Farmers are very much the lifeblood of our communities, providing for us all, often without recognition.
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Last week, Farm Safety Week, the light was shone on farmers. Sadly, the stark reality is that our farmers and agricultural workers are terribly over-represented in statistics in workplace injury and death.
Our farmers are tough, uncomplaining and have a “get on with things” type attitude.
However, when injured, due to isolation our farmers tend to be less likely to seek the support they deserve. I urge farmers to reflect on work practices.
Mental strength and resilience comes with the territory of being a farmer.
However, regional values are about doing what is right and standing up for our mates.
It is vital that our farmers employ safe work practices, seek out help when required and lend a helping hand to a mate.
I say thank you to our farmers.
Please, think of yourselves for once and think of your safety.
Fleur Jackson, Bendigo
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‘Snakes and mirrors’ debate on business tax
Kerry Packer, once the goliath of the Australian media, had this to say to a parliamentary committee, after he had allegedly paid just $25,000 tax, on $25 million of accessable income.
He also said that he was not inclined to be more generous, because in his words, “you are not spending it all that well”.
Which brings us back to this nonsensical debate about business tax, and the level that it should be set at. In this instance 25 per cent, a concession costing billions of dollars in a climate where it is reported that record profits are being made, and CEOs of companies are securing obscene rates of remuneration, the highest for 17 years.
What I would like the PR spokesperson for the government of Malcolm Turnbull to do is allow the tax office to publish a list, in percentage order (no names) the rates of tax business pay in Australia, as well as how many pay no tax.
The right wing of the LNP are very good at demanding to know the salaries of the executives of the ABC, so what is the problem with demanding the same type of information in relation of who pays what in the business world.
The right wing of the LNP are very good at demanding to know the salaries of the executives of the ABC, so what is the problem with demanding the same type of information in relation of who pays what in the business world.
- Ken Price, Eaglehawk
Nobody is being named, but it would give the general public a bird’s eye view of this snakes and mirrors debate.
This debate hasn’t been about jobs.
It has a lot to do with big business getting their hands on billions of dollars of tax payers money, some being shelved out to some alleged "dodgy” institutions, who have previously been found to have acted unlawfully courtesy of the ongoing banking royal commission.
This is totally un-Australian, and breathtakingly insulting.
One cannot remember a time when the ordinary Australian voter has been under so much pressure to survive.
It seems every where you look, you are facing the task of challenging bureaucracy in some shape or form, just to live every day life.
You would have thought that with the ongoing Banking Royal Commission, the penny would have dropped in regards to the struggles of every day Australians, but oh no, they are oblivious to anything that happens outside of Canberra, except if it involves someone, or something, that can benefit them.
Australia, the country of the “fair go for all”. You are dreaming.
Ken Price, Eaglehawk
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