I AM one of many "casually" employed staff affected by the University of Newcastle's heartless response to the legislation aimed at producing more job security. I will lose what I know as my job.
For almost nine years I have been employed to develop, coordinate and teach in courses that provide prospective teachers with a pathway into a teaching degree through the 50-year-old, award-winning program Open Foundation. My expertise goes beyond that: I am about to rack up my 25th year work anniversary at the university. That time includes casual and full-time academic work, and casual professional work.
Who knows what will become of the work that many of my colleagues and I do now that the university seems to have effectively put the kibosh on casual employment? I believe there can only be three possibilities. One is that the work stops, and students will no longer have the offerings available to them. Another is that the work is shifted onto the existing full-time staff who already have too much on their plate to be sustainable. The final is that the university honours the spirit of the legislation and provides secure jobs to its dedicated staff.
Sharon Cooper, Hamilton
Hate for Albo's house overblown
CONCERNING Mr Albanese's property purchase, I am amazed by the pettiness displayed by some people, encouraged by the PM's political opponents. Media personalities attempting to beat this up are just making themselves look foolish. The property could hardly be described as a "mansion". Had the property been a Sydney harbourside one, that might meet the description.
Adding to that, $4.3 million is grossly unremarkable in today's property market. Finally, a review of Parliamentary property ownership reveals that with two properties Albanese is a minnow compared to many MPs of various political colours, including green, with up to seven properties. I believe negative gearing is not going anywhere.
Marvyn Smith, Heddon Greta
Thank you for kind treatment
ON two occasions over the past couple of months my wife had cataracts removed from both eyes by Peter Davies at Newcastle Eye Hospital, Waratah.
On behalf of my wife, who unfortunately suffers dementia, I want to thank Dr Davies and all of his staff for the way they treated both Carolyn and myself. The administrative and nursing staff were all very friendly, caring and professional in explaining everything required before and after each procedure.
I would like to particularly thank the nurses for the way they looked after Carolyn and also explained to me everything that was required after both procedures. All of the staff are a credit to Dr Davies and Newcastle Eye Hospital.
Robert Stewart, Muswellbrook
Why fight is far from academic
I AM a fixed-term academic at the University of Newcastle who has been thrown a lifeline with another 12-month contract. I am one of the lucky ones. Many of my colleagues will be without jobs next year.
This is because the university is choosing to take a narrow view of the Closing the Loopholes legislation, which is meant to move people in precarious work (casuals and fixed term) into more secure work. Instead, our university is telling them there is no more work for them because of the law and then advertising some of their jobs on the open market. I find this appalling and completely unnecessary.
Like some other universities are doing, Newcastle could choose to convert people into ongoing jobs. Their financial position is strong. Even if you don't care about academics, think about what this mean-spirited approach means for students (current and future) who may have fewer choices and for the reputation and sustainability of our university. Please add your voice to our campaign.
Name and suburb withheld
Gas is simply not best option
EVERYTHING I have read about fossil gas would suggest that Steve Phillips is right - gas is "not the answer" ("16,000 reasons why coal seam gas is not the answer", Opinion, 18/10).
It's 2024, we have the technology and means to produce abundant clean energy from the sun, wind and water and store it in big batteries.
Why, on earth, are we then even considering supporting Santos to drill coal seam gas wells? Equally, why isn't the PEP11 exploration licence dead and buried? ("A resolution is all PEP11 saga lacks now", Opinion, 18/10). Gas isn't a saviour for our energy woes, it's a dinosaur fuel that detrimentally impacts our health, our water, our land, our wildlife, and our climate.
The people are speaking: it's time to say no.
Amy Hiller, Kew
Queensland made the right call at the polls
Congratulations to the people of Queensland for emphatically removing another insipid Labor government. This just follows a worldwide trend whereby sensible mainstream parties are replacing the woke ideologies of the left. Meanwhile, in answer to the question posed by Barry Reed ("Would criticism cut both ways?", Letters, 26/10), no I wouldn't have said anything if it had been Peter Dutton who bought a coastal mansion, simply because it's not his party that is alarming us about rising sea levels. It's not rocket science, Barry.
Greg Hunt, Newcastle West
The lord mayor needs resources
ON September 14 Newcastle voted for a change to our council. Ross Kerridge was elected lord mayor on a 20-point platform built on community, people and respect. I believe the electorate had been seeking a fresh change, and therefore embraced it on election day. I also believe it is now incumbent on the council to ensure that the appropriate administrative assistance is expediently provided to the elected lord mayor's office in implementing this change.
Mel Horadam, Newcastle
Negative gearing going nowhere
GRAHAME Danaher ("Negative gearing has its positives", Letters, 25/10) makes a very good point about the beneficial aspects of negative gearing and its value to our society. I think the rules regarding that concept are extremely unlikely to change, though, given how many of our politicians have multiple investment properties. A conflict of interest or a conflict of tax saving? Either way, one can see house prices ballooning even faster, and wider smiles on politicians' faces.
Vic Davies, Tighes Hill
Tirade an embarrassment
I BELIEVE that, after her tirade, Lidia Thorpe is not only an embarrassment to Australia but to our First Nations people. I'm no monarchist, but how did this loose cannon ever get a position as a parliamentarian?Those who voted for her should hang their heads in shame.
