Cultural significance
I FEEL compelled to respond to the letter from Aunty Sandra Onus (Ararat Advertiser, April 12).
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I have absolutely no issue with people protesting if they genuinely believe in their cause. They have achieved a good result in saving the old redgum trees at either end of the project, but to align themselves with the KOR group's proposed northern route leaves me baffled.
The indisputable facts about the northern route are that it will remove some 5000-plus more trees - many of which are aged.
It is a more expensive option and there will continue to be more wildlife killed by cars and trucks - especially with the increased speed limits. Even though they continually claim benefits and it being a cheaper option, they have never produced the plans or costing to the public.
What also intrigues me is how they can claim Mt Langi Ghiran to be culturally significant - and there are absolutely no doubts there - and the VicRoads' proposed route to be culturally significant, yet the land between is not all important to Aboriginal people.
We just need to get on with the project to provide the public with a safer road that will be beneficial for the next 50-plus years.
Roger Louder, Buangor
Celebration of Jesus
DURING the next few days, The Salvation Army takes the time to commemorate and celebrate who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for every one of us. He is the motivation for all that the Salvos do.
We are grateful to all who support us as we live out our Vision Statement: 'Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.'
In addition to our thanks, I offer you an invitation to join with the Salvos in your local area during Easter. Each of our churches conduct meetings that we would love to welcome you to. Details can be found at www.salvationarmy.org.au
Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander, The Salvation Army Australia
Labor's tax plans
THERE has been a lot of misinformation spread about Labor's policy on dividend imputation credits.
Labor will make the tax system fairer by closing down a concession that gives cash refunds for excess dividend imputation credits. This change only affects a small number of shareholders who currently pay no tax, yet receive a tax refund.
A Shorten Labor Government will close down the concession created by Howard and Costello, so that imputation credits can be used to reduce tax, but not pay a tax return to people who pay little or no tax, and people will still be able to use imputation credits to reduce their tax liability to zero.
Labor will have a Pensioner Guarantee which will ensure small shareholders on a pension are not impacted.
More than 92 per cent of taxpayers do not receive a cash refund for excess imputation credits, and won't be affected at all by this change.
Labor is cracking down on this tax loophole because it will soon cost the budget $8 billion a year - money better spent on health, education, infrastructure and the environment.
Maurice Billi, Labor candidate for Wannon
Election letters
Letters on election issues must bear the name and full address of the writer(s).
Responsibility for election comment in this issue is accepted by the editor Jessica Grimble.
Writers should disclose any alliance with political or community organisations and include their phone number for verification. Election candidates should declare themselves as such when submitting letters.