Senator’s response lacking
Last Monday night I watched Q&A on the ABC. It was an interesting show, with some good debate and different points of view expressed. However, I was appalled at the treatment and lack of empathy extended by Eric Abetz to a young Indian man, wearing a turban.
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The young man asked a question about freedom of speech in relation to the bullying, harassment, intimidation and racial slurs he received every day.
Mr Abetz, a Liberal politician from Tasmania, did not address the young man’s issues directly but said that freedom of speech must be upheld.
This view was supported by the “people’s panelist”, who said offence to what is said is due to the attitude of the receiver, not the person who made the comments. I find this attitude utterly appalling.
In recent years much has been said by politicians and the media about how bullying in schools must be stamped out and that schools need to do more. Why is it then that once students leave school bullying is allowed because we must have freedom of speech and it is OK to insult someone?
This is an appalling state of affairs. We need to give support, friendship and respect to all members of our society and not abuse or harass or bully people on the basis of race, religion or any other reason.
Mr Abetz, as a government politician, must work to ensure that this is the case, not the opposite.
Laurie Frost, Wodonga
Don’t let it fade away
The NSW Container Deposit Scheme vouchers state that they must be redeemed for cash or goods within three years, however they appear to be printed on thermal paper.
Thermal print has a tendency to fade in as little as a few months, so I would advise people to use their return and earn vouchers as soon as they get them.
P Watson, Culcairn
Dip our hats to these cats
On Wednesday evening my wife and I attended the Trinity Anglican College, Albury, Year 6 to 9 students performance of Seussical Jr at the Albury Entertainment Centre. Wow, what a performance!
The students were exceptional. Congratulations to the director, Emma Mancer, and her team.
From the simple but effective set to the stunning costumes, to the acting and singing of the students, it was a delight to watch and enjoy.
Trinity Anglican College, take a bow.
Peter and Annette Challis,
Albury
Help us out, city slickers
How many city people shed a tear for people in regions when a farmer has to shoot his stock or has another crop fail and traders have to shut down?
People in regional Australia are vital for many reasons and make a massive contribution to our nation and have been doing so for generations.
It is time for some serious money to flow out of cities to help regions.
Perhaps a share the burden levy on high-priced city homes and land would go some way to help regions stay strong.
It would money well spent and spread some locked up funds.