Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor
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Across NSW the recent council elections saw large swings against the Liberals and Nationals. Local issues were important. But the election was also a referendum on what people think about Premier Baird's bullying style of leadership.
People are angry at a Premier who refuses to listen to them, and just tells everyone what to do. Whether it’s the destruction of TAFE, local schools not being maintained, hospital crises or the shock decision to ban greyhounds, people are demanding that their voices be heard. Premier Baird only allowed half of the voters in NSW to cast a ballot in these council elections.
Most of the other 2.4 million voters are in forcibly merged councils, and will have to wait until September next year. Until then they will be ruled by Administrators handpicked by the Premier. If Premier Baird keeps being dictatorial and refuses to listen to local communities, he does so at his peril.
Peter Primrose MLC, Shadow Minister for Local Government
Dear Editor,
I have noted in various media forms comments that the Premier has advised his members that not only will they win the next election they will do so with an increased majority.
When I initially became aware of this comment I assumed that it must be incorrect or referred to another State and Government as surely, even with Baird’s elitist “let them eat cake” attitude towards the electorate even he would not suggest that this would occur.
Wrong, wrong, wrong, it is obvious that his ego is even larger than even his most serious critics could imagine. The real concern is, it indicates that up to the next election we can expect to see more “killing fleas with elephant guns” by the NSW Government similar to those already experienced – like the lock-out laws, council amalgamations and greyhound racing.
These future government initiatives will be based (like the examples given) on the almost fanatical-type beliefs and opinions of the Premier. Also, like the previous examples given, they will not be issues about which the Government sought approval prior to the last election and any subsequent discussion with the public being along the lines of “if I want your opinion I’ll tell you what it is”.
I wonder whether Troy Grant shares the Premier’s opinion? Surely he must realise that as the leader of the party who sold out the Country people who put them in office that he has to be on shaky ground.
It has been suggested that the reported production of Troy Coins reflecting his achievements in Government is an indication that he does realise that time is running out and is an attempt to try and establish a legacy of his time in parliament. A more appropriate mint would have been 30 pieces of silver.
Keith Sullivan
School News
Oberon Public School: On Friday, August 12, Early Stage Oberon Public students travelled to the Bathurst Heritage Park. This excursion was based around their science unit of work “Paddock to Plate – Where our food comes from”. All students had a fantastic time watching the sheep and cattle show and they all loved the hay ride.
Oberon High School: As the current year 12 finishes their schooling on September 23, Oberon High captains for 2017 were recently elected. Seven year 11 students nominated for the leadership positions. The election process includes an interview with executive staff, addressing the student body and the staff at a special meeting. All students and staff vote in a secret ballot. Successful candidates were Emma Oxley and Emmett Bowman (captains) and Jess Maclure and Shane Watterson (vice-captains). Their 12 months as leaders in the school begins on Friday, September 23 when their first official duty will be to run the assembly at which the school farewells the current year 12. Year 12’s HSC exams commence on Thursday, October 13.