McKenzie’s colleagues not in the same class
Soon after Labor’s Jodie Belyea was declared the winner in the Saturday 2 March Dunkley byelection, the Liberal MP for Flinders Zoe McKenzie congratulated her and posted a picture of the two of them smiling together. Zoe said she “looked forward to working with Jodie”. It was a classy act of generosity towards an opponent and in today’s cut and thrust politics, an admirable gesture.
The same, however, cannot be said for Ms McKenzie’s colleagues.
They have reacted much as one would expect from a bunch of boorish, born-to-rule dullards. They said that “we are at war with Labor” and that Ms McKenzie’s behaviour had “floored” them, it was “unforgivable” and “an act of absolute naivety” that had created “palpable anger in the ranks”.
What it showed me is that there is no bar too low for the Liberals to get under and what it shows the people of the Mornington Peninsula is that the Liberals are acting like a bunch of spoiled schoolchildren who need to grow up before they can ever be considered as suitable to govern our nation.
Ross Hudson, Mount Martha
Forum forbidden
I have been suspended from a Facebook group because I attempted to “friend” other members of the group with similar nonpolitical views to me. The group supposedly is a forum representing ratepayers and residents but appears to be a front for a political party and plays the man when contributors disagree with the political views of the moderators.
I am concerned at the management of Mornington Peninsula Shire by our elected representatives and some of its employees whose wages ratepayers pay. There have been numerous letters to the editor in recent times expressing dissatisfaction with a variety of issues impacting ratepayers, residents and visitors with many unhappy with the management of the issues by the shire. A group that purports to be a forum for discussion for ratepayers and residents should not be used to promote a particular political party or candidate.
It is my opinion that the politicising of our council has now reached an unacceptable level. The use of the term dumb and dumber is still very relevant. Our shire council appears to be unwinding. Alan Hunt, the late father of the previous MP for Flinders Greg Hunt conducted an inquiry into the Shire of Strathfeldsaye council and, as a result of his findings about “allegations”, on 20 July 1994 the council was suspended on the grounds that it was divided and unworkable and councillors were voting as a block.
From my observation of events of the past few months and years, I wonder if have we past this threshold on the Mornington Peninsula. I’m sorry that you cannot agree with me on the ratepayers forum as I have been suspended.
Eric Dettman, Rye
News dumped
The dumbest thing our Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has done yet was the recent weekend free green waste dump over three days, without telling anyone. How were we to know? Usually, these free days are the most popular events of the year with cars and trailers queuing up all day, each day.
This time, the road barricades were up to control the traffic, with a sign “roadworks ahead”, but not a mention of green waste. Thinking maybe, I drove down (twice) and sure enough there was a small crew doing some roadside work but no, there were no cars with trailers of green waste anywhere. Nobody knew.
I have a trailer of saved green waste plus a small tree to cut down and I was waiting for the usual notification in The News, having scanned the pages for many weeks, but nothing this time.
Thanks for nothing, council.
Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington
Code failure
“Why have a code of conduct when it is disregarded?” is a quote that questions the importance of such a code. Local government is the first tier of all governments and is closest to the public. Therefore, meeting with various groups without travelling from state to state and living a reasonably normal existence is easier. However, the code of conduct is essential if true governance is to be exerted.
Established procedures, policies, and practices are part of the council. That conduct must not discredit the council or mislead the public or the council in any matter related to their public duties. Each code of conduct per level of government aims to establish certain standards that all, in this case councillors, must follow while performing their duties and functions.
One section applies to all government tiers: the code prohibits discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), and vilification. Unfortunately, it appears to be failing at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Anne Kruger, Rye
‘Unjust burden’
Imposing higher rates on ratepayers who choose not to install solar panels is inherently unfair and presents a significant ethical and practical concern (Solar charge ‘unfair’, The News 5/3/24). Ratepayers should not be penalised for personal choices that align with their preferences, circumstances, or beliefs.
Imposing higher rates on non-solar ratepayers creates an unjust burden, punishing individuals for decisions that are entirely within their rights to make. It undermines the fundamental concept of fairness in taxation, which should be based on the ability to pay rather than compliance with specific lifestyle choices.
Differential rates based on solar panel installation exacerbate socioeconomic disparities within the community. Lower-income households, often unable to afford the upfront costs of installing solar panels, bear the brunt of the financial burden. Penalising these individuals through higher rates perpetuates inequality and further marginalises already vulnerable residents. It creates a system where those with financial means benefit disproportionately, widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots.
Residents may have valid reasons for not installing solar panels, such as rental agreements, structural limitations, or personal preferences. By imposing financial penalties on these individuals, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council would effectively coerce conformity to a particular lifestyle choice, disregarding the diversity of circumstances and preferences within the community.
Differential rates based on solar panel installation pose administrative challenges and complexities. Moreover, such mandated policies may face legal challenges related to equity, discrimination and property rights.
The imposition of higher rates on non-solar ratepayers by the council is fundamentally unjust and ethically problematic.
Instead of penalising residents for personal choices council should focus on promoting renewable energy. By fostering a collaborative approach and engaging stakeholders in decision-making processes, the council could achieve meaningful progress towards a sustainable and equitable future for all of us.
Arthur Booth, Mount Martha
Sporting chance
In recent years, major sporting ground facility upgrades have taken place at Rosebud, Pearcedale, Citation Reserve, Mornington and Balnarring. When are the passionate Dromana players and supporters going to be rewarded? Has the ball been dropped somewhere along the way?
Garry Seaborne, Mount Eliza
First published in the Mornington News – 12th March 2024
