Here in Australia we have hundreds of empty government houses and many thousands of desperate families and refugees and homeless people just wanting a roof over their heads.
These vacant homes are empty because they have been destroyed by vandals and bad tenants who didn't look after them.
No wonder the government cut back on maintenance programs for repairs.
In some cases it was a total waste of taxpayer money and maybe we are screening and processing the wrong people.
The damage done by these bored lazy idle bludgers is horrendous.
They smash windows, rip up carpets and floorboards, bash in walls, pull out toilets, baths, heaters and stoves and then set them alight.
Did you people who caused the damage ever think of the example you are setting your children? Try getting a job or going back to study.
There are excellent funded programs on offer for people wanting a better future.
If the government brought back low interest rate home loans a lot more people could become home owners and upkeep and maintenance would be up to the buyer.
Hope, pride and self-esteem could restore many of our so called slums. For as long as I can recall there has always been conflict in countries ruled by despotic, tyrannical dictators.
The suffering and crimes against humanity is nothing short of barbaric. It exposes a side of mankind that is both vile and cruel by nature.
No wonder people are fleeing in their thousands. Terrified people, scraping together every penny to pay "people smugglers" for a spot on a leaky boat going nowhere.
There are no options. If you stay, you die. That's it.
Why don't we get together as a nation and fix up these derelict houses?
We pull together after cyclones, floods and fires, why can't we help the homeless and the helpless?
Prospective buyers and tenants along with work for the dole recipients and those given community work orders by the courts could assist with labour costs.
I am sure that there would be willing volunteers as well.
This is a win, win for everyone. Let's do it! Let's get it done!
TRISH CARROLL
Redan
