Turnbull to blame for snail mail shame
People in the bush are used to being treated like the second class cousins of those in the city.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
We appreciate what we have and seldom complain.
However, we have long memories when governments take our services away.
Postal services are a good example of something we’ve lost under the current government.
When Prime Minister Turnbull became the Minister for Communications in 2013, it cost 60 cents to send an ordinary letter which would arrive at its destination within a couple of days.
Posting the same letter now costs $1 but its expected arrival has blown out to six business days.
That’s a 66 per cent increase in three years for a service that is poorer.
The advertised delivery time is optimistic at best, as I regularly receive mail posted locally that’s taken over nine days to arrive.
When you’re facing penalties for not paying your bills on time, a slow mail service only adds to the pressure we’re under.
The Liberals promised to reduce the cost of living but their empty promises have resulted in the opposite.
How can Mr Turnbull in good conscience seek re-election?
I can promise “Mr Harbourside Mansion” that I won’t forget him when I’m at the ballot box.
Phil Rodger, Ararat
Helping hand to keep kindergartens strong
I am writing to acknowledge six local kindergartens – Ararat North, Carey Street, Jack and Jill, Lake Bolac, St Andrews and Willaura – for their work to ensure that all children can access high quality kindergarten programs in the year before school.
The Andrews Labor government has recently provided $10,000 in drought assistance hardship grants to these six kindergartens in Ararat.
The Andrews government knows that drought takes its toll on communities in a number of different ways and not all of them are highly visible.
During challenging circumstances such as ongoing drought, kindergartens can struggle to keep their services strong and viable for regional families.
There are some families, overwhelmed by the additional cost or travel time, who feel there is no other choice but to withdraw their children from early education.
As Minister for Families and Children, I strive to make sure children never miss out on the rich benefits that come with attending kindergarten, simply because of where they live.
It is not fair that children miss out on valuable education just because of where they live.
There are now over 110 children in the Ararat area attending these six kindergartens and getting the most out of the vitally important year before school, by attending 15 hours of kindergarten each week at no cost to families.
We know that attending a kindergarten program have a positive effects on wellbeing and learning outcomes that last throughout the school years and beyond.
I’m pleased to say that from next year, we will be rolling out more funding to small kindergartens in rural areas to further support those services where enrolments fluctuate.
Kindergartens in drought-affected areas, including Ararat, will get the base level funding they need to shore up their services and plan for the future.
It is my hope that this offers families some relief during difficult times, as well as making sure that
Ararat children are reaping the rewards of an early years education.
These kids deserve the same opportunity to succeed in education, and in life, the same as those from metro areas.