A government guiding force
ABC chair Ita Buttrose was asked her opinion on what makes a good leader at the recent Australia-UK Chamber of Commerce under Chatham House Rules.
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However, an attendee broke the age-old rule (1927) and dished to the SMH.
Buttrose had said young workers (Millennials) appeared to lack resilience, a desirable trait that seemed in short supply.
The Australian Local Government Women's Association was formed in October 1951 by Dame Enid Lyons to support women's participation in local government, both as councillors and officers, when just 1 per cent of councillors were women. Today there are 39.9 per cent female councillors in Tasmania. There is no greater honour than being elected and securing the public's faith in your capabilities. At the last 2018 elections, 105 of the 263 elected positions were women.
It has been disappointing to see two younger female councillors resign their elected positions less than halfway through their term. Our women's association could have helped as membership of ALGWA includes women of vast past and present experience who have endured frustrations and impediments in their local government journey, but like Dame Enid Lyons, the organisation's founder drew on their resilience, courage and fortitude to stay the distance and make a difference even while encountering many barriers. A good local politician understands that public service is all about giving back to the community.
Older women can guide Millennials who demand equality with resilience strategies to manage work anxieties, time management and personality navigation and together we can all carry the torch without giving up.
Debra Thurley, West Moonah.
VAD legislation rejection
THANK you, Senator Eric Abetz (The Examiner, August 11) for reminding us that life is worth living and human life is worth protecting. As a local GP, I agree that the challenge of human suffering is not resolved by state-sanctioned suicide but by coming alongside fellow human beings and providing help and support grounded on the value of human life and dignity. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15-24 and 25-44 and deserves further investment in suicide prevention programs.
The state-sanctioned suicide that is being proposed is mixed messaging that can only result in further harm to human life.
May our political leaders have the courage and wisdom to ensure our laws will protect all ages and stages of human life and encourage excellence and compassion as we care for the suffering and the vulnerable.
Graham Poole, Riverside.
Voting system in need of change
IT'S time to change our voting system, it should consist of primary votes only, get rid of preferences it only allows people to get elected by default. Fortunately, that wasn't the case this time in Rosevears but it was close to happening.
John Collins, Perth.
Imitation gun ban necessary
CONGRATULATIONS to the Tasmanian Police Firearms Service in their decision to ban gel blaster guns. These imitation guns could be used in serious crime and be used to frighten and intimidate people. They have no place in a civil society.
Kerin Booth, Westbury.
We will remember them
AWARDING the Victoria Cross to Teddy Sheean is a wonderful way to acknowledge the courage and unselfishness of an 18-year-old who put the safety and well-being of others before his own over 75 years ago. This award is a testimony to the sort of brave action that is being repeated in the intensive care units where doctors, nurses and ward staff are showing up on deck daily to battle against coronavirus. Teddy Sheean has underscored the capacity of ordinary people to respond to difficult situations in a way that highlights what is best in humanity. COVID-19 provides countless opportunities to name and celebrate the efforts of all those who are combating this pandemic while commemorating those who have been its victims. It will be marvellous if the heroes of the health, social and economic crisis will be remembered in 2098 so that they will inspire others to face challenges of their day.
Ed Sianski, West Moonah.
Government bowed to pressure
I'M not surprised that the government has bowed to pressure to change history. There is no doubt that Teddy Sheean performed an act of bravery, but there is any number of other servicemen who performed equally. Are they to have their awards reassessed?
Take the cases of Privates Ben Hardy and Ralph Jones who manned a Vickers machinegun during the Cowra breakout in 1944. Both chose to remain at the gun and certain death from the Japanese prisoners when they could easily have retreated to safety when it was overrun. They stayed to remove the bolt of the gun so that it could not be turned on their comrades. They were awarded the George Cross which is awarded "for acts of the greatest heroism or for most conspicuous courage in circumstance of extreme danger, not in the presence of the enemy". Surely this is incorrect as they were in the thick of combat with the enemy. I would submit this also should be reassessed.
Russell Montgomery, St Helens.
A worthy recipient
Teddy Sheehan what a fantastic, wonderful, successful story. It is beyond belief why it has taken so long.
It is hard to imagine the thoughts of this brave young man, as he chose to accomplice such a sacrifice. We hope that these sacrifices path the way to lasting world peace so these brave young men are not faced with these heroic choices.
Congratulations to all those who fought on to have this award given. At such a tender age Teddy Sheean made the ultimate sacrifice for your country.
God bless you and Rest in Peace.