Letter of the Week
Have strong opinions, write in an engaging way? You could win our Letter of the Week, and with it a book from our friends and sponsors, the publishers Harper Collins. This month’s book prize is When it all went to custard by Danielle Hawkins. Jenny Reynolds’ farming life unravels when she finds out her husband is having an affair. How will she and her kids manage? Will she keep the farm?
SHOULD the retired police officer’s comments on the Tweed-Byron police district’s bullying and intimidation allegations be true, then that reflects very poorly on a profession where surely unity and camaraderie should be foremost. (GCB, May 20).
These police officers may be in charge of maintaining law and order yet we have serious divisions within the force. And such division comes from the top.
The Victorian police are similarly under great duress with widespread bullying of police members of the LGBTIQ community. Reports there are unbelievable and might be a reason why Victoria is the crime state of Australia.
Let’s hope this cowardly treatment of NSW police officers does not spread over the border into Queensland and weaken what appears a well disciplined force. KEN JOHNSTON, ROCHEDALE SOUTH
IN early May my wife Adele and I arrived at Broadbeach for a week’s holiday and to visit relations.
After five really enjoyable days I realised that I needed to have my heart checked out. We arrived at Robina Hospital where a heart attack was identified. I was transferred by ambulance to Gold Coast Hospital and had immediate surgery. During my five days in hospital the service was amazing. We wish to acknowledge the wonderful people (medical teams, ambulance crew and support teams ) who at all times showed professionalism, skill, understanding and humour. Fivestar plus care.
At home in New Zealand now resting and recovering, my heart beats and future hopes and plans are a tribute to this tremendous service. We are so grateful.
We also enjoyed reading the Gold Coast Bulletin.
Thanks so much.
JOHN WARBURTON, CHRISTCHURCH
I READ Ann Wason Moore’s artice (GCB, 21/5) on the need to extend the l-u-r-r-v-e and ameliorate the tensions between the left and the right of the political centre.
Religion is not my bag, but Australia truly missed a train-wreck with the convincing reelection of Team Morrison.
As for Bill Shorten, he is the ultimate “dumb question”, without any doubt.
Annastacia Palaszczuk is most definitely living on borrowed time. DAVID HALL, COOMBABAH
MANY people do not believe in climate change/global warming, so if the pollies want to do some “actual good” they would stop the desecration of trees.
If the need for this is as a result of extra developments to cater for a burgeoning population, then I believe Australia should now put a cap on the population as far as our immigration figures are concerned.
Deforestation loss leads to soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, water-cycle disruption, greenhouse gas emissions, other changes to climate conditions and loss of photosynthesis.
Deforestation is not only having an effect on humans but the habitats of our animals to the point where many species have already been lost and many more are in danger. Koala bears are probably the next Animal to be lost forever, largely as a result of urbanisation. GAEL BEALE, MAUDSLAND
FOR some, climate change occupied centre stage at the election. Yet the best comment came not from a politician but an academic, Professor Ian Plimer: “Bill Shorten and his allies, the Green economic vandals, believe climate change is a moral issue. So is telling the truth.”
Even now, as they rake over the ashes of a shattering defeat, the alarmists are unwilling to accept that they were hood-winking the public. The Greens leader, Senator di Natale, tells us that the Great Barrier Reef is dead. Jane Caro talks of her despair “while the planet disintegrates”. Former Fairfax columnist Clementine Ford is “crying over the climate destroyed”. Journalist Margo Kingston, who spearheaded the coalition of candidates campaigning on climate action, lamented “too many powerful forces against us”. When will they wake up? P C WILSON, MIAMI
WITH the dust from the federal election not even settled Minister Mark Bailey, our minister for high taxes and procrastination, has immediately come out claiming that he won’t proceed with the light rail because he wants the Federal Government to pay more.
I would suggest that Mr Bailey is yet again trying to pull the wool over the eyes of Gold Coasters and is throwing a tantrum for Labor’s loss which he tried desperately to cover up for by claiming swings against two of our Coast members.
Mr Bailey, the ALP and Greens did not benefit from those swings. Others did and those swings were minor in comparison to the swings against the ALP in the seats held by Stuart Robert and Bert van Manen.
Your complaint about the Federal Government not putting up enough has to be the biggest attempt to mislead us.
Mr Bailey, it is becoming increasingly obvious that you and your premier could not care less about us on the Gold Coast. It is obvious that you have put up our regos and licences so you can pay for your Cross River tunnel which the federals wont put any money up for.
The truth is the light rail will divert more money to the state through fares but the Cross River tunnel will not, unless you intend to shove rail fares up once it is built.
I and others are fast believing that you don’t have the money for what is an important piece of infrastructure on the Gold Coast, which is growing at an incredible rate and are again hedging at getting the job done to buy time.
Mr Bailey, if you can’t do the job, get out and let someone who knows what’s important get the job done without constant excuses.