Wagga's 'blood bath' can be put down to not being heard

This "bush blood bath" occurred because people in the bush are tired of not having our voices heard.

I do not think Ms Berejiklian understands that we are fed up with poor government policy, in particular policy which is designed to appease city voters at the expense of our communities.

In the Murray byelection last year Ms Berejiklian travelled to various parts of the electorate, as did Nationals' leader John Barilaro, and we were promised the world. But nothing has been delivered.

The promised reinvigoration of the timber industry was hollow, because neither of the leaders have the courage to stand up to their city colleagues and demand that commonsense prevail.

The Basin Plan is still a mess, again because environmental votes are prioritised over common-sense decisions that encourage production and growth in regional communities.

How crazy has it become when we have a zero water allocation in the NSW Murray when the major storage, Dartmouth, is nearly full and Hume is at more than 50 per cent. At the same time, South Australian irrigators have 100 per cent, the lower lakes are at minor flood level and the barrage gates are open so water can pour out to sea.

This occurs because the Coalition at state and federal level is not prepared to stand up to South Australia, again because there are precious votes which must be protected at all costs.

C. Brooks, Barooga, NSW

Relevant senior ministers (PM Morrison and Treasurer Frydenberg) have claimed Australia is "on track" to meet international emission reductions solemnly undertaken in the Paris 2015 Agreement.

This was not credible before the NEG's recent demise and now even less so. Ministers are hardly likely to cite embarrassing projections from their own Environment Department.

These departmental projections (December, 2017) show that, absent the "new" policy measures now abandoned, total carbon emissions in 2030 will decline by only 5 per cent relative to 2005. This is nowhere near Australia's Paris commitment of a 27 per cent decline from all carbon emissions.

These departmental projections of 5 per cent decline entail a 12 per cent reduction in emissions from the electricity sector but correspondingly only an aggregate 1 per cent decline from the supposedly less policy-tractable "other" sectors.

The ALP has apparently proposed a 45 per cent reduction as feasible. If emissions from the electricity sector alone in 2030 were to decline by this proportion relative to 2005 (rather than the department's 12 per cent) then meeting the Paris target's 27 per cent for total emissions would also require a significant reduction from the "other" sectors at 18 per cent, rather than the above-noted derisory 1 per cent.

Such a more "ambitious" scenario for the "other" sectors would require significant but feasible improvements in sub-sectors like transport. Alternatively, performance from the electricity sector better than this 45 per cent reduction assumed by the ALP would correspondingly reduce the burden on "other" sectors.

We need serious thinking about meeting the Paris targets, not LNP evasions.

B. Naughten, Farrer

John Hewson's criticisms of Scott Morrison in Thursday's paper ("PM falls at first hurdle", September 13, p20) brings to mind the old line about a virgin talking about sex.

N. Ellis, Belconnen

Cory Bernardi's push for a ban on wearing burqas in public, and for government to force its views on Australian Muslim women, is a stark contradiction to the human rights offered for every individual living in Australia.

Using political agendas to impose a dress code on how Muslim women should dress themselves goes against the religious freedoms that we promote and value as Australians.

Burqa-wearing women belong to a community that advocates modesty. Whether women wear burqas, scarves or other modest attire, to feel comfortable in themselves and uphold their values and morals is completely up to them.

Islam empowers Muslim women and liberates them from many societal evils. If Islam can promote freedom of choice, then why can't our government?

Islam is a religion of moderation, and provides guidance that is perfect in every way.

If there are security concerns or if identities need to be checked then burqa-wearing Muslim women should comply. My faith strongly supports and upholds the empowerment of women; no man or politician can become the custodians of my freedom to choose to dress or not to dress in a particular way.

B. Nasir, Toowoomba, Qld

Elizabeth Farrelly's praise of congestion and Sydney ("Why I welcome Sydney traffic", Forum, September 8, p2-3) is simplistic and misplaced.

As Margaret Burns (Letters, September 13) has observed decisions about where to live are made for a myriad of reasons and where people feel connected. Sydney is attractive as a place to live, work and visit given its global city status, its harbour, beaches and climate. However, its congestion, pollution and extreme house prices are major deficiencies.

Its congestion is a result of under-investment in infrastructure rather than, as Elizabeth suggests, an indicator of desire. Residents facing long commutes, huge mortgages or having to rent forever would not share Elizabeth's enthusiasm, which reflects her position in the inner-city elite and an ability to afford a dwelling in an area of high accessibility.

Sydney is a great place to visit but give me Canberra any day — a more affordable, inclusive, less congested urban oasis. Hopefully it will not be too diminished by the mis-management of the Barr government in relation to redevelopment and the light rail extravagance.

Mike Quirk, Garran

No, Stephen Jones (Letters, September 11), neither David Pocock nor anyone else should apologise for the peaceful protest to prevent the wanton environmental vandalism of the Maules Creek mine.

Pocock didn't physically assault anyone in participating in the peaceful protest against the mine, nor has anyone been arrested for preventing Pocock plying his trade, as he was in accepting the consequences of his actions. Your attempt at conflating two unrelated matters is a cheap shot.

David Jenkins, Casey

I am just back from one of my multiple visits to your fine city. I have visited as an educator, folk festival fan and musician, art lover and tourist many times over the past 50 years.

All Australians should be proud of our unique capital city. Your public institutions never cease providing me with interest, education and enjoyment.

Any Australians with children should be bringing them here to what I believe is the best family-friendly place in Australia. A highlight of this trip was going to the Arboretum, one trip I had not done before.

What a magnificent concept and what a way to spend half a day or more.

Canberrans enjoy your beautiful city. It is unique in Australia and a place I will continue to visit as often as possible.

John Williams, Bendigo

The US has threatened to persecute and jail the judges and prosecutors of the ICC who want to investigate American war crimes in Afghanistan .

That should come as no surprise. I mean the American state routinely rounds up its own citizens who have the courage of their conscience to expose American war crimes and atrocities.

And, America purports to be the leader of the free and democratic world.

Jailing ICC members. Is that how America will be made great again?

No, this is but the latest exhibition of American exceptionalism.

It considers itself exempt from the norms of international good behaviour.

Shame on such a leader!

Rajend Naidu, Glenfield, NSW

I am waiting for the Australian government to defend the International Criminal Court (ICC) – to which Australia is a party along with 123 other nations – against the strident attacks from the US Administration (notably John Bolton most recently). Despite its limitations, the ICC remains one avenue for holding to account those who have perpetrated war crimes and crimes against humanity. Rather than remaining silent, the Australian government should be urging its ally the US to become a party to the ICC. This would support the interests of global justice, rather than undermining the ICC as a threat to national sovereignty.

David Purnell, Florey

I heard on TV the other night the remark that "women are allowed to get mad too". I beg to differ. No sports players are allowed to "get mad". Obedience to the rules, acceptance of the umpire's decision, courtesy in victory, and grace in defeat, are the hallmarks of sportsmanship. Unnecessary roughness in football is perhaps more contemptible than breaking racquets in tennis, but not by a large degree.

They are both disgraceful. Considering the gentlemanly behaviour of champions in the past, a great deal has been lost from high-level sport.

Stewart Bath, Isabella Plains

After watching Q&A; on Monday evening it is clear to me that the voting age in Australia should be lowered. I propose non-compulsory voting for those aged 16 and 17. Further I believe that voting should be non-compulsory for those aged over 70. This would give the older generation an option to step back if they wish to allow the younger generation to have more control over the direction of the country. At present, the old-fashioned and outdated beliefs of a minority of politicians is holding our country back, which is causing the youth to become disengaged with the parliamentary system.

R. Webb, Narrabundah

R. Connaughton (Letters, September 12) asks if ActewAGL is "trying it on again". Not surprisingly, the answer is yes, even though Michael Costello, the CEO, apologised to 32,500 locals he admitted were gouged by his power company over two years in 2016 and 2017. See The Canberra Times of April 6, 2017, in which Mr Costello promised to rectify his company's behaviour.

My $2000-plus gouge was eventually reduced to a $500 overpayment, and this recent account when my use of gas was greatly decreased, their unread meter, so-called "estimated" bill was even up on previous usage. I asked for a meter reading and the new bill is even higher.

Politicians tell us their priority is to get power prices down. AGL needs their careful examination. Royal commission anyone?

K. Beckwith, Bruce

I can't fully agree with Michael Sassela's endorsement (Letters, September 12) of Jennifer Gaul's review of Madame Butterfly.

I did think that the orchestral balance was bad – especially in the first act.

I also felt cheated that Opera Australia did not make it clear that there was not going to be a proper orchestra.

I was very happy with the minimalist set as I want to focus on the music and the drama.

In the past Canberra Times reviewers have criticised opera productions for being too traditional.

Moreover, I was astonished at Jennifer's suggestion about amending the opera to give it a happy ending.

People used to poke fun at 18th century productions of King Lear which used to have a substitute happy ending. How odd that Jennifer should put herself in that camp.

Peter Boal, Evatt

In her letter re the right of a politician to abstain from a vote on euthanasia (Letters, September 12), J. Owens says an abstention is acceptable on the grounds of faith. When a politician abstains from a vote, his/her electorate is deprived of their right to be heard on that issue.

This means that abstention is not to be used lightly I don't doubt that Johanna agrees with this.

Where we disagree is that in a secular nation such as ours, faith of an individual (politician) is not a reason for removing the right of the majority of that electorate have to have their say.

Politicians are supposed to vote in accordance their electorate's wishes, not their own. On an issue this important they are in breach of their duty if they abstain.

Paul Bolitho, McKellar

QUESTION OF BULLYING

Were Linda Reynolds and Lucy Gichuhi bullied into saying they weren't bullied?

T. Puckett, Ashgrove, Qld

PUT UP OR SHUT UP

By refusing to substantiate her allegations of bullying departing Liberal MP, Julia Banks, has surely succeeded only in smearing every federal politician by leaving open the suspicion that they might be guilty of such behaviour. Where I come from the rule has always been to "put-up or shut up".

J. Richardson, Wallaggoot, NSW

GET ON WITH WHAT JOB?

Scott Morrison says "we're getting on with the job". Does anyone know what job he's getting on with?

Jeff Bradley, Isaacs

MORRISON PRAISE A LAUGH

As a satirist, Ian Pilsner is right up there with Clarke and Dawe. His letter ("Morrison is lengths better than economically inept Labor Party", September 13) gave me the best giggle I've had for ages.

Colin Smeal, Holder

THE HUMBLE NECKTIE

Michael McCormack, Michael Coutts-Trotter and Sam Neil dressed for a black-tie event, however, Bill Shorten and Scott Morrison were happy to sport the humble necktie ("Midwinter ball fashionably late for pollies", September 13, p.2).

A. Gibson, Cherrybrook, NSW

TWO WRONGS NOT A RIGHT

Oh Malcolm. Why couldn't you just leave well enough alone? We don't need another ex-PM hellbent on revenge on their enemies at any price. Take a chill pill dude. Why not just enjoy some Big Apple shopping?

John Marchant, Wellington, NSW

A DESIGNER INQUIRY

Re your editorial: "Health inquiry still falls short", (September 11, p.14) it seems the ACT government has taken notice. The inquiry was reported on ABC Radio as "being designed" by the department concerned.

So now we have designer inquiries?

Peter Baskett, Murrumbateman, NSW

STUDENT STANDS UP

The student slammed by Pauline Hanson ("'Kick up the backside': schoolgirl slammed

over anthem protest", canberratimes.com.au, September 12) stood up for what she believes in, just as Senator Hanson does.

Does this mean the Senator also deserves "a kick up the backside"?

Patricia Saunders, Chapman

UNHEALTHY REQUIREMENT

Why are ball persons at the US Tennis Open routinely required to catch sweaty towels tossed at them by players at breaks in play? Surely this is an unhealthy practice.

Aren't the tennis players able to handle their own towels?

Michael Lucas, Conder

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