Think jobs before trade
It was with great interest that I heard Ann Sudmalis, Member for Gilmore, on ABC radio during the week talking about Bluescope Steel.
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I commend any attempt by our local members to intervene on behalf of those workers whose jobs and livelihoods are at risk and it was very interesting to hear what they have been doing, however what I found exceptionally interesting, was Mrs Sudmalis' admission, and please forgive me for not remembering her exact words,that the government is limited in the amount of assistance it can give because of the trade agreements Australia is a signatory to.
At a time that her government has just signed up to the Trans Pacific Partnership and is close to signing the free trade agreement with China, I thank Mrs Sudmalis for bringing to our attention a significant downside to these agreements, one in fact that the unions have been pointing out all along, the adverse affects these agreements can have on Australian jobs.
A. Alldrick, Tapitallee
N. Foord, Nowra
Help the vision impaired
As we celebrate International White Cane Day on October 15, I’d like to ask all readers to consider, Could you get to work with your eyes closed? Or to the shops? Or the post office?
These are tasks 110,000 people living in NSW and the ACT who are blind or vision impaired undertake confidently and capably each day, thanks to the free training provided by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
Every year we help thousands of people with vision loss stay safe and independent.
You don’t have to be completely blind to access our services, and you don’t have to get a Guide Dog. For every person with a Guide Dog, there are 20 people with vision impairment who use a white cane.
Everyone in the South Coast community can do their part to make the daily travels of all pedestrians, including people with vision impairment, a little easier.
The community can help by keeping footpaths clear of obstacles such as rubbish bins, ensuring cafe and restaurant tables are placed away from the building line, trimming overhanging branches, not parking cars over footpaths, being aware of cane users when sharing the footpath, and reporting all hazards to your local council.
If you see someone using a mobility aid like a white cane or a Guide Dog and suspect they might need a hand, take the time to stop and ask them if they need any assistance. A little consideration and a helping hand can go a long way.
Dr G. White, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Veterans in the spotlight
Australia’s veterans, war widows, currently serving personnel and their families will come together in cities and towns across the country over the next nine days to participate in the annual Veterans’ Health Week (VHW), October 10–182015.
This year, the focus of VHW is on mental wellbeing—a priority for the Australian Government—and includes activities ranging from early morning surfing and yoga classes to golf days, health expos and health information sessions.
To coincide with the beginning of VHW and World Mental Health Day, today I am releasing the Government’sSocial Health Strategy 2015–2023 for the Veteran and Ex-service Community and Mental and Social Health Action Plan.
This year’s VHW – my first as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs – is set to be the largest in the event’s history, with about 220 activities around Australia and an anticipated attendance of 17,000 members of the veteran and defence communities.
The Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS), which provides free and confidential specialist counselling and support services for ex-service personnel and their families 24/7 can be contacted on 1800 011 046.