Long-term government the only solution to musical chairs

Sean Kelly’s column relating to “long-term government” is pertinent, especially regarding reforming governments (“There’s one fight Anthony Albanese always tries to avoid picking”, November 16). Reforming governments resemble a game of musical chairs. Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard introduced emission reforms only to have them curtailed by Tony Abbott. Similarly, Donald Trump on election curtailed all of Joe Biden’s attempts to deal with global warming and emissions. Unless Anthony Albanese wins several terms, any incoming conservative government will once again undo Labor’s work on emissions and renewable energy. The Coalition has already issued a statement to this effect. There will be a pause until a Labor reforming government is re-elected to start the whole process of change once again. Kearney is correct. There will be no change without long-term government, only musical chairs.

Ray Armstrong, Tweed Heads

The Albanese government steers clear of upsetting those with assets.Credit: Michael Howard

Sean Kelly outlines in great detail where the Albanese government is failing struggling Australians, something that the Labor Party once prided itself in. The explanation is sadly simple. Albanese and company are terrified of offending big business on any front, be it health, housing, education, climate and energy supply. Until they are prepared to grow a spine nothing will change.
Ross Hudson, Mount Martha (Vic)

Respect starts at home

In his thoughtful opinion piece concerning gay men lured by teenagers through dating apps then viciously assaulted (“Gay hate 2025-style: victims lured via dating sites”, November 16), Nicholas Stewart points to the need for police to continue their efforts to prevent these crimes and the role of schools in presenting curriculums addressing “toxic masculinity and empathy failure”. But he makes no mention of the responsibility of parents to raise their children to have respect for the rights of others. Have we simply given up on parental responsibility?
John Ure, Mount Hutton

I refer to the sad article written by Nicholas Stewart in the Sun-Herald. The treatment of the LGBTQ community is a sad indictment on all who care about liberty. It seems that intolerance is the one thing that drives extremists. “Live and let live” seems to be fading away as a rationale for life.
Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga

Refreshing read

Reading about someone like Charles Zhao using his brilliance for the greater good by inventing a 3D-printed chip to fast-track stroke prevention treatment, and dedicating his future to developing even more effective test kits, goes some way to restoring one’s faith in human nature (“This tiny chip can detect your chances of a stroke”, November 16), which certainly took a knock from reading about Waverley Council kowtowing to millionaires and approving the removal of trees that impinge on their sea views (“Waverley Council to trade trees for ocean views”, November 16).

Anne Ring, Coogee

Crisis by Coalition

In her weekly essay that attempts to shore up the crumbling foundations of Australia’s right, Parnell McGuinness’ latest skewering of those allegedly responsible for doing nought about housing seems more a stream of random thoughts than a serious piece of writing (“Meet the forever-renter generation”, November 16). So much so she even elevates the princess of passe, Kathy Lette, to the status of political analysis in her “inoculation against pessimism” grab regarding Zohran Mamdani’s election victory in New York City. Mamdani’s election platform was so much wider and more nuanced than that of McGuinness’s confected housing blame shift. Simplistically believing that the Boomers’ faux outrage actually exists rather than real concern doesn’t cut it. What is hypocritical is to ignore that the housing crisis is a direct result of Coalition taxation policies that favoured individuals with capital and assets and disadvantaged those on wage incomes. In particular, John Howard reducing CGT liabilities by 50 per cent. McGuinness would do well to look into her bottom drawer for an appropriate T-shirt that celebrates John Howard’s reign of punishing policies, rather than a paint-by-numbers analysis of a complex issue.

Rob Asser, Balmain East

Bravo Parnell, who gives a clear view of the state of the present generation of frustrated renters. It’s clearly a byproduct of capitalism, which a democracy needs to moderate. It’s a big challenge for a social democratic party and is Albo’s biggest on the domestic front. Fiddling at the edges won’t cut it.
Richard Hambly, Potts Point

Stick to what you know

Rachel Ward’s views on vaccines, and the link to autism, and Robert Kennedy Jr’s dangerous agenda with US health being a force for good show that science and the opinions of medical experts are essentially being ignored (“‘Free radical’: Filmmaker farmer on vaccines RFK Jr and her new project”, November 16). Such a view lacks all credibility. Rachel Ward should stick to acting and farming.
John Cotterill, Kingsford

I’m afraid “paying the rent” didn’t work for me, Fitzy. Once I read that Rachel Ward loved what JFK Jnr stands for, I simply turned the page.

John Clear, North Parramatta

Reject the royals

As a staunch Australian republican I welcome the news that more Aussies are voicing their support for a republic due to the British royal family crisis involving the former Prince Andrew – now just plain Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – because of his scandalous friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (“Republic support surges to record level”, November 16).

Eric Palm Gympie Qld

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