Surely the important thing is that time zones in this country are consistent and easy to interpret.
Recently I travelled to Darwin and Broome. I found it intriguing that, after three and a half hours’ flying time to Darwin, I had to wind my watch back two hours.
The following day I flew further west to Broome. That was a one hour flight and I only had to adjust my watch by 30 minutes. This time differential varies during daylight saving, as the Northern Territory is in line with most other states and teritories.
The cross border dilemma created between the Tweed Heads area and the Gold Coast during daylight savings time is outrageous. The problem is exacerbated by the large, congested and increasing population of the area. The demographics just don’t favour time differentials.
Perhaps the answers are there but we appear reluctant to go down the path of taking power from the states. (Although the Federal Government of the day does so when they choose.)
This, however, is where the answer lies with respect to time zones. How ridiculous is it that states have the power to control time?
Surely the clock is ticking to a point when this country is divided into only two time zones – east and west. The important thing is that, wherever the line may be placed, it is a low populated one.
I see the obvious as a vertical line in some uninhabited area between Darwin and Adelaide.
This is a Federal issue as are the issues of water, highways, education, health, power and many more. Top-heavy, three tiers of government are past their use by date in a country with a population of under 23 million.
Let’s take the first step by introducing sensible time zones which are a good thing for the vast majority. There would still be no barrier to either the west or east time zones introducing, increasing or reducing daylight savings time.
Perhaps our local member could look at this serious issue which must be resolved.
Ian Spiers
Murwillumbah
