Recluse

From Gippsland MHR Darren Chester:

MY decision to ‘take a break’ from The Nationals federal parliamentary party room meetings and organised activities will allow me to focus more on the issues impacting Gippslanders. The decision was made out of sadness and frustration with the federal party, and is no reflection whatsoever on the Victorian Nationals. Quite the opposite: if the federal party room actually operated as a united team and focused on the issues that impact all regional Australians, I would not be in this position. It follows months of frustration with the repeated failure of the federal leadership to even attempt to moderate some of the more disrespectful and offensive views expressed by a minority of colleagues. Freedom of speech also comes with responsibilities, particularly for public figures. Some of my colleagues have failed to meet the standard that Australians expect from their elected parliamentarians. Removing myself from that party room environment is intended to provide some time to reflect on issues of significant concern, seek input from locals, and consider the best pathway forward when federal parliament resumes in late October. The Nationals federal parliamentary party room needs to reform the way it operates for the good of all regional Australians. We need a strong voice representing the interests of regional Australia, but it needs to be a sensible voice. Going forward, my primary responsibility remains to represent the views of Gippslanders in federal parliament and deliver results for our community. I’ve been honoured to have that role for 13 years and intend to contest the next election as The Nationals’ endorsed candidate for Gippsland. I am completely focused on the local issues that impact Gippslanders on a daily basis. Our recovery from natural disasters and the coronavirus is an ongoing challenge, and delivering the services and infrastructure we need in a timely manner requires constant advocacy and lobbying by my local team. Politicians should not shy away from debate

From Ravindu Gunawardena, Sale:

I WAS concerned and disappointed to read the news reports that Gippsland MHR Darren Chester had left the federal Nationals party room because of what he saw as the repeated failure of the federal leadership to moderate some of the views expressed by some colleagues. Those of us who have immigrated to Australia after fleeing undemocratic countries which lack freedom of speech know ‘moderating’ is just a code word for censoring and silencing opponents. Australia is at its best when it embraces free speech, which includes respecting the rights of others to express views people might dislike or disagree with. That is called tolerance, and is why my family chose to call Australia home. Out politicians should not shy away from debate. Solar panels don’t make enough power

From Ray Veal, Stratford:

AS I write this, it is 1.27pm on Thursday, September 30. It is overcast and raining nicely, as it does on a good spring season day. I have just been out to check my solar power generation. I have a 10 kilowatt system on the roof, but the meter didn’t tell me that story. My system was generating only 248 watts. This is only 2.5 per cent of the advertised maximum capacity. We have read in the papers lately that Gippsland is getting several large-scale solar farms and one of 80MW capacity comes to mind. It claimed to be able to power 25,000 houses from memory. Based on the assumption that the same sun is trying to shine on the solar farm that is trying to shine on my solar panels on this overcast day, at only 2.5 per cent output, the solar farm is only going to produce 2MW of power. This is not going to power many houses at all. It will certainly never create enough to service the houses during the day, plus charge a huge battery to service the houses during the night as well. My question is, are the design engineers that silly to be focused on the maximum capacity which is only achievable for about 10 hours on good summer days, that their projects can achieve 100 per cent of theoretical capacity, or are we, the masses, being totally misled by

Recreational hoon bill gets the thumbs down

From Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien:

CONGRATULATIONS to the Wellington Shire Youth Council and their outstanding performance throughout the 2021 YMCA Youth Parliament sitting week. Like many events in 2021, YMCA Youth Parliament looked a little different this year, with the annual sitting week taking place virtually from September 20 to 25. During the course of the week 20 bills were debated by the 120 16 to 25-year-olds who formed the Youth Parliament. One of those bills was the Controlled Areas for Recreational Hooning Bill 2021, and I was honoured to be asked to act as Speaker for the debate that took place between Overnewton Anglican Community College and the Wellington Shire Council Youth Council. The bill, which was sponsored by students from Overnewton Anglican Community College, put to Youth Parliament the idea that controlled areas should be mandated for recreational hooning. While I of course remained an impartial speaker, I was extremely impressed by the Wellington Shire Youth Council members who eloquently opposed the idea. I felt a strong sense of pride and rest easy in the knowledge that we have a number of formidable future leaders emerging from our area. For those who are interested to know, the bill did not pass, with 21 Youth MPs voting against the bill and nine voting for it. People interested in becoming involved in Youth Parliament for 2022 should visit vicyouth.

ymca.org.au/learning-and-leadership/youth-parliament/

get-involved to express their interest. Keeping cats indoors best for them, wildlife

From Mimi Bekhechi, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals:

RECENT research shows some interesting facts about the cats who liven up so many of our homes. More than half of homes with cats now keep them indoors all the time. Respondents recognised the horrendous damage done to wildlife by roaming cats, but by far the main reason given was the safety of the cats themselves. Outside, cats are exposed to many dangers, including contagious diseases, speeding cars, poisons and attacks by dogs, wildlife, and cruel people. Cats’ physical and psychological needs are easily met indoors, and this lifestyle can more than double their life span, compared to that of an “outdoor” cat. Keeping cats indoors is a lifesaver—not just for the 230 million birds, reptiles and mammals that cats kill each year in Australia—but for the cats too. There are many ways we can further enrich our cats’ lives, by building them an enclosed patio, or offering cats with an adventurous gene the chance to go on neighbourhood walks on a harness and leash.

Dementia and impacts of discrimination

From Dementia Australia chief executive Maree McCabe AM and Dementia Australia Advisory Committee chair Phil Hazell:

THE number of Australians living with dementia is close to half a million – a number that is set to double in the next 25 years – with an estimated 1.6 million people involved in their care. In Victoria there are an estimated 120,900 people living with dementia. Many people living with dementia can continue to live well after their diagnosis. A national awareness campaign will continue to lead the discussion about discrimination, which we know has a big impact on people living with dementia, their families and carers. Dementia Australia has been providing information and tips to encourage all Australians to increase their understanding of dementia and learn how they can make a difference to the lives of people around them who are impacted –and to help eliminate discrimination. The good news is that a lot can be done to improve the experience for people living with dementia and carers. To find out how you can make a difference,

visit www.dementia.org.au

The Gippsland Times welcomes letters to the editor. Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which address local issues. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.