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President’s Introduction
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A big hello to residents. As reported in our last Newsletter we are pleased to confirm that a number of long term AGRA community objectives and projects have been achieved so far this AGRA year. An AGRA year is September 1 to August 31. Some objectives are also coming to fruition at the time of writing while a few remain at sticking point.
It is election year for both state and federal parliaments and we can all expect to receive election material and promises often paid for by taxpayers. This money could have been used to build many schools or homes for the unfortunate in various parts of Australia. Instead it is being spent on TV and radio advertising and in newspapers filling the pockets of the agencies and the media. Have you noticed that each major party recognises this blatant use of taxpayer money when they are in opposition and on the receiving end of a government with almost unlimited electioneering funds? Those in opposition then promise to stop such rorting if we elect them yet when they finally become government they do exactly the same things. Something about core promises and non core promises I guess!
Politicians, please stop doing this. Please use our hard earned money for community benefit, build those schools, build those homes, help the needy, whatever, just don't use our money this way and take us for fools. Perhaps all political parties could make a total and binding commitment to the electorate before the coming state and federal elections by promising to introduce absolutely rigid state and federal laws to stop whoever is in government ever disadvantaging an opposition or independent party by using our taxes to do so and at the same time rip off the taxpayer. Instead promise to use our money for the good of the state or country. This would also bring some fairness and balance into electioneering, what is known as a level playing field.
Having said all that, AGRA may now be pushing our luck with politicians when we start promoting our community needs prior to the state and federal elections. That is when we will seek their personal and Party commitment for projects to improve the amenity and lifestyle of residents and voters within local and regional electorates. Our view is that it is worth taking the risk by saying what many people including community groups and even local councils are scared to say because they fear being left off funding lists and therefore they become subservient to the political machine. AGRA has now taken that risk. We hope we have not put our resident's needs at risk by saying what most people think but are for many very good reasons scared to say. Time will tell.