Are we serious in this country?
That’s my question.
We have politicians who are in fairy land, making weird decisions when it looks like our economy is about to tank.
The latest reports in the media say the autocrat in Western Australia is considering a public holiday to celebrate the King’s coronation in May.
Wow! Are they going that well in the west that they can afford another holiday, in a country that must lead the world in public holidays, and pay penalty rates on them?
I am not sure about the economy in WA but on the east coast, people are living on the breadline or below.
Sleeping in cars and parks is at a record high and with interest rates continuing to rise, I would imagine it will get worse.
So, in my mind, talk of another public holiday anywhere in this country is beyond belief.
I do agree, though, with some folk: our eyes are far too big for our belly these days.
With mortgages skyrocketing, many people still aren’t happy if they haven’t got four bedrooms and a pool.
Back in the day, when we got whacked with skyrocketing interest rates well into double figures, we had to sell both our cars and buy an old van so we could hang on to the house.
Imagine today, driving around with two unrestrained kids and a bull terrier in the back of a rusty old van.
Social media would have crucified us.
We also didn’t have a proper driveway for years because we had no cash.
Our pool was the lake.
So, I do have an idea about how tough it is for people today.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor with your name and suburb at Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
The last thing we need is more public holidays with the current economy.
In fact, we should be culling a couple, or at least giving employers the option of not being hammered with penalty rates and maybe just adding a day to staff holidays instead.
But I guess I will have to bow to public opinion as I am sure everyone will want more, not less.
Maybe I will run for office and call my political party the Penalty Party: more holidays, less work, but more pay would have to be a winner.
Move all grand finals in all codes to a weekday and make it a public holiday.
For state and council elections next year, make polling day a Monday – another public holiday – and do the same when it’s the feds’ turn.
What could possibly go wrong?
Ashley Robinson is a columnist with Sunshine Coast News and My Weekly Preview. His views are his own.
