Our readers tell John Howard what he should do in his third term - Part 1

From: Ted Harris
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2001 3:34 PM

The next Howard Govt needs to improve it's operations in the Dept of Vets Affairs. It is on record that Minister Scott allowed that which forms part of the heart and soul of Australia, the ANZAC name, to be commercialised in ways never before dreamed of. ANZAC has been protected by Commonwealth legislation for 80 odd years but the Minister can allow exemptions as he sees fit.

One such way the outgoing Minister chose was to approve a circus type Great ANZAC Military Tattoo to be run for profit. There were many other examples. For instance the Minister allowed the use in the context, ANZAC Muesli Bar. He claimed that as the ANZAC biscuit was a traditional recipe dating back to 1915 so too was a muesli bar OK. It's funny, all my research shows not one reference to a muesli bar in WW1, WW2, Korea or Vietnam. Some 'traditional recipe'.

Complaints or requests for information were answered, up to five (5) months later with a curt, "The Minister is not prepared to debate individual cases with anyone who is not a party to the application". Translation: If you are not the applicant you opinion does not count. I have offered the Minister written records showing that the New Zealand Government, the RSA (New Zealand's RSL equivalent) and the public in both countries disagree with Minister Scott but of course they are not 'party to the application'.

Will the new Minister take a firmer hold over her errant bureaucrats? We live in hope.

From: John Johnson
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2001 5:06 PM

In my opinion the first think that the newly elected government (not only the Prime Minister)should do, is to start working towards simplification of legislation.

People that I talk with are totally against all the complications that keep on increasing in our, already very busy life. The Tax legislation is far too complicated! The same goes with almost all pieces of legislation.

Unemployment is about to rise. What provisions is the government making to minimise the expected rise?

One must not forget the state affairs. The Liberal Party has only 3 members in the state parliament. What happened with the talk about the "Reforms" that were to take place so that the state Liberal Party could, one day have a legitimate claim to bigger parliamentary representation?

It appears that the people who caused all the problems over the last 6 years are still in control of the Qld Liberal Party. It appears that Canberra does not really care about Qld, for as long as they can deliver the Federal Members that are needed for Howard to remain in government.

This state should have a Liberal government, but the way the liberals are fighting and are looking after their egos, this will never happen.

From: Joan Skewes
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2001 6:30 PM

The issues for me remain the same as they were during the election. The inequitable distribution of the education dollar is still of great importance. However, for me the primary issue is the public health system, which is seriously starved of funding and staff. While the Howard government continues to spend $2.2 billion EVERY YEAR on health insurance rebates it cannot be seen as serious about preserving the integrity of the public health system. Indeed, it can only be seen as instrumental in running down the public system. The health insurance rebate is simply not justifiable. It has not led to a better system - it has only fed a greedy health insurance industry. Howard's "lifetime health cover" stands as one of the most appalling abuses of the general public in recent years, using fear to drive many Australian citizens into taking out a cover they don't want and can't afford. Those who can comfortably afford the cover, of course, are benefitting. Half of the rebate - just over one billion dollars EVERY YEAR - goes to the top 25% income earners. It will be interesting to see whether the Labor opposition can remember its principles, and fight strongly to restore the public health system to its former glory! Some hope.

From: Tristan Jones
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2001 6:54 AM

The first issue on Howard's first term agenda is to reform the Senate, which has obstructed the government's mandate from the people so much in the last five years, I would propose the following reform of the Senate to be done in a Referendum which would pose three questions, this would be hard if the ALP, Democrats and Greens decide to oppose the first two questions at a Referendum.

Change to the Constitution so that a joint sitting can be held to pass rejected legislation without recourse to a double dissolution election.

The removal of the Senate's right to block supply.

Fixed four-year terms like they have in NSW should be introduced, Well four-year terms for MHR's and eight-year terms for Senators.

From: Craig Stringer
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2001 7:17 PM

I believe that that the Prime Minister should tackle the issues around appropriate funding for Aged Care in the community.

At the moment there are older Australians living in nursing homes around the country with care levels that are lower than the average person would like to think.

There are in some cases 163 residents in a nursing home at night with only 3 carers on duty. There are in many cases not even nurses on duty as the Howard Government has removed any mention of nurse in the Aged Care Act.

While these nursing homes have accreditation under the act they would have a real problem to try to save our older citizens should a fire break out at night.

I remember the uproar over the Disability Hostel in Melbourne which caught fire at night with the loss of life. Will it take another event such as this for us to realise that our older and more frail citizens should be cared for in a more human way then just left to be cared for by staff that are over worked, under resourced, tired and poorly paid.

I thank god that my father has passed on because if I had to put him into such a place as these nursing homes it would mean for me give up my job and do it myself. Maybe that's what the government wants?

These older Australians who served their country deserve better than what is being offered at the moment to provide dignity to their old age.

This issue is going to get even worse with the baby boomers aging as they are. The nursing homes will not be able to cope in 2020 unless something is done.

We may not be able to prolong their lives but at least we can provide comfort in their twilight years and give them respect.

They fought bravely for their country and for our freedom so please Mr. Prime Minister fix aged care and give dignity back to those who deserve it.