Only a rethink will keep much-loved community radio station on air
Like many of us, Robbie Buck cares deeply about 2SER (“This is the station where I took my first on-air shift in Sydney. It might be all over now,” April 21) but the station can only survive with an innovative rethinking of how community radio is funded and produced. At UTS we are committed to working with 2SER to find this new model and we hope other new partners will join us to secure the future of this much-loved institution. UTS did not threaten to withdraw its financial support from 2SER. We are committed to continuing our current support as long as a new viable model for the station can be found. Macquarie’s withdrawal from the station underlines the difficult financial environment in the community radio sector. 2SER is not alone in needing to constantly adapt and respond to this media environment. A working group consisting of 2SER, UTS, key organizations within the community radio sector and 2SER supporters was established to make recommendations to the board of 2SER, of which I am a member, and to explore a range of new models to support the ongoing operation of the station. I look forward to working with Robbie and other passionate advocates to find a sustainable, effective solution to a much-loved community asset. Professor James Bennett, UTS
Unequal wealth transfer
Victoria Devine opposes additional tax concessions for electric vehicles, claiming it is an example of employees subsidizing executives (“Why are low-income workers paying for rich people’s electric vehicles?” April 19). This completely ignores the wider social benefits of EV adoption: reduced public health costs due to cleaner air and reduced pollution, less dependence on fossil fuels (more left over for everyone), and subsequently creating a larger pool of affordable second-hand electric vehicles for “workers”. But the biggest examples of the transfer of wealth from the “poor” to the “rich” are state government subsidies for so-called “private schools” (about $20 billion per year) and tax concessions on investment properties (about $15 billion per year). How “fair” is it for the people doing these difficult jobs? I look forward to Devine’s follow-up articles on these concessions, which collectively cost “workers” 30 times more than the EV FBT concessions. Brendan Jones, Annandale
As someone who purchased an electric vehicle without government subsidy, I read the article over and over again and still have a hard time coming to the author’s conclusion that EV sales are subsidized by low-income workers. Yes, EVs aren’t cheap, but they’re getting cheaper, and many petrol and diesel vehicles cost close to each other. What’s overlooked is that many electric vehicle owners spend their fuel savings to offset the cost of home solar systems. There is also a false logic that the boom in part of the budget is subsidized by something that affects low-income earners. There is no doubt that society favors the wealthy, but there are many more problems that need to be solved to make society more equal before introducing electric vehicles. Andrew Vivian, Sawtell
Trump performance anxiety
Messenger of the Sun He is to be congratulated for his explanatory piece (“If Trump were really crazy, this is how he could be stripped of his powers,” April 19). The 25th Amendment to the US Constitution is a complex mechanism designed to deal with an alarming but very specific scenario. Focusing on the difference between “incompetent” and “unfit” highlights why taking action against Donald Trump can be difficult and dangerous. Trump is many things: rude, racist, ignorant, belligerent, and possibly corrupt. These indicate that he is unfit for duty. But their behavior is neither new nor inconsistent. This shows that he is aware of his actions and sees a sense of purpose in them. This points to the idea that he is indeed able to carry out his duties. American leaders need sharp focus to determine when and whether Trump will cross the line from incompetence to incompetence. Wayne Duncombe, Lilyfield
dignity in death
Annemarie Fleming’s attempt at humor was insensitive (“Sorry Nicole – I would have chosen another star as my death doula,” April 19). In explaining her decision to train as a death doula, Nicole Kidman bravely shared her grief over her mother’s passing and the difficulties she and her sister experienced in being there for their mother as they struggled with careers, children and distance. Many people, famous or not, can relate to this, and Kidman should be praised rather than mocked for offering her services. Louise Sorbello, Leichhardt
drowning in a sea of red
According to estimates by economist Professor Ross Garnaut, if Australia’s carbon pricing mechanism (Clean Energy Act 2011) had not been repealed in 2014 and instead improved to accommodate international carbon markets, the government would now be collecting around $70 billion a year in revenue. Even half that amount would go a long way to balancing the “sea of red” that Shane Wright talked about when Treasurer Jim Chalmers prepared the upcoming federal budget (“Australia’s debt hits $1 trillion this year – what did we spend it on?” 19 April). It will fund the government’s $22.7 billion 10-year Made in Australia Future initiative (2024-2034) to boost local manufacturing, create jobs, promote a clean energy economy and help meet Australia’s statutory target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Reon Bavinton, Seaforth
Comedy gold from Pathos
Julianne O’Brien’s 2024 award-winning essay is one of the rawest, funniest stories I’ve read in a while (“58-year-old homeless, my new neighbors included an ex-con and a recluse. Then there was Darren,” April 19). This must be a game. Darren is a star. Modern pathos turned into comic gold. Time needs a mirror and this one nails it. Sue Dellit, Austinmer
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