Slow mail service
PEOPLE in the bush are used to being treated like the second class cousins of those in the city.
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We appreciate what we have and seldom complain.
However, we have long memories when governments take our services away.
Postal services are a good example of something we’ve lost under the current government.
When Prime Minister Turnbull became the Minister for Communications in 2013, it cost 60 cents to send an ordinary letter, which would arrive at its destination within a couple of days.
Posting the same letter now costs $1 but its expected arrival has blown out to six business days.
That’s a 66 per cent increase in three years for a service that is poorer.
The advertised delivery time is optimistic at best, as I regularly receive mail posted locally that’s taken over nine days to arrive.
When you’re facing penalties for not paying your bills on time, a slow mail service only adds to the pressure we’re under.
The Liberals promised to reduce the cost of living but their empty promises have resulted in the opposite.
How can Mr Turnbull in good conscience seek re-election?
I can promise ‘Mr Harbourside Mansion’ that I won’t forget him when I’m at the ballot box.
PHIL RODGER
Ararat
Celebrate and recognise history and culture
NAIDOC Week runs from July 5 to 12 across Australia.
It is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It also provides an opportunity to shed light on one of most significant issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – homelessness.
Australia wide, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 23 per cent of those accessing specialist homelessness services, but only make up 2.5 per cent of the population.
Youth Off The Streets recognises the need to facilitate discussions about this issue, that is why developed our #laceitup campaign, which aims to raise funds and awareness for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal homeless young people in Australia.
The campaign draws on the idea that not everyone has the privilege to untie their shoes of a night; some young people have to keep them on in order to flee from danger at a moment’s notice.
By getting the community to get involved in campaigns like these during NAIDOC Week, we are not only helping to raise the public’s consciousness about youth homelessness, but we are also raising awareness to the over-representation of Aboriginal young people in this issue.
NAIDOC Week is a perfect opportunity for all Australians to get involved in Aboriginal issues because unfortunately, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented in many of our services.
Our goal is to bring these numbers down, but we need communities to get behind this if we are to make it a reality.
This NAIDOC Week I encourage everyone to get involved and participate in the celebrations and activities that are taking place across Australia.
Whether it’s hosting your own barbecue or lunch with friends, organising a smoking ceremony, or just learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, it is important to get involved and show your support.
For more information about NAIDOC Week and to find an event near you, people can visit www.naidoc.org.au/events-calendar and to get involved and find out more about our #laceitup campaign, visit www.laceitup.com.au
FATHER CHRIS RILEY
Youth Off The Streets