Firearms Owners Decry New Laws as Democratic Rights Erosion
On January 20, Australia's liberal democracy faced a significant blow according to many recreational firearms owners. The government has been accused of vilifying hundreds of thousands of citizens, legislating them as threats to their communities and the nation.
Ian Coombes from Macgregor voiced a common sentiment, stating that the new gun laws effectively smash democratic rights. He claims the Prime Minister, Attorney-General, and the Greens received critical information about the legislation ten days before its presentation but chose to ignore it, instead following the lead of Chris Minns.
Confiscation and Compensation Concerns
The legislation mandates the confiscation of firearms, with owners receiving only a fraction of their value in compensation. Many weapons, custom-made to the highest standards or of premium quality, are now subject to seizure. Critics argue that the drafters failed to consult knowledgeable individuals in the recreational firearms field, leading to what they describe as a pointless and unfair law.
In Parliament, only independents, Nationals, and One Nation members spoke out against the legislation's perceived unfairness. The terrorist aspects of the law have been labeled a Clayton's solution, with concerns that clerics central to terrorist activities in Australia will still be permitted to reference their murderous texts.
Climate Change Debate Heats Up
In other correspondence, Ian Hone from Weston challenged recent health claims related to climate change. He pointed out that death rates, a key health indicator, are inversely related to temperature, citing the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Bulletin Issue 3 and other studies. Higher temperatures are associated with lower death rates, while lower temperatures correlate with higher mortality.
Hone accused Dr Arnagretta Hunter of omitting this fact in her article Climate change: it's bad for your health, suggesting this could be interpreted as misinformation. He noted that recent letters to The Canberra Times indicate some have been misled into believing higher temperatures are deadlier than lower ones.
International and Domestic Political Commentary
Ken Blackman from Inverloch, Victoria, commented on Israel and Gaza, referencing a report about Israel's disapproval of a US Gaza executive board. He observed that Trump's peace board is not Netanyahu's policy, with the Israeli leader distancing himself to attack it. Israel opposes all international initiatives for a new Palestine, and this one may yet prove to be a furphy. However, following the unveiling of a 15-strong Palestinian committee of technocrats for Gaza, Netanyahu must be stewing, possibly feeling a Trumpian cold shoulder similar to that shown to Denmark.
Domestically, Mokhles Sidden from Strathfield, NSW, questioned Sussan Ley's potential as prime minister, deeming her worse than her predecessor Dutton and delusional for thinking she could lead. He added that this doesn't make Prime Minister Anthony Albanese any better.
Local Issues and Light Rail Concerns
Richard Greene from Curtin called for the abandonment of light rail plans to Woden, citing poor uptake and flawed cost-benefit results from the Gungahlin line. The disastrous effect of Stage 2A on Civic's business community and associated cost blowouts further justify focusing on core government business instead.
Paul Black from Coombs highlighted park neglect at Judy Harris Park on Telfer Street, Coombs. Overgrown weeds, including blackberry bushes, mar the garden beds, showing disrespect to the legacy of the late Aunty Judy Harris, a long-time Aboriginal health advocate who deserves due respect.
Humour and Rural Reflections
M Moore from Belconnen humorously suggested it's time for the Nationals to muster a drover's dog, referencing the sheep dip mafia and the need for muster dogs in rural representation.
John Howarth from Weston shared a political joke: Did you hear the one about the politician who wanted to form a government? They joined the Coalition. Boom, boom, tish.
These letters collectively reflect a vibrant cross-section of public opinion on national and local issues, from gun control and climate science to political leadership and community infrastructure.
