Talking Points | This week's letters to the editor

The clinical definition of a pedophile is a person who is sexually attracted to pre-pubescent children – usually referring to children under the age of 10.

A quick fact check of numbers of clerical child sex abuse within the Catholic Church reveals that the vast majority (over 80 per cent) of children abused were male and most of these boys (again around 80 per cent) were post-pubescent adolescents aged 11-17.

A significant proportion (around 35 per cent) were young men aged 15-17 rather than children.

Further research into the history of some abusing priests revealed reports of inappropriate behaviour against young men over 18 which was not recorded with child sex abuse figures.

Clive Ducat may have to face the unpalatable fact that not all gay men are the “amazing” and “caring members of our community” he wants them portrayed as.

Some men of a homosexual orientation, whether born that way or not, chose to express their sexuality by coercing adolescent boys and young men into engaging in homosexual activity with them.

To try and shift the blame onto any organisation and portray these men as persecuted victims of homophobia rather than the perpetrators of abuse they are is irresponsible and diminishes the very damaging impact they have on the real victims in these cases – the boys and young men sexually abused.

I think to “welcome gay folk without any pre-conditions or prejudices” as Mr Ducat demands is as risky as accepting without pre-condition anyone who claims they are a “good Christian” and cannot be questioned about their behaviour with children.   

Our first priority should be ensuring children are safe from abuse – not falling over ourselves to NOT offend gay men and sweeping under the carpet politically sensitive facts about the sexuality of the perpetrators of abuse.    

Gail Gifford, Osmington

Although Roman Catholicism ended in our family with the passing of our great grandmother, I find myself deeply concerned for all the genuine Catholic priests and the many thousands of parishioners whose faith was mortally wounded by the conviction of Cardinal Pell on child sex offences.

No matter what your religion or belief may be if you have no faith what have you got – nothing.

This has been a shocking revelation, when someone so close to the Pope, a Cardinal is found to be a pedophile and I’m sure now this won’t be the end of the matter.

People of all denominations have been shaken to the core, doubts about their future with this church is but one aspect of this whole sordid episode.

The Church of England had similar revelations in the 16th Century, it appears it was another lesson never learnt.

John Bain

Medical Cannabis was made legal in Australia two years ago, yet there’s only around 3000 patients across Australia who have been approved to use it.

Whilst the number of prescribed patients is accelerating, there are still many thousands of Australians - adults and children - with serious illnesses who simply cannot find a Doctor who will prescribe it.

Pharmacist Paul Mavor says, "Initially, access was limited by a heavily bureaucratic system that involved a great deal of paperwork. Today, the Federal System has been streamlined and access made far easier & much faster. But at a State Level, it's still difficult with applications receiving close scrutiny from within the respective State Health Department."

This is leaving those who need Medical Cannabis most - in great difficulty getting hold of it.

Why?

Unfortunately, Cannabis still has something of a stigma attached to it. Most Australians have an opinion about Cannabis and it’s often quite negative, but it’s important to acknowledge that what has been made legal is not the recreational drug smoked by stoners.

Medical Cannabis is a medicine.

It is a quality controlled, known efficacy, known dosage extract that has a repeatable effect and is impossible to overdose on.

It can treat many of the illnesses we use opiates for - but it’s much safer and not addictive. Yet there are still many Doctors who simply will not consider the benefits of Medical Cannabis.

That leaves many qualified patients without a way to source a medicine to which they are entitled. This is especially frustrating for those outside of city centres where there are limited Doctors. It’s also the reason why some Patients are opting to return to the black market.

We’re trying to address these problems.

We believe education is a critical part of helping Medical Professionals learn that Medical Cannabis is not a terrible demon drug and that it should be considered in many of the instances where dangerous opioids would normally be prescribed.

Medical Cannabis Research Australia is a registered Australian charity with a mission statement “Educate, Advocate, Research”.

We have been holding Medical Cannabis learning seminars around Australia for Medical Professionals to learn from experts in the field and have more coming during March 2019.

Our speakers include Doctors, Pharmacists, Researchers, Scientists, Economists, Analytical Chemists and Prescribed Patients - all of whom are advocates for the benefits of this medicine.

At the Seminars, Experts will present solid facts, compelling economic arguments and provide data as to the real value of a plant that can be made into a medicine that has such amazing capabilities.

Patient Advocates will also speak at a personal level to help turn the theoretical into reality.

Our next seminars are in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth beginning on Monday, March 11.

Jason Jordan

Medical Cannabis Research Australia

www.mcra.org.au

Only one of those drivers bothered to look, in fact, a whole carload of young people were staring at me when they ran a red light and I braked to avoid t-boning them.

I could not tell you the number of tourists in hire vans that drive straight through roundabouts without checking for right of way.

Another driver pulled out in front of oncoming traffic travelling at 110km/h at the new Old Broadwater Farm intersection - he did not bother to look - just drove straight out.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Slow down, take your time and look people, look.

Name withheld

Affordable housing is needed for low income earners because for some people just finding a place to live is becoming so hard.

There are many people living in parks, struggling in their own homes or have people living with them because they are finding it financially hard.

As a result of this problem, I feel I will start a housing group called Capes Region Association for Community Housing.

Couch surfing has been going on in this area for more than 20 years, and with rents increasing, this has increased the number of people, young and old, couch surfing.

I feel we need the Department of Housing, Accord West, church groups, real estate agents and community groups which help with housing to be involved.

Carol-lyn Mills

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