School behaviour adviser has battle on many fronts

Your correspondent is correct (Letters, September 26), “infinite discussions of the element of a republic … is only a ruse to increase the established order”. And the tactic labored fantastically for John Howard in 1999. A referendum to easily lower the hyperlink between the governor-general (and state governors) and the English monarch, with no different change, must be voted on first. Debating and agreeing on the small print can then obtain the unhurried focus it deserves. In any case, most of us marry with out a pre-nup settlement. Michael Britt, Macmasters Seaside

I agree together with your correspondent that Australians are innately conservative in the case of constitutional points; our historical past of unsuccessful referendums proves that past doubt. I’d have voted sure in 1967, however have reservations concerning the present proposals, each the Voice and the republic. It was a easy alternative in 1967, considered one of equity and equality earlier than the legislation, therefore the sturdy vote in assist. Nevertheless, I don’t suppose that’s the case this time. The questions earlier than voters in each proposals are whether or not they work for the betterment of the entire nation, or are they purely emotional and symbolic? I’m extra involved about financial enhancements for all Australians, no matter their ethnic origin, and social stability. Vivienne Parsons, Thornleigh

I’ve confidence that almost all of voters would assist a good recognition of our Indigenous residents in a revised Structure however discovering the steadiness that may give First Nations individuals a major say in nationwide affairs is one other matter. Discovering an answer to achieve the assist of a majority of voters in a majority of states is way from a certain factor. Denis Suttling, Newport Seaside

As for who must be our head of state if Australia is to be a republic, it have to be somebody neutral with out an agenda or barrow to push, along with a complete understanding of our Structure. Nobody involves thoughts. Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill

Tax cuts fly in face of wanted reform

As every day passes, the price of our debt is rising and, as identified by Shane Wright (“Soar in charges carves $120b gap in funds”, September 26), that price is greater than the price of “childcare subsidies, assist to carers and public colleges mixed”. All of the whereas, PM Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers grit their tooth and demand that the stage three tax cuts will proceed, and the opposition indulges in some fantasy about “re-prioritising spending commitments”, conveniently forgetting its personal profligacy and failures to look at accepted processes when it held the chequebook. The RBA governor clearly set down the choices for the federal government to start to handle our debt, and it’s apparent that every deserves critical consideration. Structural reform will take time. Slicing companies is constrained by years of neglect and inaction, that means the reverse is what’s required in lots of areas. So to have some instant influence, the federal government should increase extra income. The duty forward of the federal government is to compellingly argue the case for tax reform that may improve income and set us on a path to cut back debt and future funds deficits. Ross Butler, Rodd Level

All Australian taxpayers must be grateful {that a} Joint Home and Senate audit will examine the Coalition’s “waste, rorts” and “dodgy grants” which have left the federal funds a document $1 trillion in debt. For the non “financial girly-men” (and girls) who may combine up their hundreds of thousands and billions, think about this comparability. A million seconds is 12 days; one billion seconds is 31 years; and one trillion seconds is 31,688 years. The magnitude of the financial gap the earlier authorities has left is unprecedented, and the Coalition can by no means once more declare to be “the higher financial supervisor”. Alan Marel, North Curl Curl

Don’t choose on pickleball, Shane Wright (“Automotive parks and pickleball courts: $7b of Coalition grants in sights”, September 26). Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in Australia. It’s attracting all ages from older, retired to middle-aged and teenage gamers. Faculties are introducing it to their sports activities applications. Three or 4 pickleball courts can match within the area of a tennis courtroom. It’s straightforward to be taught and it’s straightforward in your joints. I do know what my funds precedence is: a fairer distribution of sources. Extra pickleball courts to maintain us match and wholesome. Beth Hansen, Alstonville

Out of esteem

Transport Minister David Elliott is correct when he waxes lyrical concerning the majesty of Locomotive 3801 beneath steam (“A ticket to experience on one Aussie icon because it crosses one other”, September 26). However good luck to Ajay Negi and his plans to review steam engineering. Elliott’s authorities is full steam forward dismantling and scattering the Powerhouse, one of many world’s nice industrial heritage museums. What of the museum’s 1785 Boulton and Watt engine and the landmark Steam Revolution exhibition, each run on stay steam? In the meantime, the museum’s signature transport exhibition of trains, planes, cars and way more is being disappeared for frock parades and events. The Powerhouse is being erased, by no means to be skilled by children like Ajay once more. Debbie Rudder, Maroubra

These sufficiently old to recollect the period of steam trains might really feel otherwise to the lovers of at this time. Sticking your head out the window meant risking a face lined with gritty soot. Males who labored as stokers had the back-breaking activity of feeding the hungry beast. However the passage of time by some means turns negatives into nostalgia. Joan Brown, Orange

Tremendous flood-flouters

I’m a retired SES chief (Letters, September 26). We obtained very aggravated at idiots with huge 4WDs, exhibiting off their butchness by driving into deepening water and getting stranded, necessitating a retrieval by us, risking volunteers’ lives and over-worked automobiles. It was tempting to go away them to marinate for fairly some time. Your correspondent suggests, sensibly, that axle top can be a superb measuring stick for the higher restrict of drivable floodwater depth. Nevertheless, one initially drives into shallow water, which then deepens. When you attain axle depth, you need to reverse out of the water, very more likely to drive water into your exhaust system and shut down your engine, until you’re in a handbook transmission automobile and you retain the revs very excessive whereas using the clutch. A greater answer was the suggestion of a giant superb for getting into floodwaters, just like that for lighting a hearth on a complete hearth ban day. Dave Williams, Port Macquarie

Mantel’s subsequent chapter

It’s fascinating to match and distinction Sean Kelly’s newest column (“A superb phrase for the write stuff”, September 26) with the obituary for Hilary Mantel (“One of many world’s best writers”, September 26). Kelly sees loss of life making “every of us a factor”. In contrast, Mantel believes in an afterlife regardless of being unable to think about the way it may work. I cherished and admired the humility of her reasoning: “The universe isn’t restricted by what I can think about.” Mark Porter, New Lambton

Deliver again G&S

I hope new Opera Australia chair Rod Sims will reintroduce Gilbert and Sullivan to the repertoire (“New chair appears past Sydney”, September 26). The lengthy absence of this integral a part of our musical tradition has compelled disillusioned locals to look properly past Sydney to different extra enlightened states, who realise that G&S all the time makes cash and infrequently permits beforehand rusted-on subscribers to introduce youngsters and grandchildren to opera for the firsttime. Invoice Lloyd, Denistone

Reminiscence aide

My system doesn’t require consulting calendars (Letters, September 26). I obtained married the day after my birthday (by no means forgotten), and my son obtained married the day after his birthday. Richard Kirby, Campbelltown

Concerning remembering marriage ceremony anniversaries and birthdays, it could be way more handy in the event that they have been standardised, like horses’ birthdays and Christmas. Tony Hunt, Gordon

Why, certainly?

I recommend your correspondent’s query (Letters, September 26) may have been merely: “Why are the New Zealand All Blacks allowed?” Warwick Farley, Roseville

Make it our personal

In issues of state and lots of different issues (Letters, September 26), I’ve discovered that one Head is ample. Ivan Head, Burradoo

Absolutely, as a republican nation, we must always embrace cobber, if a male head of state, or cobbette if feminine, and we must always search the recommendation of these of Indigenous heritage as to what an applicable time period can be when we’ve an Indigenous head of state. Merilyn McClung, Forestville

The digital view
On-line remark from one of many tales that attracted probably the most reader suggestions yesterday on smh.com.au
The docs sleeping beneath desks as a result of they’re too drained to drive
From geoggrey: 80 hour weeks are usually not uncommon in lots of fields, together with my very own. I nonetheless do them many weeks. However I’m not answerable for individuals’s life or loss of life. The standard of coaching and studying these docs are getting within the 60-Eightieth hours of the week is doubtful anyway. If they’re barely functioning to use the information they’ve, they gained’t have the capability to be taught extra. And the senior docs who may train them aren’t doing the midnight shift, simply different junior docs.

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