'Beggars belief'
It's like that hospital episode from Yes Minister. It beggars belief.
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Will somebody from this government please explain why, with all the need for bushfire relief, we have spent $26.8 million in the past year and are spending a further $20 million over the next three years, to detain two adults and two children (who all share one queen-sized bed) on Christmas Island.
The Christmas Island Detention Centre was reopened in March, 2019, at a cost of $185 million, with the only occupants to date being the Biloela family.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The former Christmas Island administrator, Jon Stanhope, has described the situation as a "political decision".
It was designed to make the prime minister and the home affairs minister look tough on asylum seekers, and it was designed to wedge the Labor party, he said.
He might be a bit harsh.
The detention centre is providing employment for 109 taxpayer-funded staff, which keep changing every three or six weeks, so there's also charter flight employment, they are spending money on.
Perhaps it's because ScoMo likes islands.
Len Shefford, Thurgoona
Renewables work
It seems that there are still stubborn climate change denialists around.
There are now 100 cities worldwide that rely primarily on renewables for power and it won't be long before they are 100 per cent reliant with battery backup.
Secondly, research overseas has proven that coking coal, which is used in the manufacture of steel, can be replaced by hydrogen or even renewable power.
Derek Robinson, Wodonga
Cynicism rules
When the general public were being urged/begged to get on the road over the Australia Day long weekend to visit devastated wilderness towns after the herculean and brave efforts of firefighters and emergency services, mostly unpaid volunteers, and the subsequent donations totaling billions of dollars from average Aussies businesses and institutions who give a damn, it warmed my heart to see the oil companies drop the wholesale price of fuel in the eastern states to facilitate the generous efforts by those who would chance it.
What? Yes, that is my tongue planted firmly in my cheek.
Russ Donehue, Wodonga
Australia Day thanks
Thank you to the mayor Pat Bourke, councillors and residents of Federation Council for the most generous and warm welcome you showed me as your Australia Day ambassador.
I was absolutely delighted to be your guest and to participate in Sunday morning's activities at the Howlong Memorial Park on the banks of the River Murray.
It was a great morning, made very special by the strength of award nominees, which clearly demonstrated the level of passion and commitment residents have for the Federation community.
As the founder of Australia's annual celebration of community, Neighbour Day, I was especially delighted the Mulwala Lions Football Netball Club won community project of the year for its Christmas Day Lunch, an annual event to ensure that people over 55 don't have to spend Christmas Day at home alone.
Each year since 2011, I have been honoured to be an Australia Day ambassador.
Thank you Federation Council for making me feel so very welcome.