The Bugle has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we’ve received since creating the Blow Your Bugle column, which gives residents of the Kiama LGA the opportunity to share their thoughts on the issues that directly affect us all.We decided to allow anonymous comments for those that want to share their opinion without receiving prejudice. The Bugle has independently verified the identities of those that submit anonymous comments before publishing to ensure they come from residents of the LGA. However, we understand that just because The Bugle has verified this information, readers can’t be assured that these comments came from a genuine source within the community. For that reason, The Bugle will no longer publish comments from anonymous authors.If you would like your comments published in the Blow Your Bugle column, you will need to provide your name and the suburb you live in.We will, of course, continue to accept anonymous comments, and may use them in the course of our regular reporting. Thank you readers for your ongoing support. Happy commenting!

The following is a letter from Councillor Mark Croxford, JP in response to an ‘Open letter to Councillors from Sandra McCarthy OAM and Howard R Jones’, republished with permission.Dear Sandra and Howard,Thank you for your letter regarding the future of BlueHaven. Your engagement and concerns are appreciated.Council has resolved to sell the BlueHaven Residential Aged Care Facility. Personally, I hold the view that Council should not be involved in managing either Residential Aged Care or Independent Living Units. The circumstances under which BlueHaven was established in the 1980s have dramatically evolved. Changes in federal aged care legislation, heightened accreditation and compliance requirements, and the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care have significantly altered the landscape of aged care management.My personal connection to BlueHaven, particularly the memories of my mother's final days in the Mackellar Ward, are deeply meaningful to me.However, as an elected representative of our community, my duty is to make decisions based on the broader welfare of all residents, ratepayers, and business owners. Operating BlueHaven detracts from our ability to provide the essential Council services that our community expects and deserves.In this context, I will not be supporting your call to pause the process currently underway, nor any action that would result in instigating an independent review into the sequence of decisions. I believe the current path is the most responsible and prudent course of action for our community's future.Please be assured that my position is guided by a commitment to the overall progress and welfare of our municipality, balancing the practical considerations with the emotional aspects of this matter.RegardsMark

The following is an open letter written by former Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy OAM and former Kiama Councillor Howard R Jones to the current members of Kiama Council and the Minister for Local Government, republished with permission.Re: Lack of Social Licence for the proposed sale of Blue Haven Bonaira and call for an independent review.Council’s website indicates that the closing date for tender proposals is 19th December2023. This suggests that Councillors will be called upon to select a new owner early in2024.Kiama Aged Care Centre of Excellence a.k.a. Blue Haven Bonaira, is part of Kiama’smost significant public asset, an asset which has helped to define Kiama LGA for manyyears, an asset which is part of the highest employer in the LGA and which has touchedthe lives of a large part of the Kiama area community.These facts place a serious burden on the Council to ensure that the community isprepared to give Council a “social licence” to sell the asset. The term refers to the“acceptance” granted to the Council by the community to act in some way. It goesbeyond whether or not the Council has acted legally. The Ethics Centre suggests:The social license to operate is made up of three components: legitimacy, credibility, and trust.• Legitimacy: this is the extent to which an individual or organisation plays by the ‘rules of thegame’. That is, the norms of the community, be they legal, social, cultural, formal or informalin nature.• Credibility: this is the individual or company’s capacity to provide true and clear informationto the community and fulfil any commitments made.• Trust: this is the willingness to be vulnerable to the actions of another. It is a very high quality of relationship and takes time and effort to create.In this letter we highlight matters which suggest the community remains unconvinced that all avenues leading to retention have been investigated, that much of the decision making has been out of sight and that confusion in the status of Kiama’s financial circumstances has allowed an ideological belief that Aged Care is not core business for Kiama Council to dominate the outcome from the beginning.The lack of trust engendered by this process will have long term implications for Council’s relationship with its community as we face the challenges of the next decade.Our Request:We call on Council to support a motion:1. To suspend all action on the process of the divestment of assets located at Blue Haven Bonaira, on the basis that the process lacks a social licence, has not been transparent, has been flawed due to incorrect and changing financial statements during the course of the debate, and that the process has lacked any serious reference to the historical corporate knowledge of what has been a successful model of opera/on of the service by Kiama Municipal Council over decades.2. Following a suspension of action (as per 1. above), to seek an intervention by theMinister for Local Government to independently review the entire process (reclassification and proposed sale) so that both Councillors and the Community can be fully informed before such a major decision is made.Background to these concerns:A sale of Blue Haven Bonaira and Community services would be the finalisation ofwhat has been a confusing and complicated process for Council and the Communityand would involve the loss of Kiama Community’s most significant public infrastructure asset, and an aged care service for the Kiama Community which has been part of defining Kiama as a compassionate and caring Local Government Area for decades.Such a profound sale must not only tick any legal boxes, but should also satisfy therequirements of a “social licence” to make such a decision on behalf of the KiamaCommunity. As such, it must also tick the boxes of “legitimacy”, “credibility”, and“trust”.For over two years the Community and Councillors have been provided via mediareports, a negative view and future for a much-loved asset and service to support anideological opinion that aged care services are not core Council business, despite agedcare being a core Kiama Council business for 40 years. This negative public campaignappears to have been to boost support for a sale and inadvertently or otherwise, webelieve has unnecessarily harmed the reputation of Blue Haven.Further, such an ideological position flies in the face of the Royal Commission intoAged Care Quality and Safety which found that not-for-profit agencies such as LocalGovernment provide a better level of care than for-profit services. It also immediatelyestablishes a bias towards the sale of the asset and suggests to the Community an unwillingness to properly assess and balance the financial and social factors. Webelieve that Council has demonstrated apprehended bias in this regard.Given the importance of the facility in the lives of so many people, the growing olderdemographic of the LGA and the ongoing standing of Kiama LGA, we believe that asocial licence to sell has not been established with the Kiama Community.It is extremely concerning on reading the recent Independent Auditor’s Reports thatthe elected Councillors voted to sell Blue Haven Bonaira on information and reportsthat were deemed to be incorrect and subject to a disclaimer. This would appear tobe a breach of fiduciary duty and trust of the elected Council. Councillors are electedto protect the public interest.Early publicity relating to Council’s troublesome financial position was quickly blamedon Blue Haven Bonaira and yet the most recent audited financial statements (for thefinancial year ended 30 June 2022) show that Blue Haven was out-performing Council’s other municipal operations in that year. Given the financial “moving feast” described in the public reports and financial statements over recent times and more detailed forensic reviews being subject to confidentiality restrictions, together with an unwillingness by the auditors to fully sign off on Council’s “books”, the Community is justified in having very little confidence in any decision to sell.The difficult financial status of Kiama Council was from the beginning, both linked to the Blue Haven Bonaira facility as well as to supposed systemic financial problems dating back many years to previous administrations and elected Councils. Under the cloak of confidentiality, little of any comprehensive detail required to support such allegations has been made available to the Community, nor to those whose reputations have been questioned as a result.Councillors and the Community were assured from the beginning that all avenuesopen to Council would be assessed however the Community is yet to see the fulldetailed comparison of the long-term business plans that supported a “sell” ratherthan “lease”, “joint venture”, or “retain” options.As so often happened in this matter, principal documents remained confidential, andthe community saw only those extracts which supported the case for sell. Why hasthe Community been shielded from these business cases and proof that all avenueshave been exhausted?The highly publicised “existential threat” posed by Council’s loan commitments, wereoriginally only seen as being resolved through the sale of Blue Haven. Over time we have seen Council assets sold which have contributed to all but $15 million of the loanbeing repaid. This latter amount is now the subject of a renegotiated agreement withTCorp, questionably Ted to a sale of Blue Haven Bonaira.Very little information has been made public about whether the sale of other assetsbeing considered by Council might fill the “TCorp” gap allowing Blue Haven Bonaira toremain in public hands.We highlight a number of specific matters below and request Councillors note withconcern that these inconsistencies and/or lack of clarity and transparency undermineany “social licence” needed to take the profound action of “sale” on behalf of theKiama Community.1. The promised detailed study of the relative benefits of the “lease”, “sell”, “jointventure” or “retain” options prior to Council making a decision to “sell”, has notbeen presented in full to the CommunityComprehensive business cases, outlining the “lease”, “sell”, “joint venture” or “retain” options as per a Council resolution of 23 May 2022, were also a requirement of the Performance Improvement Order in November 2022.The Community is entitled to see the full detailed business cases for each option, particularly given the early call for a sale, the comments about aged care not being a core business of Council and the uncertainty about the financial status of council.Access to these cases is fundamental if the community is to understand the reasons for choosing “sell” over the other options.Given the full report was confidential, the Community should not have to “second guess” the basis of decisions being made about a sale.This lack of transparency and fulfilment of both the promises via Council resolution and Ministerial directive undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has to make a sale.2. Report on the general purpose financial statements does nothing to provide thecommunity with confidence in Council’s decision.There is significant uncertainty implicit in the 28 September 2023 Disclaimer of Opinion of the Independent Auditor’s Report where the Director, Financial Audit Branch, Lisa Berwick, states:“I do not express an opinion on the accompanying financial statements of the Council. Because of the significance of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of my report, I have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the financial statements.”“Council disclosed $53.9 million of externally restricted cash in Note C1-3 'Restricted and allocated cash, cash equivalents and investments' at 30 June 2022. I was unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support the completeness and accuracy of the amount that Council has designated as externally restricted as at 30 June 2022 with respect to holiday parks (Crown Land); Blue Haven aged in-home care unspent client fund; domestic waste management; Blue Haven ILU Maintenance Levy carried forward surplus(Terralong and Bonaira); Blue Haven Residential aged care prudential standards and Blue Haven Community Services Bus replacement fund. These components are reported at $11.5 million.””The material nature and pervasiveness of these issues means I cannot express an opinion on the accompanying financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022.””I draw attention to Note A1-1 'Basis of Preparation', where the Council reported it has accessed externally restricted funds without the required Ministerial approval. Such unapproved use does not comply with sections 409 and 410 of the LG Act.”“The Councillors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the LG Act, and for such internal control as the Councillors determine is necessary to enable the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.”“In preparing the financial statements, the Councillors are responsible for assessing the Council’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting.”“......... because of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of my report, I was not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the financial statements.”Such uncertainty undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has tomake a sale.3. Report on the special purpose financial statements does nothing to provide the community with confidence in Council’s decision.There is significant uncertainty implicit in the 28 September 2023 Disclaimer of Opinion of the Independent Auditor’s Report, where the Delegate of the Auditor-General for New South Wales, Lisa Berwick, states in relation to the Declared Business Activities of Council, i.e., Holiday Parks, Blue Haven (Residential Aged Care Facility and Independent Living Units), Commercial Waste and Plant Hire Activities, and the Pavilion:“I do not express an opinion on the accompanying special purpose financial statements of the Council's Declared Business Activities. Because of the significance of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of my report, I have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the special purpose financial statements.”The Income Statement of Blue Haven for the financial year ended 30 June 2022 showed a surplus of $1.080 million. This figure is in contrast to the long running statements by some Councillors and Council staff during 2022, that Blue Haven was operating at a loss and the underlying cause of potential financial ruin of the Council.It has taken until the October 2023 meeting for Councillors to be provided with more reliable financial facts for Blue Haven - a year later Council resolved to sell Blue Haven Bonaira.It appears that we are faced with the spectre of a potentially profitable business of Council for decades providing a highly regarded community service, being sold and that services which are a greater drain on Council’s finances being retained.Such uncertainty undermines any social licence the Council may believe it hasto make a sale.4. The overstated value of Blue Haven Bonaira Residential Aged Care by $49.1MSuch an error does not engender Community confidence in the accuracy of information presented to Councillors when assessing the need to sell and the longer-term impacts of the sale. Was this over-valuation used as part of Council’s assessment of the value of a sale?Such uncertainty undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has tomake a sale.5. Inconsistencies in Council resolutions and statements regarding the future ofHome Care packages and Community TransportThroughout the divestment process there has been considerable uncertaintyregarding the future of the Home Care Packages and Community Transport which had their offices in Blue Haven Bonaira. It has been an “on again, off again” merry- go-round driven by public statements, Council resolutions and Council reports. This uncertainty, associated with matters which were at the heart of support for residents and others gave little confidence in the process.Such uncertainty undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has tomake a sale.6. Reclassification process and the Public HearingIn response to a Council resolution of 23 May 2022 requesting an analysis of all optons for Blue Haven in its entirety, i.e., “lease, sell, joint venture, or retain” being presented to Councillors “for approval of the preferred option”, a Council report was issued for the 28 June 2022 Council meeting, which stated:“Reclassification of the Bonaira site to operational land must be undertaken to allow existing site usage to occur legally regardless of any option” [lease,sell, joint venture, retain] and that “$60,000” was required “for planning work and public hearing required for classification”.Considering the language used that the land “must” be reclassified for existing siteusage to occur “legally”, it was understandable that a majority of Councillors would vote to put $60,000 towards planning work and Public Hearing required for reclassification, and thereafter support a reclassifcation.The community is yet to see information in support of the statement that a reclassification “must” occur for Blue Haven Bonaira to operate “legally”.It is extremely concerning that Councillors were provided with unsubstantiatedadvice to facilitate a reclassification process.Further, it was not until the Public Hearing for the Planning Proposal to reclassifythe land from Community to Operational that the Community became aware ofthe restriction on the use of the land (by the Health Administration Corporation)that until 2027, the land is not to be used otherwise than for the construction andoperation of a 134 bed Residential Aged Care Facility, seniors living accommodation including independent living units and assisted living units, and all ancillary facilities and uses.This was agreed to by Council to expand aged care services for Kiama and theRegion.NSW Health was supportive of the Council project as it provided aged care for citizens that were taking up public hospital beds awaiting nursing home placement.Any purchaser of Blue Haven Bonaira would be entitled to do whatever they wish with the land and buildings after 18 January 2027 despite the hollow attempt to argue that somehow Council would be able to control what happened after the sale. The Council website states:“Council has already said that any sale must be to an approved Aged Care Provider. Further, in the clear acknowledgement of its intention that the operations continue, it has stated the provider needs to operate under the Aged Care Act and Retirement Villages Act.”All Aged Care Providers need to operate under the Aged Care Act and the Retirement Villages Act. This does not preclude any Aged Care Provider that may purchase the complex repurposing the land and buildings after 18 January 2027.The Independent Living Units are subject to contract, but as for caring for our most vulnerable nursing home citizens there is absolutely no obligation after 18 January 2027. One future possibility is the closing of the only publicly owned nursing home in Kiama LGA and a loss of 134 aged care beds in the Illawarra region.Such a lack of transparency undermines any social licence the Council may believe it has to make a sale.7. A determination to sell seven (7) months prior to the Public Hearing, includingresolutions of Council and many public statements to that effect, provided anunequal “playing field” in which the various Community concerns were nottreated with seriousnessCouncil’s frantic search for reasons as to why the land had not been classified within three (3) months of acquisition, ultimately settling on the questionable “oversight” reason stated in the Planning Proposal, and unsubstantiated reasons provided in Council reports as to why the facility “should” be reclassified to “Operational” did not cover up the fact that it simply needed to be reclassified in order for a sale to be made.Whilst the Mayor said publicly that the Department of Planning and Environment “agreed” with Council’s proposition that the land defaulted to being “Community” due to an “oversight”, another more likely interpretation is that the Department was simply taking on face value that the “oversight” reason provided by Council in the Planning Proposal was correct.We have ascertained that there is no letter from the Department to Council mentioning the word “oversight” nor “agreeing” with “oversight” as a reason for the default “Community” land classification.At the time of acquisition of the Bonaira land, due to Council’s long term and continuing commitment to aged care, there was no suggestion that the land needed to be “Operational” nor was there any intention in the future to sell. It was totally reasonable for Council to let the default “Community” classification occurafter 3 months of acquisition, as the Local Government Act provides. Council concluded that the absence of a Plan of Management (POM) for Blue Haven Bonaira supported an “Operational” land classification, however the absence of a POM can reasonably be explained by “Timing”.We note that residents of Independent Living Units and the Residential Aged Care Facility did not move to the new facility until mid-December 2019, and Barroul House did not open until mid-2020 with the opening delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The former General Manager took leave a few months later in November 2020 and resigned in December 2020, with the current CEO not commencing with Council until June 2021.Enquiries were made with Council as to whether a Plan of Management would be produced, however the topic of a Plan of Management was disregarded in the pursuit of an “Operational” land classification. Enquiries were made with the Office of Local Government with their advice being that a Plan of Management be pursued with the Council. All attempts to address this issue with the Council proved fruitless.Council’s decision to sell Blue Haven Bonaira in October 2022 made a mockery of the Public Hearing in May 2023 which effectively had a predetermined outcome and gave lip service to the Community concerns raised. This is evidenced in the Executive Summary for the finalisation of the Planning Proposal for the 20 June 2023 Council meeting, which states: “Council has previously resolved to reclassify the land in October 2022.”Fifteen (15) out of sixteen (16) speakers at the Public Hearing either opposed the reclassification completely or opposed the inclusion of Barroul House. The 15 speakers opposing, represented significant involvement with and knowledge of the history, management, and social significance of Blue Haven.The Public Hearing Report noted Community interest in Council’s ongoing decisions about the proposed reclassification and future of Blue Haven Bonaira and stated that the provision of information regarding questions raised “may assist in responding to community concerns and will need to be given consideration in furthering the reclassification process”. Council responded by issuing a half-page report which did not satisfactorily answer the questions raised in the Public Hearing Report.The Public Hearing process of May 2023 was undermined by the prior decision of Council to “sell” in October 2022 and purportedly “again” in February 2023.The Public Hearing process therefore undermined any social licence the Council may believe it has to make a sale.8. Community faith in the process has been further eroded by the fact that Councilmade no public references to the perceived conflict of interest that saw some ofthose who advised the Council to sell then taking a major role in the sale processAlthough not implying that any wrongdoing resulted from these actions, there areconcerns that Council did not demonstrate to the community that the potential for conflicts of interest had been identified and publicly responded to.The Community was also given no explanation about the “en-masse” resignation of the Blue Haven Board and experts in mid-2022, contributing to the concerns about management and the perception of reduced Community involvement in the governance of Kiama Council’s largest asset.The lack of transparency in these fundamental processes, and concerns about governance undermine any social licence the Council believes it has.9. Retention of Barroul House as a public asset, on land which remained “Community” land was simply ignored as an option by Council staff and Councillors who voted for the reclassificationThis was a total rejection of the submissions and arguments in favour of the well documented “public” and “community” role that the refurbished historic building should play. For example, as shown in the Commonwealth Standard Grant Agreement – Building Better Regions Fund – Barroul House, which provided Council with $1.4 million for the refurbishment, there are a substantial number of statements confirming the “Community” values, including:a. “The proposal will maximise the public access to Barroul House providing a safe entrance and use, and enhance the community engagement of the project and understanding of Barroul House.”b. “The vision for Barroul House precinct is to be arts, cultural and community hub, helping to overcome social isolation in our ageing population and provide opportunities for children and ageing to link together in a community setting.”c. “Council will liaise with the local Wodi Wodi Indigenous people to create a sensory and indigenous garden that tells the story of the local indigenous community in a landscaped and engaging way. It will be a combine plants, landscaping ie pathways, materials, story boards and opportunities for community to touch, smell and taste our local indigenous food. These components will also be linked café [sic] and where possible indigenous people and suppliers will be used.”d. “The heritage listed Barroul House will be restored and re-opened to the public through the inclusion of a café, art gallery, art studio, meeting room space, landscaped gardens to provide a safe sensory area for dementia patients and dementia sufferers from the local area to visit.”e. “The intention is that the entire site be vibrant and inviting to the community and the residents and act as the nucleus of Blue Haven Aged Care Facility.”f. “Our Project has the ability to become a community and social hub both for residents, workers and the community. Improving community connection and social inclusion for our ageing population is improve to maintain active wellbeing, including mental health. A community hub that engages with all ages of our community will improve connectons within our community. Barroul House will improve our community connections.”g. “Kiama Council have been working on the overall strategy since 2008 to ensure the region of Kiama have an aged care facility on the Kiama Hospital site. Part of this site includes the Historic Barroul House. The funding for Barroul House will ensure that the Kiama Aged Care Centre of Excellence (KACCOE) provides the residents and community with a safe meeting space away from the aged care facility, that will provide a sensory environment and garden area benefiting both dementia residents and the general community assisting with their quality of life. These senses will be not only sight, but sound, touch, taste and smell.”h. “This part of the project is seen as the priority by the community and is an essential benefit to our community through the reusing of the old Kiama Hospital Site. It is only by achieving the full redevelopment of that site that Council will be able to provide the community of Kiama with a fully integrated health and aged care living precinct that will be a centre of excellence that also offers community facilities and welcomes people ontothe site.”i. “This project represents a vision from Kiama Council for its community. The Commonwealth Grant Agreement for Barroul House, dated 15 September 2018, contains a substantial amount of information to show that the land at Blue Haven Bonaira was always intended to be classified as ‘Community’ land. Even from a “devil’s advocate” standpoint, if not the whole of the land at the very least Barroul House and its curtilage, the latter being supported by a “hatched plan” in the “Request To Note Retirement Village” that Council signed on 10 September 2019, which excluded Barroul House and its curtilage from being recorded as a “retirement village”.The totality of this information discredits the “oversight” reason that was stated in Council’s Planning Proposal, on the Council website, by a Council staff presentation at the Public Hearing, by the Mayor, and reported in The Bugle newspaper.It is extremely concerning that relevant content within the aforesaid Commonwealth Grant Agreement was not included in Council’s Planning Proposal or mentioned by Council at any time during the reclassification process, and that the document was not produced until the day before the 20 June 2023 Council meeting was held to reclassify the land.On Monday, 19 June 2023 at 4:53:29 PM, Council issued a second Supplementary Agenda containing the Commonwealth Grant Agreement, with that timing preventing members of the Community from being able to read the 65-page document or register to speak about it at Public Access which was held at 5:00 PM.The refusal of the Council to embrace their “public” and “community” responsibilities through the retention of Barroul House contributes to the Council failing to obtain the “social licence” needed to proceed with a sale.Finally, as indicated on page 2 of this letter, we request that Councillors exercise the power of good governance and act with care and due diligence:(1) By suspending all action on the process of the divestment of assets located at Blue Haven Bonaira; and(2) By seeking an intervention by the Minister for Local Government to independently review the entire process (reclassification and proposed sale).It is the most fundamental duty of elected Councillors to protect the assets and services that are owned by the Community.We reassert that Council has not earned a social licence from the Community to proceed with a sale of any assets located at Blue Haven Bonaira.Emeritus Mayor, Sandra McCarthy OAM0409 366 723Former Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Howard R Jones0404 149 374

The Big Four bank CEOs would have been extremely unhappy on Friday as they monitored the Canberra hearing of the Senate inquiry into bank closures in regional Australia.What they heard in that hearing is literally their worst nightmare: strong advocacy for a government-owned bank, operating through post offices, to force the Big Four to truly compete.Australia had public banks for more than a century before they were all privatised in the 1980s and 1990s, under lobbying pressure from the private banks whining that having to compete with public banks was unfair.Talk of re-establishing a public bank terrifies the Big Four banks more than anything else.Following a year of the Senate inquiry hearing stories of appalling private bank behaviour, the inquiry heard from multiple witnesses promoting a public bank solution, including the Licensed Post Office Group (LPOG), public policy think tank Per Capita, and the Australian Citizens Party (ACP).LPOG Chair Scott Etherington and Executive Director Angela Cramp testified on the role of post offices in banking services. When asked by inquiry Chair Senator Matt Canavan if the LPOG supported a government postal bank, Scott Etherington replied:“We’d be absolutely supportive of a government bank, and using the Australia Post network as its agency to provide the face-to-face services. We think that would be an excellent solution.”Emma Dawson testified on Per Capita’s 2020 report, “PostBank: Filling a Void, Securing Essential Services”, which recounts the story of the establishment of Kiwibank in New Zealand in 2002.“Just as we would not leave the creation and maintenance of our health system, or our roads, entirely in private hands, we should not leave our banking services, financial infrastructure, and financial stability entirely in private hands”, Emma Dawson said. “A government-owned bank offers many benefits to Australians, including improving services to those currently underbanked customers, especially in rural and regional areas, improving standards across the financial services industry, and providing stability to Australia’s economy in times of volatility in international financial markets.”After years of helping to establish many Senate inquiries into banking-related issues, including this one, in a historic first the ACP was finally invited to testify on “Why a national People’s Bank is the solution to the crisis of bank branch closures”.Addressing the ACP’s witnesses, Research Director Robert Barwick and Executive Member Glen Isherwood, inquiry Chair Matt Canavan opened: “I do want to also thank and recognise both of your efforts in both following the inquiry, at cost to yourselves, all around the country, and also just your involvement generally—it’s been very, very useful. We appreciate your interest.”Robert Barwick said: “We know a public post office People’s Bank will stop the Big Four banks in Australia from closing branches, because it’s happened before. In 2002, when Kiwibank started [in New Zealand], their banks, which are owned by our Big Four banks, stopped closing branches for seven years straight. They had closed 1,300 branches in the two decades before that; there were no branch closures in NZ for seven years straight after Kiwibank was established. That’s why we support this solution to this inquiry.”Glen Isherwood pointed out that one man in New Zealand, Jim Anderton, championed Kiwibank, just as King O’Malley had championed Australia’s Commonwealth Bank, which had eventually overcome the powerful opposition of the private banks: “You do need a Jim Anderton, you do need a King O’Malley in this place to not take ‘no’ for an answer, to take that determination forward”, Isherwood said.The ACP urged the committee to recommend the public solution in its report, due in May 2024.

Dear Editor As Christmas fast approaches, so will the point of crisis for many people struggling to make ends meet. Christmas is the busiest time of year for the Salvos. A time of hope, joy, and celebration – things that make Christmas good. But the reality is, Aussies are losing the battle to stay afloat. While generally regarded as a celebration of togetherness with loved ones, Christmas can also be stressful and isolating for many people experiencing hardship, especially in light of the current cost of living crisis. Many will be unable to afford basic necessities, such as food, utilities or housing. New research from The Salvation Army shows that 62% of Australians are more stressed about their finances this year. Behind this statistic lies countless stories of struggle. We are seeing families, once financially stable, now grappling with the daunting challenges of making ends meet. The research also found that nearly half (48.9%) of those seeking help from a charity this Christmas will be doing so for the first time. People are at breaking point. This Christmas, we want to ensure that nobody struggles alone. During these times of hardship, it is extremely challenging for people to feel a sense of belonging and connection, especially at a time when being surrounded by loved ones matters most. While the compounding impacts of the last few years continue, our support for the community will not waver. For more than 140 years, The Salvation Army has journeyed through some of the toughest times alongside the Australian community. Caring for people lies at the heart of The Salvation Army. By being present in local communities, we hope to provide the support people need for a more hopeful new year. So please reach out. The Salvos are here to lend a hand to anyone in need this Christmas – whether it is financial support to ease the burden of a stretched household budget, a Christmas hamper to feed the family or ensuring children revel in the magic of the season. We in turn hope to spread the love, peace and joy that is much needed this Christmas. We want to encourage everyone to embrace the season by connecting with loved ones, sharing meals and spreading joy by giving to one another. We aim to make sure Christmas is a safe and happy time for all – which is why we ask you to give what you can this Christmas. Your contribution goes a long way to ensuring our services can continue to provide gifts, warm meals or a safe place to sleep for those who need it most. If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Colonel Rodney WaltersThe Salvation Army 

Note: The following is my personal view and does not represent the views of Kiama Municipal Council.My Censure Context: The complaint leading to my censure in July 2023 originated from a single anonymous source, with the motivation of the complaint unknown. Despite this complaint having no direct impact on the council's decision-making process, an independent investigation was conducted, leading to a recommendation for censure by the councillors.Councillor Renkema-Lang's Censure: In contrast, Councillor Renkema-Lang was censured for speaking out against a binding resolution of the Council. This censure was based on complaints from multiple sources, as determined by the independent investigation.Key Point: Both censures were conducted under the same Code of Conduct, a requirement for 128 councils across NSW. However, the nature and sources of the complaints in each case were markedly different.Final Thought: Upholding fairness and consistency in all council decisions and processes is essential for maintaining the integrity of the council. Accepting decisions that are democratically and lawfully made by the majority vote is fundamental to being a councillor. Failing to do so undermines one's sworn oath or affirmation of office.It's concerning to see a disregard for the rules-based system that governs us all. While some may view this as commendable, it's important to remember the significance of adhering to established guidelines and procedures.It's not just about individual actions; it's about maintaining the integrity and order that are essential for our community's well-being. Everyone, regardless of their position, should be accountable to the same standards.Councillor Mark Croxford, JP

Dear Editor, I am deeply troubled by the treatment that Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang has received from the council.She is a resilient and intelligent individual, and her dedication to our community has been undeniable. Among the council members, she has been the one I truly believed cared for both us, the residents, and the well-being of our community.At a time when the disrespect towards women is alarmingly increasing, the recent actions of the council and Mayor Reilly are disappointing. The decision to prevent any female representatives from speaking at the latest council meeting and the subsequent censorship of Karen Renkema-Lang do not reflect the respect that should be shown towards women. This conduct is not only disheartening but also sets a poor example for how our citizens, especially women, are treated. It is my sincere hope that Mayor Reilly and the council take a moment to reflect on their actions. Your actions, whether deliberate or inadvertent, are observed not only by our local community but also serve as a representation of how women are regarded across Australia.Yours sincerely, Another Concerned Resident of Kiama

I think our community should be outraged to learn that Council is using its code of conduct policy to silence councillors who criticise Council policies and decisions in the media.Kiama Council’s censuring of Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang for expressing a differing viewpoint and bravely representing her constituency is both shocking and anti-democratic. This intolerance to criticism aligns with Councils move to also silence the precinct committees that have represented community views for more than 30 years. One must ask why free and open exchange of ideas and respect for community views is being curtailed by this increasingly authoritarian Council?Howard H Jones, Former Councillor

Does it seem odd to anyone else that the council, which increased building height limits from 3 to 6 storeys is the same council that sold its land to a developer specialising in multi-storey high rise? It must've been difficult to argue against the change since the council's own Bluehaven units off Thompson St already exceed the height restrictions placed on the rest of the town centre.I don't believe that any promises were made to Level 33 Property Developers to secure the sale of Akuna St car park regarding the review of the height restrictions but perhaps we should be grateful they only requested 6 storeys. It is still disappointing to see some of our council give in to inevitable progress forgoing our tourist village atmosphere. I'm sure that's how Byron Bay felt back when they were considered Australia's most livable city. Anonymous Kiama resident

I am appalled by Council's decision to censure Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang based on her comments during the 10-minute radio interview attached to today’s article by Brendon Foye. I am sure the technicalities of the censure would be supported by some bureaucratic mumbo jumbo but I would question why any paid member of council's staff would spend their time and our money when real world issues needing solutions are buried on their desks. Then again, isn't that why Council is in the state that it is in. All show! To compare Karen's very measured and thoughtful comments against some that I, and others I speak to privately hold about council would, by these standards, see us all held in detention awaiting extradition to another council area.Concerned Kiama resident

Dear Editor,I was recently concerned over a local issue and wonder if would you be interested in publishing in our local paper. I have contacted Kiama Council but have yet to receive a response. I visit both north and southeast beach rocks on a regular basis.  Over the past years, I often come across very distressing scenes where a rock platform is covered in litter, I assume primarily from rock fishing.This mainly seems to occur after weekends or school holidays. I often find scenes of multiple cigarette butts, plastic containers and bags with discarded bait, fishing wire/hooks, plastic bottles, night fishing equipment with toxic glow sticks etc.   Yesterday I was devastated to not only find another litter scene but also multiple under sized species left to die on the rocks for no apparent reason. This included a port Jackson shark, banjo shark and multiple sting rays which where all babies/small or undersized. I have emailed the council and fisheries for whatever it is worth. I personally find it incredibly distressing to find such a precious ecosystem so regularly violated.  I hate to use this site for negativity however I would like to raise local awareness and seek practical suggestions regarding local environment/marine protection.   Kind Regards Tess Donovan

So rare is it that The Bugle receives a literal hand-written letter to the editor that we've decided to publish this letter in it's original format.The Bugle thanks any and all readers who take the time to provide their feedback and keep the community conversation going.

As a self-confessed COB, in training (Cranky Old Bastard), I read Donna Portlands' article (The Bugle, 4, Nov 2023) at first with confusion, then bewilderment, and finally with amusement. As I attempted to make sense of the academic feminist gobbledegook, explaining what ‘Girl Maths’ is. At the end of the article, despite the plethora of highly qualified female ‘experts’ being quoted, I was still unclear about what ‘Girl Maths’ is. After ‘Googling’ the term, it essentially seems to be a name generated by female radio presenters to describe a method of justifying and rationalising purchases young women cannot afford.We used to call it ‘Champagne lifestyle on a beer budget’!For those who were similarly left confused, here's a quote from news.com 3 October 2023, that offers insight:‘I love Girl Maths. If I want to buy a sweater for $100, but it’s 50% off, I buy it. That means I saved $50, and then if I buy a top for $60, I have only spent $10, which means I’ve saved money!’You can make up your own mind about that little piece of convoluted mental gymnastics!Upon reflection, there seems to be quite a similarity between the academic feminist gobbledegook in the article, absolving young women of personal responsibility in their spending habits, and the mental gymnastics of ‘Girl Maths’.Steven R Sweeney

The Kindness of Strangers I would like to thank the anonymous Colleen from Old Saddleback Road who helped me one night when I was visiting Kiama.The kind and wonderfully caring Colleen showed such compassion and sensitivity towards me. She comforted me with her calm and self assured voice and offered me the use of her phone and walked me some distance in the dark. A nearby resident of Saddleback Road also showed such kindness when he also came out of his house to offer me water and assistance. This touching and heart warming experience has left me with such appreciation and admiration for the kindness of these people in the Kiama community. Thank you Name withheld for privacy.

Dear BugleWhy hasn't Woolies or the developers been required to install some sort of covering around its site? The dust that blows from the site is bad, not to mention the visual impact of all that mess. Anywhere else in NSW a site like this would be required to have a hoarding all around it to protect the community. Why is this site different?Dr Kel Dummett

As a matter of public interest, would you kindly investigate and publish Kiama Council's plans to replace the parking spaces it will eliminate by its recent sale of the two car parks in Akuna Street. I had some time to kill recently and counted slightly over 100 cars parked in these two car parks during weekday business hours.I assume any new developments would include parking for associated new businesses and residents but where are the other 100 odd poor souls expected to park? No one I speak to seems to know apart from expecting chaos from Council not even have considered matter.

Dear Editor,After hearing and reading about some peoples relationships with In-laws, I thought that I would like to share my story.Twenty years ago my wife lost her battle against breast cancer leaving me with two in-laws.Some years later I ended up with another set of In-laws.For a reasonable period in my life I had two Fathers In-law and two Mothers In-law, and they all treated me with love and respect.Although at times their ideas and mannerisms were a tad frustrating, I feel privileged to have had four wonderful people in my life.Joe A.

Editor,  I readily acknowledge the good work that Ms Phillips does for her electorate. However, my numerous attempts to determine her views about federal issues have been met with a stone wall. Specifically, I sought to understand her views about the recent Qantas Airlines fiasco. In particular, the perception that our Prime Minister and his Minister for Transport were being unduly influenced by that business at the expense of a more competitive airline industry and lower airfares.  In reply I was whitewashed with a reply about a forthcoming White Paper on the industry. My subsequent attempt to gain her views was ignored. I can only surmise that party loyalty is more important than communication with her community.Our precious democracy would be so much better served if our politicians were to be transparent in relation to their position on both local and federal issues of interest to their electorate. The Teals have shown the way on this. We can only hope for this trend to be contagious or for more independents to emerge with the promise of transparency and direct communication.R Collins AM

Hi...just want to suggest similar measures to those the Vic govt have introduced as another tool for alleviating housing stress in Kiama and other coastal towns. Land tax for property other than primary residences. The tax needs to be big enough to make owning a holiday house less attractive. This would reduce demand for property alleviating housing price. Holiday houses sit empty a lot of the year. This is a huge waste in a housing crisis. Tax raised could be directed to homelessness services or social housing.