Benefits of support are building
EMMA Kealy needs to be reminded that the funding for Horsham College was stopped by the then incoming Baillieu government.
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The same went to other public school funding in the electorate.
Money only began to flow again to public schools when the new Andrews government reversed that decision.
We can already see the benefit in the building works at Horsham College.
Ms Kealy must not criticise Labor when her own side of politics was so maladroit.
RICHARD OPIE
Murtoa
How conveniently past is forgotten
HOW conveniently and easily the past is forgotten by Emma Kealy (Mail-Times, July 13).
The Nationals Member for Lowan forgets that under the previous Liberal-National government, gas prices for households increased by 27 per cent.
Further, in the last of their four underwhelming years of government, a record number of Victorians were disconnected, after being unable to pay their utilities bill.
Between 2012-13 to 2013-14, 58,000 customers were disconnected.
In percentage terms, this represents a 42 per cent rise in gas disconnections, and a 36 per cent rise in electricity disconnections. These are numbers never seen before, or since.
In contrast, the Andrews Labor government is taking action to help Victorians reduce their energy bills.
This includes strengthening investment in energy efficient technology and improving consumer protection, including enabling the Essential Services Commission to fine retailers for failing to help customers struggling to pay their bills.
We know there is work to do, and damage to be undone, but Victorians can rest assured we’re getting it done.
LILY D’AMBROSIO
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change
Talk openly with your children
EVENTS of the past few weeks have taken a toll and many of us are feeling a little overwhelmed and sad about the state of the world.
The horrific terror attack in Nice, a brutal coup attempt in Turkey, war in Syria and South Sudan, and at home, continuing debates about terrorism, race and religion, dominate the news.
The media has a duty to bring us this news, but we should be mindful that children in particular can struggle to make sense of these reports.
Even if they are shielded from them at home, they do pick them up from other places.
It can leave them feeling distressed, confused or anxious.
We are constantly amazed by the resilience of the children we work with who live in conflict zones and are surrounded by the consequences of war day-to-day.
That’s why Plan International Australia developed a guide based on advice from the parents who have lived in, or fled from, war-torn countries about how they broach these issues with their children.
We recommend parents talk openly with children about how they feel about the news, but to let the child lead the conversation.
It’s important to reassure children they are safe and secure.
No one expects parents to have a deep understanding of complex conflicts that are difficult to explain. Nor do parents need to go into detail about injury or death.
But children are smart and they will certainly gain a sense of comfort if we talk with them openly.
IAN WISHART
CEO, Plan International Australia