This week’s letter writers respond to previous letters, discuss the Canberra Memory Walk & Jog and more.

Make a point with dignity

Ian Pilsner (CW Letters, 20 April 2023), wonders why I don’t condemn name-calling on the Labor side as well as the present Liberal leadership? Actually, I hate all politicians who get down in the literary gutter. I don’t rush to print about every Labor-originated incident because they are usually more isolated and don’t represent a systemic plan to belittle others, as Peter Dutton and Sussan Ley are clearly doing. If other Coalition front benchers, like Simon Birmingham, can make a point with dignity and grace, shouldn’t we expect the top two to be the exemplars? I began reporting in Canberra while Menzies was Prime Minister and I know for certain he would have been appalled at the behaviour of the present leadership of the party he founded.

While Labor’s front bench have erred from time to time (and it shouldn’t be excused), most have also performed their duties with demonstrable skill, in contrast to their Coalition counterparts over the past decade in office. Labor has to keep it up of course, and I can assure Ian that this old cynic will be looking very critically at Labor’s collective and individual performances during this term and next (if they are returned). Will Ian guarantee he will be as diligent in respect of the conservative side?

• Eric Hunter, Cook ACT

Where’s the evidence?

Eric Hunter’s response to my letter (CW, 13 April 2023) arguing that the voice referendum is a tragic blunder was predictable as were his efforts to missile insult on my freedom of speech. This shows that emotion sometimes trumps constructive conversation and debate when the cork’s in tighter than a two dollar bottle of Champagne. By stark contrast the response from Craig Brown in Tasmania was mature, informative and educational – for which I thank him.

Eric demands “where’s the evidence”. None is required when using a defence posture already accepted in this place such as” always has been and always will be” … I make no apologies for my ethnic Anglo background nor the constructive impacts made to my culture by King Henry V and Harold II.  If that offends – relocate! You may not want to accept that this probably kick-started the English way, which eventually brought excellence of government, a brilliant legal system and the freedoms of today.  If that offends – relocate! … All could be shaping up to be a clumsy wealth re-distribution via the “Voice Door” with no Charter of Responsibility, sunset clause, directions, intentions or endgame and we will all be complicit via a questionable referendum. Voter beware.

• John Lawrence, Flynn ACT

Australian Monarchists unite

The Australian Monarchist League does not generally get involved in party-politics but with the Albanese government intent on doing everything it can to bring down Australia’s constitutional system, we feel that we must now mobilise monarchists throughout the country to protest against this insult both to the King and to his people.

In May 2022 we saw the appointment of an Assistant Minister for the Republic. A totally unnecessary act if the prime minister’s comment that the issue of a republic was off the table until his next term of government was factual.

Then there is the government’s decision, and not that of the Reserve Bank as was implied, not to put the new King’s image on the $5 note. The first time the monarch’s image has not appeared on Australia’s paper currency since 1923! A century of tradition obliterated by this government.

Now it is clear that the Albanese government has no intention whatsoever of doing anything to honour the King of Australia on the day of his coronation although the prime minister will be attending the actual coronation in London. He should hang his head in shame as should all Australian governments federal and state.

There has also been total silence on this matter from the Federal opposition.

Politicians should remember that monarchists have a vote and we, unlike politicians, will remember their betrayal of the Constitution, the Crown and the monarchy when called upon to cast their ballot at the time of the next election.

• Philip Benwell, National Chair, Australian Monarchist League

Canberra Memory Walk & Jog

I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the people of Canberra for their participation in the Canberra Memory Walk & Jog on Sunday 19 March. The event was a wonderful show of community spirit as 800 people walked, jogged and ran in support of people living with dementia, their families and carers.

My thanks to everyone who helped make this event such a success – to the people who walked, ran, jogged, donated and volunteered, thank you. It would not have been possible without your support.

An impressive $90,000 was raised, and these funds will now be put to good use as we provide invaluable support services, education and resources for those impacted by dementia Australia-wide.

There are more than 400,000 people of all ages living with some form of dementia in Australia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people living with dementia is expected to almost double in 30 years. Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death of women. 

We encourage Canberra locals who were unable to participate this time to consider organising their own group or individual walk or jog, with a My Way event. More details can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au

• Maree McCabe AM, CEO, Dementia Australia

Voice designed by Indigenous Australians

The idea and design of the Voice was created by Indigenous Australians, not politicians. Dutton’s plan was designed by conservative politicians in Canberra. To vote no is to say “First Nations Australians are not responsible enough to make decisions about their futures”. It’s a not very subtle form of racism, is it?

• Doug Steley, Heyfield VIA

Want to share your opinion?

Email [email protected] with ‘To the editor’ in the subject field; include your full name, phone number, street address (NFP) and suburb. Keep letters to 250 words maximum. Note, letters may be shortened if space restrictions dictate.