Letter to The Editor - Contrary to Australia's real interests

To The Australian        The proposal by the City of Port Phillip to hold "a morning of mourning" on Australia Day is unwise ("Wyatt backs proposal for 'morning of mourning'", 18/10). It is really too late in the day; and, psychologically speaking, it is unhealthy to grieve beyond a reasonable length of time. Also, Liberal MP Tim Smith is right to oppose the idea as being part of the current tendency of local government to "insert itself into issues of national and international politics". That can lead to an unnecessary complication of political activity in the nation to the detriment of sound local government. Moreover, in the present context of an unwelcome push from some quarters to facilitate a nationwide movement of Aboriginal separatism, the council's decision can be seen as divisive and contrary to Australia's real interests.
  Nigel Jackson, Belgrave, Vic