Live export is an issue for farming
It is difficult to understand is how workers,their unions & business people in North Queensland remain silent in the increasing number of jobs lost and to be lost to live cattle exports especially now after the visit last year by the Federal Ag Minister and her NFF colleague to Vietnam.
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When the increases weight specification to 450 kg was announced it means we are exporting some cattle to be slaughtered not fattened as originally intended .
On top of jobs lost there is land degradation resulting from the incentive to overstock as the production model for live cattle does not include fattening /water harvesting/irrigation .
Strange how the ABC chats with the NFF about a northern/gulf salad bowl have ceased.
On top of land degradation there is weed promotion and who is paying to control...
The Australian of the Year eye doctor says he will advocate for a sugar tax to help prevent blindness as he sees sugar as toxic as tobacco.
Yet we continue to produce sugar with irrigation where it uses 7+ ML per hectare per year while the world produces 10 time more sugar than necessary for a healthy world.
The subservient marriage of the NFF to the LNP Government is too destructive to allow our ABC to continue to avoid these issues on programs like The Drum / Q&A / Landline & 4Corners.
The ABC needs to stop painting farmers as 100% victims it is not good for farmers or the nation.
We now have a situation where the LNP is campaigning for the Queensland election saying that they will build Nullinga Dam which Labor dumped as a dud last year after 20 years of business studies without either party announcing a yield for the dam.
Our ABC is failing us
Don Stewart
Battery Hill
Support for Defence families relocating to new schools
As children across the country head back to school soon, Defence families who have been posted to new areas over the summer break can find the process of starting a new school overwhelming.
However, there are some simple ways to help your children build their confidence and settle into a new school.
At Mates4Mates, our staff regularly support families who have relocated or where a parent is transitioning out of service and understand the challenges that can arise. To help make the transition that little bit easier for the family, plan ahead:
1. Plan a school visit. Visit the school with your child to walk around the grounds and help them become familiar with the place. If possible, also meet with the principal to find out if the school has a Defence Liaison Officer or buddy system that may help them settle in.
2. Stay positive. Discuss the benefits that starting a new school can bring with your child, including the benefits of learning new things, creating new friendships, and new experiences.
3. Enrol in after-school activities. Find after-school activities that your child is interested in to encourage the forming of new friendships and help build their confidence.
4. Keep a routine. Regardless of what age your child is, keep as many things stable as possible. Relocating doesn't mean that you need to change your eating or sleep routine, or family time together. By keeping a regular routine you're helping your child feel secure and in control over their lives.
If you notice a new Defence family at school, I encourage you to also make the effort to welcome them into the community. A little kindness can go a long way.
Mates4Mates is here to help current and ex-serving ADF members impacted by service, and their families. Get in touch via 1300 4 MATES (62 837) to find out more.
Georgia Ash
Clinical Psychologist, Mates4Mates