Dear editor,
The degree of compassion currently exhibited to victims of crime and their families in SA is evident (‘Only in SA: Serial killer on parole’, The Advertiser, August 6), which also reflects a total lack of respect and regard for the future safety of law-abiding citizens.
James Vlassakis’ plea of guilty to four murders in 2021 afforded him the option of parole, unlike the others involved in the Snowtown bodies in the barrel case, which shocked people across the world.
Exhorting the strong restrictions placed on Vlassakiss, Parole Board chairperson Frances Nelson KC gave this assurance: “I think he’s got very good intentions – he has to translate them into action.”
But she cannot guarantee that he will not reoffend.
Her response to an interview question about his parole – “consideration must be given to the fact that he has faced a hard time in prison because he gave evidence against Bunting” – further reflects the level of care, compassion and consideration a four-time murderer is being shown.
It used to be ‘do the crime, do the time”, but today, with convicted criminals receiving sentence reductions for a myriad of questionable reasons, it is “do the crime, maybe do a bit of time”.
Families and friends of Vlassakis’ victims will continue with their life sentences.
Shame on decision makers for showing more compassion to a murderer than to his victims.
Ian Macgowan, Ceduna
Missing MP, locums & Gaza
Dear editor,
Whatever happened to that nice young man who won the seat of Grey in the federal election? What is his name again?
Lots of things are afoot, including thousands of dead fish and other marine creatures washing up on our beaches and people being deliberately starved to death in the Middle East, and not much from him.
Then again, there are a bunch of Nationals and a few like-minded Liberals out in the back paddock arguing about legislating more coal mines and other flat-earth policies. Maybe that’s why he is keeping his head down.
Never mind, others are taking up the slack in these pages.
I heartily endorse Ian Macgowan’s letter about the importance of locums in our regional areas (‘Medical services are vital’, Eyre Peninsula Advocate, August 7).
It was a Canadian locum who picked up on my heart problem when our overworked local doctors missed it.
I also share Kathy Bradley’s concern about the biased and dangerous report on antisemitism authored by Jillian Segal on behalf of the Albanese Government (‘What happens in Gaza does not stay in Gaza’, Eyre Peninsula Advocate, August 7).
That Albo hasn’t rejected the report is a major concern.
Phil Fitzpatrick, Tumby Bay
EDITOR’S NOTE: A report from Grey MP Tom Venning’s maiden speech in Parliament has been published in this edition of the Eyre Peninsula Advocate.
Help change the future for women with gynaecological cancer
Dear editor,
Every day in Australia, 19 women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer and heartbreakingly, six will lose their lives.
For those living in regional and rural communities, the challenges are often even greater, with delays in diagnosis, limited access to specialists, and long travel distances adding significant strain to an already devastating experience.
At the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), we are committed to changing this future.
Our Survivors Teaching Students (STS) program is a deeply impactful initiative that brings the voices of women who have experienced gynaecological cancer directly into university classrooms.
These courageous volunteers share their personal stories with medical and nursing students to help shape a more compassionate, informed and responsive generation of healthcare professionals.
Since launching in Australia, our STS volunteers have reached more than 20,000 students.
Their stories help future clinicians better understand the signs and symptoms of these diseases, improve the likelihood of early diagnosis, and embed empathy and respect into the care of every woman affected.
We are now inviting more women to take part in this powerful program.
If you or someone you know has been affected with ovarian, uterine (endometrial), cervical, vulvar or vaginal cancer, your experience can help others.
No public speaking experience is needed – only a willingness to share your journey in a safe and supported environment.
To find out more and join this special and inspiring community, please visit anzgog.org.au/sts
Alison Evans ANZGOG chief executive officer
