One might expect that a city council with multicultural ties will occasionally publicly express opinions about foreign homelands but such talk should be cheap and not involve magnanimous donations of the limited funds of local taxpayers. (“Council’s audacity”, “You must pay for our bungle”, Sunday Telegraph 30/3). News that Liverpool Council sent $A20k to Lebanon recently is certainly good news for their government, since the exchange rate offers them a windfall of millions of pounds following the collapse of their currency in recent years. While roads, rubbish, libraries and swimming pools are probably not a priority in the Middle East, it is surely the duty of council to justify this “investment” to the broader community. It is indeed odd that the state government is being asked to replenish funds in the community grants budget when the council could easily do so itself within its own balance sheet. Everyone in NSW wanting a pay rise would give the same advice on how to respond to State Treasurer Daniel Mookhey. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 6Apr2025