Letters to the Editor: The West Australian readers have their say on Anzac Day coronavirus restrictions

An Air Force veteran is among The West readers to have their say over WA’s Anzac Day coronavirus restrictions, with scathing messages for Minister for Veterans Issues Paul Papalia. After a PerthNow poll revealed 80 per cent of nearly 2000 people thought the rules had gone too far, readers wrote in Letters to the Editor expressing their opinions on the issue. Here are some of the responses from our passionate readers: Fallen ensured we have our freedom I served in the Royal Air Force for 23 years. I came to Australia in 1994 from the RAF having served in three war zones, alongside others from around the world including Australia. I have been a citizen since 1996 and have only missed three Anzac celebrations in that time. One was last year when I stood at the front of my house with my medals on, thinking of those who served, those who died, and those were are now serving. To me, Minister for Veterans Issues Paul Papalia should know better than to come out with the statement “there’s a point at which you have to decide whether you divert funding from services to individuals right now and supporting people who are alive or commemorating a past event”, especially having served in the forces himself and seen what war can do. If it was not for those who gave their lives he would not be standing in the position he is in. Nor would the Premier. When remembering those who served in the world wars, look back and think what our country and the world would have looked like if they had not done what they had to try to make the world a better place for us. I have laid mates to rest. It was a privilege and honour to carry them on my shoulder and lower them into the ground to show my respects to them and their loved ones. So yes, it does matter about those who gave their lives and those that have served and are serving today. Have today’s politicians forgotten about the mateship and camaraderie, that we are all brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth and NATO, no matter where we fought? I will be on parade on Sunday with my brothers and sisters. We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ron Cooper, Wannanup Condescending reaction With yet another condescending declaration that “I just urge everyone to adopt a common sense approach and make sure we can hold Anzac Day”, the hypocrisy of Premier Mark McGowan seems to know no bounds. Urging others to adopt common sense whilst he, his Veterans Issues Minister, and this Government have abandoned logical, empathic, consistent, simple thinking in regard to COVID restrictions is beyond the pale. Regards. Col Delane, Leeming If Optus is safe, move service there As a senior true-blue Aussie with a senior ex-Kiwi husband whose fathers fought in WW2, I am annoyed and upset that our Anzac dawn service in Kings Park has this year been limited by our leaders to just 10,000 attendees, while they allowing a full house at the AFL game at Optus Stadium. The “reasoning” is that footy is a seated event, but I can assure you that upon entry, exit and between each quarter there will be thirty to forty thousand mingling and not seated. Our leaders know this, as they attend big events there. Why can’t Mark McGowan open Optus Stadium and encourage the RSL to move the Dawn Service there? I am sure thousands of people would attend. If the Government will not cover the cost, attendees would be only too pleased to make a gold coin donation to cover operating expenses with any surplus going to RSLWA funding. Jill Pike, Lathlain Honour our real heroes Full crowd at the football, not for ANZAC ceremonies. I know who my heroes are — those serving and fallen ones who never returned, not the overpaid footballers. Mark, show them some respect. Mark Fruet, Balga Lots of milling at footy Now I’ve heard it all, as far as politicians’ attempts to make excuses for their reasoning. Roger Cook’s excuse for allowing full footy crowds but denying Anzac ceremonies larger crowds is the most feeble I’ve heard in a very long time. For him to suggest there is “a big difference” because there is “milling around” at ceremonies as opposed to sitting in a ticketed venue is absolute poppycock. So sporting spectators don’t mill around train stations, nor outside the stadium, nor around food and drink outlets? Fair dinkum! Mr Cook, you must be hallucinating and therefore is it any wonder our health system is broken. Bruce Strang, Subiaco Minister for Milling It seems as though the previously unrivalled status of Monty Python’s Minister for Silly Walks now has a very serious challenger in the Minister for Milling Around who is masquerading as Health Minister Roger Cook. Unfortunately for said minister, Bruce Strang (letter above) has identified Mr Cook’s inability to explain “milling around” with any consistency. So, “mill around” with impunity at Optus Stadium, but woe betide you doing so anywhere else. What government messaging! W. McNamara, Nedlands