YOU SAID IT! Irwin death anniversary triggers idea for memorial
Letters and Comments
Julie O'Gorman
Did he spend a lot of time here? I think the answer is NO for me. I don't want to look at the wharf and think this incredible man, with such a zest for life, spilling his positiveness on all, was his last 'Port', before he lost his life, due to a stingray barb! It just seems like a glorified touristy tacky Instagram moment.
Dan Hammersley
Julie O'Gorman croc one spent quite a lot of time in Port and Cairns.
Christopher Saint
When the national museum for larrikins opens put one in there, until then I’ll stick with David Attenborough and his advocacy for the GBR and the Daintree.
Kayla Mills
There should be one for Christopher Skase. He built Port Douglas.
Darryn Slade
Let's stop spending taxpayer money on things we don't need and concentrate on things we do. Eg. roads and hospitals.
Myka Morris
Yeah, honestly we should, hey. What a legend.
Simon Van
One in every port around Australia. Doesn't have to be huge. Cheaper than one statue of Dan Andrews who destroyed Victoria. I know there's no crocs in Vic... it's just the point of it.
Lisa Lopez
I'm not sure why they haven't unveiled something at the departing wharf he used. It's relevant.
Kym Anderson
Yeah I was on Batt Reef when he died, it would be good for tourism, feel for the whole family, it was a horrible day.
Glenn Smith
The animal torturer… no.
Bob Holland
Just add "don't swim over resting stingrays" to the croc and jellyfish warning signs.
Paula Wesley
I always thought he was reckless and insensitive with animals in pursuit of fame.
Signatures mount on petition opposing working visa changes
Janine Greasley
Australia needs these backpackers - they are keeping the farming and tourism sector of Australia alive. The farmers have said they can’t feed the country without backpackers. The price of food will be at least five times more expensive. Let's celebrate the travellers.
Sean Il
Should work on affordable housing in the region first so local people can afford to live and work in the region to support these roles.
Julie Robertson
Absolutely, without them no staff in Port Douglas.
Chrissy Geyer
To those saying no: Port Douglas wouldn't function without travellers from overseas. There simply isn't enough locals to fill all the jobs. During Covid this place wouldn't have survived if it wasn't for the poor bloody kids that were stuck here. Employers employ locals where they can but it's seasonal work and doesn't suit everyone.
Heather Walton
Absolutely! Backbone of the workforce in the busy season.
Graham Sharp
No, put local Australia first.
Chris Scrivens
Who else is going to fill all positions needed throughout the season?
Slammin Ng
No visas, no hospitality. Not just Port but everywhere. Source 30 years in the industry. No locals want the work or harvesting.
Rory Jenkins
Businesses won't employ Australians because Australians can't afford to live in the district long term, entire region is a joke, pay regional wages and charge metropolitan rent, backpackers survive in dorms for a season then leave, charge $12 a beer but can't afford to pay workers enough to live, disgusting that foreigners are more desirable employees than Australians.
Should we be able to access our Super early?
JB Blockey
It is a shame that Crispin has politicised the debate, and showing his bias, rather than stick to the issues at stake. He does highlight some of the main flaws in the proposal, and on balance I would tend to agree that the proposal goes against the primary function of super and why employers are paying the 12% contribution. And that is NOT because of any political ideology. Muddling that up with political bias does nothing to encourage rational debate, and sensible solutions. But perhaps there is simply an agenda to undermine a political party at the expense of prudent outcomes. Australia is a poorer place as a result, and greater proportions of society are increasingly feeling ostracised by the politicking. Crispin, read the room…
Greg Cubit
Yes, for a home deposit. Then it’s mandatory to salary sacrifice additional payments into super to pay it back.
Chrissy Geyer
Not unless it's for housing!
Micko More
Of course.
