It seems politicians of all persuasions, ranging from the ACT and Northern Territory chief ministers, to the South Australian premier and members of federal cabinet, are agreed that Canberra is COVID-19 free.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However, it appears the ACT chief medical officer is more aligned to her Queensland colleague in treating the ACT as a suburb of Sydney, and hence prone to an outbreak at any time.
Hence the restrictions applying to activities in the ACT have only had minor changes since June 21, and there is no prospect of any further significant relaxation, despite case numbers in Sydney being back into single digits.
While in COVID-19 free South Australia indoor venues can have one person per two square metres, larger venues in COVID-19 free Canberra are still at one person for every four. Gatherings of up to 1000 are allowed in Adelaide (more with a management plan in place), but Canberrans are still limited to 100 - apart from those attending Brumbies and Raiders games.
Given that the NSW government has rejected calls to attempt to eliminate the virus, it appears case numbers there will continue at low levels for a considerable time. Presumably so will our current restrictions.
Perhaps Andrew Barr could apply the same pressure to the NSW premier to change her policy that he used to convince the South Australian premier to open his borders. Then maybe we can get back to something approaching normal before the end of 2020.
Carol Ey, Weston
Vale Acton Park
Andrew Barr's plans to obliterate Acton Park have been given a great kick start by the National Capital Authority. Barr appears to have a vision of the whole of central Canberra being high rise with a red tram whipping through it.
Community consultation for the foreshore has been ticked off regardless of approximately 75 per cent community opposition.
Whether we like it or not, we are getting lake infill, and a concrete promenade with a neat row of socially distanced seats.
We are losing an important park that could have been upgraded with cafe facilities and have a delightful water edge treatment such as meandering pedestrian paths along beaches and through wetlands.
Once the infill is settled the building will commence.
The park to be obliterated is not just significant for carrying vistas across the lake, but for recreation which is now more important than ever with so many apartment dwellers nearby.
This is Barr's blighted vision, stoically supported by the ACT Greens.
Juliet Ramsay, Moruya, NSW
Listen to Barbados
From this day forth when I hear of Barbados I hope that Australian people will hear their intelligent reasons for becoming a republic.
Maybe, just maybe, we can imagine that every time we all hear the name "Barbados", we can substitute it with "Australia".
They are still friends with the British monarchy, yet running their own show.
As their Prime Minister has stated: "We have eyes in the front of our heads, not behind".
Greg Simmons, Lyons
Greater New Zealand
Having seen reports of the post-COVID-19 recovery visions promoted by the Australian and New Zealand prime ministers, it seems there is a bright future for Australia.
All we have to do is ask New Zealand to expand its national border to take in "Oztraya".
New Zealand's economy would benefit from absorbing ours. We would get the current world champion PM.
Ms Ardern has a globally recognised humanity that shone so bright in the dark days following the horrific massacre of New Zealand Muslims by that right wing terrorist.
The benefits of a Greater New Zealand are too many to list in a letter to the editor.
For me it would be enough to have Ms Ardern and her family living part of each year in the Lodge along Adelaide Avenue.
Rod Olsen, Watson
Buck passing universal
Douglas MacKenzie (Letters, September 17) shouldn't just blame the Queensland Premier over "passing the buck" regarding border rules.
It was the Prime Minister who has said many times, publicly and proudly: "We take our advice from the medical experts".
Perhaps that was why he failed to express any criticism of the Liberal Premier of NSW's leadership when families of the Newmarch House residents were refused admission to visit and comfort their dying loved ones (and not just once but over several weeks).
And did the Prime Minister ring the NSW Premier to complain when NSW Health allowed infected passengers to walk off the Ruby Princess and then go public with his concerns? I don't recall so.
The Prime Minister, along with his Queensland colleague, Peter Dutton, are the ones who are really playing politics and here I agree with Douglas, it's because the Queensland state election is coming up.
Eric Hunter, Cook
Carbon capture problematic
The Morrison government's $313.9 million of new funding for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency is commendable ("ARENA funds to go to carbon capture", September 17, p5). However, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is at present a problematic technology, mainly because of its high cost and the risks of leakage.
There is a far less risky and costly method of CCS: allow nature to do the job. This can be achieved by planting trees, or by limiting (or eliminating) the clearing of forests for rural or urban development.
The latter has the added benefit of preserving the koala habitat that, courtesy of NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro, has lately been very prominent in the political debate.
Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin
Leave the mail alone
There is much to condemn about Pauline Hanson, her views and her choice of mail items.
But Carl Rhodes ("Why would Australia Post go out of its way to deliver Pauline Hanson's stubby holders?" September 15, p44) disgraces his professorial title in arguing that local or state government functionaries should be permitted - indeed encouraged - to intercept and withhold mail based on their views and opinions about its content.
What next? State or local government officials intercepting the mail of their political opponents?
Delivering the mail, as sent and as addressed, is Australia Post's function. It is not the political plaything of opinionated officials or professors; even one purporting to advocate ethics.
Mike Hutchinson, Reid
Disappearing city
I have a 1970 Guide to Canberra Architecture published by the then Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
As buildings listed in it are demolished I cross them out with red ink. Apart from running out of red ink, I am beginning to think the Canberra demolition industry is working from the same book.
I also have a guide to the architecture of Palm Springs in California. In Palm Springs, mid-20th century architecture is celebrated and the place has become a tourist Mecca for people wanting to re-live and experience the feel of that exciting time.
Meanwhile, back in Canberra, we are about to lose another beautiful little mid-century building: the Ferry Terminal, west basin. Surely, with some imagination, this gem could be incorporated in the proposed multi-million dollar revamp of West Basin?
Penleigh Boyd, Reid
Unfortunate omission
With respect to Dr.Carlill's article "Peace is in the air, Palestine must grasp it" (canberratimes.com.au, September 16) what is omitted is the proposal by the USA to sell the F-35 stealth fighter and advanced armed drones to the UAE. An inducement? He also omits the role played by the UAE in the Yemen War, which has become one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
Palestine continues to be an occupied state by Israel. Palestinians have endured over 70 years of suffering and abuse of their human rights. Why should Palestinians "grasp it", when Israel, as part of the "peace treaty" with the UAE, has only suspended further annexation of the occupied West Bank territory?
J Morrison, Mount Waverley, Victoria
The koala threat
Given the great concern, and love, for our koalas expressed by people from all over the world during our fires, it is indeed inconceivable that we would do anything to further reduce their diminishing habitats. This would undoubtedly, and justifiably, bring overseas condemnation upon us.
Barilaro and his Nationals may not care much about koalas but I assure them, Australians and internationals do.
Suzanne Jedryk, Griffith
TO THE POINT
THE MAGIC PUDDING
The Canberra Liberals' election slogan "Lower Taxes. Better Services" begs the question "How?". If there is a plan to deliver on this Magic Pudding-like promise, voters need the details. Actual details, not optimistically vague assertions.
Sarah Cowdery, Barton
IT WILL BE WINDY
Australia's got gas! Thus spake the PM on Tuesday, September 15. Should the date of this announcement be marked henceforth by proclaiming it as National Flatulence Day?
Ann Darbyshire, Hughes
I PREFER GPS
A lot of politicians talking about road maps. Even though I am old I use GPS. Where do we even buy old-fashioned road maps?
Alastair Bridges, Wanniassa
REPUBLIC NOW
If Barbados, with approximately 287,000, can break away from the English yoke why can't Australia do the same? We are a mature country. Scomo, help us become the mature republic we deserve to be.
Gordon Quantock, Gordon
FOLLOW THE LEADER
Barbados has announced its intention to become a republic. Meanwhile, in Australia we continue to shelter under the old royal plumage. Malcom Turnbull, here is another chance.
John Rodriguez, Florey
WHO WILL PAY?
The election is well under way. Promises are coming thick and fast. Dare I ask, where's the money coming from?
Graeme Rankin, Holder
LED BY MULES
John Hewson notes "any [gas] plant would be a stranded asset within a decade" ("PM's gas plan is an arrogant disaster", September 15, p24). So too is the NBN, the subs, climate, tax, housing and more. You have to admit this government is stubborn. Citizens must ask why, or for whom?
Eric Pozza, Red Hill
WE ARE DOING OKAY
It's my view that Australian governments have tackled the COVID-19 situation well. Some of us experienced more pain than the others, but it was for the greater good. Many are critical of Premier Daniel Andrews but it could have been worse if the Victorian government didn't bring in the curfew.
Sankar Kumar Chatterjee, Evatt
NO DIFFERENCE
Chris Richards (Letters, September 16) says he will take his values and vote Greens. That's all well and good Mr Richards, but what's the difference in voting Greens instead of your apparently usual Labor?
Michael Attwell, Dunlop
PREDICTABLE RESULT
When the only tool you have is a hammer every solution involves nails. When gas industry insiders are the only advisors you have your policy solution involves the gas industry. How predictable.
Barbara Preston, O'Connor
NO NEWS IS BAD NEWS
Dr A Fahrer of the ANU's Research School of Biology (Letters, September 17) said it was "good news" ANU testing since the start of May had detected no COVID-19 positive samples in ACT sewage. The bad news is other testing confirmed at least nine cases in the same period.
Leon Arundell, Downer
Email: letters.editor@canberratimes.com.au. Send from the message field, not as an attachment. Fax: 6280 2282. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Canberra Times, PO Box 7155, Canberra Mail Centre, ACT 2610.
Keep your letter to 250 or fewer words. References to The Canberra Times reports should include date and page number. Letters may be edited. Provide phone number and full home address (suburb only published).