I write in response to your story ‘Grant Me This’, (1 March).
Interestingly, my quote in the story states, ‘In accordance with the premier’s memorandum, it is now mandatory for all NSW government agencies and ministerial offices to implement the procedures in the Grants Administration Guide’. This significant reform and improved transparency directly results from a review of grant allocations. I support this reform.
Yes, the minister still must sign off on any grant; however, this is merely administrative. Any deviation from the departmental recommendation requires robust, transparent reasoning.
I support reform and transparency of the grant allocation process. However, there still needs to be some scope to override the decision of unelected and faceless bureaucrats who have never stepped foot in our region.
I cannot support the continued talking down and attacks on the fight for valuable and meaningful investment in our region. Funding of $125,000 for the Drill Hall Theatre upgrades is just one of many examples. Our local MP heroically claims a 50 per cent increase in funding for the electorate. However, 99 per cent of clubs and organisations bypass our MP and go straight to NSW Nationals MLC, The Hon. Ben Franklin, for support.
After eight years and still nothing to show for it, it really is time for us to start questioning our Greens MP’s effectiveness.
Josh Booyens
National candidate, Ballina
Ed note: The p1 story was about Council’s reliance on grants. Booyen’s was quoted in the ‘pork barrelling’ story on page 6.
Doing politics differently?
The ALP has to do a lot more than the ‘repair strategy’. Yes, The Byron Echo is primarily a local paper, but the criticism of the major parties is a country-wide issue covered by you, especially in the wake of the major floods. I am quite familiar with the issues because I have lived 22 years in the area.
I was the ALP candidate for Richmond in the 1984 and 1987 federal elections, as some will recall. The renewal of the political system is not quite on the agenda yet, but it has to start sometime! What should renewal mean? Is the ALP finally going to address that issue or not?
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. 
