Re: Mother’s day (Inside story, Weekly, July 16):
Thank you to journalist Ben Cameron for his support and article on the family drug help support group.
Since the article I have had a number of calls and I wish to advise your readers of two important points.
The first is that the group is not only for families affected by a loved one’s use of ‘‘ice’’ (crystal methamphetamine). The group is for people affected by a loved one’s use of alcohol and/or other drugs. Secondly, it is not a group just for women; men are also encouraged to attend.
Leading Senior Constable Jim Ross, Bacchus Marsh police youth resource officer
Belt up backflip overdue
As a road safety advocate who acts for road trauma victims throughout the western suburbs, I applaud Transport Minister Terry Mulder for his backflip that will see seatbelts introduced on school buses.
It is something road safety activists have been calling for years.
A simple measure will save lives and avoid some serious injuries occurring in the event of a crash; it should have been embraced long ago.
The minister’s previous argument that the cost was prohibitive failed to put people first and was blind to the obvious ongoing and extensive physical, psychological and emotional trauma costs that are shouldered by the state’s taxpayers through the TAC.
All measures to keep people safe on the roads and reduce the severity and impact of long-term, serious injury are welcomed by those of us who deal with the shocking aftermath when things go wrong.
Geraldine Collins, principal, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Sunshine
Re: Heather still moved by avenue of elms (Weekly, July 16):
No disrespect to Mrs Shugg, but the lives of today’s Bacchus Marsh people are more important than five elm trees. The premier should immediately override the poor decision made by the Planning Minister Guy and build the Woolpack Road truck bypass now.
Bob (via web)
Re: Women squash a male myth (Weekly, July 16):
Ready Steady Go Kids will run during Hits & Giggles so that mums with pre-school children can participate. Ready Steady Go Kids is a multi-sport program for pre-school children aged 2½-6 years. Visit readysteadygokids.com.au.
Natalie Sheffield (via web)
Bushfire comment ‘a bit rich’
Western Metropolitan Greens MP Colleen Hartland has written to regional newspapers asking whether I would protect firefighters and their families. I assume Ms Hartland’s question comes off the back of a private members bill she tried to introduce into the Legislative Council.
While worthy in nature, this bill hit a constitutional technicality and the council president referred it to an upper house committee.
After gathering evidence, the committee found that due of the funding nature of the bill, it could not be introduced into the council but would have to be put before the lower house. As Ms Hartland knows, I encouraged her in Parliament to rework her bill whereby it could be introduced into the assembly.
It is a bit rich for a Greens MP to question my commitment to the fire service given I have spent my working life as a CFA volunteer, fighting major fires across Victoria.
As part of this I am continually frustrated by the increased fire risk created by the Greens’ policies of “lock it up and leave it”.
Western Victoria Liberal MP Simon Ramsay
