Illustration: Cathy WilcoxCredit:
Renewable energy is synonymous with life (“Sweeping plan to phase out fossils”, June 9). It is the pulse of this living planet. Be it from the constant solar rays, the ebbing tides, the circulating winds, thermal heat from the depths, the powerhouse of water both as hydro and hydrogen. There is nothing here to be afraid of. Fossil fuels are the remains of life long passed. It’s had its day, but sweeping away its legacy will be a challenge. Steve Dillon, Thirroul
It has taken the Labor government only weeks to reach an agreement between the state and federal energy ministers for a national clean energy transition plan, to co-ordinate the phasing out of fossil fuels, bolster the power network and achieve net-zero emissions while seeking to take advantage of the economic opportunities that renewable energy will provide. The Coalition, plagued by infighting and having no will to take a stand against their generous fossil-fuel donors, failed to deliver a national energy policy for more than a decade. How wonderful to see the adults finally in charge, showing the leadership that has been missing, and a definitive national action plan taking shape at last. Alan Marel, North Curl Curl
The article describing plans to phase out fossil fuels together with another proposing a windfall profit tax on gas producers creates a confusing juxtaposition (“A windfall profits tax might keep home fires burning”, June 9). Surely the time is now right to reintroduce the former Labor government’s cap-and-trade carbon emissions scheme from 2009. Modelled on the European system, industry would gradually adapt to a lower carbon environment with any excess emissions (over the cap) being taxed resulting in much-needed revenue for the government. John Kempler, Rose bay
The Labor government has one lever it can pull immediately to help consumers lower or offset gas price rises. It has a mandate to impose new taxes on multinationals. A super gas profits tax is essential to regain some of the massive profits made by overseas-owned gas extractors, which can be redirected and offered to low and middle income earners to offset the massive rise in energy bills. Mark Berg, Caringbah South
For decades Australia has mined its raw mineral resources and exported them overseas, where they are used in the manufacture of value-added products and imported back at great cost.
Illustration: John ShakespeareCredit:
With Australia now a leading exporter of lithium, it would make a lot of sense to break this lazy historical habit and facilitate the Australian manufacture of EV and solar storage batteries. This would create many jobs. Australia could thus also become a major exporter of value-added lithium as an exporter of Australian manufactured batteries in a burgeoning global market. Nicholas Harding, Newtown
Who were the geniuses responsible for the obscene situation we in the eastern states find ourselves regarding our gas reserves and prices? Where is that federal ICAC? Bob Macfarlane, Mirrabooka
This old battler choked on his morning cereal while reading the headline “Sweeping plan to phase out fossils”: they might be taking the new euthanasia legislation a bit far, I thought. Peter Snowden, Orange
Family’s freedom must be first step to citizenship
Wonderful news that the lovely family from Biloela are rejoining their excited community. In the best Australian vernacular, it is about bloody time (“Tamil family en route back home to ‘Bilo’”, June 9). Congratulations to the people who never gave up hope of returning them to their home. I hope no other family ever has to go through this experience. Kath Maher, Lidcombe
The return of the Murugappan family to Biloela gives hope to other refugees languishing in offshore detention and on temporary visas. It’s not just the cost to us in dollars, but also the human cost of otherwise productive lives wasted in limbo. This is not who we are. Vicky Marquis, Glebe
The Albanese government is to be commended for promptly returning the Murugappan family to their home in Biloela, but why must their torment continue with the threat of more court proceedings to determine their fate? They have suffered enough, and should immediately be granted Australian citizenship or, at the least, permanent residence. Mike Phillips, Mt Coolum (Qld)
The “Home to Bilo” campaigners keenly awaiting the arrival of the Murugappan family have been holding their collective breath for four years now, ever since the family was taken into immigration detention in 2018.
But when Nades, Priya, Kopica and Tharnicaa arrive back on home soil from their community detention in Perth they will only have one more hurdle to cross: getting their bridging visa statuses revoked by the courts, which would allow them to become Australian residents. Eric Palm, Gympie (Qld)
The treatment of the Murugappan family by Australian authorities borders on cruelty. From detention camps offshore to being ripped out of a community that loves them is unbelievable. They have suffered enough. Let the court finally settle their case. When did Australia lose its empathy? Conrad Mill, Parkes
I was once indifferent to the fate of a Tamil family. But I remember how the Coalition government acted on one deportation case in 1965. A vulnerable Indian-Fijian child, Nancy Prasad, was officially tormented for her victimless crime: not being white enough to settle in Australia.
It took the return of Labor, in 1972, to allow her to legally migrate to Australia and obtain citizenship. It’s been said that when facts change, change your opinion. Me too. It is a fact that the ALP has now reversed policy. To Biloela, it’s time. Welcome them back from detention. Swing the billy for them, with your best Ceylon tea. Mike Fogarty, Weston ACT
I know pure joy when I see it. Nades’ face in the Herald photo was pure joy to behold. Go well Murugappan family, go well Biloela. Joy Nason, Mona Vale
Hypocrisy of money laundering
I find it amusing that our hand-wringing top cop states that “governments” were turning a blind eye to the proceeds of crime washing through their economies, the implication being that we are better than that down here (“Police scrutinise Chinese cash ring”, June 9). Obviously, it’s been a while since the commissioner has wandered through a casino, club or pub where rows of gaming tables and machines whir away on never-ending rinse and spin cycles to cope with the river of dirty cash that flows through the Australian economy anonymously — with complete approval of those receiving the tax revenue. Clean up your own backyard before criticising others will be the response from China – and for once I will agree with them. Luke Fennell, Mosman
It’s no surprise that crime profits are being laundered in Australia in huge amounts, given the inquiries into our casinos and the floods of money into our residential real estate. The Labor government must immediately implement the mothballed AUSTRAC foreign money transaction reporting requirements for real estate agents and lawyers to close that loophole at least. Banning foreign purchases of residential real estate would be the icing on that cake, and forcing disposal of those many unoccupied houses held by foreign interests could free up the rental market as well. Alan Carruthers, Artarmon
No rush for health jobs
While it is welcome news that the Premier has announced 600 more nurses will be employed in palliative care, along with the 10,000 more to be employed in other areas of health care recently promised, I wonder how easy it will be to fill these positions (“Palliative package is premier’s atonement”, June 9). With health care workers being paid such low wages for their workload, I can’t see a race to apply for these jobs. Sandra Burke, North Sydney
COVID still with us
Thanks to your correspondent for reminding us to protect ourselves, and others, from COVID infection (Letters, June 9). After the countless personal hardships we have all endured in the past two years, it appears that ignoring the problem has become our tired citizenry’s solution to living with COVID.
Despite the appalling statistics this year, it is no longer newsworthy, nor, as indicated by the casual approach to mitigating infection, is it taken seriously by the populace.
It’s a long haul ahead, and it’s up to every person to do their bit to contain the virus. Full vaccination, continued social distancing where possible and masks in indoor public spaces, are socially responsible choices to protect ourselves, and each other. Gerardine Grace, Leura
Cash rate was too low
Without the benefit of hindsight, it was clear the RBA should not have reduced the cash rate below 3 per cent if inflation was expected to be 2-3 per cent per annum (“RBA cannot be ‘held hostage’“, June 9). Former RBA governor Ian Macfarlane’s successor, noting the enormous fiscal stimulus, should have stopped flogging the dead horse that was monetary policy. Instead, he promised three years of zero interest rates while he boosted inflation. Both these people should know that when interest rates are less than the rate of inflation, the government benefits mightily from an inflation tax – tax by stealth. It’s an arbitrary tax, an unlegislated tax. Mike Bush, Port Macquarie
Your correspondent (Letters, June 9) says the Reserve Bank governor should resign because of the looming crisis in the housing market. While it is unfortunate the Reserve Bank’s bank predictions that interest rates would not rise until 2024 proved incorrect, a burst in the housing bubble was inevitable whenever rates rose. Whether it is gold stocks, bitcoin or real estate, there are always stakeholders keen to push the price of their product up. It is the task of the buyer to see past the hype and weigh up the attraction of possible profits in a bull market against the consequences of a bursting bubble. Neither the Reserve Bank nor the government can protect the buyer from their own stupidity. Caveat emptor is a phrase from a dead language but it applies to a very live issue. Mike Reddy, Vincentia
Footy as artistry
Congratulations to Osman Faruqi for daring to include art and rugby league in the same column (“League is art, so take heed, you arty types”, June 9). This is not totally foreign to Herald readers given the propensity of Roy Masters to regularly quote literature in his missives, and entirely appropriate given the sublime physical skills exhibited by the modern NRL player. Despite much NRL marketing being focused on the collisions in the game, many of us are followers of the skills displayed, such as detecting a gap in a defensive line and then exploiting it with speed and sleight of hand. Books have been written about the art of war, so it’s not drawing a long bow to consider rugby league as an art form. Max Redmayne, Drummoyne
Tragedy of online abuse
Samantha Floreani forgets that although anonymity might not reduce the abuse of bullying or trolling, it does allow the bullied or trolled to fight back and force the perpetrator to compensate for sometimes lifelong trauma (“Exposing a tweeter’s ID threatens us all”, June 9). A kinder society might be the result of forcing us all to be accountable for our ideas. The great tragedy is that we live in a society in which these instances need to be legislated to prevent misuse of free speech. Philip Johnson, Rockdale
Critical difference
Your correspondents are clearly not scientists (Letters, June 9). The difference between critical thinking in science and the humanities is that critical thinking in science is evidence-based, while critical thinking in the humanities seems to be based on navel-gazing. Clare Rudkin, Barellan Point (Qld)
Passport to heaven
I really identify with the idea of getting a passport before you kick the bucket (Letters, June 9). I take the same attitude with shop assistants who ask if I’d like an extended three-year warranty. My realistically honest reply is that at 83, that is more than my doctor can guarantee me. Trevor Somerville, Illawong
Are the current delays in processing passports yet another example of so-called “efficiency dividends” causing public service organisations to become less efficient? Humphrey Armstrong, North Sydney
Kelly principle
With Liberal Party deserter Craig Kelly now pontificating about “a matter of principle”, is satire officially dead (“Kelly in a fine mess but says he didn’t play corflute solo”, CBD, June 9)?
Chris Roylance, Paddington (QLD)
Versatile veg
Spinach can often be a good, inexpensive substitute for lettuce (Letters, June 9). Easily grown as a pot-plant on a window ledge, it will provide a ready supply of tender young leaves. Joy Cooksey, Harrington
Name and address
It would also be useful to have visible street signs on all streets so you know which street you are on while looking for the house number you are seeking (Letters, June 9). Merilyn McClung, Forestville
The digital view
Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au
‘As legal as garlic’: High times in Thailand as marijuana is decriminalised
From Mal.com: “This news is not great if your teenage child succumbed to psychosis from cannabis use. Like any legalised vice, it comes at a hidden cost. For some, and their suffering families, it will be the burden of seeking treatment for dual diagnosis of addiction and psychosis. Such patients do not fare well in our healthcare system and probably less so in Thailand. Be careful what you wish for.”
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