Right woman for job
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I am convinced that Bridget has the desire and ability to carry the responsibility of this role. I base my confidence in her to effectually influence the Senate in progressing forward with establishing the Rural and Regional References Committee Inquiry into the Red Meat Industry as was first convened on 18 March, 2015.
The request for government intervention regarding the red meat industry was first acknowledged by appeals made personally to Bridget McKenzie by members of the Victorian Farmers Federation and the NSW Farmers Federation. These concerns developed post the Barnawartha boycott (by the meat processors) as of 17 February 2015.
On September 2 2015, I was privileged to appear before the Senate Inquiry into the Red Meat and observed Bridget's debating and line of questing. She was polite but assertive and responsible in seeking the facts. These skills may be viewed as a plus for a new female Minister facing the "Old Guard."
As a follow on from the Senate Inquiry into the Red Meat Industry, the ACCC's developed recommendation of which I acknowledge to date have not yet been achieved. I do however acknowledge the growing recognition and acknowledgement by each sector of the industry as to its $65 billion value and the need for co-operation across all sectors if we are to meet the challenges of an expanding global demand for meat.
Senator McKenzie has not only the challenge of representing the red meat and other related Industries, but the many emerging industries responding to innovation such as the growing of uneatable mustard seed that forms the basis of a bio-fuel which is now undergoing trials in powering jets. Again, congratulations Bridget. I shall continue to observe and cheer you from the sidelines.
Maureen Cottam, Benalla
Some common sense
On the subject of natural energy, sustainable energy and all the arguments that go with it and the rabid minority screaming about all the issues, I thought I might apply some common sense in this area.
We have coal and gas-fired energy which is on demand anytime, cost effective but pollutes to varying degrees. Solar energy is available seven to eight hours a day, nil pollution from operation but making the panels is polluting. Wind energy is available when the wind blows, nil pollution from operation but making them is polluting. Hydro energy is available all the time if the rabid greenies did not oppose dams but would not supply all our needs. You would also not need desalination plants. Nuclear energy is pollution free, very cost effective with the only problem being storing the waste material but with about 450 such plants worldwide, I expect they have that solved.
Then we look at Australia with all the idiots opposing any form of affordable reliable power. They want only solar and wind energy so on a hot night when the wind is still you can light a candle to see and fan yourself to keep cool.
The other interesting thing is the 50 per cent renewable energy target, which in the world scheme of things means nothing, in fact if Australia ceased to exist it would make no difference to the pollution.