YOU know how you can tell that those involved in the pro-Palestine protests and anti-immigration rallies we saw at the weekend don’t really give a toss about either their own populist causes or the community in general?
That theirs is a feigned, disingenuous concern for the world around them?
Because they turned up.
Knowing full well that police were already heavily committed in the state’s north-east, chasing down a deranged individual who has already shown himself to be capable of anything, they needed to call off their marches and avoid confrontation until such time as police were back to their regular duties.
There’s also the lack of respect they’ve shown for the whole Victoria Police organisation, trying to come to terms with a shocking incident that any one of them could walk into, just doing their job, on a daily basis.
Yes, certainly, they’ve handled the unwanted workload in the city, but it was a disgrace for the protests to go ahead in such circumstances.
Of course, the misguided individuals who are getting involved in these events are playing into the hands of the anarchists and other nutjobs who have an interest in disrupting law and order for their own nefarious purposes. Write a letter!
The killing of the two police officers, the shooting of a third and the tragic fallout that followed has really impacted the community at a time of change and uncertainty in Australia and threats to global security in Europe and the Middle East.
So, how does that affect us locally?
Of immediate interest is that from September 1, it will be illegal to own, use, buy, sell or transport a machete and an amnesty to allow for the safe disposal of these items will run from September 1 to November 30, 2025 with a safe disposal bin located at the Wonthaggi Police Station.
How has it come to this?
The reality is that we do have some serious problems in this country that have resulted from public policy, the rise and rise of illicit tobacco sales being one of them. You could probably name dozens more.
And together with the increasingly secretive nature of government authorities or the tendency to try and shutdown discussion about alternatives, it’s no wonder that the general community has disengaged or in the case of those few trying to bring about change, become frustrated at the response (or lack of it) they receive to their genuine inquiries.
What can we do? Focus on the many positives in this still great country of ours and try to bring about change through the proper channels, including the ballot box.
And those wishing to do something meaningful to support the police at this difficult time might consider making a donation to Victoria Police Legacy, a charitable not-for-profit organisation where funds go directly to those affected by this tragedy. Go to policelegacyvic.org.au.
