Dear editor,
A double standard seems to apply to Australia’s contribution to lowering global emissions by phasing out the use of coal.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen regularly informs Australians that we will be transitioning away from the use of fossil fuels in our future power network in favour of renewable energy sources.
At the same time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently informed the G20 conference that Australia would continue to export our coal for other countries to use in their coal-powered stations.
Why is it that other countries can use coal to produce electricity, which provides important baseload power needed in industry, while at the same time, Australia is unable to take advantage of this natural asset, as our power network is rendered unreliable and costly?
It seems we are cutting off our nose to spite our face.
Ian Macgowan, Ceduna
Mental health an important issue
Dear editor,
Three weeks ago we acknowledged World Mental Health Day, and I had the opportunity to deliver a speech in parliament recognising the outstanding work of those who work in that space within Eyre Peninsula communities.
This significant day on our annual calendar was timely, as it coincided with West Coast Youth and Community Support celebrating 40 years of service in and around Port Lincoln, and a few days later, the opening of Headspace’s new state of the art facility in Port Lincoln.
Both events demonstrate the impact mental health issues are having on our people, and the dedication of these organisations to serve and support those suffering.
Recently I had the honour of welcoming the Mentally Fit EP team to Parliament House who were visiting to advocate for mental health supports across Eyre Peninsula, and their determination paid off in securing a $100,000 Impact100 South Australia grant.
Well done to the whole team for its well-deserved recognition of much past and ongoing work.
Mental health support in regional communities is a crucial area for government investment, to enable local support structures delivered for local people by local service providers.
It is unacceptable that when it comes to health, we are continuing to be left behind when compared to our city cousins.
Health outcomes shouldn’t be determined by your postcode.
To this end I will continue to fight for our region’s services and rally to make the government accountable to our regional communities which face even more challenges and adversity than those in the city, to see greater equity for all in our electorate.
Sam Telfer, Flinders MP
Do not feel pressure this Christmas
Dear editor,
With Christmas upon us, I have begun to notice a strange phenomenon.
Although Christmas is a time of joy and hope for so many, I have also noticed a heaviness, a stress, a pressure that has started to come to the surface in people’s lives.
As The Salvation Army, we notice these pressures firsthand. They are the pressures that are placed on individuals and families at Christmas which can turn a time of joy into a time of distress.
One of the most obvious pressures is the financial pressure people face.
It is the choice between paying for food and affording presents for their children or being able to go to the doctor instead of a special Christmas Day meal.
Christmas also illuminates other pressures, like relationship tensions as family conflict is heightened, or time pressures due to the busyness of the season.
But one of the more hidden pressures we see people facing, although often one of the most damaging, is the pressure of comparison with those around you at Christmas time.
Pressure to spend a certain amount, look a certain way, buy a certain number of gifts, have all your friends over for a meal, the list goes on.
We see firsthand the damage this can create. The stress placed on a family trying to ‘keep up’ with those around them can be debilitating, not just for individuals and parents but also for children.
This is why we want to encourage Australians to re-think how they approach Christmas this year, so as to not fall into the trap of comparison and ‘keeping up’ with those around you.
Aim for connection, not perfection. Being with others is so much more valuable than stressing about creating the perfect Christmas, whether it be with family, friends or the Salvos – there’s no need to be alone this Christmas, we’re here for you.
Share the load. Ask others to chip in, encourage everyone to bring a plate or help out in another way. You don’t have to be everything to everyone.
And finally, if you are struggling this Christmas, please don’t be ashamed to reach out for support.
We want you to know that we have your Christmas taken care of this year – providing gifts for children, hampers and meals for Christmas Day, and a place for connection where you can belong.
If you need help this Christmas, or to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal which is aiming to raise $29 million, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
From all of us at the Salvos, we wish you a very happy and hope-filled Christmas.
Colonel Rodney Walters, The Salvation Army