Letters to editor

We want a local paper that supports the overall community, not one that has a left-wing political agenda. Certainly, the hard left activists and virtue signalling, Do Gooders are going to hammer you guys with their viewpoints, but just remember it is We the People (the silent majority) who buy your paper week in, week out.

This whole multiple flag issue was a Labor/Greens stunt and was never voted on by the people. In fact, the only real debate we've had on Aboriginal politics was the Voice referendum and two thirds of Australians said No thanks to divisive racial political change.

So please remember that when you are tempted to stir up community passions just remember who your support is.

Keith Holland

Corowa

Mr Holland, I can promise you this paper has no agenda but reflects the overwhelming majority of letters opposed to the vote. The chosen photo reflects the view, from both sides, that this debate is about unity, which the photograph represents, and the issue being debated, which was not the Australian flag, but the Indigenous flags. We welcome all views, which is why I am happy to publish your letter … Ed

Good, healthy debate

The Free Press is capturing input about issues and opinions are wide a varied and important and create good, healthy debate.

The Fawlty Towers angle was great, and it could go further to Yes Minister and the way bureaucrats hinder so much with the ‘process’, a touch of Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life would all fit with the TV series or even a movie.

The antics of local government are often laughable, but sadly not funny. Let’s call for some actions and vision and entrepreneur style talk and aims from our elected representatives to take the Shire forward and to prosperity in 2026.

The need for some planning to attract people to Corowa for the fine location and lifestyle is a must and counter the way Corowa is lagging Wahgunyah and Rutherglen for new housing.

Retail needs growth and support. We who write a letter and have a say care about where we live, and love where we live.

The fascinating Indigenous tradition and culture along the Murray needs to be featured and respected far more. The new walkways should get funding to do so.

Happy New Year

Stuart Davie

Corowa

Dear Councillor Cook

Federation Councillors need to make better and more appropriate decisions for the rate payers and residents of our shire.

There are many ways you have shown poor leadership.

Your decision to suggest changes to the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Protocols before any consultation, which by your own documents state is paramount, is alarming, divisive and shameful.

First Nations people in Australia belong to the oldest continuing surviving culture on Earth, surviving for the past 60,000 years. Genocide, injustices, and government policies to take away their culture and remove them from their families have caused great harm over the past 250 years. This is fact.

Federation Councillors voted on 26 May 2022, to fly the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander flags.

“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags are powerful symbols of unity and strength… Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags is one of the most widespread and fundamental ways councils can recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”

Your documents are filled with talk of recognition, consultation, planning for the future, inclusiveness, consultation with our First Nation’s people on matters that affect them.

You have abandoned your own processes and values by putting forward a motion that has little data, lacks transparency and no valid reasons are given for the changes.

Until this divisive and alarmingly insulting motion, First Nations people could walk into the Chamber, where Councillors – leaders and decision makers – sit, and they could see their flag as a symbol that Councillors see them, that they understand their rich history and the injustices done and who are bound to consider the impact of their decisions on them and consult with them.

Why have you decided to take this away? What effect will this have into the future?

Councillors have been small minded and influenced by politics, you have not followed correct protocol, you have not kept your eyes on the urgent financial state of business; the shocking roads and poor financial state of the Council to name two.

Now you have added to our woes the contempt of many Australians and you have left a window ajar for right-wing groups, who have already made their presence known in Corowa, to further be enabled to spread their hatred and vile ideas.

You have started something that has huge consequences now and into the future. You have shamed us not only in the Federation Shire but throughout Australia.

Janette Outram

Savernake