Newcastle Herald Short Takes: Tuesday, April 10, 2018

I NOTICE Professor Andrew Stock, climate change expert, states that Australia is one of sunniest and windiest nations in the world. Hello. How long has this been happening? Maybe we need to delve further into this astonishing revelation.

WHAT’S the plan now Ernie Merrick? 

SUE Michaelson (Letters, 7/4), casual workers in the hospitality, restaurant and fast food industries in NSW are still paid 250 per cent of their standard hourly rate on public holidays, according to the Fairwork Australia website. The changes include a drop of the penalty rates for some workers on some days, including a gradual drop over the next few years. I hope your inability to research this didn't translate to rudeness to the workers who gave up their long weekend (at well deserved extra pay) to serve you.

ON Friday I attended a function to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the High Court victory of the Maritime Union of Australia over Patrick Stevedoring, backed by the Howard government, following the vicious, unjust sacking of the entire Patrick Waterfront workforce in 1998. Who can forget the firm handshake and the pat on the back given by John Howard to Peter Reith in our Parliament House after Reith said “and they won't be back”? The respect shown by the MUA to its members then and now is exemplary. I'm proud to be a life member of the MUA. They're here to stay.

FINGAL Bay, home to the notorious Fingal spit. Lambton, home of the laborious dummy spit.

I RELIGIOUSLY read Jeff Corbett's column in the Newcastle Herald and I do appreciate his style of writing.  Just for once, however, could he venture out of the "cranky closet" and give us some pleasantries to lighten our days?

WHY are we being subjected to incessant advertisements/propaganda paid for by taxpayers I presume, not political parties; lauding government policies? Television seems to be inundated with them. It's squandering public funds which should be spent on public facilities and smacks of brainwashing. Are there no regulations to control this unnecessary and intrusive waste of money?

I WATCHED 60 Minutes regarding the live export on sheep. How utterly disgusting. RSPCA should be on board every ship that sails and that goes for the beef export too.

DO most dog owners obey the rules on Redhead beach?