Scrap it and start over

Commenting on the story: Questions remain over controversial SA youth drug bill

No matter how Health Minister Stephen Wade tries to spin it, this bill is a an ill-conceived and misguided attempt to cure the age-old dilemma of kids and drugs.

Not only is the bill simplistic and overtly paternalistic, it also breaches a handful of human rights treaties that Australia is party to.

The bill leaves more questions unanswered than answered.

While the Marshall government should be applauded for its attempts to do something about kids and illicit drugs in South Australia, this is not the way forward.

The bill should be scrapped and a better and less controversial strategy implemented. – Gilbert Aitken

Harvesting crops versus harvesting treasures beneath

Commenting on the story: Mining reform in a hole as minister digs in over veto

There should be different legislation for inside (farmed) country and pastoral country which is leasehold.

Most pastoral families seem to welcome mining, and with the size of their holdings they can still maintain quality of life.

The inside country in SA should be protected for future food production but also offer peaceful enjoyment by the farming family. – Andy Gilfillan

Minister van Holst Pellekaan is correct in that the underground resources are owned by the people of the state of SA, and the responsibility is to develop these resources for the benefit of all the people of SA.

As a former Director-General/CEO of Mines and Energy SA, it was a constant question that faced the department and ministers when landowners were influenced by the system in the USA where the minerals rights belong to the landowner, which is not the case in Australia.

Fair compensation to the landowner is negotiated before any mining operation can be approved.

The miner pays royalties to the government and pays taxes on the revenue earned, as well as providing employment. 

Most of the mining products are exported and so earn vital foreign currency for the benefit of the economy, and therefore the people of the state and Australia.

It should also be pointed out that many of the miners are in fact Australian companies.

Any substantial issues with the landowners should be matter of negotiation and fair compensation, but not veto. – Andrew J Andrejewskis

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