It was surprising to read comments attributed to Councillor Paul Funnell regarding council directors’ salaries in which he quoted a member of the public as his source.
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The questions that should be asked are:
- Did he attempt to discuss this matter with the general manager as it is a staff issue?
- Did he refresh his memory of council approving a management structure nearly halving the management team and leaving just three directors where once there were five?
- Is he also aware that the salary changes created an equality of salary levels at director level and that the then general manager’s salary was somewhat larger than many other councils?
In short, there was no impact on the council budget, as approved by the councillors.
As a large employer in our city, we need to employ highly qualified staff and to pay them salaries which are similar to that offered by comparable councils and which reflect the demands of the positions that are held.
On a positive note, it is pleasing to note that the three directors are women; a huge change from the days when women rarely were selected for senior positions.
Mary Kidson, Wagga
Seal and be done with it
If all the people that want Dunns Road closed and not sealed are happy then close it but in years to come if they want it sealed, make them pay.
Because I can see that happening.
Just spend the money and do it.
David Lawrence, Wagga
Remember, help is out there
I am writing from the not-for-profit organisation the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia.
In particular, I’m wanting readers to be aware that far too many people who have a serious mental illness are not getting treatment … and we need to get that to change.
It’s estimated less than 50 per cent of Australians who have a serious mental illness get treatment. Obviously this is alarming.
The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia urges people who may have mental health issues to reach out and get the help they need.
There is significant support out there from GPs, clinical specialists and, most importantly, community mental health services.
We have a free phone number people can call from anywhere in Australia to get guidance and just call 1800 985 944 if you need some advice on where best to go.
Readers can also go to MiNetworks.org.au.
Our latest campaign highlights that 230,000 people in Australia are estimated to have schizophrenia.
When you include families helping these people, around one million people are impacted.
It is utterly shameful that the average life expectancy of someone with schizophrenia in this country is now just 54 years old.
We have to do so much more to support people with schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia can and do recover.
We also highlight that it’s time there was much more government funding for mental health services in all areas of Australia.
Current mental health services are grossly inadequate and this needs to change.
