Sarah Smith, Eltham
I find it rather ‘odd’ that, 19 years after my previous (handwritten and delivered) letter, during a huge flood (after a massive drought), the missive I wrote in regard to my brother’s suicide is still hugely relevant today.
It is not surprising that our youth are losing hope. It is about time that we had some decent federal representation in our parliament. People with a vision for the future, who don’t feel the need to lock up children dealing with inter-generational trauma.
People who have not lived a sheltered life, who have lived and loved in our communities. People who are not wishing to create a massive underclass of homeless.
People who see that Centrelink paying enough for people on ‘Newstart’ to at least cover their rent (let alone for food or bills) is a long-term, positive commitment to this country’s long-term health – Centrelink is well below the ‘poverty line’.
Our federal parliament’s Question Time is way beyond embarrassing. Both main parties are obviously dealing with enormous bullying issues.
It is about time that they grew up and begin to reflect the standards expected of them in today’s society.
To begin with, they should put standards in place in aged-care centres equivalent to those demanded of pre-schools… it’s not ‘rocket science’ – just obvious.
