Weekly wrap: Seek answers but do it with respect and courtesy

This week I received a letter from a reader who congratulated two members of the local police for showing him courtesy during a situation he found himself in.

I received another letter from a reader thanking me for my courtesy during some dealings we recently had.

I read both letters back to back. It got me thinking about respect and courtesy.

We are all capable of it, but sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we forget to practise it.

One of the regular complaints we get from readers is that we haven't gone 'hard' enough on a council or a state or federal MP. During this new COVID world, we also get a few remarks sent to us that we seem to go soft on NSW Health and that we accept what they tell us regarding figures and the like.

I assure all of you that we do ask the hard questions. We often ask them multiple times. Sometimes we get a reasonable answer, sometimes we get spin, but we always report precisely what we are told. And we always ask the questions courteously.

I had a politician once remark to me at the end of our first one-on-one interview that he thought I'd ask 'harder' questions.

I responded that I did ask him some, and I repeated them to him. He said, "oh, you are right; it didn't feel like you were drilling me for answers."

My response to him and to all people who ask is, "I can ask hard questions, but I don't have to be rude when I do."

The reason I love working with the Leader team so much is that they are good people and top-class journalists, and they practise their craft with courtesy and respect at all times.

Murray Trembath is a beacon for all journalists to follow; politicians from all political shades would not respect him if he were rude or abrasive. He proves you can ask the hard questions with courtesy and still get the answers our readers seek.

Murray reported this week Transport Minister Andrew Constance has sided with a Transport NSW plan to upgrade the Heathcote Road bridge at Engadine next year while still keeping it two lanes. This position appears at odds with that attributed to him by Heathcote MP Lee Evans in a private member's statement in State Parliament in June. Rest assured we will follow this closely and continue to seek answers.

Murray talked with a Loftus woman this week about the genuine struggle many of our readers are going through after losing their jobs due to COVID-19. Natalie Parker said, "I am very grateful for JobKeeper because it helps pay the rent and bills and buy food, but it is still a struggle, and what happens when it finishes?" We are seeking the answer to that question from the Member for Cook. His response is eagerly awaited.

We've had many emails and comments on our Facebook page from readers asking for clarification about the rules surrounding wearing face masks on public transport. I sought comment from the Attorney General Mark Speakman (Liberal) and Labor's Chris Minns and their responses make for interesting reading.

Jim Gainsford has also had a long and distinguished career in journalism. His style is akin to Murray's. He seeks answers with vigour and courtesy.

This week Jim reported the Bayside Council wants in on the NSW Government's proposed La Perouse to Kurnell ferry service and is demanding the inclusion of Brighton-Le-Sands and Sans Souci. You might be surprised by what the council think of any plan without Brighton-Le-Sands and Sans Souci included.

On a lighter note, but still, with a nautical theme, Jim tells us it's full steam ahead as the St George Model Boat Club, their activities look like great fun for kids young and old.

Check out this great pics from the 90s our snapper John Veage took.

Our series of flashback yarns on our website are well worth a look.

We are delighted to have Telex Hearing Centre as our first official Leader newsletter sponsor. You can check them out at https://www.telexhearingcentre.com.au/

If you'd like to keep up with whats going on in real estate our digital print real estate guide has all the info you need.

Thank you for sharing a little bit of your day with me, have a good day and enjoy your Sunday read.