Equality and opportunity must be at the heart of being Australian
Reading about the Hoges mini-series reminded me of his quest for PM. He promised to reverse Australia's falling inflation rate and return it to the world’s highest at 17 percent. At the end of the cabinet meeting, the ministers all rose, revealed to be wearing identical 'Hoges' outfits. In a country that celebrated difference and, perhaps naively, believed that your postcode and school didn't matter because anyone with the right attitude, skills and hard work could make it, here was the quintessential Aussie bloke enforcing a dress code.
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Maybe those wishing to maintain an Australian culture shouldn't be trying to 'Ban the Burqa', but ensure that people have the freedom to wear what they want, and at the same time wage inequality is reduced so that a median income can still provide all the opportunities imaginable. Education also needs to be available to all and not enforce a class system.
David Ebbs, Buninyong
city shone on white night
Dear Madam Mayor, I would like to congratulate everyone involved in staging the fantastic White Night spectacular on the weekend. It was just wonderful to see the city abuzz with so many people enjoying themselves. Congratulations to the City of Ballarat and all those concerned.
Michael Wilson, Lake wendouree
Prevention in youth Crime will benefit us all
Ensuring the best possible treatment of our young offenders is not only beneficial for young people, but is also in the best interest of the community. Currently the imposition of our criminal justice system is falling short of expectations of justice. I strongly believe that the use of restorative justice as an alternative to punishment is the way forward in reducing harm.
Australia's criminal justice system does not encourage community growth and acceptance. Of the juvenile offenders released from prison in 2013, 76% reoffended within the next two years. How can we expect our young people to improve and become upstanding citizens when we lock them away and doom them to a life of being stuck in a cycle of crime?
Under our criminal justice system crime is treated as a violation of the law and state, effectively causing a divide between victim and restoration. Criminal justice requires the state to determine blame (guilt) and impose pain (punishment) which may be seen as an effective means to maintain security and integrity in the community; however it neglects the victim and offender which in turn negatively impacts society.
Restorative justice treats a crime as a violation of people and relationships, through this justice offenders are forced to acknowledge their actions and the impact it has on victims, society and themselves. I have seen first-hand the benefits of restorative justice. Our young offenders are not always to blame for their crimes, often their actions are a result of their circumstances. Not only does restorative justice see positive outcomes for the offender as they are rehabilitated, but also the victim - who sees things put right. Restorative justice is the only method that allows the offender to see the impact they have on the victim and the community. After being confronted with the consequences of their actions, offenders are made to see the damages they have caused first hand, and allow victims to voice their issues and needs for the first time. The criminal Justice system strips this voice from the victims.
Restorative justice is proven to engage offenders back into education, reduce drug and alcohol use, reduce recidivism, and encourage the community to take part in the justice system. The key to safety in our community is not locking away offenders, but helping them to become productive and valued members of society.
Father Chris Riley, CEO and Founder of Youth Off The Streets,