AND a worry, too, Greg Cornwall (Letters, CN, August 21), that the Canberra Liberals, campaigning to form government in the ACT in 2012, consistently and knowingly infringed the ACT’s Code of Practice for the Placement of Moveable Signs in Public Places, along roadsides, at shopping centres and even, on election day, at polling booths. Our hard-working city rangers were overwhelmed and, in the end, simply gave up.

Patricia Saunders, Chapman

Curb personal spending

I BELIEVE it is time politicians were put under some pressure to moderate their personal spending of taxpayers’ money. Accordingly, I have sent the following to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Prime Minister Rudd:

“Whoever wins on September 7, it appears that it will be necessary to engage in some cost cutting to control the ballooning deficit and

government debt. It would seem only fair to me that politicians who are going to be dispensing the ‘bad medicine’ should share in it with the Australians they are affecting. If you win government will you legislate some measures to ensure that politicians make a meaningful contribution to the effort by accepting cuts to some of the ‘perks’ such as travel expenses and a freeze on salaries (regardless of what the tribunal may award)?”

Of course, I’m not expecting a reply from either of them.

 David King, via email

 Community service

ELECTION time is here again! Just before voting intentions go into labour, I am reminded of someone who said the trouble with this country is that there are too many politicians who believe, with a conviction based on experience, that you can fool all the people all the time.

And in Britain, an MP found guilty of a false election expenses return and ordered to do community service, inspired a bright spark to comment “Isn’t that what MPs are supposed to do?”

 Colliss Parrett, Barton

 A century of stories

NINETY nine years ago, just after the outbreak of World War I, Red Cross began its humanitarian work in Australia, with volunteers putting together comfort parcels for soldiers.

Nearly a century later, Red Cross has found a place in the hearts and minds of most Australians and we are thrilled to launch a major project to kick off our Centenary celebrations. We’re collecting the personal stories of the people who have shared in a remarkable history: the power of humanity in action.

My Red Cross story dates back to 1915. My family received a letter from Red Cross informing them of the sad news that my grandfather’s brother had been killed in Gallipoli. I still have the letter and cherish it as it represents a piece of my family’s history.

Since its beginnings on August 13, 1914 Red Cross has become the world’s largest humanitarian organisation through the simple yet powerful act of people helping people.

Now is the time for generations of volunteers, members and supporters, the thousands of people who have helped and been helped by Red Cross, both in Australia and overseas, to tell their own stories in their own words, in their own ways.

Our Centenary Story Collection website allows you to read, watch or listen to sample stories, and then upload your own words, photos, audio and video recollections directly to the site. These stories will form the heart of the Centenary website when it’s launched in 2014.

Please visit redcross.org.au/centenary and share in our Centenary celebrations.

Robert Tickner, CEO, Australian Red Cross