New rail a fail?
The new train timetable is a step backwards for Bendigo line users, no more off peak express services, longer travel times and only one extra service a day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Don't swallow the Victorian government KoolAid, this is a retrograde step after millions of dollars have been spend on the line over the last few months.
Passengers have put up with delays and closures in anticipation of a better service but instead we get a slower trip.
Brenton Golding, Castlemaine
JobSeeker critique
I am writing this letter in response to the article on the front page of the Bendigo Advertiser on Monday, February 1.
In my opinion it all boils down to 'JobSeeker'.
JobSeeker and JobKeeper were awesome ideas during the pandemic, however, in hindsight, it should have been adjusted early on.
For those who lost their employment or actively looking for work it was a life saver. However, for those long term unemployed who have no intention of working, it was essentially free money.
It's not just the restaurants, there are well paying jobs out there that can't get anyone because the enticement of being able to sleep in and get free money from the government is too great.
So how could they not figure out the reason for shortages in low paying labor like fruit picking etc.
I seriously don't feel the government understand the mind of the long term unemployed, why would they want to work when they are paid so well to do nothing.
I firmly believe that within three months of JobSeeker dissolving, the employment woes of small businesses will all but disappear.
James Howden, Ascot
Plea to Peter Dutton
As Di O'Neill points out in her letter (February 2, 2021) people are amazed at Minister Dutton's sudden awareness of the high cost of detention.
As Mr Dutton released refugees from a Melbourne hotel last week, he explained, "If they're demonstrated not to be a threat, ... that is the assessment that has been made by the experts, then it is cheaper for people to go out into the community... ."
Someone should perhaps explain to Mr Dutton that this is also true regarding the hundred or so people detained in hotels in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Darwin.
And even more could be saved, if Mr Dutton allowed the little Tamil family to return their Biloela community who want them back - both children were born there, in Queensland.
They have been detained for almost three years in immigration detention and are currently in detention on Christmas Island.
What a waste of their lives and our money. Come on, Mr Dutton, do the right thing.
Jan Govett, Strathdale
Each week, our Letter of the Week will win its author a $30 Coles voucher.
All letters must include the author's name, address and phone number.
Please send submissions to addynews@austcommunitymedia.com.au or complete the digital form: