Readers of the Newcastle Herald have voiced a wide array of opinions in a recent letters section, tackling national debates, community safety, and local governance with characteristic candour.
Re-examining Australia Day and National Identity
A letter from Hillsborough resident Janet Sutherland offers a pointed critique of the upcoming January 26 holiday. Sutherland questions the tradition of celebrating the date marking England's establishment of a penal colony, noting it only became a national public holiday in the 1990s. She contrasts this with the federation of Australia on January 1, 1901, an event she argues is overshadowed, perhaps because the original constitution excluded women and Indigenous people, who were classified as 'fauna' until 1962.
Sutherland proposes an alternative celebration for all Australians: May 8, or 'Mates Day'. She suggests this date would be more inclusive, honouring Indigenous people and all immigrants, thereby representing a nationhood to be proud of.
Community Safety: From Hate Speech to Scams
Another letter, from Rutherford's Salvatore Cocco, delves into the complex issue of hatred and criminality. Cocco expresses scepticism that banning hate speech will make people feel safer, arguing it could instead drive resentment underground and make individuals more determined to be heard. He references the criminal act at Bondi Beach as an example of hatred manifesting violently. Cocco advocates for education and understanding over punishment as a more effective long-term solution.
In a separate contribution, Kathy Gall from Toronto thanks Libby Taylor for sharing her story about falling victim to scammers who allegedly stole $14,800. Gall reveals that the same method was used to steal up to $50,000 from more than 20 people in a single week. She highlights the alarming ease with which thieves, using just a credit card and ID like a driver's licence and Medicare card, can transfer funds overseas—to Dubai within 15 minutes. Gall warns that anyone carrying a wallet or using a phone for payments is vulnerable and calls for less judgement and more vigilance.
Local Governance and Shared Pathways
Steve Potter of Merewether continues a correspondence with Simon Gulliver, the City of Newcastle's traffic and transport manager, regarding shared pedestrian and cycle paths. Potter raises ongoing safety concerns, questioning whether a formal risk assessment was conducted. He points out risks from bicycles, including e-bikes he views as akin to motorbikes, and asks about signage for speed and courtesy. Potter pointedly asks who would be liable for medical costs in the event of a serious injury and suggests the council may only act after a tragedy occurs.
Other letters touch on a variety of topics. Peter Ronne from Woodberry questions the priority of finding a replacement for ambassador Kevin Rudd under a Trump administration. Peter Devey of Merewether ponders whether the cancellation of the Adelaide Writers' Festival—following the dumping of Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah—would have occurred if the author were Israeli. Peter Dolan from Lambton notes the relative silence from the progressive left on protests in Iran, suggesting shared antipathy towards the US and Israel as a possible reason. Darryl Tuckwell of Eleebana warns that US President Donald Trump's actions could lead to global instability. Finally, Les Field from Wickham suggests that using the tram might have given a better perspective on activity in Newcastle's CBD.
The Newcastle Herald continues to publish letters at letters@newcastleherald.com.au or via text to 0427 154 176.
