letters to the editor

By Al Finegan

Our minds can barely comprehend, The courage that he finds. We marvel at the views he brings, This expert of all kinds.

His pen is brave and daring, As he takes on all his foes. His views provoke, excite and prod. He keeps us on our toes.

He knows the ins and outs of each And every deep infraction.

He has a definite theory, Though he’s never been seen in action.

His knowledge is outstanding. His criticisms are a deep incite. A witness on the sidelines, Who has never had to fight.

He always knows the proper way, Anything should be run.

He tells us in a knowing spray, Just what should now be done.

It almost makes him sick to read, The things that others say. His opinion is the one they need, He never goes astray.

Just who is this amazing blighter, Who always speaks his mind?

It is the "Letters to the Editor" writer, And "Anonymous" is his name.

Dear Editor, Voice of Reason – or Voice of Virtue Signallers?

So – we’re now called racist if we don’t vote yes to something most Aussies don’t truly understand. Not only do we not understand, but the proponents of the so-called “Voice” do not understand. What will be its real powers – who will be appointed to it – by whom? What are the legal ramifications of such a change down the track? Why are we breaking with tradition and only allowing a say to the “Yes” side of the debate? Why are so many senior indigenous people saying NO? Why are so many legal people having second thoughts and doubts?

I saw an advert on TV claiming the “Voice” was merely a device to “recognise” our indigenous peoples. Surely the dozens of government bodies and numerous Parliamentary representatives, with indigenous heritage, already do this. Why do we need

Dear Editor, Recently we have been subjected to more and more ‘smoking ceremonies’, ‘welcome to country’ and ‘respectful acknowledgement of traditional custodians’ preambles to all public gatherings. I suspect that this is part of a softening up process to make the demands of Senator Lydia Thorpe and ‘Voice’ architect Thomas Mayo to amend our Constitution to create a “Voice”? Once amended it will be almost impossible to change it back – if we find the “Voice” is unmanageable. I appreciate the virtue signallers in our community clamour for the change, yet none seem to be able to define its benefits to all in our community, and/ or why it is truly needed in our multi-cultural society. Will other ethnic groups clamour for their own “voice” in years to come? Perhaps what we really need is a Royal Commission into spending on Aboriginal Affairs over the past 100 years. Where have the billions of dollars gone that have been spent in this area? Who received it and how have they acquitted their expenditure? Has this money been spent wisely or just gone to specific causes and people? If we just keep “giving”, and not asking for accountability, this matter will never be satisfactorily settled. The money must be going somewhere.

The “Voice” is a half-baked more palatable. From them, we hear the words Treaty, Sovereignty, Reparations, Compensation, Rent, Punishment and other scary terms.

I would rather see the meeting organisers just get on with it without any of the above, however, if they are going to continue with their acknowledgements then I would like to see someone in the meeting idea from the Labor Party to change our very way of life. To reward some and placate others. And, to show how “virtuous” they are. We should all look at the reasons put forward for this “Voice” and ask why it is necessary. Why do we need it, and most importantly, do we really need to amend our Constitution to achieve this so-called “recognition”? The same can be readily achieved by regulation in the Federal Parliament. Shouldn’t our indigenous peoples have the same rights as any other Aussie –no more – no less?

If we have any doubts, worries or any lack of understanding, whatsoever, we should vote NO to changing our Constitution. Blackmail, threats and accusations are not a reason to vote yes.

Michael Matthews

add the following, as I did at a recent meeting. ‘I would also like to acknowledge the contributions made to this country by the many migrants over the last 250 years who have made Australia their home and who have dragged this country out of the Stone Age and made it the best place on Earth in which to live’.

Michael Cavenor

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) recognises the valuable role that older Queenslanders play in our community and their right to safety and a lifestyle without fear. There is a mistaken belief within the community that older people are vulnerable to crime and live in fear. The reality is quite different in Queensland, in Australia and around the world. Statistics show the older you get the less likely you are to become a victim of crime. Seniors are more experienced and wiser; they tend to spend more time at home and with family and are less likely to place themselves in high-risk situations. Despite this low risk, it is still important that seniors recognise risky situations and take precautions to protect themselves and their property. Feeling safe in your own home is essential to your health and well-being. As a senior, it’s important that you are able to enjoy your home, community and lifestyle in comfort and security.

What you can do

Some steps you can take to protect your safety and security:

• If you have a phonebook listing, only list your initials and surname to limit the amount of personal information available.

• If you use an answering machine service, ensure you leave a message saying ‘we’ will call back if you live alone.

• If you and your family communicate on the internet via social media networks, make sure you don’t give out personal details such as your home address or phone number.

• Be cautious about the information you give to strangers

– don’t tell them where you live or when you will be away and don’t give out any personal, family or financial information.

• When shopping, avoid carrying large amounts of money and never leave your handbag, wallet or personal items unattended or in a shopping trolley or mobility device.

• If you’re travelling on public transport, ensure you sit where you can see and be seen by the driver or guard, and always check timetables beforehand to avoid long waits.

• In your phone, program the contact numbers of a relative, neighbour or close friend you can contact if you need assistance. Also program the emergency number, Triple Zero (000).

• If you receive mail, emails or phone calls requesting money, even if it’s for charity, verify where the request has come from before donating. If you are unsure, contact your local police station.

• When out and about, always appear confident and selfassured. Research shows that people who appear confident and take personal safety precautions are less likely to become victims of crime.

• Consider installing an alarm system in your home, particularly if you live alone, to help protect your home and personal safety.

• Medical or personal alarm systems are also a good idea to consider and are easy to set up. There are many options available, depending on your personal needs.

Elder Abuse Helpline

Phone (Qld only): 1300 651 192