Fighting for justice
I WOULD like to correct some information republished by this newspaper on Friday, October 5 in the story “Pub owner testifies” regarding my evidence to a public examination.
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My evidence was never about avoiding obligations, rather it was about bringing to justice a man who after portraying himself as an expert. After discovering this person had used one of my companies, without my knowledge, I have worked with the ATO to attempt to prosecute this individual.
None of my companies was involved in phoenixing activities as I had sought proper and correct advice.
I am thankful that I had both the financial and human resources to avoid being drawn into any of these reported scams and my heart goes out to those that have been caught up unknowingly.
It serves as a timely, and perhaps unfortunate reminder that if something doesn’t seem right, seek independent advice, even when dealing with so called professionals. I’m certainly glad I did.
Nick Murray, Horsham
Editor's note: The story was first published in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Gas choices queried
IT WAS interesting to read Emma Kealy's piece in the Wimmera Mail-Times (Supply monopoly problem, Monday, October 22) about rising costs to household gas that is being distributed throughout the Wimmera.
I was interested to read that the gas could be serviced by any gas provider and that they chose not to enter the market.
This I find totally incorrect as being an electricity account holder with Dodo, for many years I tried to get Dodo to take over my gas account but was told that gas could only be supplied by energy Australia.
Then I noticed that Energy Australia was giving huge discounts if you had both gas and electricity with them.
Naturally I changed over, giving Energy Australia the right to supply both gas and electricity.
Once the agent signed me up for the electricity side of things, he said to me that the gas couldn't be changed because we were on such a good rate.
So really it meant I had left a company that I had been with for many years to change to a deal that maybe didn't save me anything.
Tony Brown, Stawell
Withhold personal opinion
WHY do so many of the media these days – including Neil Mitchell, who has free reign into Horsham via 3AW each morning for over three hours – think they have the right to make predictions in any political voting?
I recall Mitchell at least six months before the demise of Malcolm Turnbull, saying more then once: “Malcolm Turnbull has to go.” There were no ifs or buts or “this is what I think”. Yet when Turnbull did lose the vote, Mitchell decried the awful chaos in Canberra. The media contributes to any chaos all day, every day.
He did the same this week when he said: “The Liberals will lose Wentworth.”
He is not the only one. It is beyond sickening to hear so many who have the privilege of talking to thousands of people via radio or TV telling us their own judgments. We are quite capable of making our own decisions.
By his behaviour and his words since his loss, Malcolm Turnbull has proved he is not, and never was, a true Liberal.
He was far too proud to sit as a backbencher as others have done. He flew off to his luxurious apartment in New York and sniped from afar. The Wentworth by-election was his doing. No-one else caused it.
Ruth Shepherd, Horsham
Apology for appalling acts
THE federal government this week delivered a national apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
The national apology is extremely important to acknowledge and apologise for the appalling way children were abused by those who were supposed to care for them.
Throughout the duration of the Royal Commission we have heard many stories of those who had to live through this unthinkable treatment, it is extremely important that as a government we acknowledge these wrong doings and ensure this is never repeated again.
It is not an apology for which we wish to be forgiven, it’s an apology to honour those who endured those disgusting acts and crimes, from victims to parents and husbands, wives and children – we are incredibly sorry.
Andrew Broad, Member for Mallee
Impacts are ongoing
ON MONDAY the Prime Minister said sorry to the victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse across Australia. Western Victoria Primary Health Network welcomes the national apology.
The Royal Commission’s report into institutional responses to the abuse of children continues to be harrowing and the ongoing impact of such abuse is not only deeply personal and tragic for each victim, but its effect ripples through families and communities for years after. The journey for many victims is life-long.
Childhood sexual abuse significantly contributes to mental illness including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorders and, in many cases, suicide. Western Victoria PHN acknowledges the devastating impact of childhood sexual abuse and continues to work with health professionals to reach out to individuals and families across western Victoria and to provide support.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help, phone beyondblue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Fight For Your life on 5559 0555. In an emergency phone 000.
Leanne Beagley, chief executive, Western Victoria Primary Health Network