Budget credit where due: GP Your article headed “Lots of dollars but not much change” (The Euroa Gazette 9 April) seems to be more politically focused than giving an accurate reflection of how the new Medicare package will affect rural people. I have been GP in Euroa for well over 40 years and have seen many programs that have come and gone to try and ‘fix’ the inequities in rural general practice. From the attempted dismantling of Medicare by the Abbott government and his health minister Peter Dutton trying to introduce a mandatory co-payment, to the many years of a freeze of Medicare rebates and now a system of paying rural GP’s a reasonable income and offering universal bulk billing. General practice is now a team pursuit with many services provided by practice nurses and other allied health professionals. The government's payment for chronic disease and mental health plans has been a big win for our patients, and with the new funding initiative this coordination and provision of holistic care will only get better! If there is any argument about remuneration it will be with city GPs that receive less than their country colleagues. Country people in small communities like Euroa will be better off, and with the better remuneration package we may be able to get more doctors to relocate to the country. Lets give the government a little bit of credit for what will be a benefit to country doctors and their patients. Dr Malcolm Altson, Euroa Anzac Day As we approach Anzac Day, let us take time to reflect and honour those who have served our country. We remember the events of April 25th, 1915, when ANZAC troops landed at Gallipoli, and we reflect on the courage and sacrifice shown not only then, but throughout every conflict since. As Australians, we owe a deep debt of gratitude to our veterans and to those currently serving. Their sacrifices have secured the freedoms and peace we often take for granted. Let us remember those who did not return home. Let us continue to uphold the values that the original ANZACs stood for - loyalty, selflessness, service, and courage. May we never forget the sacrifices made so that we can live freely and safely today. Lest we forget. Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa One way or the other Now that council has decided on 15 April to consult with the community regarding its involvement in Australia Day celebrations, let's hope that the process gives us a decision, one way or the other, in time for 26 January 2026. Let us hope that the consultation process is free of the racism and ignorance about Australian history and democratic processes that arose during the Voice Referendum. Claims of threats to private property, original inhabitants' supposed lack of development, and all the rest - there's no need for it. Let us also hope that council staff and councillors are spared any bile that might arise from such a consultation. Brendan Paterson, Euroa Albo's 'good friend' in China It was very thoughtful of the Chinese dictator (Xi Jinping) to come and show his good friend Anthony Albanese how well China's warships are working, especially as all the renewables we are buying are helping to pay for them. We know that Labor is more interested in saving the planet than investing in defence and that the Greens want to defund an already defunded defence, force budget (sic), and also scrap AUKUS. The question that does need asking is where is independent Helen Haynes on defence if 'my word is my bond' Albanese and the Greens were in power. As ANZAC Day approaches again, we need to remember veterans could lose what they fought and died for - our democracy and our freedoms. Lest we forget. Sandra Morris, Seymour. Haines' integrity defended I am bemused by the letter from Tony Schneider (The Euroa Gazette, 16 April) casting dispersions over the intentions and integrity of our sitting Independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines, and any support she may have for the ideals of the Climate 200. Their issues, as publicly quoted, are: a science based response to the climate crisis, restoring integrity to politics, and advancing safety and respect for women. From Mr Schneider’s letter one must presume that he is against all of these principles. With attitudes like this, is it any wonder that concerned independents and minority parties continue to gain strength? David Jamieson, Strathbogie The negatives of an independent If Indi was a swinging Liberal or Labor seat, then it could expect significantly better outcomes. Either party would result in Indi being directly represented in all decision making, resulting in all electorate items being maintained and developed more appropriately together with much needed facilities and amenities. Indi would benefit from funding at each election if it was a swinging seat. There would be funding to improve healthcare, childcare, school facilities, sporting facilities, roads, and much more as it would be essential to that party holding the seat. It is interesting, as well as disappointing, that the federal treasurer in his recent budget did not allocate one dollar - not one - to the seat of Indi. That was due to the fact that there is no advantage to his government with it being held by an independent. Therein lies the problem: no independent is directly involved in decision making and will never be able to elect or nominate a Prime Minister nor be a cabinet minister - the real decision makers. It is important to consider those negative aspects of voting for an independent. Bill Stanton, Euroa Penny for his thought Donald Trump is at it again: once more he's accusing Ukraine of startin' the shootin' (and not his friend Putin); I doubt that the man is quite sane. Craig Penny, Terip Terip
