Thumbs down to gesture
Please, Mr Turnbull, stop using that twee American hand on heart gesture at war memorial ceremonies.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The traditional Australian way is; stand up straight, thumbs in the seams of the trousers, serious look on your face and incline your head.
Just as the more dignified looking NZ Prime Minster standing next to you.
Colin Simmons, Woodend
Praise for star nurse
Thank you to the nurse who paid for my lunch at the new hospital.
Generosity and kindness are still alive.
Jan Gannon, Echuca
Not a good look, Jeff
Jeff Kennett and the board of Seven West Media went public on the deal struck with Amber Harrison because they believed it favoured their case.
They'd hardly endorse the release of deals with former employees who were treated unfairly.
Kennett says the previous board was generous partly because it had Ms Harrison's welfare in mind.
Now, given the release by Kennett of so much detail of the case, it would appear there has been a breach of confidentiality and a disregard for Ms Harrison's welfare.
It is not a good look for the chairman of Beyond Blue – playing the corporate bully.
As for CEO Tim Worner ... A true professional would not be having relationships with employees. End of story.
Gavin Butler, Eaglehawk
Regional mail system fail
The following information appeared in this month's local Kyneton Connect news bulletin.
"Mail to an address in Kyneton placed in the 3444 post-slot at the Kyneton PO was previously sorted in Kyneton and delivered the next day.
“Now 3444 letters with $1 stamp plus a 50c priority paid sticker are the only ones sorted in Kyneton and delivered the next day. All other 3444 letters are sent off to Dandenong for processing before returning to Kyneton for delivery."
Maria Kisich, Kyneton
Poverty on our doorstep
The recent passing of the UN proclaimed World Social Justice Day on Monday, February 20 presents an opportunity for Australia to reflect on our role affecting the eradication of unemployment, poverty and the social and economic exclusion of vulnerable people around the world.
Living within a developed nation such as Australia makes it easy for many of us to overlook the growing inequality in wealth and income within and between nations states.
Three billion people around the world live in extreme poverty on less than $2.50 a day and children make up half of this shocking number. While this may sound like a distant problem, many of the world's poorest people are Australia's next door neighbours, residing in countries closely located to us in the Asia Pacific region.
By leading and contributing to the development of our neighbouring countries, Australia ensures we foster a safe and prosperous Asia Pacific region which we as a country can thrive in for the future.
Amidst the context of Australia's disheartening and severe budget cuts to AusAid, it is promising to see the Turnbull government turning a corner and encouraging Australians to reflect on the way we engage with international aid and development by commissioning a Foreign Policy White Paper.
The Turnbull government's call for Australians to make public submissions before February 28 is a positive step forward towards realising the underlying principles of World Social Justice Day, as well as contributing our fair share towards international poverty alleviation measures.