In his letter, Colin Burns spoke in derogatory terms with regard to several local government matters. 

In particular, I was concerned by his remark that “Of course, one councilor has access to a specially fitted-out vehicle 24 hours a day at ratepayer expense”. 

Obviously he is referring to Councillor Rod Campbell, a person who I have known for several years. Rod is a well-educated person and contributes considerable time and expertise to all council matters.

His preparation for council meetings is beyond reproach and his attendance at community functions is well recognised.

Rod Campbell and his support person, Alison, make an outstanding contribution to the City of Greater Bendigo. 

During his time as a member of council, Rod had a very serious illness. This has resulted in him being confined to a wheelchair and in need of special transport consideration.

Cr Campbell may have a physical disability, but his professional and community experience equip him well for the valuable service he continues to make to the work of council.

The community must understand equal opportunity and the need for inclusion and diversity, for all citizens, irrespective of physical limitations. This is an accepted principle throughout the Commonwealth of Australia.

When the City of Greater Bendigo council provides a modified vehicle for use by a councillor, such as Cr Rod Campbell, it is done according to federal, state and local government principles.

Colin Burns should reconsider his attitude to people with a disability and retract his harsh comments made in the letter.

I refer to Bruce Phillips’ letter to the Bendigo Advertiser, “Councillors, not officers, hold the power”.

It is easy to see why Mr Phillips has jumped in so quickly to defend the council as he has in the past been part of the problem. As an ex-serving, part-term councillor on two occasions and been voted out after each, I am not surprised that he continues to defend the indefensible.

A recent published article in one of the papers, “Councils Becoming More Secretive”, clearly showed some very informative research. For all but one council – and that was not the Greater City of Bendigo – the executive and council officers had made up to 47 per cent of decisions without councillor approval.

The councillors in the past have continued to vote for increased discretionary spending for the CEO, in the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. This clearly refutes Mr Phillips’ statement of who is in control. 

When something is irreparably broken, you get rid of it. When something continues to fail, it's time to make a change and move on. Personally, I am glad to read other thoughts and opinions, but I am sick of the garbage peddled by some now and ex-councillors towing the council’s executive line.

I am very disappointed with our Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull. Many of us expected him to take some positive action on his two great passions: the republic and climate change. What's happened?

He has squibbed it, that's what's happened. He is obviously more concerned for his job than for his "great passions" and the millions of us who expected action. We want action now, not in some far distant future.

Could it be that Mr Turnbull is nothing more than a Tony Abbott in an expensive suit, wearing a non-blue tie and with a friendly, smiling face?