Credit: Alan Moir
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LEADERSHIP
James Massola is right to draw attention to a certain similarity between Anthony Albanese and John Howard (″Trust is still what drives Albanese″, 22/8).
Both believe in the value of trust in politics and that the national interest should be at the heart of all policy.
Depending on your viewpoint, both are right on some things and wrong on others. Howard got it right on gun control, but badly wrong on weapons of mass destruction and the Iraq War.
For his part, Albanese has so far got it right on wealth distribution, Indigenous welfare, and resistance to atrocious tyranny and xenophobia on all sides in the Middle East. Again, depending on your point of view. And bearing in mind the differing social and political circumstances of both leaders.
Howard’s national and global circumstances were more or less stable. Albanese’s are not, and so he needs to develop those positives of his much more strongly than he has at present, such is the strength of evil in the world at the present time.
Terry Hewton, Henley Beach, SA
Albanese’s caution is his strength
James Massola’s comments on the history of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s ambition make interesting reading. Politically speaking, caution does not indicate an absence of ambition, nor does it show “weakness” as recently claimed by the Israeli prime minister.
In many ways, Albanese’s caution is his strength; now he also has a massive mandate that allows him the flexibility to choose his timing and priorities.
Massola says it “isn’t clear yet … what Albanese will spend his political capital on”. Surely, it should be clear to even the most cautious government that unless dealing with climate change and the control of emissions is treated as its most urgent priority, there won’t be another chance.
Jenifer Nicholls, Windsor
Horrified by mines approved under Labor
James Massola writes that the PM prioritises having our trust. The word is mentioned multiple times in the article. Of course, stated intentions by a politician can start to build trust, but it is actions that matter.
Many voters, and writers to this newspaper, express frustration that he is not initiating bigger changes when he is enjoying public support and Labor has increased seats in parliament.
Voters want more housing supply, which is primarily a state issue but the feds can show leadership here with innovative ideas. We care about climate change and are horrified that under Labor coal and gas mines continue to be approved.
Albanese has an opportunity to greatly increase Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target as required by the Paris Agreement to at least 75 per cent, for the meeting next month.
Labor would then have ample time before the next election to implement ways to do this.
That would establish trust.
Jan Marshall, Brighton
THE FORUM
Degrees of evil
Your correspondent (Letters, 22/8), makes a telling point in critiquing those who view Donald Trump effectively as moral equivalent to evil totalitarian thugs like Stalin, Mao and Hitler. Nomenclature is important in discussing such individuals. Trump is ignorant, venal, and at times cruel; but, in the pantheon of malign leaders, he ranks lowly. He does not head a political and social system for whom systemic and industrial killing of the Auschwitz variety is the raison d’être. Sadly, in an era when historical ignorance is rife, this point has to be made. All that said, the gangster Vladimir Putin is still making strides in his project to create a recrudescent version of Tsarism, underpinned by ballistic missiles. He is dangerous in ways Trump could never be.
Jon McMillan, Mornington
Trumpian or Stalinesque
Obviously Trump is ″comparable″ to Stalin. Trump might have ruled exactly like Stalin if he had a Soviet system of government instead of America’s imperfect system of checks and balances. And Stalin might have been ″moderate″ if he ruled in America’s system.
Wayne Robinson, Kingsley
Taking offence
I was brought up with the saying, ″I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.″ Waleed Aly is spot on (Comment, 22/8) in attacking “safetyism” under the La Trobe University code of conduct which requires the avoidance of ″language or topics that could be considered inflammatory, divisive or disrespectful”.
Freedom of speech should the very basis of all intellectual discussion, particularly for writers’ festivals and universities. Indeed, The Age’s motto Independent. Always. should be the touchstone for all good thinkers. If you don’t like someone’s ideas, refute them, or offer better ones. People attending writers’ festivals and universities are not children. Surely, we should not get upset if someone says something we don’t like.
Rob Gerrand, St Kilda
Pause before speaking
Preventing hurtful words requires attention to what we let ourselves think about. As the Dalai Lama and others remind us: “We become what we think”. Our thoughts shape our words and actions. If we think something often enough, the risk is that it will come out in our speech, perhaps particularly at intense times.
Thankfully,we have self-awareness. We have a moment when we can see what we are thinking. Before that thinking takes over our mind, there are meditative ways by which we can prevent this. Mantric meditation, for example, means we can use our mantra as a circuit-breaker, replacing the thinking we know is hurtful with the mantra, at least until the moment passes. Because of my faith I use the mantra “Jesus have mercy.” Heaven knows how many more inappropriate things I might have said without this spiritual practice.
We all want a society in which no one feels the hurt of cruel words. We want a society in which less people are full of regret for what they have said and done. We want to hear less of “I don’t know what I was thinking!” Meditation has a role to play.
Bishop Philip Huggins, Point Lonsdale
Rankine and Snoop
The AFL’s Izak Rankine decision and Andrew Dillon’s continued staunch defence of the engagement of the reformed, now changed man, Snoop Dogg still reek of hypocrisy. Or, could it be that those in charge at the AFL are now so removed from what the true footy fans want for our game that they have lost all sense of irony?
Ross Bardin, Williamstown
Push it real good
In 2019, Salt n Pepa performed at the NGV Gala, and they were the first commercial foray of women in hip hop music along with many other notable artists. This genre of music has become a safe space for communities affected by discrimination and a place of expression and healing from trauma especially for women to empower themselves in a male-dominated industry. During this period the lyricism of their male counterparts changed along with attitudes and less boastful lyrics by many, including prominent artists like Snoop Dog.
Generations of oppression and classism along with systematic racism were born out of hip hop. Let’s not stereotype a genre of music and artists where evolution was key in addressing many of society’s key problems.
Pamela Papadopoulos, South Yarra
Gauging productivity
The treasurer wants to increase long-term productivity. But what kind of productivity do we need and how should we gauge success? GDP is a foolish measure. It includes money spent on funerals and recovering from, rather than preventing, disasters like floods and fires. And if productivity simply boosts the profits of big corporations, rather than improving Australians’ lives, we gain nothing.
If streamlining building approvals were to result in houses with less energy efficiency and insulation, our society would not benefit in the long term. We need ″good productivity″, which should give us all a better quality of life. Average income is a poor measure of that.
First, the average is greatly affected by the largest incomes, much less by how many are poor. Second, there is overwhelming evidence more equal incomes lead to happier societies, with less crime, less suicide, and many other benefits to people at all income levels. Good productivity would increase equality. It would increase with reduced disease, better education opportunities, safe and effective child care and high quality aged care. And, better prevention of future climate change, and preparation to manage the climate disasters we expect already.
Rob Day, Alphington
Sanctuary disturbed
Re Bayside Council’s disappointing decision supporting dogs off leash at the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, Beaumaris.
Again, the precious natural environment loses. Ricketts Point is a unique and beautiful place, which must be revered and protected. It offers a roosting and feeding place for many local and migratory birds and marine life but is under constant threat.
Dogs should never be allowed to run free there. People must be encouraged to take care and understand the importance of the place. There are beaches in Bayside where people can enjoy their dogs on leash and off. The Marine Sanctuary should be an exception. Scientific evidence to support stronger controls of dogs at Beaumaris was presented in the council meeting.
It was also clear that most councillors hadn’t read it, or don’t believe it.
Pauline Reynolds, Sandringham
Scandi wow
Re ″Reaping the benefits of what apartment living should be″, 22/8. We are just back from a month in Scandinavia visiting our son and his family so we have seen apartment living up close. My son’s apartment block is designed in a rectangle with a large internal courtyard containing a playground, barbecue, veggie boxes and lawn. They also have undercover storage for bikes and prams and EV chargers are provided on a side street.
Copenhagen is also circled by six playgrounds that are serviced by coffee shops. Developers can also do it here if they have the will and money is not their only goal.
Marilyn Hoban, Mornington
Long track to Sydney
Visiting Sydney recently, I chose a return trip on the train from Melbourne instead of flying with the aim of limiting my contribution to carbon emissions and global warming. However, it requires a strong commitment to the environment to travel on the misnamed ’TrainLink XPT (Express Passenger Train) that had 16 stops between the capitals and took over 11 hours each way. The clicky clack of the wheels with the occasional squeaky interruption is better suited to a Sunday afternoon joy ride showing the grandkids a vintage train than a viable means of interstate travel. We can’t keep using these 40-year-old antiquated trains indefinitely. Can we revisit the thorny issue of straightening the line and have a modern train that gives a viable alternative to flying between Melbourne and Sydney?
Carmel Laragy, Malvern
AND ANOTHER THING
Credit: Matt Golding
AFL
If players on six-figure salaries don’t understand the ramifications of homophobic slurs on the field, they should step away from the game until they do.
Annie Wilson, Inverloch
The notion of justice is blind once more goes out the window come AFL finals’ season.
Peter Thomas, Pascoe Vale
By 2050, the Brownlow will go to whichever player apologises most convincingly.
Huw Dann, Auckland, NZ
As Jane Austen might have said: “That was very poorly done” AFL Integrity Unit.
Loula Vlass, Box Hill North
Back to four weeks for the homophobic slur. Used to be five, but a compelling medical condition justifies four weeks only. The AFL continues to disappoint.
Tim Habben, Hawthorn
Furthermore
As Benjamin Netanyahu hits out at leaders who oppose him, he asserts history will honour action. Not when that action is to starve, displace and bomb.
Lorel Thomas, Blackburn South
According to Netanyahu’s peculiar brand of bravery, Albanese has received a compliment being called a weakling.
Suzanne Miles, Frankston South
Economic roundtable a good start but navel gazing and ideologies need to be put aside if real and lasting reform is to take place.
Terry Mattison, Mentone
Anna Funder’s opinion piece (20/8) would be greatly improved by the addition of the words “I think” at the start of her claims for Eileen O’Shaughnessy’s contribution to George Orwell’s Animal Farm.
Wendy Steel, Vermont South
I agree with a road use charge for our EV. Along with a rebate for reduced environmental impact, we should at least break even, quite possibly make a profit, taxed of course.
Wal Wilson, Nagambie
One great advantage of apartment living is that you can sleep at night knowing the chance of a home invasion is negligible.
Tony O’Brien, South Melbourne
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