In recent years we have seen an increase of intrusion and control by governments. For example, the Gold Coast City Council has forced businesses to remove signage from their premises with the threat of legal action.
I recently had a visit from a Tweed Valley government organisation ordering me to remove a large tree from my property because it was ‘noxious’.
I have been fined for not wearing a bicycle helmet and car seat belt – both exacting heavy fines.
In recent years, smokers have been treated as lepers, sneaking around corners.
We are now seeing the Federal Labor Government forcing the use of plain packaging for cigarettes, and service stations, supermarkets and convenience stores having them hidden away – as if we are children too easily tempted.
Also, the Federal Government is moving to limit the amount level of money played on the pokies by the patrons of clubs.
A recent comment by a spokesman from the Institute of Public Affairs (ABC-TV, 7 April, 11) was that governments are “stepping into our lives” taking away individual rights, including property rights.
They would most likely have something to say about PC – Political Correctness – as well.
Warren James
