National service idea

Send them to PO Box 126, Cairns 4870 or email letters@cairnspost.com.au

IT’S time that Australia considered a new way. Time for the “Australian Homeforce” where people of all sexes spend one full year between the age of 18 and 20 working for Australia.

There would be two options — spend time in the actual armed forces — either with weapons, or without — as cooks, engineers, admin staff (whatever); the other alternative would be travel Australia (as directed — no choice) to work in the various agricultural industries as they arise. Uniforms and accommodation supplied with the same pay as the people in the armed forces option.

Everyone — which means that no-one is disadvantaged by variable educational opportunities. No exemptions, everyone commits to one year — the only option is which part of the two-year time frame between 18 and 20.

We are currently in the sad position of looking towards food shortages for a number of reasons.

Everyone is capable of contributing in some way.

Once that year is completed, then every two years, another one month is committed to the same area for five more times — ie over a period of 10 years.

It’s easy for me to say — I am of retirement age, but I saw friends go to war, or not, based on the roll of a marble.

That was not fair — this is much fairer. This is for everyone — no exemptions. If we gain benefits from the country, and everyone does, then we must contribute to the country.

Brett Duck, Mount Sheridan