Australia has responsibilities to defence allies and to the region and is, therefore, required to keep up with defence technology and supply of equipment to countries we depend on as allies.
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But for the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to announce financial assistance of billions of dollars to companies manufacturing and marketing arms, might seem like offering a hand-out to mates.
Most taxpayers would not want to see their hard-earned tax dollars being used to make and sell military weapons which could be used to attack, maim and kill.
Once the business of making and selling weapons is handed to private enterprise, profits for shareholders and selling for the highest price, are the priorities.
Perhaps the Prime Minister is out of touch to suggest that this country could make and export such technology when we cannot fulfil the export demand for infant formula.
As many citizens have pointed out, it is unlikely that Australia could contemplate this type of venture now that so much of our infrastructure has been allowed to fall below the standard which would be required.
Transport, education and training, telecommunications and even electricity supply, as well as manufacturing capabilities, have been allowed to slip.
Perhaps the Prime Minister and his government should go back to the drawing board.
Ann Brennan, West Albury
Something to ponder
A judge bans a woman wearing a Hijab and it’s a denial of human rights.
This is Australia so be Australian, if my wife was in a Muslim country she would be jailed for not covering up because that is what they expect, we Australians expect the opposite.
How would it be if we jailed them for covering up?
Breck Scott-Young, East Albury
Healthy basin benefits all
The individuals who signed a so-called ‘Murray-Darling Declaration’ calling for changes to the basin plan make some good points which deserve further consideration.
An environmentally healthy working basin is in the interests of all Australians and is certainly the priority for virtually all its residents.
I was surprised the ‘group’ does not place more emphasis on achieving this aspiration, for the benefit of their fellow mankind.
That being as it is, I offer my support and comment on some of the issues that have been raised.
Stop further expenditure on irrigation infrastructure: I’m not sure we really want to stop projects that save water, however if this was to take place the money could be channelled into ‘end of system’ infrastructure, which for some inexplicable reason has been ignored.
Audit all water recovery: This is essential. Latest scientific reports, including CSIRO, question many aspects of water recovery so far under the basin plan, including the modelling on which recovery targets were based.
Much of the modelling was undertaken during the Millennium Drought which, as the studies are now showing, was not a true indication of the basin’s health or history.
Establish an independent expert advisory body: The ‘group’ suggests this should be a ‘scientific’ body. I would make it be broader and truly representative of our nation’s interests in achieving a healthy basin.