Politicians run away in fear of powerful lobby groups
A series of federal failures to ensure that the government and Australians have substantial stakes in the fossil fuel industry must be rated as one of the biggest policy mistakes in our recent history. No. Norway, by contrast, has the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund and is able to keep energy prices affordable thanks to its government’s sizeable share of the oil and gas industry. increase. Alan Morris east lakes
The gas industry may boast jobs and revenues, but what does our country get from it (“Unprecedented Price Control Considered for Gas Exporters”, November 4). Apparently, very little. Many years ago, an oil resource land rent tax was introduced to allow companies to profit from exploiting the resource, but now income from the gas industry is less than he had 20 years ago. Not much improvement is expected. Ed Husic’s appeal is well justified and the government needs to change taxes to give Australians a fair return. Peter Nash fairlight
I was lucky to spend some time on the beach this morning, energized by the sound and scenery of the waves (“Great powers are now begging for gas wars”, November 4). This continent is surrounded by an immeasurable abundance of energy generated by the ocean, such as sea breezes and swells. Every second our shores are being swept away by clean and sustainable forces. When we live surrounded by an ocean of energy, there is no need to beg. Steve Dillon, Thurroll
obsessed with savannah
Creatures that belong to a vast expanse, lions understandably want to be part of that world.Lion’s enclosure still closed after Taronga escaped”, November 4). At night, the natural sounds of wildlife in the surrounding miles of virgin bushland rouse them to adventure. Why not make the outer enclosure they fled into part of an extended enclosure for them? Of course, there are breakout-proof fences around. Patricia Granville-Miller, Hunter’s Hill
What a relief to hear that the Taronga lion escape was due to an “integrity issue” in the enclosure. Thank Heaven the fence wasn’t broken. Phil Rodwell red fern
Taronga Fence faces ICAC for ‘integrity issue’. Francis Coleman sea force
I’m starting to think that “containment fence integrity problem” is a euphemism for “someone left the gate open.” Brian Collins, Cronulla
I strongly suspect that if the zoo were converted to public housing, it would greatly increase, rather than alleviate, the anxiety of Mothman residents.letterNovember 4). Allyn Pratt Grenfell
Escape from the zoo is literally the biggest publicity stunt. Edward Long Milsons Point
The zoo has been chastised enough. jock brody Port Macquarie
The bastion of democracy crumbles, but Australia sticks to its side
Politicians on both sides continue to emphasize the importance of a strong alliance with the so-called beacon of democracy, the United States.where’s nancyloaded question”, November 4). Waleed Ali certainly portrays the reality of “American democracy” differently, but it is not beautiful. While political instability and violence like this begin to define our once great democracies, we must continually question and reassess our commitments to the United States. Tanya Morton breakfast point
Waleed Ali’s irony as a Muslim watching America degenerate into a form of radicalization akin to the 9/11 terrorist attacks is not lost. Republicans in particular have been overtaken by radical evangelical Christians who believe they are fighting the Democrats in a spiritual battle for the soul of America. is not just a matter of race. It’s about good versus evil, and it’s getting uglier. Vincent Zankin Rivet (ACT)
grief and loss
It haunts me endlessly when people talk about closures after tragic events (“Abandoned and disappointed: Cassius’ family grief”, November 4). Humans are not robots. Our brain is a complex organ. I hope the tragedy never happened, but our hearts simply can’t forget. Rita Zamit Concorde
Kathy Wilcox can make us laugh or cry with her wonderful observations (edited cartoon, Nov. 4). The Friday cartoon brought tears to my eyes. Her message could not have been bigger and clearer.
Wendy Hunter, Charmhaven
dig up the soil
Companies planning to dig a tunnel from Balmain should do their homework (“Call Big Baller with Tunnel U-Turn”, November 4).of sydney dictionary has an excellent article on the Balmain Colliery, where in 1897 a tunnel from Birch Grove to the harbor began to be dug. They have to watch out for old shafts and tunnels and methane ready to explode. Debbie Rudder, Maroubra
The New South Wales government has reportedly changed plans for the Western Harbor Tunnel and is now digging a deeper hole. I think we will continue to dig deeper into March. Dennis Goodwin, Dee Why
sony’s will
Sonny Bill Williams may have credit for a creator who is the origin of his blessing, but I don’t think the creator wants his brain banged into his skull over and over again. I am reasonably certain of that.‘Super Samoan’ power could blow away SBW”, November 4). SBW, you can do better with your gifts. When do you know boxing isn’t a sport? Idiot.
Graham Ellis Narawena
home truth
“Data show that occupiers are facing Australia’s toughest rental market to date after a further drop in rental vacancy rates in October.”A bigger rental crisis looms as vacancy hits record lows”, November 4). With the negative gearing and capital gains tax halving that made housing so attractive to investors, politicians have created the situation facing today’s home seekers. , at the mercy of greedy landlords. This housing instability does not bode well for population growth in our lucky country. Kathleen Hollins, Northmead
the whole
Whether it’s an inspirational activist like Greta Thunberg or trying to put the brakes on climate change, many people are trying to do what’s best for our planet.Thunberg’s Climate Book “A New Type of Activism””, November 4). Sadly, too many countries, including Australia, do not understand the reality that the damage to the planet is increasing, despite the growing number of “natural” disasters.
Either stick to expanding borders (environmentally included) at all costs, overcome political debacles and irreconcilable differences between or within countries, or simply downgrade the climate issue to one part. Other national priorities continue to get in the way, such as far down the list of critical issues to be addressed. Sadly, ultimately, we can’t help but be pessimistic about the fate of our planet. Ann Ring, Coogee
biological war zone
The phrase “living with COVID” has become almost a cliché, used across a spectrum of expertise, political classes, the general public, and determined ignorance (“What the Future of “Living with COVID” Looks Like”, November 4).
This might be acceptable if the majority of people had learned the basic lessons of responsible coughing and sneezing etiquette. We seem to have translated this into a personal habit much better than adults who force themselves on others and cough and sneeze everywhere without thinking. included. Robin Dalziel, Kellyville
expense
I’ve seen Woolworths bosses say commodity prices rose 7.3% across Australia in the September quarter.Woolleys prices up 7.3% in the quarter”, November 4). Assuming it’s the increase in wholesale prices, how much have the Woolies increased retail prices? Is the ACCC or Reserve Bank investigating the opportunistic price spikes that are really behind inflation? Mark Berg Kalimba South
it won’t fly with me
Webjet, Virgin and Qantas are equally deserving of the Shonky Award (see$325 withered bouquet delivered a day late for funeral”, November 3). “Yes, your money was paid to us, but we are not responsible,” he says Webjet. “Yes, credit is here, but only those who booked three years ago can fly with you,” says Virgin. No joy from the Qantas portion of my booking either. I’m exhausted trying to take a vacation. Please return only the $2000 I borrowed. There must be a lot of people involved in her web of this Qantas/Virgin/Webjet. Tracy Pulsar, Arcadia Vale
bush bashing
I would like to hear about contemporary Sydney property developers who have left a “enduring legacy of pristine bush” (“Unique home in a magical quirk for sale”, November 4). he’s not holding his breath Colin Stokes, Camperdown
half time entertainment
I needed an artistic extension, so I bought a ballet season ticket (letterNovember 4).
A worldly friend remarked that if I randomly joined someone else’s break for ballet chit-chat, “There’s a lot going on tonight.” To my eternal delight, it happened, and it worked. Brian Jones Leura
In the 1960s, when my mother took me to a Russian ballet as a treat, the music was so beautiful that I closed my eyes. Now I’m sticking with concerts. Randy Svendsen, Wyong
glandular
Unfortunately, the owners of the existing building on Martin Place will not allow a plaque commemorating the world’s first milk bar (letter, November 4). But why not put a nameplate on the sidewalk outside the building? Surely they don’t own the sidewalk?
At Maitland’s historic High Street Mall, numerous plaques embedded in the sidewalk provide information about the building in front. They are legible standing on the plaque and are quite a feature. Alan Thomas Rochinbar
Postscript
“I don’t know what the letter’s editor was doing when he chose Friday’s letter,” writes Bangor’s Gary Lawrence. “A pun on the story of a dozen lions, plus a point about a bowling alley, and a finale with a toe ballet dancer! Whatever the editor enjoys, she’ll buy another bottle.” Would you like to?”
The story of a lion breakout at the Taronga Zoo this week brought out the best punsters. You don’t have to), but it was also appreciated by the growing community of online readers of the Letter to the Editor. Like Jen, many commented: Quite a laugh, actually. And kudos to those who wrote other clever letters about today’s lions. ”
More seriously, writers were concerned about allowing the United States to station nuclear-capable B-52s in the Northern Territory. ?
And there was no doubt in the writers’ minds as to who “really runs NSW”. It’s not the Perotet government. ClubsNSW and the Australian Hotel Association are clearly at the forefront. We appreciate MP Alex Greenwich pushing the Prime Minister to support the introduction of cashless cards, but his other NSW MPs, including the opposition leader, do not support the introduction of cashless cards. The writer was dissatisfied with this.
Please write more. Thanks for this week’s fun One Lioner. Pat Stringa, Letter Editor
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