Karen Annand, of George Town, has a message to Senator David Leyonhjelm about the pension.Pension ReformLET’s get something very clear, Senator David Leyonhjelm. I did not aspire to poverty, nor am I proud of my poverty. However, I am not ashamed of my poverty either.
Have the conversation about pension reform if you need to, but do not try to shame pensioners for being poor.Not everyone has the opportunity to save for retirement. In my case, I worked, and worked hard, until serious illness forced my very early retirement.
My superannuation was enough to secure my 81-square-metre home and complete the education of my three children, leaving me with just $15,000 to last the rest of my days.
I am not proud of my poverty, but I am proud to have contributed to the welfare system when I was working, and to have raised three children who, despite childhood poverty, are now fully self-supporting tax-paying adults.
I do not aspire to the age pension, just as I did not aspire to raising children on the Disability Support Pension.
However, when the time comes I will accept the age pension with deep gratitude to those who contribute via their taxes, so that I may live with the dignity of poverty rather than destitution.
Karen Annand, George Town.
RepublicWITH much of the world in chaos and the federal budget likely to return to surplus when men land on Mars, it is a great time to raise the Republican issue.
When the Queen shuffles off this mortal coil and Charles ascends the throne as King George 7th, he likes that style, I personally favour an American-style election to elect the president.
An 18-month campaign to elect for a four-year term, with massive party conventions to select candidates and vicious television debates. Those of us who don’t like the results, can riot in the streets and blame North Korea. Australia couldn’t decide to have a vote on same-sex marriage, an issue now dead, buried and cremated.
Then there is Aboriginal Recognition which seems to have disappeared off the radar completely while we are at it we could change the flag, I favour a plain blue flag with a massive platypus in the centre.
Happy New Year and long live the Queen.
Malcolm Scott, Newstead.
Australia DayYET another year begins, Australia 2017, with eminent Australians advertising Australia Day.
For years I’ve been asked to heal, so I too can celebrate. Heal, from what? My humanity?
I’m not of Aboriginal heritage, and as a fourth generation Australian I despair, then dream of a day when every Australian, if they wish, can freely celebrate.
January 26 is only significant to British and First Nation history. January 26 is the original gaping wound in the humanity of Australia.
This date needs to change. There are many wounds from which our beautiful country could learn. Learn that is is our responsibility to face our demons not hide behind the forgiveness of others.
It’s not other’s responsibility to forgive us, and contrary to popular belief the human spirit can thrive without the need to forgive ourselves or others.
What a wonderful world it would be, no empty royal commissions and heartless apologies from church, state ad lucky country, rather, a First Nation Treaty of which every Australian could celebrate.
I believe anything less will continue to eat away the humanity and integrity of this country.
With every inhumane effort known to mankind our past and present history is unable to extinguish the mighty Spirit of First Nation Australians.
Let’s feel the fear and do it anyway. Let this new year 2017 be the end to continually manipulating over 200 years of history.
Let’s find the heart to set our children free.
Deb Johnston-Andrews, Newnham.
This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on 苏州美甲培训.
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