Stop dancing around youth crime problem
SORRY, I DIDN’T KNOW
Needless to say I have recently been reviewing the sections of the Local Government Act 2009 relating to vacancies in councillor’s office.
I note that, contrary to my belief expressed in my letter to the Editor in Wednesday’s Bulletin, Mr Walker had to take, under section 160B of the Act, compulsory leave without pay for the duration of the period for which he is a candidate for election as a member of the Legislative Assembly.
My apologies to Mr Walker for the expression of my incorrect belief regarding this matter.
I note that in the midst of a global pandemic, we have detailed and substantial legislation within the Local Government Act, prepared and enacted by the legislature of this state, to replace a councillor if their position is vacated during their four year term. Appointment of the runner up only occurs in the first 12 month period if a vacancy occurs and by-elections are required in the second and third years, and an appointment is possible in the fourth year.
It is legislation that has been formulated and enacted well prior to the occurrence of COVID-19, with the intent, one assumes, to cause minimum unnecessary bother and inconvenience to the electorate. It just so happens that it also provides further protection in these current pandemic times.
An urgent repeal of this legislation as requested by the Local Government Association of Queensland, forcing voters back to the ballot box again would, I suggest, be wholly inconsistent with the hard stance the Palaszczuk government has had on border closures to date.
Any claim that the current legislation is undemocratic is illfounded as it was brought into its
very being by a democratically elected parliament.
FRAN O’CALLAGHAN, Woodstock.
LIVE ANIMAL EXPORT BAD
I COME from a farming family – I am fourth generation – merino sheep and grain.
I know what it means to be a farmer – I’ve been one – I’ve seen it close up. What I’ve also seen close up is the cruelty of the live export trade. It’s a disgrace.
The poor animals we send overseas endure the most unspeakable horrors. Sometimes we see those horrors revealed on 60 Minutes or the ABC – horrors that generate a huge public outcry.
But mostly those horrors and the immense cruelty are hidden from the vast majority of people.
We need to put an end to live export. Don’t buy the line that all farmers support this vile, disgusting trade – they don’t.
I know there are plenty who are like me – they understand they need to make a living but they’re not prepared to sacrifice decency and their principles by sending those poor animals to horrific deaths.
I urge people to call their MP and tell them they want this obscene trade stopped – now. ANNE LEESON,
Willetton.