Hugh Ermacora, Byron Bay
A word of support for Dean Jeffery’s initiative on behalf of Julian Assange and the profound importance of this particular issue (Echonetdaily 26 February).
Given the unusual situation of cross-party support and the clear precedent of our government opting for ‘intense diplomatic intervention at the highest level’ (when it suits) whatever is Ms Elliot’s drivel about?
Dean might take some comfort from the fact that that he actually received a response at all, since we are blessed with a local MP who is virtually invisible and usually mute.
Readers will recall that when Ms Elliot first stumbled across the line, the Labor Party rewarded her with a high profile job and a privileged media spot in the House. But all to no avail. She disappeared like the proverbial stone in the pond.
Now, dear reader, if you can’t even remember what she looks like, you need only wait for the massive, publicly-funded full page spreads at election time (ah, the joys of incumbency – you need do so little to get re-elected).
Meanwhile we live in hope that our local member might do something, in fact – anything…
The way Julian Assange has been treated continues to be a disgrace. He does not need ‘consular assistance’. He needs the support of politicians with courage and integrity!
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
