I refer to the article entitled Duffy tired of the secrets published in the Central Western Daily on February 23 in which Councillor Kevin Duffy expressed his concern about “secret briefings to councillors”.
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It appears that this is a growing trend within Orange City Council. To say the least, it is a most disturbing trend.
For one of its own councillors to bring such a concern to public attention should raise alarm bells within the community, which is served by the Orange City Council.
Secret briefings behind closed doors lead to a distinct and worrying possibility that the council has something to hide. Such might not be the case but there is that perception.
Open government, at any level, is essential in a democratic society. Worse still is the distinct possibility that lack of openness and transparency can lead to corrupt conduct.
The litany of cases before ICAC involving elected and government officials is testimony to this. The “secret briefings to councillors” should be stopped in their tracks.
Any “secret briefings” that have taken place already should be placed on the public record so that the community can have confidence in the integrity of elected officials, council officers and the council in general.
Bill Walsh
NOT MANY BABY DONALDS
I CAN’T imagine too many baby boys being named ‘Donald’ during the next three or four years.
I'm also sure that the word ‘Trump’ will take on new meanings.
I'll leave readers to ponder that, while I turn off the television news featuring President Trump dropping yet another diplomatic bombshell.
Does he suffer from ‘foot-in-mouth’ disease? Will Donald Duck change his name after all these years?
These are important questions to reflect on and I'm sure that our politicians will put them on the top of their list.
Keith Curry
REJOICING AT HSC REFORMS
THE HSC will have new syllabuses in English, Maths, Science and History. A new topic, the Craft of Writing, will be compulsory for English students and will include subjects that will assist students to improve their grammar and writing skills.
This is wonderful news indeed.
For too long the technical rigour and discipline associated with effective written communication were surrendered in favour of topics that enabled a student to express their individuality and creativity in a contemporary society - whatever that means.
I look forward to the written work of graduates, whether it be a job application, a business letter, a tender document, a love letter or a letter to a newspaper.
I'll be on the lookout for split infinitives, fused gerunds and dangling participles.
Paul Hunt
INEVITABLY, over the years, the teaching of grammar declined and generations of English teachers came into the profession with a minimal understanding of the basics.
This raises the interesting point of where the schools are going to find the English teachers to implement the new syllabus requirements. Given that most students gain their expertise and accuracy from their reading and from the example of model speakers of the language I am intrigued by the likely impact of television and social media on the effort to turn back the tide.