AN encounter with the Bathurst Aquatic Centre recently had me questioning whether or not people can demonstrate common morality when faced with an unexpected situation. The pool claimed that I was unable to enter with my three sisters, (one biological and two foster) on a "family" pass because the girls were apparently not my family according to the pool's standards. The (unwritten) claim was that I was only allowed to enter as a family if these girls were on the same Medicare card as me. Foster children are legally not allowed to be transferred on to their carer’s Medicare card. The rule the pool has in place is not only discriminatory, but unjust. These children should not have to pay more at the pool as a result of their family situation. Being 2019, I am sure that many other "families" have dynamics that do not limit them to whether or not they share a Medicare card. It interests me also that no-one else is ever asked for a Medicare card - rather, it was just because I attended with children who did not "look" the same as me. My own biological father isn't even on the same Medicare card as my mother and sisters, yet has never faced a problem entering as a "family". The Bathurst Aquatic Centre not only embarrassed me in front of multiple other families, but embarrassed my sisters (four and seven) by telling them that apparently they aren't my family - these young girls that have lived with me for years. I write this with hope that people can be more flexible when approached with unfamiliar situations. Be understanding and kind before judging and making assumptions about people and families when you have no idea of their situation. Neither my sisters nor me should be punished or made to pay higher prices because they aren't my biological sisters.
AN encounter with the Bathurst Aquatic Centre recently had me questioning whether or not people can demonstrate common morality when faced with an unexpected situation.
The pool claimed that I was unable to enter with my three sisters, (one biological and two foster) on a "family" pass because the girls were apparently not my family according to the pool's standards.
The (unwritten) claim was that I was only allowed to enter as a family if these girls were on the same Medicare card as me.
Foster children are legally not allowed to be transferred on to their carer’s Medicare card.
The rule the pool has in place is not only discriminatory, but unjust.
These children should not have to pay more at the pool as a result of their family situation.
Being 2019, I am sure that many other "families" have dynamics that do not limit them to whether or not they share a Medicare card.
It interests me also that no-one else is ever asked for a Medicare card - rather, it was just because I attended with children who did not "look" the same as me.
My own biological father isn't even on the same Medicare card as my mother and sisters, yet has never faced a problem entering as a "family".
The Bathurst Aquatic Centre not only embarrassed me in front of multiple other families, but embarrassed my sisters (four and seven) by telling them that apparently they aren't my family - these young girls that have lived with me for years.
I write this with hope that people can be more flexible when approached with unfamiliar situations.
Be understanding and kind before judging and making assumptions about people and families when you have no idea of their situation.
Neither my sisters nor me should be punished or made to pay higher prices because they aren't my biological sisters.