Ignorance poor excuse
Wollongong and indeed Australia is a diverse and thriving community that owes much to the multicultural influences that have been threaded through our lives. The unprovoked and cowardly vandalism attacks suffered by Bilal the barber (The Cutting Edge) in Unanderra, is shameful.
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If we are honest, all of us have doubts about experiences or cultures we do not understand.
We tend to believe our ways are the right way, yet it is this very honesty, that should spur us to realise, there are differences in ALL of us, whatever nationality we are. Ignorance and blinding prejudice are poor excuses for acts of vandalism.
Do these vandals have a job? Do they contribute positively to our community? Do they have children who respect them? What happened to kindness, compassion and gratitude?
Bilal has a family and is bravely starting a business, a mighty feat in today’s economic climate. Diversity leads to increased innovation, Bilal is just one of many, who is ensuring Australia grows into a country we can be proud of.
_Kelly Duncan, Cordeaux Heights
Deathly job losses
Psychologists universally agree that ‘apart from the death of a family member or a loved one, the worst thing that can happen to a person is to lose their job’. This belief is reinforced by statistics that show increases in male unemployment and suicides. The welfare and wellbeing of the population should be the main objective of any Government.
The Coalition constantly tell us that they are better economic managers than Labor and that Coalition policies are aimed at ‘jobs and growth’. ABS data kept over a 43-year period from the Whitlam Labor government to present Turnbull government represents close to 21 and a half years of data both Liberal and Labor.
This study shows that GDP and employment growth both rise at a faster pace during Labor’s period of government. Average annual GDP growth is around $1.7bn higher per year and employment growth is 25,000 people a year stronger during Labor’s period.
Morrison is correct when he tells us that “more investment is needed from the private sector”.
According to the ABS, investment has fallen 23 percent since the Coalition’s 2013 victory. Under the previous Labor government there was a 67 percent increase in private business investment.
_Don Kelly, Kanahooka
It’s a rocky road
RMS proposed improvements for Macquarie Pass will do little for the region. The only road that meets the requirement standard for use by large trucks is to move from the coast to the top of the escarpment is Mt Ousley. This standard stretches from Macquarie Rivulet near Albion Park to the turnoff to Picton Road, Appin Township and Heathcoat. The remaining passes, Macquarie Pass Bulli Pass, Jamberoo Mountain Pass, Road through Kangaroo Valley and The Kings Highway are nothing more than bullock tracks covered with bitumen.
It is time RMS identified new routes over the escarpment that meets the standard for heavy vehicle use between the coast and the major distribution motorways. Replacement passes are required in the Shellharbour-Kiama-Nowra area, and for The Kings Highway.
If Sydney can receive billions to transport people to the Sydney CBD why can’t the Government find any money for roads to allow the Illawarra and the South Coast to become more productive?
_Ian Young, East Corrimal
Job description please?
Whatever is a “City Centre Activation Manager”, sought by Wollongong City Council at a salary of over $121,000 per year? Just what would this person do?
_Ian Mackreth, Wollongong