National flag should fly on a solemn day
MY father, like many others, was a prisoner of war in Changi prison in Singapore during World War II.
I spent 34 years in the ADF doing my job for our country.
November 11 is a significant day of the year to remember all those who have paid the ultimate price in fighting for our freedom.
Nothing more bothers me on a day like Wednesday than to see the Australian national flag removed and the State of Origin flag raised in its place on the large roundabout heading towards Lavarack Barracks.
This shows a total lack of respect to all those who fought and died for what they believed and that was for our freedom.
If they could see this they would turn in their graves.
On a day like Wednesday it is totally appalling how a football flag can take precedence over our national flag.
Raising the State of Origin flag in place of the national one needs to be stopped on days like Wednesday.
RONALD ASHLIN, Kelso.
AN ABUSE OF POWER
Under the current Local Government Act, if a vacancy comes up in the first 12 months after an election for a councillor or mayor, the runner-up automatically replaces the elected councillor or mayor.
With Les Walker winning the state seat of Mundingburra, his replacement under current law is Fran O’callaghan.
In Rockhampton, with Mayor Margaret Strelow standing down, her replacement again under current legislation is a character known as Chris “Pineapple” Hooper.
Now I am no fan of Ms O’callaghan’s anti-development policies in any way, and I wouldn’t vote for Mr Pineapple in a fit, given his association with the extreme Extinction Rebellion.
Indeed in my opinion, Mr Pineapple would be a disaster as mayor of Rockhampton.
But, and it is a huge but, once a political party starts playing games with the democratic process through retrospective legislation to suit its own political agenda, then we are setting a dangerous precedent.
If the Palaszczuk government wants this scenario to be an automatic by-election in the future, fair enough, pass new legislation.
But to pass retrospective legislation to alter the replacement process after the fact, is an abuse of process.
If a Labor candidate had come in second in either of these instances, would Labor be passing retrospective legislation to rob itself of an automatic replacement.
We all know the answer to this, and therein lies the moral dilemma, with Labor happy to run with this dangerous precedent of abuse of power.
Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
BARRY DAVIES, Cranbrook.
A NOD FOR STEWART
Congratulations Scott Stewart. Good one Anna, you could not have chosen better if you’re wanting someone to nod behind you when you’re on TV.
JOAN MORGAN, Aitkenvale.
HIDDEN CRITICISM
I would like to reply to C.W. Bushland Beach (Text the Editor
Townsville Bulletin, 10-11-20) who has repeatedly attacked Debra Gibson for her letters in the Bulletin without signing his or hers name.
This person reminds me of a duck shooter hiding behind a duck blind made of bushes so they can’t be seen, then ambushes Bulletin writers when they come within range of their hate-filled minds.
Oh, so you don’t like preferential voting, funny, I’ve noticed preferential voting always seems to suit you when it’s in your favour.
KEN KNUTH, Rangewood.
MORE COVID VICTIMS
Here are many victims of COVID-19. While governments set boundaries, the economy immediately impacted everyone.
Business suddenly closed, essential services restricted and workers lost jobs.
Parents became educators. In confined quarters, relationship violence escalated in already dysfunctional homes.
COVID restrictions shut down restaurants.
It was untenable in the long term, with nowhere for families and groups eating out.
Slowly the economy recovered over six months but too slow to save our favourites.
Alternatively, the home food delivery services trend boomed.
It is the end of an era for our favourite, four popular
Queensland Sizzlers on 15 November, sadly missed.
Where to in 2021 for such value and pleasant atmosphere?
ELOISE ROWE, Tannum Sands.