Crime, punishment and police

I CAN understand why some members of the police force are resigning, and unfortunately some are taking their own lives.

I went to boarding school back in the 1960s. House rules and school rules were not to be disobeyed. If I did, and on many occasions I did, I was given the appropriate punishment - six of the best!

No problem with that. My mother agreed that I should be brought up according to what was at that time acceptable and appropriate punishment.

There was no “we will suspend the sentence”, “we will let him off on bail if mum pays the school an appropriate fee, so he could probably do the same thing again”, or “we will let him off on parole and only give him four of the six of the best instead of the full amount”.

Back then, you got what you deserved if you broke the rules.

There were no questions - do as you are told or accept the consequence.

So what has gone wrong in this mod- ern “cotton wool” society we live in?

There should be no parole, no bail, no suspended sentences.

Let those in supposed incarceration realise that if they had behaved correctly in the first place, they would not be there.

Politicians have the power to change the rules in relation to criminal behaviour and the subsequent punishment. It is about time they acted on our public concern and upped the ante to keep perpetrators off the streets.

If this is done, police may be happy with what they have achieved in bringing criminals to justice, knowing that they will be dealt with and not let out on the streets to recommit.

There would be no mass resignations, and they would be satisfied their work is acknowledged.

Clive Lancaster 55 Rose Road, Collie

CONGRATULATIONS to those nominated for this year’s Shire of Collie Australia Day Awards.

The Collie community is lucky to have a long list of individuals and groups who contribute to our wonderful town.

I HOPE everyone has seen the notices about my office moving temporarily, while we undergo necessary renovations. People who visit us with wheelchairs, mobility aids and people with prams have a difficult time getting in the door without assistance, and we are pleased local builder JILA Riley will soon start work to ensure our entry and foyer meets accessibility standards.

Our temporary office is at the Chamber of Commerce building where we are open Mondays and Thursdays between 9am to 4.30pm and also by email and phone during normal office hours.

DID you know since the McGowan Government launched Containers for Change, two years ago, 1.67 billion containers have been saved from landfill. If you’re enjoying a coldie on the public holiday, keep in mind this Saturday, January 28, is Empties Day.

On Empties Day you can choose to do good for the environment and your own community by donating the refund to a local charity or community group.

THE summer holidays have disappeared in a flash and families are organising themselves for back to school. This year my back to school preparations involve getting my daughter ready for commencing university study.

If your young person is choosing TAFE this year, be sure to check the courses available as part of the government’s “Free in ’23” initiative across more than 100 qualifications and skill sets.

Our local Jobs and Skills Centre team in Collie is ready and willing to assist with information on many career and training pathways. Contact them at Collie TAFE until they move into the old Tosca’s building in Forrest Street.