If in Cootamundra we did, it would serve them right. We have of late been ignored by our state and federal representatives. 

“They will always vote Conservative so don’t worry about them”, seems to be the attitude. 

Take this opportunity to shake them up on Saturday by considering where to put your No 1 vote before you put pencil to paper. You won’t get another chance for some considerable time.

David Hain

Cootamundra

Voters in Gundagai or Tumbarumba shires should  consider not voting for the Liberal National Party or write across their Ballot Paper for the Lower House “no forced shire amalgamations!”

Bill Thompson

Coolamon

The proposed names as reported on the local news media appear to be too long and cluttered.

I suggest the title “Gundamundra Shire Council” be adopted.

This will give both existing councils an identity without becoming too cumbersome.

Tony Thompson, Ashmont

By now I bet you’re sick to death of the election campaign, and I completely understand, but not me! NSW is a big state and I made a commitment to get out and meet as many people as I could, to hear what issues are important to you and your community. The eight weeks has flown by as I’ve travelled from one end of the state to the other, learning so much about our communities.

We run a mixed dry land farm at Muttama, near Cootamundra, so I understand how difficult is to make a living in the country, to raise a family and be a part of a community.

My motivation to run as a NSW Labor Senate candidate is that I want more for rural communities. I’m not satisfied with what’s been offered by the National Party which has had a monopoly in rural politics, and frankly that’s not healthy, so I want to change that. We need more voices in the mix and I have a very strong voice, not only for the country but for our rural communities as well. 

Driving from Tibooburra to Broken Hill and across to Ballina and down to Albury and Deniliquin and back home, I understand first-hand the lack of phone and internet services. I’m appalled by the comments made by the Liberal Party about how we don’t need fast internet. I’m tired of having second rate connections that drop out, and waiting for a satellite service that actually works – some days it feels like I may as well live on Mars, the service is so bad. I want the NBN, but not just any old NBN, I want Labor’s NBN that will deliver fibre to the home and a world class satellite system for remote areas. This isn’t just about rural Australia, it’s about future proofing the whole country.

When it comes to education I want the full Gonski reforms. I don’t care what the city-based politicians say, my community needs it. Our teachers need to be able to access additional funds that pay for relief teachers so they can upskill, and it will pay for resources, so every child in Australia can be equal. With this education I want my children and yours to have job opportunities in regional Australia. Youth unemployment in rural areas is far too high and we need to do something about reinvigorating our communities.

The failure of the National Party to adequately represent and champion country people has been astounding at the state and federal level. While the forced council amalgamations are a state issue, and we’re facing a federal election, I’m not willing to let the opportunity of showing my anger and total disappointment slip by. I’m sick and tired of coalition governments acting as though it’s their right to destroy democracy and tread all over rural communities. I felt gutted when my local council was forced to amalgamate, like the heart of my community was ripped out. That’s not on.

As cliché as it sounds, I want to make a difference. I want better outcomes for our rural communities. With your support, I will work hard to make sure the issues will be heard in Canberra.

Vivien Thomson AFSM

Country Labor Party Senate Candidate

I am led to believe that there are 200 or more homeless people in Wagga some having to sleep in doorways, bus shelters and under bridges. And I am also led to believe that in NSW there is a 1 to 18-year waiting list for public housing.  But do our politicians care?  Apparently not. Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is urging everyone to welcome Syrian refugees with open arms and open hearts. However, if and when these refugees arrive in Wagga, they will firstly sign on with Centrelink and then go straight into housing provided by the government. They will also be given at least $10,000 to help them set up house.  This blatant preferential treatment means that those Aussies waiting for housing will be pushed back further down the queue.  And let’s not forget that across Australian there are at least 100,000 people who are presently homeless.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could get it into the thick skulls of our politicians that we must have a moratorium on all immigration until such time as all genuine Aussies have a roof over their heads. Our uncaring politicians, particularly those with safe seats, must be made to realise that charity should always begin at home.  

Geoff Field, Gundagai