Research refutes views
I WRITE in response to Yolande Grosser’s recent column A Mum’s World, published in the Wimmera Mail-Times on Monday, August 14.
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In it, she outlines her concerns about marriage equality.
She focusses on her opinion that children deserve two parents of opposite genders for an optimal upbringing.
Ms Grosser’s statements are refuted by decades of scientific research.
Numerous studies, including a 2015 meta-study of 19,000 studies and articles related to same sex parenting, show that there are absolutely no differences in educational, psychological or behavioural outcomes between children raised by same sex parents, and children raised by parents of the opposite gender.
Additionally, a recent study by the University of Melbourne found that children of same sex parents actually scored higher than the general population on measures of general health and family cohesion.
What children need are parents who love them unconditionally, care for them passionately, and advocate for them fiercely.
More than 40 years of critically evaluated scientific research tells us unequivocally is that the gender of these people doesn’t affect the quality of their parenting or the outcomes for their children.
Amy Anselmi, Horsham
Action a welcome sight
I APPLAUD the Environmental Protection Authority’s action in beginning to remove the stockpile of waste tyres near Stawell.
I have advocated for something to be done at the dangerous site since I came into office. The site is an extreme health and environmental hazard – and has been for many years. I want Stawell to be a vibrant community with employment opportunities, and I want it to be safe.
I recently met with the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg, and informed him of both mine and the general community’s concerns about this stockpile and he was shocked to learn just how dangerous the situation is.
The EPA has recently used its power, under Section 62 of the Environmental Protection Act 1970, to conduct a clean-up.
This will involve trucks loaded with tyres leaving the site six days a week and travelling to Melbourne where the tyres will be shredded.
While the exact number of tyres at the site is unknown, the removal process will be lengthy and I call on the local community to avoid the site.
I know this has been a big issue for the Stawell community for a long time so I am very pleased to see the Stawell tyre stockpile in the safe hands of the EPA.
Andrew Broad, Member for Mallee
Farm, future collides
OUR traditional farmland is under escalating pressure. It is coming from population growth. The metropolitan weight gain is bursting the urban seams. The peri-urban fringes are ever-hungry for space and are marching for more. But the surging population is not the only pressure point.
Paddocks once home to grazing cattle, plump orchards and fields of wheat to the horizon now host wind turbines, quarries or solar panels. Fine – on the face of it. But we are witness to neighbouring farmers fighting for their rights – the right to a traditional farm and lifestyle – versus a new enterprise, or housing estate.
Competition for land use is fierce. It is aggressive. And it’s also the new norm. Yet, thanks to the population growth, land for food production has never been more important. It is why we need to review the planning laws and legislation to protect the right to farm.
Early submissions to the Parliamentary Committee looking into the Sustainability and Operational Challenges of Rural and Regional Councils have called for a return of the Planning Flying Squads introduced by the previous Liberal Government, then dumped by Dan. The Squads helped Councils bogged down with planning issues – providing real help on real problems.
Awkward and poorly considered environmental overlays need review – as do the clunky, often unworkable, native vegetation laws. They are a monolithic blob of nauseating bureaucracy.
None of this is to provide farmers with cart blanche to do whatever they like. Quite the opposite – farmers need the environment in beautiful shape and want to keep it that way. Put simply, our impact on food producers needs to be kept to a minimum.
Legislators have an important role in planning for changes in land use, population growth and legitimate new activities. They walk a mighty fine line on an increasingly high tightrope. The balance bar must be loaded with respect, honesty, compassion, understanding and common sense.
When farmland and the future collide – there’s food for thought.
Simon Ramsay, Member for Western Victoria
English, grammar skills
IS ENGLISH still taught in our schools?
The number of times a pedant stumbles when reading newspapers today is scary.
If present trends continue will today’s kids be able to converse with their grandchildren?
The latest occasion that stalled my reading of the Wimmera Mail-Times happened on Wednesday when reading a story about the worn-out tyres in a stack at Stawell (article titled: Green light to clear yard).
These are not “unused tyres” but have fallen into disuse because they are unroadworthy due to wear.
While computers with spell check are handy tools they, like fire, are unworthy masters.
Ron Fischer, Horsham