Commenting on the story: Revealed: Marshall’s rising star embroiled in Liberal MP’s “pork-barrelling” scheme

If the Liberals want even a slim chance of retaining government, they must look at ways of generating more employment or perhaps ‘reployment’.

There is such a focus on ‘infrastructure’ rather than long term construction.

The outlook for Tier 1 builders is grim, the cornerstone of the property industry. – Sascha Frost

Commenting on the story: Boom and gloom for construction industry

This is a great article. However, what all of the major news outlets and most consumers have failed to recognise is that banks will not consider these grants for lending purposes.

This is going to have a huge impact on peoples’ ability to seek finance for the remainder of the project.

The State revenue offices release full criteria last week which stipulates: ‘If you have not commenced construction when you apply and you meet all of the other eligibility criteria you may be provided conditional approval and will need to provide evidence that construction has commenced within three (3) months of the signing of the contract in order to receive final approval and payment.’

This will not suffice for lenders, as the conditional approval could be revoked. Therefore, people that aren’t reliant on the grant will be the only ones able to access finance.

If the bank approves loan subject to the grant being paid and then the grant is actually paid, the banks are exposed because who is going to cover the $25k difference?

A great idea, but it appears if people try to access the credit to fund these ‘stimulus’ projects, they aren’t going to get very far. – Liz Barter

Commenting on the story: Sobering youth homelessness figures expected to worsen

Think about your “young self” or the young person(s) in your life. If you were young and homeless, would a house be your only worry?

Would you be scared? Would you be worried about your future?

Would you be worried about school – or whether you’ll ever find a job?

Would you be able to sustain friendships? What would you think of yourself, your friends, your family?

What hopes would you have?

A Youth Homelessness response cannot stop at “housing” as an answer.

It requires sophisticated and connected services to assist them to be safe, have hope for a future and a plan to build a life in employment. – Paul Edginton

Commenting on the story: Opportunity knocks at vacant shops

It’s hard not to agree with Richard MacLeod (Your views 28/7) that rent-free restaurants are not needed – and quite unfair for those paying for their premises.

But the council should be encouraging the sorts of businesses that will attract people into the city and then, perhaps, to spend time at the cafes/restaurants/bars while there.

Artists, musicians, small theatre, DIY craft, flea markets, how-to-do … lots of possibilities.

I find areas that are nothing but food and drink venues boring. The council really needs to add more to the mix. – Cathy Chua

Commenting on the story: Westpac to return overseas call centre jobs to Australia

I am thrilled Westpac has responded to Covid in this way.

These days, call centres are the frontline offices for utilities and during the pandemic things have become increasingly complex for many people as we try to get service from call centres based in overseas locations where the lockdowns have prevented workers from being on duty.

My family has been through so much dislocation with utility call centres and websites not providing service, and when it comes to banking, the issues are very complicated and personal and require a high level of security.

Of course, also glad to think of the employment of Australian workers. – Patricia Chigwidden

Commenting on the story: Touch Of The Fumbles: No pain, no gain

Thank you, Tom Richardson.

Very well written. As a Crows supporter, I’m feeling much better.

Bring on the spoon and the rebuild. – Clayton Jacobs

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