There is some confusion about exactly how many members voted for Mr Abbott in the preselection meeting on Friday night (September 14). However, whatever the actual numbers were, and considering that there was no opposing candidate, the result was hardly a ringing endorsement.

A major reason for the electorate's lack of enthusiasm for Abbott is his failure to live up to his pledge that "there will be no wrecking, no undermining and no sniping" when he deposed Malcolm Turnbull. He proceeded to do all three of those destructive things, and little that could be seen as constructive.

Tony Abbott seems hell-bent on revenge. The electorate of Warringah, and the nation, would be better off if he retired gracefully from Parliament — but grace does not seem to be Mr Abbott's strong suit.

Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

The Sunday Canberra Times article "Canberrans get a taste for Floriade" (Sunday, September 16, p1), refers to the eating and drinking delights associated with activities concerning our wonderful Floriade at Commonwealth Park. To my mind, Floriade is an annual artistic event by the people of Canberra for all people to get out and enjoy what our fair city has to offer. It is an event that should not to be missed.

As Floriade gets into full swing, and to add to the cultural and artistic events of this time of year, the Theatre Organ Society of Australia (ACT Division) is offering leisurely listening of light organ music on the historic 1933 Compton theatre organ at the Albert Hall. So, on Monday, September 24 from noon to 5pm, after enjoying the delights of Floriade, why not wander over to the Albert Hall and see what else is on offer to the people of Canberra. Admission is free.

Geoff Fiddian, Spence

As with the banking and finance royal commission, a blowtorch on the aged-care industry is well overdue and is likely to see predators at the managerial end of the industry facing censure, dismissal and jail.

The problems have been well known, reported on ad nauseam, and then left unresolved, for decades: elderly and vulnerable people warehoused with minimal or grossly deficient care, accompanied, all too often, by physical and mental abuse. The industry has long been a law unto itself; government and patient funds lucratively milked; maximum profits the business model, overheads — including competent care and good nutrition — to be kept drastically low.

Unqualified and untrained staff, inadequate in number, and many with little English, are employed because the wages paid are too poor to attract anyone with the requisite training and experience, except perhaps the rare Florence Nightingale. The churn in employees is therefore high.

And, as with unethical and criminal behaviour in the banking and finance sectors, the aged-care industry has hardly had a glove laid on it by regulators.

Is it little wonder that assisted dying is seen as a better option by the elderly and desperately sick when, at the end of their lives, they are treated worse than animals, often by those who mouth the most Christian of values.

A Whiddett, Forrest

Congratulations Mr Gentleman for your strong stand on the control of feral horses in the ACT. (The Canberra Times, September 18). In controlling feral animals, land managers need to have a range of techniques available to them as no single control method will work in all circumstances.

Your unconditional support for feral horse control is in stark contrast to NSW, where restrictions on control methods have seen a rapid increase in feral horse numbers in the region, to the detriment of native species and ecosystems.

It was important that aerial culling was highlighted as an acceptable control technique. This method has been rejected by the NSW government despite scientific research showing it to be highly effective and humane.

Its inclusion by the ACT provides its land managers with another option for the protection of the ACT's natural environment.

Rod Griffiths, National Parks Association of the ACT environment sub-committee convener, Fisher

Of course Australia's national anthem is outdated and a joke as it just represents another great example of false news.

If Australia were genuine in providing a national anthem with meaning and feeling and one which best represents the feelings of the current generation and one everyone knows the words to my vote would definitely go for the 'Harvey Norman' advertising song.

It seems to best represent all the hopes aspirations and dreams of Australia's current and now ageing population.

Perhaps for sporting occasions we need something a little different so maybe a staunch rendition of the sport stadium's sponsor song who's name is plastered everywhere including on the players jerseys, shorts, socks and jock straps is more appropriate.

This is the type of tune and words that have deep relevant meaning in Australia's current psyche and would get the passions flowing and the blood boiling.

This represents modern day Australia. C'mon Aussie let's stand up and be proud and do it.

Wayne Grant, Swinger Hill

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