Always the same losers in the housing game
Housing that was once affordable on one basic low wage is now a struggle on two wages. What has happened? Well, the market was normal and fairly stable until two disasters hit the 'have nots' badly and continue to do so. Notably since the GST came in about 20 years ago, new houses copped a 10% slug on both materials and labour, and of course, established houses followed in this upward sucking vortex, turbo powered by money. Also notably, since negative gearing 30 years ago, the rot set in. Nails in the coffin is far too mild of a term here. These two large swords, carving up the market between the have and have nots. These policies have had decades to bear fruit, but all is sour for the battlers.
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Home budgets were fragile but sustainable years ago, but these two federal policies are both massive kicks in the guts, millstones around first home buyers necks that will exclude many from their dreams, grinding them to the ground. The GST hits the poor and the rich equally, but it is not an equaliser. It widens the gap between them. Labor opposed it. Negative gearing can be exterminated with very little fuss, except from those who will lose some money. The problems of the 'Newstart housing brigade' on Centrelink or employed, is the rapidly rising cost of housing is not included in inflation, and this falsely low figure means low wage and pension rises. It gets worse. Politicians who wish to retain negative gearing do not have to declare properties held in their spouse's, partner's or mistress's names. Try this at Centrelink when applying for a pension and see the real world.
Colin Holmes, Ballarat
Energy would be better directed to veterans
Regarding research fellow like Carolyn Holbrook's piece in The Courier April 27th. Whilst I may be known as an RSL president, I writing in a personal capacity as a former member of the ADF, Vietnam Veteran and chaplain to two ex-service organisations. I feel rather frustrated that at this time of the year, academics and other people who see themselves as part of the intelligentsia can seek to attack all things Anzac, as well and belittle this most sacred national day on Australia's calendar. My only comment is that these people seem to forget that the freedom of expression which they obviously take very much for granted came at a cost of 102,825 lives lost in all wars and conflicts Australia has been involved in, as well as the countless lives lost later as a result of the effects of war service, or the impact on war widows and dependants. I believe only when you have had the opportunity and privilege to defend this fine country's right to be free do you have the right to comment about Anzac Day. Perhaps time spent assisting with the care and welfare of veterans, and those whom they love and support, would be a more worthwhile and valuable activity that would have a lasting impact.
Bryan Nicholls (Rev), Ballarat.
CBD work at last
It is good to see that work has commenced at the Civic Hall. , however, many are surprised that Council is undertaking landscaping works without first determining the hall's overall future purpose. Concurrently with the landscaping, people are wondering if there is anything happening to the interior to create a unique look and feel, not to mention the toilets, kitchen and, importantly, the levelling of the pathway with the entrance to the building to cater for people with disabilities. To my mind, how do you ice a cake without the need to bake it?
Much is also being said about the need for car parking in the CBD, particularly north of Sturt Street. Like commuters using our Ballarat Central station who need car parking, why haven't the powers that be realised the commercial opportunity to create a multi-storey, not two level, car park at the station precinct that caters for both commuters-fee as part of their ticket) and staff and consumers of CBD businesses.
Ron Egeberg, Soldiers Hill
