Commenting on the story: Budget 2022: The key measures

Unfortunately rural health care seems to be a victim of the 2022/23 State Budget. I’m sure many communities are confused and saddened as to why the Malinauskas Government has appeared not to support many of the smaller rural hospitals in South Australia in this budget.

Why are beds sitting empty in ‘temporarily’ closed Accident and Emergency Departments at Gumeracha, Strathalbyn, Eudunda and Mt Pleasant? Why do rural citizens who present at Emergency Departments in smaller rural public hospitals in places like Clare, Naracoorte and Loxton have to pay a gap to access services. The Government doesn’t charge a gap to those presenting at Emergency Departments in metropolitan Adelaide.

Minister Picton must review this unfair situation immediately. The funding to rectify such rural health issues would be a drop in the ocean compared to all the newly announced health initiatives. – Joel Taggart

Commenting on the story: ‘I’m glad we’re killing it’: Labor scraps renewable energy subsidy schemes

It is good to see some common sense coming back into the Budget. The programs conceived by the Liberals were not delivering the benefits, particular after the subsidies were cut by two thirds.

Home batteries are expensive, and have a lengthy payback period.

As for the Liberal government trying to dispossess the poor of their measurable concessions in exchange of an immeasurable or unknown future benefit, well that always had pups on it as meaningful social policy. Better to install the panels on the roof in the first place, and then charge a fixed amount each month for a fixed period of time, payable out of the low income concession. Then at least people will know what it will cost. – James Jacobsen

Commenting on the opinion piece: Ali Clarke: When having children becomes a matter of judgement

My mother was 37 when I was born; my father was 41.

It never crossed my mind that it would have been nice if they were younger. I can think of no advantage that would have come my way had they been younger.

Were they perfect parents? Probably not, but they were damn fine ones. I admired them and I miss them. – David Inkster

There is no perfect, one size fits all, generic age to have your family.

The perfect time to have a child is when it’s the right time for you, and partner.

We started our family when I was 33 and had our fifth child at 42. – Cheryl Crabtree