Wouldn't it be better to step back? Intrigue over investigation

Ms Pendlebury has had a long, remunerated, relationship with the OCC, has been chosen by, appointed by, and will be paid by, the OCC.

I have no doubt that Ms Pendlebury is a very capable and professional practitioner. But surely council should be at arm's length in the process of appointing an independent investigator to investigate council's own actions?

Most of us can recall some of our teachers' comments on report cards, and then do our best to hide them from grandchildren and other family members.

"Could do better" and "lazy" are two that come quickly to mind.

One of mine that I've referred to before was: "Keith must be good at something, but it's nothing we teach at this school."

Then I read in Column 8, a comment that topped all others: "The comment 'lazy' on your correspondent's school report would be considered kindly encouragement from my former Latin teacher, who once described my work as 'slovenly, slipshod, slapdash and slothful'. (Coral Button of North Epping; Sydney Morning Herald; April 5.)

Ah, those were the days!

Research commissioned by Dementia Australia and undertaken by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2023 shows the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to nearly double by 2054.

In 2024 it is estimated there are more than 138,200 people living with all forms of dementia in New South Wales.

This figure is projected to increase to almost 252,800 by 2054.

No one should have to face dementia alone.

Dementia Australia is here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

If you or a loved one have a diagnosis of dementia, or mild cognitive impairment, or you're concerned about changes to your cognition or that of a loved one, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Criminal cases must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Civil cases must be proven on the balance of probabilities, a lesser and I believe more realistic standard.

The judgement by Justice Lee that Bruce Lehrmann is a liar and a rapist, will allow Brittany Higgins to sue for damages in a civil court ("Judge finds Lehrmann lied, raped Ms Higgins", Herald, 16/4). But I expect Ms Higgins is unlikely to do this.

Even if Ms Higgins succeeds, Mr Lehrmann probably cannot afford to pay damages and legal fees and is likely to declare bankruptcy. Ms Higgins may need to be satisfied with a moral victory. It is estimated that Australia has 150,000 or more rapes per year, or that 0.6 per cent of men commit rapes each year. Most rapes are not reported to police.

By its very nature, rape is a private crime. In a criminal trial, the judge is often faced with a contest of credibility, a he-said-she said situation. Consequently, only half of men put on trial for rape are convicted.

Because of the unlikelihood of success, and the certainty of reliving the trauma if called to the witness stand, most women refuse to criminally charge their rapists. Meanwhile, rapists who go unreported are free to rape again. The law really is an ass.

Who wants to defund the police today ('Broken hearts and heroes', Central Western Daily 15/4)? Thanks to all who give so much for our freedom.

Gun laws - thank goodness Australia has them. Think how many more would have been killed if the Bondi Junction stabbing perpetrator had carried an AK-47 instead.