FREEDOM OF THE PRESS?
Since the federal police raids on the ABC and a News Corp reporter recently, the industry has gone into a period of intense navel-gazing and is unitedly claiming it's all an attack on the "freedom of the press".
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The industry is constantly referring to the leaker of the subject security documents or secrets as a mere "whistleblower".
Those of the general public, who have had any interest in the issue, might see it a little differently.
Many might see this "whistleblower" as more: they might see them as a treasonous criminal who has passed themselves off as honest and sufficiently trustworthy to be allowed to operate within the nation's security environment.
Instead, they have demonstrated they will steal secret information and pass it on to cause some degree of damage if it suits them.
How can journalists when "receiving" this type of stolen security information be sure such people will not pass on more damaging security information to foreign powers?
Why should journalist take such a risk and withhold the identities of these dangerously driven individuals?
Why does the industry see it as only about the freedom of the press?
Richard Burnett, Wollongong
ICING ON THE CAKE
I know a way to return east-coast energy prices to normal-nationalise power generation companies; create a federally owned energy corporation for the benefit of both taxpayers and private investors.
The COAG Energy Council will remain unchanged; there would not be a need for alterations to agencies and boards.
The most promising aspect-the government would be back in charge of energy pricing and maintenance of generators.
The icing on the cake would be to run the stations by solar inversion, with battery storage and if needed gas fired energy as back-up.
Okay, it's not going happen and will not be considered while a conservative government is running the country.
But that is no reason to say it shouldn't happen.
John Macleod, Berry
FIRST CLASS CARE, JUST BAD LIFTS
How lucky we are to live in such a vibrant city of Wollongong and have access to the first class facility of Wollongong Public Hospital when we need it.
My husband recently and unexpectedly spent more than three weeks being cared for by excellent doctors and nursing staff.
This care was delivered skillfully, thoroughly and thankfully successfully when we then graduated to Hospital in the Home, great team of professionals and the wonderful Infectious Diseases Team.
The C BLOCK lifts may be old and in need of repair but for medical care Wollongong Public Hospital is second to none.
Pat Berghuis, Woonona
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