While there’s no doubting the need for a second major Sydney airport,the accompanying PR appears a tad overheated (“”,January 8). Nurturing targeted commercial activity around “Bradfield City” makes good planning sense,the prospect of living beside a busy airport doesn’t. For anyone who has witnessed the phenomenal growth of outer western Sydney,Liverpool’s mayor comments ring true. Surrounding rail-connected regional centres could well accommodate future airport workers. However,the reality is the existing level of public amenity within these respective centres arguably falls short regarding quality and quantity. Addressing this deficit via a bold public works program would attract future residents,businesses and cultural institutions contained within medium dense developments.
Cleveland Rose,Dee Why
No need for Voice details
Asking for more detail on the Voice to parliament before the referendum is a debating tactic to scare people. There is no guarantee that any model put forward now by the Albanese government will remain indefinitely (“”,January 8). A future government (even one led by Peter Dutton) can amend the details of how the Voice will work. In fact,the details should change over time as we learn what arrangement works best to respect and hear First Peoples’ views. That is why it is better for Australia to vote on the principle of the Voice rather than the detail. The details can and should change,but the principle of a Voice should be enshrined in the Constitution.
Enrico Sondalini,Balgowlah
As a voter,I feel that Peter Dutton is treating me like a “mug”.
Peng Ee,Castle Cove
Art galleries in,swimming pools out
As private school fees represent exclusivity and not educational quality,I think $45,000 is a bargain (,January 8). The fashion for private schools in my area is art galleries and underground car parks. Swimming pools and numerous playing fields are apparently so last decade’s fashion. As some people need exclusive brands to distinguish themselves from others,the $100,000 handbag for example,I’m looking forward to $100,000 school fees. Bring it on. My family will continue with quality public education,third generation and counting.
Elfriede Sangkuhl,Summer Hill
Money won’t fix woman problem
The Liberals appear to recognise they have a woman problem,but it’s only a symptom of the disease. Their latest best idea is to throw money at it - how very Liberal (“”,January 8). A levy sounds like just another focus for branch-stacking,for factional deals and spreadsheets of marginal seats,all boys’ toys. How about fresh ideas,policies,grassroots action? Money cannot buy these,and without them,no amount of funding will change the culture or encourage more women to participate in a meaningful way.
Jenifer Nicholls,Armadale (Vic)
Dysfunctional royals must go
Really? Harry and Megs caused the Queen distress (“”,January 8)? But not Charles’ recorded desire to be a tampon,his public extramarital affair,Andrew’s flirting with child abusers,Anne’s divorce and remarriage,Prince Phillip’s inept stumblings ... one could go on. Aside from their gross wealth and assumed privilege,the only remarkable thing about the Windsor clan is their extraordinary level of dysfunction,and the sooner we rid ourselves of their pernicious grip on Australia the better.
Patrick McGrath,Potts Point
Giving independents a say
It may not please party number crunchers and string-pullers,but I think that the leakage of votes to independents in Australian politics is a good thing (“”,January 8). It means that,when the Coalition or Labor achieve government,in order to govern effectively,they have to make compromise deals with the independents. Voters who are dissatisfied with the party platforms of the major parties will have their say in how they are governed.
Geoff Black,Caves Beach
Water safety education needed
Swimming lessons are only part of the equation to help protect lives in and around water (“”,January 8). Understanding changing beach and river conditions,acknowledgement of dangerous rips and forceful currents,the undertow of rivers and creeks,and the acknowledgement and respect for dedicated lifeguards and volunteer life-savers are also essential. Just like communities need to be educated in fire and flood dangers for protection,so do our communities for general water dangers. Beaches are to be enjoyed by us all,but they need to be used with safety and caution in mind at all times.
Janice Creenaune,Austinmer