Gas exports tax is one policy rivals can borrow
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ONE NATION
The surge in support for One Nation (“One Nation pips Coalition, starts luring Labor voters”, 16/3) will supercharge debate within Labor and the Coalition about how to counter it. Time is on their side, with two years to go to the next federal election. One policy plank they would do well to steal from One Nation is its support for a 25 per cent tax on gas exports. Given that this sensible proposal is also supported by the ACTU, both nominally left-of-centre Labor and the right-of-centre Coalition can sell it to their constituencies. Polls show it’s what the punters want.
Tom Knowles, Parkville
Who are these people?
I don’t know where these polling people get their figures from. I belong to various clubs with a variety of beliefs, and I don’t know one person who can stand Pauline Hanson and One Nation, let alone vote for them. As far as I know, this country hasn’t become full of bigots and racists. So who are these people supposedly running after One Nation or are they hiding in the shadows?
Nola Cormick, Albert Park
MAGA-style momentum unlikely
Barnaby Joyce defecting to One Nation may have coincided with a slight rise in popularity for that party but I don’t think we will have the MAGA-style momentum that some are predicting. The simplistic and wafer-thin logic that Pauline Hanson and Joyce propagate doesn’t really cut it with the majority. A modern free-thinking nation led by them? I don’t think so.
Frank Flynn, Cape Paterson
Comparison to Reform UK insulting
Resolve pollster Jim Reed’s thesis that One Nation is acting much like Reform in the UK (“One Nation pips Coalition, starts luring Labor voters”, 16/3) must be contested. The Australian people are a generous people and think differently in many ways to UK voters.
The core similarities between the politics of the two countries are the two-party Westminster system of government, voters seeing through the policies of the long-entrenched right-wing party, and the betrayal most keenly felt – the strange move to the right of the left party. Reed’s declaration of the similarity between the electoral response of Australians to One Nation and the electoral response of Britons to Reform UK is really insulting.
Ruth Farr, Blackburn South
Hard to argue Australia isn’t racist
With the surge in support for One Nation, and the successful No vote at the Voice to parliament referendum fresh in our memories, it is very hard to argue that Australia is not a racist country.
Mark Hulls, Sandringham
Scope for a grievance-based scare campaign
The latest Resolve polling has Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party on 24 per cent, compared with Labor’s 29 per cent and the Coalition’s 22 per cent. There’s a blatant disconnect with what voters say are the most important issues. How many people know, let alone care, what One Nation’s policies are on the top two issues, namely cost of living and health/aged care? There’s scope on two issues, namely crime and national security/defence for a vigorous One Nation grievance-based scare campaign.
Clearly, the newly formed Coalition leadership team is tempted to join forces with One Nation as their combined vote is 46 per cent.
Kevin Burke, Sandringham
Canavan may appeal to disillusioned voters
George Brandis’ article, “Canavan is right fit for Nationals” (16/3), provides an insightful analysis into how the federal Coalition could blunt the resurgence of One Nation. In endorsing the new Nationals leader’s critique of Pauline Hanson’s traducing of Muslims, Brandis’ description of her party as “an ugly, racist operation” could not be more timely. With the rise of Canavan, those disillusioned Australians considering One Nation as an easy default choice might reflect on the wisdom of supporting an ultra-populist outfit which has marketed hate, and increasingly resembles the base fascist instincts now taking hold in some European nations.
Jon McMillan, Mornington
THE FORUM
Cure as bad as problem
On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank is likely to increase interest rates to dampen inflation caused by the Middle East war (“The case for rapid-fire interest rate hikes is hardly watertight”, 16/3). The impact will be to put further pressure on consumers, with a knock-on effect on small businesses and their landlords. Additional hardship and business closures are the likely result. COVID-19 provided an extreme example of how this could play out.
Why can’t the RBA differentiate between inflation caused by excess consumer demand and inflation caused by an external shock? In the latter case, the cure is as bad as the problem it tries to solve, and its effects are cumulative.
Paul Coronel, Hawksburn
Little left to spend
The RBA is considering interest rate changes, and an increase seems likely because of rising inflation primarily caused by events in which Australia has little involvement. The aim of increasing interest rates is to contain spending which should reduce inflation.
I realise this is a complex area, however, I suggest that many who have mortgages won’t spend less as they are financially committed to addressing mortgage payments and have little left to spend. What may be available is being eroded by the increase in fuel costs. Those of us older generations who long ago finalised payment for their homes will likely spend at much the same rate as we were, notwithstanding any interest rate rises. It seems pointless penalising many who can least afford it, while others continue their usual spending, and expect it will result in a significant reduction in inflation.
Bill Pimm, Mentone
Figuring it out
Your correspondent (Letters, 16/3) suggests 80 per cent of world oil production is still flowing, so the problems aren’t too bad. However, the unevenness of flows makes it a lot worse – 20 per cent is unavailable from war; 20 per cent is mostly unavailable for trade from an oil self-reliant United States. At least another 10 per cent will be unavailable from other petro states. That leaves a shortage more like 50 per cent.
In reality, oil is incredibly cheap for what it is. It just seems expensive because we use so much and with great profligacy. It requires a very large price increase to prevent frivolous use.
The Gulf states also produce a lot of urea feedstock for essential nitrate fertilisers.
Australia has been caught short by decades of poor choices. Rationing is essential now, especially for the all-important diesel fuel and nitrate fertiliser so we at least remain fed. Pretending otherwise is delusional.
Mark Freeman, Macleod
Going with gas
To the correspondent (Letters 16/3) who advocated restrictions on car use because of the petrol “crisis”: I drive a Ford Falcon which was converted to gas in 2009. The day before the latest Middle East war, I filled up with petrol at $1.45 a litre and on gas at 79.9¢ a litre. Australia has plentiful supplies of cleaner-burning LPG, and it’s currently under 80¢ per litre. Why should my driving be restricted because I have an alternative fuel in plentiful supply, and one that produces substantially fewer greenhouse gas emissions?
Mark Roberts, Doncaster East
Ration petrol
It’s not that hard! The government should have immediately introduced petrol rationing – odd and even days for filling up (we’ve been here before) and no Jerrycans in suburbia. Clearly, it has no emergency plans prepared and no foresight. Learnt nothing from the stockpiling of toilet paper.
Susan McKenzie, Hawthorn
World held to ransom
President Donald Trump is now requesting help for all countries that utilise the Hormuz waterway (“Trump rallies nations to send warships to key strait”, 16/3).
Let’s get this straight. Did the president actually discuss his planned attack on Iran with other countries who benefit from the Hormuz shipping route? Perhaps if he had done so, they might have advised him of the risks involved.
Of course, failure by these countries to accept Trump’s request could result in difficult consequences. It is a damned shame that the world is being held to ransom by a man who thought he could bludgeon the world into believing he had all the answers. But he doesn’t.
Bruce MacKenzie, South Kingsville
Reasons for return
The Iranian government may well be putting pressure on the women’s soccer team members to return home (“Three more Iranian soccer team members return home amid fears of group infiltration”, 16/3), however, other factors might influence their choice to leave Australia. Firstly, increasing racial intolerance of Muslims seen by the rise in popularity of the One Nation party whose leader has stated she did not know of any “good” Muslims and who would ban Muslim religious clothing. Secondly, inadequate protection for Muslims with the new NSW hate speech laws. Finally, the support by Australia for the US and Israeli bombing of Muslim countries including Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq that demonstrates Australia’s disregard of the violations of human rights of Muslims in these countries.
Leigh Ackland, Deepdene
No evidence for fears
Fears have been raised that the Iranian soccer players have reversed their decision and are returning to Iran because of “threats”, “pressure” and “infiltration” but no evidence is presented to support these claims.
Perhaps these players are returning because they love their country and don’t feel comfortable abandoning it while it is being attacked. Is it possible that they didn’t want to join politicians and the Iranian diaspora in Australia in supporting the killing of their friends, relatives and fellow countrymen?
Peter Martina, Warrnambool
Labels make difference
With around half of Australian women diagnosed with asthma experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress (“The asthma statistics worrying experts”, 16/3), medication safety must remain a national priority. One area that deserves greater attention is the potential neuropsychiatric side effects associated with some commonly prescribed treatments, including montelukast, widely known by its brand name Singulair.
For several years, Australian medication safety advocates have been working with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia to introduce clear Cautionary Advisory Labels on medication packaging. These labels, yet to be approved by the PSA, would alert patients to seek medical advice if they experience mood or behaviour changes, or thoughts of self-harm while taking the medicine.
Simple initiatives like visible warning labels can make an important difference. They empower patients, encourage early conversations with health professionals, and support safer prescribing decisions.
Ensuring that Australian women living with asthma receive treatments that are both effective and safe should be a priority.
Vanessa Sellick, Melbourne
School’s bold move
The joyful “noise in the playground” at Casey Grammar (“Bag rule failed, so school said no tech”, 16/3) is a powerful indicator of a school trying to “fix the world” a little bit at a time, and trying to reclaim childhood from the crippling influence of smartphones. Principal Fiona Williams is to be congratulated for her strong policy stance.
Too often as parents and teachers, we feel powerless in the face of the technology that our teenagers are using. In fact, this week, Casey Grammar parents have given the school a blank cheque for authority in this area, and the effects are being seen. Children are playing more, talking more, and making more friends.
Leaders have to take the short-term fall in popularity in order to bring about the longer-term improvements in learner outcomes, wellbeing and relationships.
Rather than asking whether Casey Grammar has gone too far, we should be asking why more schools are not prepared to be this bold with clear, “black and white” policies that minimise loopholes and send a powerful message that school is a place for attention, connection and growth – not constant digital distraction.
Michael Carr-Gregg, Hawthorn
It’s not nothing
It’s a perceived belief by AFL bigwigs that spectators need, and expect, constant entertainment as part of the modern game (“Bringing back the buzz”, 15/3). In particular, stuffing the ears of those in attendance with music, filling the void of “nothing” after a goal.
But it’s much more than nothing. It’s the cheering, the jeering, the comments from the know-it-all sitting behind you. The atmosphere, the hum of the ground. It’s the “nothing” that keeps you enthralled in the game, not a 20-second grab of music, demanding your attention.
Charlotte Read, North Ryde, NSW
Endangered species
To those naysayers who want Victorian duck shooting banned (Letters 16/3), state Labor is already totally committed to protecting an “endangered species” – the votes of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party in the Victorian upper house.
David Cayzer, Clifton Hill
The warring twenties
What will we call this decade? Last century, we had the roaring twenties. This century, we certainly won’t have the boring twenties. We have had massive bushfires, earthquakes, storms and floods. We’ve endured a worldwide pandemic. We’ve watched as Russia invaded Ukraine, and Israel decimated Gaza.
There’s been an economic crisis caused by Israel and the United States bombing Iran which has shut down major oil supplies.
And most surprising of all was that more and more people started liking Collingwood. Heaven help us. We are only halfway through it, too.
Greg Tuck, Warragul
AND ANOTHER THING …
Politics
Pauline and Barnaby running Australia? I’d have more confidence in Ma and Pa Kettle.
Phil Alexander, Eltham
Is Pauline Hanson the Steven Bradbury of Australian politics?
Bernd Rieve, Brighton
According to Matt Canavan, Pauline Hanson hasn’t done much for the Australian people in 30 years. Surely then, she is surplus to requirements.
Ian Holton, Yarraville
Iran war
Let’s hope that the people panic-buying petrol aren’t the same people who hoarded toilet paper during the COVID-19 pandemic. It might inflame an already combustible political situation.
Bruce Hurst, Fitzroy North
Why does Donald Trump want more allied military vessels to patrol the Hormuz Strait if he says he has destroyed 100 per cent of Iran’s military capability? Could he have been telling porkies?
Alan Inchley, Frankston
Trump says he feels it in his bones as to when he should end his war. A president who no longer uses his brain when making important decisions should be in a retirement home, not in the White House.
Roger Christiansz, Wheelers Hill
Kharg Island and Luna Park have one thing in common. Trump says bombing the island is “just for fun”.
John Rawson, Mernda
AI
Sean Kelly (Opinion, 16/3), here’s one right question to ask AI: Why is it dangerous to trust artificial intelligence information? The response is insightful.
Kevin Mulvogue, Mount Evelyn
Once AI has taken over all of our jobs, who will pay the GST?
Maree Coote, Port Melbourne
Furthermore
On Sunday, my wife bought a pack of 20 cigarettes at a “gift shop”. They cost $11, less than the pre-excise price in 2010. Removal of the excise won’t affect the illicit market.
Name and address supplied
Finally
Good time to be a bike-riding vegan.
Simon Williamson, West Footscray
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