MANY Canberrans use median strips and footpaths for illegal parking and do so with total impunity. The ACT government, City Services in particular, does absolutely nothing about this illegal practice which creates an eyesore. Even worse is the siting of huge containers in some front yards for indefinite periods, with no consideration for nearby residents.

Overseas residents from western countries must be amazed that this practice is tolerated to the extent it is. On the other hand, overstay your meter by a few minutes and you are hit with a ridiculous fine.

It is high time that City Services inspectors carried out the job they are paid to do as far as the abuse of public spaces for parking of vehicles.

Colin Lyons, Weetangera

Tea and a lie down

HAVING spent a good part of my life working for various Australian governments overseas and, at times, providing medium-level advice on international matters, I strongly suspect that even before our Prime Minister went to the US the Australian and US governments had come to an “Obama” agreement that Australia’s contribution would be to receive asylum seekers from Central America processed by the UNHCR in Costa Rica.

Of course, the Muslim population of Central American countries is about 55,000 from a total population of around 46 million – the large majority being Christians.

Few would believe that the probability that nearly all refugees will be Christian is coincidence. Some will cry foul, but given Australia’s recent experience with certain elements of Islam, here and overseas, It can be argued reasonably that it has been a pragmatic decision and not based on discrimination.

Let’s bear in mind It cannot be argued reasonably that the small number of Australians who, irrespective of religion, break our laws and end up in jail are victims of discrimination. Hence, I hope all Australians on the asylum issue will have a nice cup of tea and a lie down.

Colliss Parrett, Barton