Looking 30 years ahead
I have been disappointed, but not shocked, by Nationals MPs recent remarks concerning climate change and their view that Australian farmers do not care about this issue.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr McCormack quipped that he and others are not worried about 30 years in the future, and Mr Joyce went as far to say that if the National Party decided to support net zero emissions, that they would "cease to be a party that could credibly represent farmers".
My brothers, one who is a grazier and the other who is itching to finish the "sucky school part" of life and get into farming, will only be 56 and 44 years old in 30 years.
The average age of a farmer today is 56, so you can see why people like myself and my brothers are indeed worried about 30 years down the track.
Being on the land is already difficult, from dry seasons to commodity price swings, so why a party that is so desperate to maintain the continued support of farmers and graziers would so casually and cruelly dismiss the upcoming generation is beyond me.
Alice Milson, Tamworth
Health commits to be carbon neutral by 2030
Congratulations to Hunter New England Local Health District for their recent announcement to be carbon and waste neutral by 2030.
Their ambitious plans over the next 10 years include switching their entire car fleet to electric vehicles, solar installations on all buildings, 100 per cent rain water catchment and new water recycling initiatives along with diverting everyday waste from landfill not only saving the organisation money in the long run but reducing the health burden on the community at the same time. It's a win win for all.
Whilst the federal government and in particular The Nationals continue to drag the chain on climate action and create fear in change there are big organisations quietly getting on with the job of contributing to a decarbonised society to show it can be done and quickly.
With 'Health' being one of the largest employers in the New England its great to know the jobs are not only secure long term they are leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Helen Cameron, Tamworth
Thank you in time of need
In the early hours of Saturday 13th February my unit was broken into by some low life scumbags. They stole my handbag, wallet, money, phone, two sets of keys, and jewellery and drove off in my car which was found burnt out.
I would like to thank my neighbour for alerting the police. My heartfelt and sincere thanks go to my daughters, granddaughters and their families for the support they gave, and are still giving to me following this traumatic experience. I would also like to thank my wonderful friends who visited and called me with offers of help.
To the dirty rotten mongrels who perpetrate these crimes I hope one day someone catches you and thrashes you to within an inch of your lives. The agent who controls these units has never contacted me or been to see what damage may have been done. My family is now in contact with him and let me tell you they are not happy.
Marg Nash, Tamworth
Blind Spot at Tamworth Regional Gallery
A trip to Tamworth Regional Gallery to see the 'Blind Spot' exhibition is a must.
Local artist, Joanne Stead has transformed discarded pots, pans and household items into beautiful works of art depicting local threatened species such as the Regent Honeyeater, Boorolong frog and koala. I was alarmed to learn that 136 plant and animal species in the Tamworth region are endangered or vulnerable and we are at serious risk of losing them forever!
Let's consider that as our population grows and our city expands, we are progressively taking away the habitat of native birds and wildlife. Add to that, roaming predators (like cats) and climate change and you realise that our native species are truly 'up against it'.
What can we do? We can start with re-thinking our backyard!
Manicured lawns lined with Buxus hedge and standard roses may look pretty and neat (in a good season) but contribute zero to biodiversity. I think I will scream if I see another newly planted crepe myrtle.
A garden planted with a variety of native trees, shrubs and grasses is not only water wise, it looks good year-round and will bring joy to its residents, as butterflies, bees, birds, blue tongues and frogs visit. Resist raking up leaves, install a nest box or hollow log and if you do nothing else, put out water at different elevations.
Blind Spot runs at Tamworth Regional Gallery until March 28.
Penny Milson, Tamworth
When rape becomes political
A criminal act (rape) has allegedly taken place in the parliamentary work place in Canberra.
Brittany Higgins has been dragged into the limelight having been treated appallingly by her parliamentary employers.
The unidentified alleged perpetrator (who knows where he is), was dismissed/sacked/resigned from his parliamentary job because he breached a parliamentary security code; not for his alleged role as the perpetrator of a serious crime.
The Prime Minister's response: an announcement of yet more "independent" inquiries "to identify ways that standards and expectations and practices can be further improved" in the parliamentary workplace; a diversionary side track from the real issue.
This particular case is not just sexual harassment; it is alleged criminal rape in a public institution belonging to the Australian public, and should be treated as such by the law, irrespective of anyone's personal preferences or opinions.
More rules and regulations to control the appalling privileged boys club culture that has been so obvious in recent years among Coalition members, irrespective of where else it might occur, are not the answer.
They know how they should behave but they also know what they can get away with.
The leader of an institution who:
- Fails to bring to account the bad behaviour of those under his leadership;
- Is or claims to be unaware of criminal behaviour allegedly taking place virtually under his nose;
- Needs to be told by his spouse that he should act and act according to how his daughters would be affected in similar circumstances and;
- Is not strong enough to deal with divisive elements in his party and finds excuses to circumvent them, is not a fit and proper leader for ALL Australians.
If parliamentary employees need more ways identified to improve the standard and expectations of their behaviour then clearly they are not fit and proper employees in the Australian Parliament.
No more inquiries Prime Minister; just act on dealing with the privileged boys club mentality that continues despite all the recommendations from previous inquiries.
Australian women are angry.
Angry that badly behaved boys in parliament are a protected species while women are sacrificed to suffer the fallout from their male counterpart's bad behaviour.
Jan Kleeman, Donald Creek NSW
Have your say
Send your letters online to www.northerndailyleader.com.au/community/yournews or email mail@northerndailyleader.com.au
Your submission may be edited prior to publication, and a correct name, address and phone number must be supplied for verification.