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Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Beef order appears to come with side of appeasement
It will take a lot to convince me that relaxing long-standing, science-based biosecurity protections on US beef is anything other than political appeasement toward Donald Trump (' Albanese accused of appeasing Donald Trump with move to allow US beef in ', July 24). How can we now be confident we will stand firm to protect our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme against the same bullying interference? After that, what next? Meanwhile, we continue to pay billions in the deluded hope nuclear submarines and some filtered intel will defend us in 20 years' time. This behaviour in a romantic relationship (rather than a political one) would probably be deemed 'coercive control' and wise heads would be encouraging us to distance ourselves from it. We are probably better off spending our time, money and energy with more respectful, less self-serving partners. Mark Sapsford, North Turramurra Let us hope it's just a coincidence that Australia's removal of the US beef ban has occurred just days before President Trump's latest tariff deadline. It would be disappointing if the government was appeasing the Trump administration in any way that threatened Australia's biosecurity. No more coincidences before August 1, please, Mr Prime Minister. Paul McGee, Springwood As tempting as it may seem, giving in to a spoilt toddler who consistently wants their own way may seem like a good idea at the time, but let me tell you, it's simply not. It'll only reinforce negative behaviours and impede healthy development. The toddler will become increasingly demanding and objectionable. Setting clear boundaries for the toddler is essential. You need to show that there are consequences for their demands and tantrums. The toddler needs to learn to manage their emotions to truly appreciate what they have already. Albo, you need to be strong and not be a pushover for that out-of-control child. Kathleen Molloy, Thornleigh Maybe I'm economically naive, but why does Australia need to both sell beef to the US and buy their beef? Surely this just adds to the costs for both countries and to our carbon footprint. And, for most of us, one cow tastes much the same as another, even if they are raised in different countries. It seems to me that trade in all goods should simply be selling our excess, and buying things we don't produce enough of ourselves. Judy Christian, The Ponds I would rather heed the advice of the Farmers Association biosecurity committee chair as to what is safe for us. At least he knows which end of the beast to feed, rather than the stuff from the other end possibly being fed to us at ministerial level. David Sayers, Gwandalan Metal misdeeds It was interesting to read in Stephen Bartholomeusz's analysis that US domestic producers are using the price rises on imported products resulting from Donald Trump's tariffs to opportunistically raise the prices of their locally produced goods (' Trump sparks a $6.4 billion wipeout for a US icon ', July 24). The example given was of US steel and aluminium producers increasing their prices by 16 per cent to match the imported metals, dealing a huge blow to US manufacturer General Motors and adding to America's rising inflation. Great economic management, Trump. Mark Berg, Caringbah South Trump's panic over the Epstein files could not be more obvious (' Trumps accuses Obama of 'treason' ', July 24). He is jumping from conspiracy to conspiracy in a vain attempt to distract from these files. However, accusing Obama of treason is a stretch even for him. Trump in panic mode is not a pretty sight. He is unable to maintain focus and his speech becomes garbled. He accused Obama of being 'sedatious' (seditious). His latest attempt to distract from the Epstein files may bring cheers from the usual toadies, such as Fox News, but will have the opposite effect on those seeking transparency and truth. If Obama had even a minor misdemeanour on his record, Trump would have pounced on it long ago. Dare we hope that Tump may finally get his comeuppance? Graham Lum, North Rocks I, too, have had letters printed in the Herald that were critical of Trump and was a tad nervous about how far the US Homeland Security tentacles reached when we arrived at US customs in May (' Trump is becoming the Basil Fawlty of American tourism ', July 24). Having lived in Pennsylvania, and having made multiple visits over the decades, we stayed with friends and family, all booked and paid for before Trump was re-elected. It's a great pity that this beautiful country is being trashed by its leader. Despite not encountering problems, we will not be visiting again in the foreseeable future. Sally Spurr, Lane Cove Sub-normal behaviour The second AUKUS payment takes Australia's contribution to $1.6 billion (' Australia quietly pays US another $800 million for AUKUS despite review ', July 24). The problem with this is that there is no guarantee AUKUS will continue. Given the state of the federal debt, I believe both sides of politics should seriously consider pulling out of the venture and putting the money into more productive endeavours such as housing and health. These submarines will not be ready until at least 2040, and given the past issues with building these things, that date is probably very optimistic. Given the advances with warfare technology, my view is that they will almost obsolete by 2040. Just look at the way cheap drone technology is reaping havoc in Ukraine and the Middle East, costing, in comparison, practically nothing. Just image how easy it will be to detect submarines and blow them out of the water with the rapid pace of technology. The reality is the next big conflict will be all over before a submarine can get into position to do any good. Norman Arnott, Forestville The article in the Herald says it all. Just like a dog that always gets a kick, we are always there for the US, our tails wagging. What a nice present Scottie from marketing left for the current government. Joe Weller, Mittagong Rabbi off the mark Rabbi Marcus Solomon expressed shock in his article, and I am shocked at his response (' When I visited Sydney, I was shocked by the antisemitism I encountered ', July 24). He was happy to receive sympathy for antisemitism in Ireland from the Irish couple, but not happy to receive political criticism of Israel from the man he asked directions from. Apparently, he is unable to distinguish the latter from antisemitism. He seems to be calling Australian critics of Israel 'idiots'. Here was an opportunity for an Australian Jew to express horror at the carnage being inflicted on Gazans by the Israeli government, but he didn't follow it up. To simply describe it as a 'tragedy that has befallen the Palestinian people' doesn't go nearly far enough. I am sorry he was shocked by the father calling out 'Free Palestine', but he needs to reflect on how other Australians view morality. Bob Hinchcliffe, Wahroonga Richard Abram writes that Jewish Australians don't deserve persecution for the actions of a foreign state, namely Israel (Letters, July 24). That's certainly right, but they do deserve criticism if they support the actions of that foreign state, which is engaged in the mass slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza. Gay O'Connor, Manly One size definitely does not fit all in the voting-age argument (Letters, July 24). During my long teaching career I have taught many outstanding 16-year-olds who are mature, responsible and thoughtful, with an understanding of political issues and problems. I have also taught many who are virtually the opposite, with either zero interest in politics or else an impressionable, superficial or misinformed one. Our commendable mandatory voting system would give these young, easily influenced people political power, which could be easily abused or misdirected. Listen to their concerns and perspectives by all means, but the vote needs a few more years of life experience behind it. Robert Hickey, Green Point If the voting age is lowered to 16, the curriculum should include a mandatory civics unit in year 10. While some teenagers are passionate about issues such as the environment, all would benefit from understanding how our political system works. A school trip to Canberra at a younger age is merely sightseeing. Learning about the roles of the different levels of government and the election process (special shout out to Taswegians) closer to the action would be more likely to attract their attention and help inform their decisions. Judith Campbell, Drummoyne While we're discussing changes to the voting age, can we consider removing compulsory votes for aged care residents? My 95-year-old mother is bright and engaged for her age; however, she informs me that it's difficult to engage in intellectual conversations as most residents in her non-dementia section have some degree of dementia, or are simply not following the political debate. This leaves them vulnerable to undue influence. It would also make life easier for aged care residents and carers. Anne Matheson, Gordon Bad gas … deal Chevron's exit from Barrow Island has left WA taxpayers with a $500 million clean-up bill – all because of a deal most people have never heard of (' Taxpayers face $500 million bill to clean up Chevron's WA oil field ', July 23). It turns out that once production stops, the company actually gets its gas royalties refunded. For years we were told gas would be a win for the economy. But now we're not just stuck with the environmental mess – we're literally paying the companies back after they've made their money. And this isn't some one-off blunder. It shows just how much influence the gas industry has had over governments for decades. These kinds of deals don't get made out in the open – and they certainly don't get made with public support. But they happen anyway because the industry has always been able to get what it wants. Barrow Island makes it clear: we've never really known what we're getting out of these gas projects. What we do know is what we're left with – and it's not looking like a great deal. Karen Lamb, Geelong (Vic) Finish the job Completing the partially built station in Woollahra is in line with my view that the government should first utilise sites it already owns before imposing rezoning on residential and other land whose residents or owners do not want it – even with the prospect of an uplift in the value of their asset (' NSW Libs wicked problem: Housing ', July 24). In my own municipality of Ku-ring-gai, which is under pressure to change low-rise dwellings into high-rise, there are several cuttings on the rail line big enough to be developed. This would help to reach the housing target and avoid aggravating residents. For this to happen, the government needs to create a platform for such development to occur. Similar opportunities can be found all over Sydney. Peter Thornton, Killara Alexandra Smith's article overlooks one of the biggest contributors to the housing crisis – population growth. Surely the time has come when we can discuss population without being called xenophobic, racist or selfish. Given Australia's low fertility rate of 1.5, and the 50,000 or so people who leave every year, there is still good scope for refugees, essential workers and family reunions in a migrant intake of about 100,000. Returning to our pre-COVID growth rate of 1.6 per cent would mean we shall have 100 million people in 90 years' time. Our disastrous environmental record over the past 130 years, with an average population of some 10 million, is surely another reason to have a proper talk about population. It's not only the housing crisis but also many aspects of our environmental and social future that are at stake. Ignoring the effect of exponential population growth on future generations really is selfish. John Burke, Wahroonga A new investment When looking at government handouts and the effect on productivity, let's not forget the handout of negative gearing (Letters, July 24). It encourages investment in a totally non-productive area and denies permanent homes to millions. Let's get the money invested in real estate, propped up by this insidious form of welfare, back into the economy where it can be effective, and the government money saved back into social housing, so people can live in our major cities and start economically producing. Elisabeth Goodsall, Wahroonga Decent proposal Ross Gittins correctly identifies the elephant in the room ('HECS cuts the least PM should do', July 23). Gittins correctly identifies one of the main hurdles in overcoming the 'fair go' that most Australians aspire to – 'by making a percentage cut, rather than a flat dollar amount'. In the current proposal for a cut in HECS, 20 per cent of $100,000 is much more than 20 per cent of $5000. It would be fairer if the government instead took 20 per cent of the median debt and subtracted that amount from all debts. Some people would even get a refund. With tax reform on the table, all changes similar to this should be scrutinised for who benefits the most. Philip Jirman, Wallabi Point Once upon a time, many Australians were able to attend university free, in some cases even receiving an allowance for books or childcare (Letters, July 24). I was one of them; so were many of my 'mature age student' friends who were already parents. We studied nursing, teaching and social work, and worked and paid taxes for the next 30 years or more. Thanks, Gough. Margaret Wilkie, Peregian Beach (Qld)
Sydney Morning Herald
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Changes needed to help the elderly make their vote count
The high number of informal rates in aged care doesn't surprise me (' Informal vote surge in aged care, hospitals raises questions', May 26). I changed my 101-year-old mum to postal voting a couple of years ago (with her consent) because of the often chaotic voting process in her nursing home. Even though she is still very politically aware, when she voted this year I had to explain carefully to her about the number of boxes that she had to number. She told me there were numerous residents in the same home who didn't even realise that there was an election, and almost certainly many of them would have been unaware of issues and candidates. In addition, many of the care staff have English as their second language and may not be able to adequately explain the process to residents. I also assume electoral staff sent to organise the voting would legally not be allowed to help residents fill out their votes. Maybe it would make sense for these people to give their first preference only and have it still count as a formal vote. Relatives and medical staff also need to be prepared to take the difficult decision to deregister some residents if it is clear that they are incapable of making a decision. Judy Christian, The Ponds An increase in informal votes should be a concern for all parties and voters. But it is not surprising that high informal vote rates are often associated with large populations of voters from non-English speaking backgrounds, poorer or less educated voters or those in seats with a large number of candidates. Where is the solution? Using TV ads to tell this demographic in their languages how to vote hasn't solved the problem. There is more education required. Perhaps it should become part of the citizenship test. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill Russia deserves total isolation It is high time that the rest of the world became serious about the behaviour of Russia (' Trump hits out at 'crazy' Putin ', May 26). With the growth of apartheid in South Africa, the global community imposed boycotts. Flights, postal services, sporting visits, trade and financial links were either limited or banned. But when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the world stood back and did nothing. Where was the UN? Nowhere. Ukraine is asking for more sanctions on Russia, particularly by the US. European nations have tightened them already. Total isolation of Russia is the only solution, diplomatically, economically, financially and morally. How can we tolerate Russian ambassadors and diplomatic staff in our community, and our own diplomats in Moscow, while we send arms and munitions to Ukraine to help it repel Russia's invasion? Collectively we should hang our heads in shame. Tiit Tonuri, Cowra Barring some mishap to Donald Trump, democratic allies of the US, such as us, are stuck with him for three more years. As Maureen Dowd's frightening assessment makes clear, he exemplifies avarice and egotism (' Trump's prosperity starts at home ', May 26). His attempt to subvert the legitimate election of Joe Biden and his inciting of the insurrection on the Capitol ought to have destroyed this bullying political thug, but his second coming is testing allies to the hilt. Trump's tolerance of the murderous Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended the Ukraine war and his failure to deter Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has extended the smashing of Gaza. His policies are damaging democracy and hurting the least well-off everywhere, making even more abominable his profiting from the presidency. Trump's unspeakable greed and his deafness to reason demand that allies openly oppose his injurious indecencies. Ron Sinclair, Windradyne End Gaza horror Like your correspondent Georgina Whitton, I am overwhelmed by the cruelty and horror of the war in Gaza (Letters, May 26). I am a grandmother and when I see young children with metal bowls crushed as they try to receive basic food, I think 'what if they were my grandchildren?'. As citizens of this lucky country, I urge people to write to their government representatives and ask for action to stop this continuing annihilation of innocents. Ask yourself: 'Could I make a difference?' Judy Mitchell, Cabarita I wholeheartedly support Georgina Whitton's eloquent letter. Her heartfelt cry for action by the international community and the Australian government to stop the murder of helpless children in Gaza was based on morality, not politics – on humanity, not hatred. As Georgina wrote, we must 'stand with humanity, stand for peace'. Her plea was not about supporting one political side or the other, but rather about siding with the innocent who die and suffer through no fault of their own. Michael Davis, Balmain East I agree with Alison Broinowski that Australia should join the coalition advocating sanctions on Israel (Letters, May 26). According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 16,503 children have now been killed. The latest outrage is the murder of nine children whose mother, Dr Alaa al-Najjar, was on duty when their charred little bodies were brought in. Where is Penny Wong? Mark Paskal, Austinmer Your correspondent, like many, pleads for peace in Gaza. Could there be a more harrowing example of the need than the Israeli strike killing nine children in one family and injuring the mother's remaining child and her husband (' Nine of doctor's 10 children killed in Israeli strike on Gaza ', May 26). It is an atrocity and a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. Give peace a chance. Vicky Marquis, Glebe Unis on the outer Correspondent Stein Boddington is misguided to suggest 'now would be a good time for the government to offer extra support for Australian universities to recruit talented staff and students from Harvard' (Letters, May 26). Our universities, now run like corporations with CEO-type vice chancellors, have gone through, and continue with major restructures. COVID provided an opportunity to shed countless academics and the government was nowhere to be found 'helping' to save these jobs, refusing to extend the JobKeeper program to the sector. Then we've had the arguably knee-jerk plans for the capping of international students to improve the optics of our immigration numbers since the pandemic ended. This outrageous politicisation of our public higher education system has enabled the sustained cult of 'cost savings' by universities, often led by Big Four accounting firms and manifested as continuing restructures and slow-dripping uncertainty and insecurity for Australian academics. Why should we be extending opportunities to US academics and students against this cult of local anti-intellectualism? The Trump presidency is a self-inflicted disaster, after all. Robyn Dalziell, Kellyville Nats in denial Every Nationals supporter should read Malcolm Knox's article (' Baffling denialism in disaster zone ', May 25). Where are these recently elected boys and girls who represent the Taree area at both state and federal levels? Fighting over petty issues and nowhere on the ground. As I watch my sister being evacuated from Dumaresq Island, I despair how anyone can support a party in climate denial. I grew up in the Taree area and have been a geography teacher all my life. I have been teaching about the issues of climate change for many years. When are we going to see some true action? Maureen Brown, Armidale I was once on a plane sitting across the aisle from a federal Nationals politician on his way to his country electorate. He was friendly and keen to pass on his opinion about everything from rural issues to raising kids. I asked him about climate change. His response of 'it will work itself out' was at best naive but still alarming. As we headed down to the tarmac, his police minder said to me, 'That's an hour you'll never get back.' It seems nothing has changed within the Nationals. He is still in parliament with his mates, clinging doggedly to the past with a limited policy platform and little thought for the future. Rob Asser, Balmain East Moderates in moderation Sean Kelly is spot on regarding the lack of introspection within the Liberal Party (' Albanese's goal? Minimise regrets ', May 26). The right thinks they weren't right enough, and the moderates, courtesy of Tim Wilson, are back in the trenches fighting for the richest of the rich. Business as usual. The problem with this analysis is that Wilson isn't a moderate. He is a dyed-in-the-wool, IPA-loving climate change denier. Being gay and supporting one left-wing cause (gay marriage) does not make you a moderate, just self-serving. The Liberal Party's problem is that it has no moderates. While it continues to claim that the likes of Wilson are moderates, it will remain a far-right party and electoral poison. Paul Davies, Crows Nest Development red card The evident incompatibility of an eight-storey block of flats hard up against the boundary of an in-demand soccer field is not the only objection to that proposed rezoning in Lords Road, Leichhardt (' Football club puts boot into pitch for 200 apartments', May 26). It would involve the displacement of a dozen small businesses currently operating out of the site, with some 80 employees. Those business owners and employees are only too aware of how difficult it would be to secure other premises in the inner west with the abundant on-site parking and ease of access of this site. As for neighbouring residents, such a development would overshadow their mostly single-storey homes and increase traffic in an already congested through-road. It would spell the destruction of 17 mature trees that screen the site from neighbours, and it would provide no real public benefits. As for its contribution to helping with the housing crisis, just 10 apartments out of 213 would be what is misleadingly called 'affordable'. Finally, the site is flood prone which, along with other infrastructure problems, may prove fatal to the developer's current plans. Meanwhile, there are other sites in the locality ripe for redevelopment without the drawbacks of Lords Road. Hall Greenland, Leichhardt The article about the redevelopment of industrial land to residential adjacent to the APIA Leichhardt Football Club says it all. If the development goes ahead, Platino Properties will win, and the club where children have played football since 1954 will lose. Yes, there is a need for more residential accommodation, but this is the wrong place to do it. Karen Eldridge, Leichhardt Passion v grades As a Year 10 student, with hours of school and additional extracurricular activities, I understand why Year 12s with even more work than me would scramble for easier subjects, particularly if it boosts their ATAR scores ('HSC students drop 'harder courses' to gain high ATAR results', May 26). But why is it that subject selection has become a trade-off between one's passion and one's grades? I feel strongly that the markers of success for HSC subjects should be more aligned with the new challenges faced by students today. Reet Gupta, Waitara Nobody has defined exactly what makes a 'harder' or 'easier' course. I placed first in the state in a leaving certificate science subject, yet I was in awe of anyone who had designed and made a formal dress or a christening robe with smocking. I still have trouble putting a button on a garment. My daughter was in the top 2 per cent of HSC candidates but she failed sewing in her early years in high school. It is all about talent and skills, not easy or hard. Robyn Lewis, Raglan Unproductive blame Another Ross Gittins beauty on the challenges our economy faces (' We need our economists to try a lot harder ', May 26). I can hear the cries of objection coming from the academic economists who feel slighted by his assertions. We have economists and governments agreeing that our economy's 'productivity' has stalled, but we'll never find a solution as long as we keep blaming workers for it. It's just too easy for business to not invest in new technology and labour-saving devices and to pocket their profit, and, instead, blame those lazy workers and the terrible unions. John Odgers, Glebe Tax scare campaign The purpose of superannuation is to fund retirement, not to provide a tax haven (' What you need to know about Labor's new super tax ', May 24). Three million dollars is way more than what a couple needs to fund their retirement, so there is widespread agreement that the tax rate for income from superannuation balances above $3 million should be increased from 15 per cent to 30 per cent. It will be a very long time until retirement needs will require a $3 million superannuation balance and governments can and will adjust this threshold. Treasury has chosen the simplest algorithm, which automatically includes unrealised capital gains. Instead of a considered and constructive response, correspondent Bruce Watson has adopted scare campaign tactics, one of the main reasons tax reform has been delayed for decades (Letters, May 26). There are other, more complicated algorithms that do not tax unrealised gains. Watson would help by nominating them. David Hind, North Sydney All these people complaining about the superannuation tax seem to forget that both the husband and the wife can have $3 million each in super before the tax on unrealised gains come into effect. Wow, a family with $6 million in super is doing very well indeed. As correspondent John Flint explains, that will provide about $300,000 a year in family income (Letters, May 26). Peter Nelson, Moss Vale Like most working Australians, I can only dream of having $3 million in superannuation. However, if I did I'd be happy to pay Labor's proposed extra tax as I would already have abundant wealth, with the knowledge that this tax would help pay for much-needed services in the community. Leo Sorbello, West Ryde Green and golden Climate sceptics can deny it all they like, but with nations pushing ever-harder to cut their emissions, demand for 'green iron' is only going to grow (' Green iron could save the Pilbara from becoming mining wasteland,' May 26). We can either produce it here or let other nations do it and reap the benefits. Given our natural endowment in renewable energy, we would be mad to let this golden egg slip out of our hands. But we've done it before, so there is no certainty it won't happen again. Ken Enderby, Concord Did Not Attain Brian Haisman writes that the human need for spirituality is embedded deep in our DNA (Letters, May 26). I (and others) seem to have missed out on this gene. Does this make us non-human? Judith Campbell, Drummoyne
