Australian Defence Force
THERE are more than 80,000 men and women of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who put on our nation’s uniform and are prepared to place themselves in harm’s way to help others who can’t necessarily help themselves.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On a recent visit to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, I had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of ADF personnel involved in training and advising local security forces. I met some of Australia’s finest young men and women, pulled together from every corner of the country and united with a great sense of patriotism and purpose to their lives.
On every occasion, I passed on one message from the Australian people: ‘thank you for your service’. It’s a simple phrase but it can mean a lot when you are spending months away from your loved ones; working in 50 degree heat; concerned for your personal safety; and removed from the simple pleasures of Australian life.
As Australians, we don’t tend to go for the bravado of our American friends and the intensely patriotic recognition of their troops. Caring for our veterans and their families is the best way to honour the service and sacrifice of all those men and women who have served our nation in uniform over the past century. It is also the best way to ensure that their legacy endures and is never forgotten.
But perhaps we need to put aside some of our normally reserved Australian nature and publicly recognise our Navy, Army and Airforce personnel and their families beyond ANZAC Day. A simple message of ‘thank you for your service’ each time you meet someone in a military uniform is a good start.
The Hon Darren Chester MP, Minister for Veteran Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC.
The First Sign
THE first sign of Christmas has appeared in the supermarkets, mince pies in festive packs. Mince pies are to Christmas what hot cross buns are to Easter. Don’t get me wrong I love both, but so soon. The building on St George’s Square has had Merry Christmas all year.
Malcolm Scott, Newstead.
Aboriginal Land Return Model review
THE Aboriginal community fought for land return in Tasmania, they fought for justice and for a better future. They took up the fight for all Aboriginal people on the principle that Aboriginal land is collectively owned by all Aboriginal people as it was taken, so to the Aboriginal Lands Act being created to allow for that collective ownership to occur.
The latest Aboriginal Land Return model review is an attempt at ensuring government sponsored division and powerlessness is increased within the Aboriginal community. Framing discussions to return stolen Aboriginal lands directly to its own political supporters, corporations and non Aboriginal groups instead of the collective Aboriginal ownership model is beyond all decent morality. The fact that a few Aboriginal people are on the payroll and seek to be beneficiaries of this agenda doesn’t reduce the offensiveness of its nature. Hodgman's politics across the board dictate that ethical principles fall well behind the need to pay off perceived allies against perceived threats.
Andry Sculthorpe, Lenah Valley.
Health hypocracy
THE pot calling the kettle black and convenient amnesia.
Labor’s Health Ministers Lara Giddings and Michelle O’Byrne did no better in their reign leaving unfulfilled promises, including waiting lists. It holds one of the largest budgets and is the poison chalice of all portfolio and is open to scathing criticisms.
Without doubt Michael Ferguson attacks his portfolio with vigour, tenacity and compassion. He has been the minister during some testing times, whilst overseeing difficult hospital upgrades.
In every state, health has been struggling to meet expectations and taxpayer demands, a portfolio of controversy. Michael Ferguson is a conscientious hard working compassion politician who is definitely trying to make things better.
In attending his personally organised public barbecue, he outlined the huge tasks ahead, but was prepared to take it on. Labor’s criticism coupled with their failures is to say the least hypocritical.
Peter Doddy, Trevallyn.
Least valued nurses
OBSERVATION from a recent visit to family in Tasmania. Only in the opinion of the government - not the general public.
Frank Fadel, NSW.
LGH drama
IT IS with some concern that I continually read about the ongoing problems at the LGH. The health unions say one thing and the Health Minister says another, who do we believe?
ANMF representative Mr Tom Millen states bed block has created a problem in our health system and that patients are being treated in the waiting room or while ramped on ambulance trolleys. Health Minister Michael Ferguson counters with 180 extra FTE nurses and 20 FTE doctors.
We really need to have some questions answered. Have all the beds that were closed by the previous government opened and in use?
If indeed there are the stated extra nurses and doctors, what areas are they working in? If indeed all beds are available for patients, how does the unions propose to combat bed block? If some beds remain closed, then why aren’t being brought back in to service?
Will the ongoing building works solve the current crisis or is it going escalate as more people go to the LGH instead of their GP? Do we need a much bigger hospital and if we do then how will it be funded? Call me cynical, but one wonders if a better pay offer just might ease the pressure in our state’s hospitals.
Peter Wilson, Launceston.
