help get more doctors into country practices is an absolute necessity. I refuse to listen to the Opposition's negative thinking about the economy; they had their chance for 11 years to improve things and sat on their hands. As their laughter about the decision to lift the retirement age showed how out of touch they are with life expectancy today. On the whole, I think it was a sensible budget for the economic times we live in. Tighten your belt now and reap the benefits in the future. Well done!
Name Withheld
Rob Roy NSW
16 May 2009
____________________
Turnbull's speech show how hypocritical the Liberal/National parties are. Hypocrisy 1: they say they worry about health yet they blocked the alcopop tax. And Hypocricy 2: they say the alcopop tax was money grab, yet say the tobacco tax should rise.
Name Withheld
Armidale NSW
15 May 2009
_______________________
It is not what Turnbull said but what I think he meant was: 'How dare Mr Rudd Take away my Government health rebate from me and my rich mates; it is better to tax the low income smokers'. Anyway, this rebate should have been means tested in the first place.
Hal Crossing
Happy Valley SA
15 May 2009
_____________________Does anyone seriously expect anything but total negativity and lack of support for our elected Government's initiatives from "Moanin' Mal" in his reply to the Budget tonight?
Lurline McCulloch
Sandy Bay TAS
14 May 2009
___________________Re the Budget, I think the Government is doing the best it can under the circumstances. Nobody predicted the present world money crisis. Mr Rudd and Mr Swan are having to play catch-up with hospital and education costs because of the previous government's neglect. I can't stand the constant carping by the Opposition; they have no interest in the welfare of ordinary Australians - they are like a bunch of toothless terriers trying to guard a junk yard. The Opposition policy is one of DESTRUCTION at whatever cost. They are not interested in anything that improves conditions or anything at all that would reflect credit on the Government that WE elected. Mr Turnbull would do well to put the interests of Australians before his own narrow career prospects - which will be short lived anyway if his nemesis (Mr Costello) comes out of mothballs and has a belated shot at the leadership!
Richard Scotte
Canberra ACT
14 May 2009
__________________Great news. I am a single old age pensioner, aged 69 years, who also works part time, sometimes too much as I am always on call and standing on my feet for 7 hours is now tiring. I think I am going to benefit, momentarily, with the increase in the pension and the increased work credits. I say 'momentarily' because someone, whose name I refuse to utter, is bringing down the WA State budget this afternoon. Do you think that it is going to help the poor and needy in the community? Yeah, and just look at that herd of pigs flying past the window! Anyway, thanks for thinking of my generation; I know I appreciate it, and so do many of my friends, who are old age pensioners and who also work part time. And guess what - some are over 80 years old, and still doing some form of paid employment. I agree with raising the pension age; the 65 years was set in concrete when life expectancy was much lower than it is today. Great GREAT job guys; you are appreciated.
Lynette Jones
Swan View WA
13 May 2009
__________________As a military service pension recipient, on behalf of my wife & myself, we say a "thank you" to Kevin Rudd & the Labor Government for the courage in the current financial climate for the much appreciated (and needed) pensions increase. It seems that Labor still has the people at heart.
Kevin Grose
Baffle Creek QLD
13 May 2009
___________________I would like to congratulate Wayne Swan on the handing down of such a great Budget. As a disability pensioner, I would like to say I hope the Senate passes the Budget this year or there needs to be a double dissolution election so that policies like the Budget can be passed & Labor can gain more Senators.
Jason Toppin
Boronia VIC
13 May 2009
____________________ When I failed at