Grossly offensive
RON Fischer, your analogy of the Port Arthur massacre (Mail-Times, April 18) is not worthy of a lengthy response.
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Suffice to say, it was insensitive, inaccurate and grossly offensive, and this newspaper shows poor editorial judgement in publishing it.
As I watch with heavy heart, the ABC’s coverage of Port Arthur 20 Years On, I can see you penning your next nonsense filled letter to the editor telling us there was no lunar landing, no holocaust, and 9-11 was an inside job.
GARY HOWARD
Quantong
Efforts speak volumes
I AM writing to commend the people of the Wimmera for their strong support of the Horsham hospital’s oncology wing upgrade.
I first became aware of the need for the upgrade during a conversation I had with Don Johns and, subsequently, through a letter sent to me by Rachel Littore.
Both Don and Rachel were passionate in their advocacy and they motivated me to seek advice from the hospital’s chief executive officer Chris Scott.
Chris quickly confirmed everything that I had been told and I immediately acted to secure a federal commitment to partner with the community in order to raise the funds needed to complete the oncology wing project.
After encountering a few obstacles, I was able to gain a sympathetic ear from the then prime minister Tony Abbott.
In response to my request, Mr Abbott said “if the community is finding a million dollars, we the federal government, can do our bit.”
True to his word, the prime minister came to Horsham in 2015 to personally announce the government’s commitment to the oncology wing project.
It is now pleasing to see that the state Labor government has also agreed to commit funds to make the new and much needed facility a reality.
My congratulations go to those who have donated, championed and worked tirelessly for this cause.
The efforts of all concerned speak volumes for the value of community and what can be achieved when we all work together. It truly does start with us.
It is a great privilege to represent the best people in Australia; the people of the Wimmera and Mallee.
ANDREW BROAD
Member for Mallee
Preserve our volunteers
THE end of Country Fire Authority volunteerism is only a signature away, as Premier Dan Andrews prepares to bow to the pressure of the United Firefighters Union.
Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten and union’s Victorian secretary Peter Marshall are pushing the premier to accept 450 pages of demands that would render the authority’s volunteers extinct.
I attended a rally held by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria at parliament house last Saturday, which saw 421 appliances and 1000 volunteers converge on the city.
Many of them travelled for more than eight hours to be there, with just 24 hours notice.
This shows the passion these volunteers have, as well as their commitment to the organisation and their local communities.
I’ve spoken to many regional Victorians who are passionate and angry about the union’s demands and tactics.
People who support the volunteers believe the union is seeking to tear apart the largest, most recognised and respected volunteer organisation in Australia.
The fight to preserve our volunteers is one that we must win. I ask all those who support the Country Fire Authority to call their local MPs and let them know that they do not want the union to take over our volunteer firefighting service.
SIMON RAMSAY
Member for Western Victoria