Simple maths belie heroic assumptions on backpacker tax

Backpackers paying a 32.5per cent tax rate from the first dollar earned, working beside Australians who pay no tax on their first $18,200, was an ill-conceived idea. It is unlikely to encourage backpackers to tell their friends to come to Australia. Simple cost/benefit analysis would tell us that the tax would be counterproductive. Initially, backpackers spend money they've brought into the country. If they then find work here, they help local industries (e.g. farming).

They'd possibly spend the money earned within the local tourism industry. Fewer backpackers means significantly less economic benefit.

Knowing that the 32.5per cent rate will be negotiated down in the Senate, not to mention in his own party room, Mr Morrison has proposed alternative taxes. Ironically, he wants to make up for revenue that the original proposal would never have achieved. Such poorly conceived proposals do little to instil confidence in our elected leaders.

Harry Samios, O'Connor

Congratulations to Russell Broadbent MP for standing up to the right-wing demagogues of the Coalition. This expression of decency has long been long missing from the ranks of the Coalition since the commencement of the ongoing Abbott era of politics.

Perhaps other MPs in the Coalition will start to realise that Australians are tired of this do-nothing style of government and their limited themes such as attacks on section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, the Human Rights Commissioner, asylum seekers, the renewables energy industry and giving tax cuts to the already well-off.

The polls indicate that Australians give greater priority to issues such as fair and equitable budget repair, action on climate change, affordable housing, education and health and marriage equality. Perhaps those silent MPs in the Coalition may start to realise that their electoral fortunes depend on things starting to happen on these issues and will also start speaking out.

Robyn Vincent , McKellar

I would like to see Tony Abbott promoted to the frontbench. I consider he could make a wonderful contribution as Minister for Defence. Mr Putin is still in need of shirt-fronting. Serious consideration should also be given to Tony Abbott's elevation to Minister for Sport, as Team Australia is at present in total disarray.

After due consideration, I recommend a slower elevation to the cabinet; initially appointing him as parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Primary Industries. His sole responsibility would be to ensure that onion futures don't go belly up. In order for him to accept these onerous duties, he would have to agree to donate his collection of white ants to Bill Shorten.

John Galvin, Weston

Lies and misinformation appear to be the stock in trade of those who wish to alter the Racial Discrimination Act.

Malcolm Turnbull ("PM deeply misleading says Triggs", November8, p4) and Bill Deane (Letters, November8) demonstrate their ignorance in their criticisms of the Human Rights Commission following the Federal Court ruling about the Brisbane UTS case. Virtually any public servant in Canberra could tell you that Commonwealth agencies do not conduct legal cases – that is done by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Also, the policy of the DPP is not to proceed with cases for which there is little prospect of success. So it is clear that the DPP had a different opinion about the merits of the case from the opinion expressed by the Federal Court judge. Moreover it is clear, as Professor Triggs has pointed out, that such a case would only have gone to the DPP when all efforts of the Human Rights Commission to secure mediation had failed.

It will be interesting to see whether the DPP considers it will appeal the judgment.

Contrary to the arguments of that comedy duo, Turnbull and Deane, this case is not a demonstration that the act needs amending; it is a demonstration that the act cannot be misused to shore up bigotry and racism, which is precisely what it was intended to do. But then, facts are rarely the strong suit of the ignorant.

Ric Innes, Weetangera

Animals growl and snarl to rev themselves up for a fight. We humans do the same by using offensive language, insults, humiliating words and intimidation, which can readily tip over into violence. Hence the importance of section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act.

The Human Rights Commission does the vital job of encouraging those emitting these human snarls and growls to move towards conciliation. In the very few cases where conciliation fails, the courts can arbitrate. The overall intention is to keep moving us in a civilised direction. It would be reassuring if our federal government supported this idea.

Rosemary Walters, Palmerston

I see no reason why British Prime Minister Theresa May is unhappy about the High Court's decision that the government does not have the power to take Britain out of the European Union without the approval of the Parliament ("High Court blow to PM's Brexit plan", November5,p24).

Surely, it was with the approval of the Parliament, not through a referendum, that Britain became a member of theEU.

There can be little doubt that those who sought to leave the EU recently are regretting their thoughtless decision – principally because their quality of life is likely to be affected as a result of the decline of the pound and the anticipated damage to the country's economy.

Sam Nona, Burradoo, NSW

I agree with Neil James (Letters, November1) and also David Roth (Letters, November2) that we all have a responsibility for defence matters, or at least should have our opinions heard on such matters. But the only reason I think that the ads would be aimed at us ordinary citizens is that it creates a military culture for our society – a culture where war is an ongoing option and increased defence spending goes largely unquestioned.

Our defence budget of $32.4billion for this financial year is almost equivalent to the federal education budget, but what do we get? We're giving the United States $17billion for 72 F35s while Canada has cancelled its order, no doubt because of all the question marks over the F35's viability. And the government wants to increase defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP – what a high moral aim!

What have we got for our illegal involvement in the war on Iraq and the billions spent on that? More war and terrorism. Will we ever learn? And we're shaping up with the US in an extremely dangerous brinkmanship with China and Russia. The airport management could stop being complicit in this cultural brainwashing and get other, more attractive ads for its important space at our national capital's airport.

Kathryn Kelly, Chifley

Like Jim Derrick (Letters, November8), I agree that sometimes the speed limit signs around roadworks are displayed at unnecessary times, but I will go one further, and suggest that another problem area is at school zones. Too often, the 40km/h signs are left displayed long after the 4pm end time, and also left open for the first few days and up to a week after school holidays have begun.

Surely it can't be too hard for someone at the school to go out and close these sign up at 4pm so drivers know what speed they are legally allowed to do. This problem is compounded by the fact that we here in the ACT have a different time schedule to NSW, so drivers from over the border may be confused by the time differential for these limits. The solution must be to introduce automated flashing lights for school areas and align our times for their enforcement with NSW. after all, our decision makers here keep telling us that they try to make things happen the same as in NSW so that we are aligned with our across-the-border neighbours to keep things simple.

G. Evans, Kaleen

Further to Zafar Ahmad's encounter with a brown snake (Letters, November8), our dog has killed two large brown snakes (and been bitten by one, though that's another story) and one black snake in the past couple of weeks.

A friend saw a dozen browns in one day in the mountains southwest of Canberra. Whether the recent rains are responsible for this plethora of snakes is a matter for conjecture; the important point is that people should be careful, especially where grass is unmowed.

Jenny Goldie, Michelago, NSW

No, Zafar Ahmad, you are incorrect on two points. Canberra Connect is correct in its advice regarding snake rescue.

It's your issue in choosing to assimilate with wildlife, especially by a reserve. Don't assume to take your issue to a presumed authority. Put your shovel down. When your next encounter occurs, which it will, contact canberrasnakerescue.com.au.

These people, to my knowledge, are the first and only licensed snake rescuers in the ACT. I have utilised their service on two occasions successfully. Rangers do assist householders if a snake enters a house. Your perception of "lack of help" by ACT Rangers does not put lives at risk.

Phil O'Mara, Pialligo

I totally agree with Derek Bulpitt (Letters, November7) on the "grab" word. The other thing I hate is when you are asked by a customer service person, "And what was your name?", as though it might have changed!

I recently said to one of these questioners that my name was the same it had always been, and they were totally thrown by my answer, and started to write something down! Along the same lines, we get "Let's take a listen" from television reporters crossing to what witnesses might have seen, etc.

And don't get me started on everyone being labelled "guys". My wife tells me that it's just the way it is, and I have to accept it. But I don't want to.

Gordon Bezear, Gowrie

While I agree with Robert Willson (Letters, November8) that the number of children entering high school who are illiterate or can't do simple arithmetic is concerning, all is not doom and gloom.

In the past couple of weeks, while counting reasonably large sums of money from a fundraising event, I have had the help of my 11-year-old grandson who is very quick at counting and adding up amounts of money.

Michael Perry, Chisholm

It seems likely that, in his recent address to the National Press Club, Andrew Denton was locking in support for his views on euthanasia from people like Rob Westcott (Letters, October26) who are already hostile to the Catholic point of view.

Rob goes so far as to question the sanity of the Catholic right and condemns the history of formal religion.

Andrew Denton appeared at first to have researched his subject thoroughly, including detail of Catholic action concerning euthanasia. When questioned, however, he admitted he had not consulted leaders of other faiths.

This omission is significant and suggests a deliberate attempt to present an unbalanced picture of community views.

Eric French, Higgins

REFERENCE CHECKS

Memo to Pauline Hanson and others: Ever heard of reference-checking? Here we go again. It beggars belief in this day and age of access to information that questionable individuals infiltrate organisations without due diligence.

Linus Cole, Palmerston

PRINCIPLES MIRAGE

The media has it wrong about Malcolm Turnbull being forced by Lib right-wingers to betray his "principles". Turnbull spruiks Abbott policies with such gusto that I suspect his "principles" never actually existed but were miraged by leather-jacketed bonhomie.

Dr Vacy Vlazna, Collaroy, NSW

CONSCIENCE VOTE

Malcolm Turnbull should realise a plebiscite would have the same result as a conscience vote in the Parliament ("Same-sex marriage plebiscite defeated in late night Senate vote", canberratimes.com.au, November 8). If he had any spine he would bring on a conscience vote and save the nearly $200million a plebiscite would have cost.

Robyn Lewis, Raglan, NSW

RIDGY DIDGE

I have it on good advice that the sounds/vibrations emitted by a didgeridoo will move on a snake scoping for territory, mates, or otherwise involved in other snaky business. Zafar Ahmad (Letters, November5) could try this.

Matt Ford, Crookwell, NSW

APPLEBY'S APTNESS

Your editorial, "Freedom of speech inquiry is welcome" (November9, p14) is all well and good, but we should remember Sir Humphrey Appleby's sage advice, "Never hold an inquiry unless you know the outcome".

Since this inquiry is clearly a political move with, no doubt, a Coalition majority on the committee, what are the odds that Sir Humphrey's cynicism will, as always, prove to be well founded?

Eric Hunter, Cook

PM'S RELIGION

I would like to see Josh Frydenberg or Ed Husic become prime minister. If Jakarta can have a Christian mayor, why can't Australia have a Jewish or a Muslim prime minister?

Michael McCarthy, Deakin

CORRECTION

A letter to the the editor published on Tuesday suggesting Alexander Downer was on the Australian board of Huawei was incorrect. Mr Downer was a Huawei board member, but resigned in June 2014 after his appointment as Australia's high commissioner in London. The article referred to in the letter omitted mention of Mr Downer's resignation.

Email: letters.editor@canberratimes.com.au. Send from the message field, not as an attached file. Fax: 6280 2282. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Canberra Times, PO Box 7155, Canberra Mail Centre, ACT 2610.

Keep your letter to 250 words or less. References to Canberra Times reports should include date and page number. Letters may be edited. Provide phone number and full home address (suburb only published).