I find it distressing however to see the level of discussion and debate degenerate into school-yard name calling. 

I believe it is important we respect the processes of democracy which we are fortunate enough to live under in Australia. 

Whatever one’s political leanings, our political representatives were elected by a majority vote and therefore deserve to be respected for the role they perform in our community. 

By all means, challenge policies and decisions, create debate, but don’t debase the discussion by playing the man rather than the ball.  To do so denigrates both our democratic systems and the author.

Fifty years ago the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) was established after much campaigning by the National Parks Association (NSW). The NPWS today is effectively being dismantled by the NSW Coalition government.

In response to recent Bega District News articles from NPWS staff and NPA reps outlining the cuts to ranger numbers (over a third in the last five years) and the devastating effects on staff morale, an Office of Environment and Heritage spokesperson did not deny the cuts but stated, “Any proposed changes to the organisation will ensure that NPWS is much better positioned to deliver those frontline services.”

That statement is breathtaking. It defies logic. It is a fantasy.

Frontline services are the people who ensure visitor safety and education, the people who fight bush fires, the people who build and maintain infrastructure, who deal with invasive species and work to protect endangered species. The issue is not about backroom efficiency gains in an administrative sense. It is hard to see how services on the ground could remain adequate, let alone improve, when a third of ranger numbers have been cut.

The NPA is speaking out because NPWS staff fear for their jobs after repeated restructures. NPA members have spoken to dozens of NPWS staff across the state over the last few years and heard the same despairing accounts many times: the loss of morale and collegiality, the increased workload, the stress caused by continual restructure, the loss of career pathway, the loss of job security, and most importantly, the loss of firefighting capacity and leadership experience.

These people are proud of the work they do managing our valuable natural heritage. Many staff have devoted their entire adult lives to protecting local national parks and enhancing visitor experiences. The work is complex and demanding. Our national parks drive tourism which is one of the growth areas of the state economy.

It seems clear the relevant ministers regard the service as over paid and over staffed. Otherwise, why would they make such severe cuts to the ranger numbers especially when the state government is awash with revenue from stamp duty windfalls and public asset sales? Rather than “ensuring . . better . . services” the ongoing cuts nearly seem to be designed for failure. Is future privatisation in the planning?

Any responsible government minister or department head would ensure that our NPWS is staffed by trained and experienced professionals to properly protect our natural heritage and park visitors.

This week I was admitted to our South East Regional Hospital as a day patient and I must state the experience was nothing but first class.

From the time I was admitted the nursing staff were busy, but there was always time for each nurse as they went about their duties to say hello and have a friendly chat.

As I had spent many years in assisting the planning of this hospital I was extremely interested  as a patient to see and hear first hand the staff's comments as each of them carried out their duties.

My thoughts turned to Dr Gareth Long and his dream. Wow would he be a pleased man if he could see the staff at work in this great building.

To all who made my stay a comfortable as possible, congratulations, you are the very salt of the earth.