I have sent the following to local politicians:

“Too often we read about multiple accidents often involving heavy transport vehicles. Nothing appears to being done by the Police or RMS until after a major accident.

“Recently I did a road trip of 10,500kms from Nowra to Darwin and return. I cannot recall seeing more than a couple of RMS (or equivalent) Checking Stations, in any state or territory, in operation. I cannot understand why this is the case other than ridiculous cost saving.

“Surely if these facilities, installed at a huge cost to the taxpayers, were open they would be checking vehicles for defects; checking logbooks; checking recording devices to ensure that road/transport rules are being adhered to; and ultimately saving lives and much trauma. Wouldn’t this reduced the number of unnecessary deaths on our country’s roads?

“Can any Roads Minister justify these facilities not being utilised 24/7?” 

Ticket buying Australians built one of the modern wonders of the world – the Sydney Opera House.

According to what I’ve read a few of our not so old sporting stadiums do not conform to the standards required for sporting arenas. And, since this is the case, your government has deemed it necessary to demolish and rebuild these buildings at taxpayers’ expense.

The majority of people, especially country dwellers, are against the “knock over and rebuild” mentality of government. The whole idea is unacceptable and considered a waste of money.

The solution: a government lottery to build sporting stadiums, a lottery to build sporting arenas not only in Sydney but throughout the state.

A Stadiums Lottery, over time, would fund “world class” sporting facilities in major country cities, such as Broken Hill, Dubbo, Wollongong, Albury, Nowra and so on.

My “back to the Opera House” concept would save the two sports grounds under threat, release funding for additional schools and hospitals, provide extra Treasury revenue, create employment, increase government funding in country regions and boost government standing in the eyes of the voters.

Because I am getting a bit long in the tooth, and slowing down a bit, I applied for a restricted drivers licence. At 89 years old one could be seen as doing the right thing. All was going well until I was told there was a 12km limit. Because of where we live that would  stop me 1km from the highway. Not much shopping or other necessities there. I want to warn others not to spend heaps on fuel running around only to be told only driving around town traffic does not require a driving test. Only bushies can’t drive well enough to apply for such a licence, but can drive in the heaviest traffic on earth on a full licence.

To Warren Mundine, a big thank you for your constructive comments on the Australia Day debacle.

Having worked for two years in the Northern Territory true Aboriginal people don’t give a rats about changing Australia Day. All they are concerned with is surviving day to day. Rip off shop prices (chocolate birthday cake – $68) alcohol, unemployment and housing are the major  issues. 

Taxpayers’ money would be better spent helping Aboriginal fellows. The Australian government needs to show some common sense and act.