Rapid testing the way to go
The latest lockdown has weighed heavier than the others. In less than 24 hours, the premier went from trumpeting zero cases on his social media to declaring a statewide, seven-day lockdown. We can't keep living like this.
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I've heard from many small business owners at the end of their tether because their business and the local jobs they provide just won't survive another lockdown.
I've heard from parents worried about their child's failing mental health as they struggle to process the constant yo-yo in and out of the classroom and isolation from their friends, extended family and community sporting clubs. This is why statewide lockdowns should be a last resort - not a first response.
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Public health experts say the Andrews Labor Government could be doing more to add an extra layer of protection against the spread of the virus. This includes the rollout of Rapid Antigen Testing, particularly to high-risk workplaces, like factories or distribution centres, and in places of essential work, like our schools.
It will encourage people to get tested earlier, even before they're symptomatic, and mean we can safely take a proportionate response to outbreaks. These tests are fast, effective and they're available now.
Daniel Andrews claims he always relies on the public health advice. So why is he refusing to rollout rapid testing? Labor is guilty of failing all Victorians which is why we've launched www.guiltylabor.com.au to get to the truth. Victorians deserve to know the truth behind government decisions, not endless delays and cover-ups.
Peter Walsh, Leader of The Nationals
Vaccine hesitancy
Prominent Warrnambool naturopath (The Standard, August 12) - she is exactly that! A prominent and respected practitioner, passionate and knowledgeable about natural therapies. The only thing natural about this COVID vaccine is that it is naturally suspect.
Rae Grigg, Warrnambool
Open letter to Dan Tehan
I urge you to accept the findings of the IPCC's latest report and to put pressure on your government to dramatically increase its actions to reduce Australia's and the world's carbon emissions.
Your government's rhetoric aims to make us believe we are 'pulling our weight', but the reality is the complete opposite. Use of fossil fuels must fall rapidly within the next few years or we will have no hope of keeping climate heating under two degrees.
Your 'gas-led recovery' will see the world get hotter, not cooler. As our representative, Dan, in an electorate that embraces wind, solar and soon perhaps hydrogen, you should be calling out the members of your coalition government who claim climate change is not a concern and who actively undermine a proportionate response to this existential threat.
This is your responsibility to us, your constituents. Not to toe the party line but to represent us. We have a chance to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius if we act decisively. Your government should lead the fight to achieve this domestically and on the world stage.
Instead of being a global climate change pariah, Australia could be a
shining example of how we can quickly and successfully transform to a low-carbon economy that supports the transition of people into new jobs. It
is your task, Dan, to step up and fight for the future of your electorate,
Australia and the world. There is no time to lose.
Bruce Campbell, Warrnambool
Set us up for the future
Enhance tourists by
setting up electric car-charging stations in strategic spots in the south-west.
The future belongs to those who are ready for it.
Don Swanson, Warrnambool
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