Locking into drugs
PILL-testing could lead to more young people being locked into the grubby world of drug addiction. What happens to those who have thought about taking drugs for the first time but have been deterred, not by the addiction that could follow but by the danger of not knowing what is in the pill. If you make it easier by pill-testing how many people are you locking into a life of drug addiction. I bet they are not going to worry about pill-testing once they are addicted.
Papa Smurf v Dr Evil
DAVID O’Byrne and Peter Gutwein may look like Papa Smurf and Dr Evil, that’s about it. Papa Smurf actually looked out for his fellow Smurfs and Dr Evil only held the world to ransom for $1 million, whereas in the case of us healthcare workers, nurses, teachers and public service workers it is many times that to come into line with what we deserve and throw in sometime Health Minister Michael Ferguson who does a great act as the Invisible Man.
Fast-tracking buildings
FORMER planning minister Peter Gutwein claimed building heights were a matter for local communities and councils, including an emphatic statement in parliament on September 19, 2017. He never ruled out using proposed Major Projects Legislation to take buildings such as the Fragrance skyscrapers away from councils and the normal planning process. Ambiguously, the minister amended the legislation to rule out fast-tracking of buildings “predominantly” for use as a hotel. Fragrance could get around that by having a building 49 per cent hotel and 51 per cent offices, retail and carparks. New minister
Important to be on time
IT seems the school punctuality debate is fairly equally divided: those who think it’s important to be on time and those who don’t. Some years ago, when motivational speakers were a constant aspect of business life, I met a man whose card stated: “If I’m not 5 minutes early, I’m late.” I’ve never forgotten that discipline. Most people who adhere to it appreciate punctuality, the definition of which is “exact in keeping time and appointments”. Ever notice how most people who are late turn up with a coffee or phone in their hands?
Bus loop appeal
I ENJOYED the Talking Point by Richard Griggs (“Just one simple step to ease the squeeze,” March 22) but question why buses terminate at the Bus Mall/Franklin Square. If they continued as free buses in a loop via Argyle, Burnett, Elizabeth, Murray and Macquarie streets, the service would have a much broader appeal.