YOUR SAY: Independents should bring integrity back

What is it with the Libs and their aversion to transparency and accountability?

State Labor recently introduced a bill in parliament to end pork barrelling, but the Liberal Government rejected it! And the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, refuses to have an effective Federal ICAC, the only means of detecting corruption in high places. This speaks volumes about our present Liberal government. Their arrogance and contempt for the community are beyond words.

It seems dishonesty, rorts and lies are par for the course these days, and nothing will change while this lot are in government. Will rusted-on Liberal voters give us more of the same at election time? I think we can do much better.

Linda H,Heathcote

Can the PM stop wearing hard hats for no apparent reason except for a photo opportunity and stop referring to 'my government' while we are at it. In case he has not realised, this is our government. His government, we have to admit, is also an excuse for a real government with no ethics, honesty, reforms, empathy, just bullying, lies, pork barrels, corruption, and laziness when it comes to initiatives and forward-thinking. To think that it was noted recently that our present Prime Minister is making Billy McMahon look like a genius tells you everything.

Zuzu Burford, Heathcote

It was excellent to see the announcement that Georgia Steele of Como has stepped up to run as an Independent in Hughes at the next Federal election. She's a local, qualified, committed and getting herself out there meeting and engaging the people of Hughes. Quite simply a breath of fresh air.

I applaud Georgia for going out on her own and with no time to waste, her launch had to be impressive and it has been.

Here's hoping local community groups now do everything they can to get behind her to give us every chance of seeing positive change in our electorate.

Good luck, Georgia Steele!

David Berry, Como

It was good to see Linda Seymour step up and declare she'll run for Hughes as an independent. I was at her launch and was impressed by her platform of integrity and truth.

While the current government trades on lies and will run the mother of all scare campaigns (as will Clive Palmer and Craig Kelly), an independent with no other cause than to represent constituents is a breath of fresh air.

Linda has my vote. Good luck Linda

Charles D, Como

Why does half the Sutherland Shire believe Scott Morrison is one of us?

He grew up in Bronte and went to Sydney Boys School. He didn't even follow the Sharks until it was pivotal to his political career. He's a union supporter. He's probably never found himself at a Shire pub without a team of photographers behind him. Worst of all, he didn't even win preselection initially in the 2000s for Cooke. Michael Towke did. 82 votes to 8.

Even if he was, this man, with zero accountability and always surrounded by controversy on the world stage, shouldn't be someone we elect as a leader.

Michael Stock,Engadine

I am a landscaper from the Shire. I can never understand why the council let beautiful new jobs, e.g. gardens or playgrounds etc. deteriorate so much once the landscape company that did the job's maintenance period is finished.

There seems to be a lack of care and attention to detail by the councils on going maintenance crews. Once weeds get out of control, whether it be in a garden or lawn area, it is very difficult to get that area relatively weed-free again.

All the gardens around the council headquarters at Sutherland are well kept, so it can be done if the will is there.

All the money outlaid on these jobs is excellent, but the way they soon go downhill is very disappointing and difficult to understand why.

Mark, Loftus

How can it be that property developers or their associates/lackeys can still stand for council?

Developers usually stand under the guise of the party most likely to dominate the council, but their purpose is solely to influence their own DAs and rezonings. So why is this still tolerated?? Hello!

On the same issue, why not make it mandatory that the beneficial owner be stated on all real estate acquisitions. Failure to do means forfeiture of the property. Too Difficult? Too many politically connected interests for that to happen? Mark Williams, Como

Thank you to the Sutherland Council for the magnificent display of Kangaroo Paws on the corner of Oyster Bay Road and Como Road. Elizabeth Drury, Oyster Bay

We've all become mindful of the benefits of re-usable, often canvas, bags for our shopping. May I, however, encourage everyone to re-think their greengrocer practices. There are soft plastic bags on rolls for us to put our items in, but are they necessary? Most fruit and veg don't need to be contained in a little soft green bag. Is it just a habit for us? Many fruit and veg are either peeled or washed. And some come in packaging anyway! Perhaps stop next time and think if it's essential to grab that little soft bag? Miriam Sorensen, Burraneer

The teachers are going on strike! Good on them. The nurses should join them. The government thinks wasting taxpayers money is a joke. The former deputy premier even called himself "Porkbarillaro", yet they do not pay essential services a proper wage. Teachers, nurses and police should all get the security of employment and a wage rise. Peter Gloag, Caringbah