credit: John Shakespeare
Perhaps a partial explanation for Morrison’s actions can be found in speeches he gave during his campaign. They needed my strength. They need my encouragement, my facilitation, my enthusiasm when the opportunity arises. “
He may be messianic, but one of the many problems Morrison’s actions have caused is his inability to recognize his own failures. I need him to quietly run off into the Shire sunset. Neil Buchanan Waitara
Your writer says that the coalition “cannot find a way to reprimand their former leader without condemning his era of power.”Dutton’s band of survivors care if they do ”, November 29). Do you think the shirt front by Tony Abbott is a good starting point? John Payne Kelso
Your correspondent sets up a false dichotomy in asking what’s so bad about Morrison’s secret because “average men and women” care more about the cost of living (letter , November 29). Bell’s report provides an answer to his question. Secret appointments undermine responsible government in that ministers are not accountable to parliament and therefore to the ‘average person’. Secrecy undermines the aforementioned average man and woman’s trust in government. Kate Lumley, Hurlstone Park
Long-term problems in the NSW care system One can recall reviews of NSW’s ‘out-of-home’ childcare system dating back to the 1970s, but change has been undermined at every step, leaving many workers and children in the system feeling helpless. was (“Finn and Lincoln deserve better out of wealthy society ”, November 29). We need to ask how to keep children out of shelters as much as how to give them the level of safety, stability and security they need. Neither caregivers nor workers in the system are likely to defraud the system. Rather, it could be asking for too much with too little support. Jill Napier Fegans Bay
The department has known about these issues for years. The files must be seized and their contents examined before staff have a chance to date the material. Why did the boys have to tell the principal they were hungry and cold? Why didn’t they tell the NGO caseworker about their plight? At the rate paid, visits to foster homes should be frequent, especially for boys in difficult circumstances. What kind of supervision is offered and what are the supervisor’s qualifications? Foster Care is not an impracticable program. Don’t fix this wreckage of your system now and wait for yet another “horror story”. Philip Hart Drumoine
nothing here, we say We knew it, but did nothing to stop it (“Great Barrier Reef should be added to heritage ‘dangerous’ list: UN report ”, November 29). Isn’t that a way to have a lot of trouble? We assume that if we keep doing what we’ve always done, everything will be fine, even when it’s clearly not. As Christmas approaches, we have to think about the plight of the GBR and its contribution to the end of the planet. For that reason, I would like to introduce the word “Unjugawa”. Many of the things we do and buy this Christmas fall into the “unjugawa” category. Fashion accessories that become obsolete, decorations you can live without, gadgets and food that you never use. You can do without it. The list could go on. Let’s eliminate Unjugawa from our lives and help save the planet. Or, as Mahatma Gandhi said, live simply so that others can live simply. Tom Oren Wamberal Heights
Lowe’s Clayton Apology Greens Sen. Nick McKim was quoted as saying, “Dr. Lowe has properly apologized.”RBA governor apologizes for comments on interest rates ”, November 29). Some economists have commented that Philip Lowe’s forecast was appropriate at the time. This is clearly incorrect on both counts. A careful reading of Lowe’s statement reveals that he at least partially blames the public for not understanding his message. What he emphasizes is that we have not correctly interpreted the point that interest rates are highly dependent on the state of the economy. This Clayton apology should be viewed as an attempt to cover up for misinterpreting the economic situation for what it is. Harry Polley, Dural
I was interested in Lowe’s apology because it implied that the RBA shouldn’t be listened to. Does this include governments as well? Maybe if, in his opinion, no one should listen to them, why do we need them? Ed Geikema, Kiama
Libs Women’s Problems Will Not Go Away credit: Natalie Ward
New South Wales Senator Natalie Ward lost her primary bid to a safe seat (“Liberal Minister Ward loses primary battle for safe seat in Sydney ”, November 29). She is the oldest female Liberal MP looking to increase the number of women in the House of Commons. The preferred candidates are male ex-political staffers, a classic “jobs for boys” hustle. It is hard to believe that the Perrotet government has learned nothing from wiping out the liberal brand, both at the federal and now state (Victoria) level. Read our lips! Liberals have a problem with women, and voters are not going to let women forget about it. Catherine Brooks manly
These days, one has to wonder how safe a “safety seat” is, let alone an “ultra-safety seat”. Lynn Rattray West Pennant Hills
A clear understanding of Pocock Thank you David Pocock and his staff. Thank you for vigorously reviewing his proposed IR bill and reaching a reasonable agreement with the government (“From Picket to Pansy: The Union’s Wreath to Pocock ”, November 29). In the article, Pocock articulates the reasons for his decision to support the Amendment Bill. He demonstrates that the reasons given are sound and rational and that he has a deep understanding of the needs of workers, families and businesses, especially small businesses and independent contractors. We are blessed to have Pocock as one of our representatives in Congress. Alfredo Bustos Ramirez, Mosman
A new broom for a beautiful country The election of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia is very refreshing. He brings hope for a new broom that sweeps away corruption (“PM declines salary and luxury car ”, November 29). I recently spent time in this beautiful country and everywhere the scourge of corruption has undermined people’s trust and faith in the country’s institutions. Let’s hope this new broom brings change and a fresh perspective to the jaded, cynical people who don’t trust their government. And let us in Australia always remember that the slippery slope that undermines trust in social institutions is for everyone. Frank Gaspard, Wilberforce
Is someone “Nocter”? Like Dr. Peter Cheng, I went from pharmacist to doctor. I disagree with his suggestion that doctors be able to dispense their own medicines, but such a dual role would be more like “I can’t read this sentence. I need to call my doctor.”Pharmacist turned family doctor, I don’t trust “Nocter” ”, November 29). Ross McPherson, Seaforth
knee revenge Like probably many Australians, I only follow soccer during the World Cup.golden rebirth ”, November 29). However, there are deep concerns about the celebratory practice of players doing “knee slides” to capture big scoring moments. I hope you can stay healthy in your old age because your knee joints will be revenge. Tony Denzel bonny hills
Bicycle lanes on highways are dangerous Are we the only country in the world foolish enough to consider putting up bike paths on roads like highways?Cycleway not included in $1.2 billion Warringah Freeway upgrade ”, November 29). A completely inappropriate and dangerous concept. Michael Lane, St Ives
premium description Hey Les, how about “Dash Dom Minnow Mins”? (letter November 29). Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield
digital view Online comments from one of the stories that garnered the most reader feedback yesterday smh.com.au ‘Appalling neglect’ of sheltered boys spurs call for emergency meeting from GdsGds : ″It is unconscionable to outsource these services. This is a government service and the government must provide it. Time and time again we have seen the outsourcing model fail and innocent people suffer. It’s time to say “enough” about these failed experiments.
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