The last coal-fired power station in the UK shut on September 30, hot on the heels of the UK Labour government rejecting proposals for a new coal mine.
Contrast with the hypocritical Aussie Labor counterpart relying on "no legal reasons" for refusing huge mine expansions rather than giving a principled "no" in view of its commitment to slowing global warming with 43 per cent domestic emissions reductions by 2030. That 90 per cent of thermal coal is exported, thus moving emissions elsewhere, hardly provides grounds for comfort.
A third of UK power comes from wind and solar, in a country where many Aussies would argue that the sun rarely shines. Both are cheap, renewable and non-polluting with many more offshore wind farms in the offing.
As a Brit-born Aussie, UK offshore wind farms were a familiar, welcome and not unattractive distant sight that brought much needed employment to UK coastal communities. The emotive use of whales by opponents here is grossly misleading given that rapid ocean warming and acidification are among the main threats to whales and much sea life.
The damage to our heritage reefs, 50 degrees Mediterranean heatwaves, 40 degrees winter temperatures in WA, terrible worldwide flooding and hurricane damage mean only one thing; we and our governments must act now with real purpose, no excuses.
Jeff Fothergill, The Junction
Blame Friedman theories
The Prime Minister has, apparently with great reluctance, left the door open to negative gearing reform in response to Australia's growing housing crisis.
Given Labor's experience with promises of negative gearing cut backs, this reform might never happen, but even its suggestion was enough to create a storm of protest. It is possible that removing negative gearing would have a detrimental effect on property investors, banks, super funds and leave some homeowners with mortgages higher than the value of their house.
However, Treasury figures show negative gearing cost $2.7 billion in lost tax in 2020-21, money that could have been spent on social housing. Herein lies the cause of the crisis, which had its birth when Paul Keating embraced the market-based economic theories of Milton Friedman. From then on, governments cut back on building houses in the misguided belief that the private sector could do it better.
When Howard came to power, house prices and average wages had remained roughly instep, so houses were still affordable for most people. But it got much worse when, in 1999, the Howard government halved the rate of capital gains tax and the housing market became the go-to place for speculative investors keen to see a housing boom. Howard then increased immigration, a policy embraced by Rudd and all governments that followed, with the current government taking the prize for creating the immigration-fuelled population growth that makes it impossible to supply sufficient housing, infrastructure or energy.
Don Owers, Dudley
Housing needs solid solution
Don Owers ("Demand a housing solution", Letters, 26/9) notes that reducing immigration "must not be mentioned" as a solution for housing shortage. I believe this is because it is a quick fix that does not address the cause.
One might equally suggest expanding prisons, re-institutionalising the disabled, and decreasing international tourism. I note people who claim "population is the problem", typically fail to volunteer to be the ones to step off the planet.
How much harder must it be to collaborate on resource distribution. Increase the number of bedrooms per dwelling built. Support relationships before and while couples move in together. Rent with flatmates. Build for "intentional communities". Don't build in flood zones, or do make them float. Address the systemic causes, rather than mask the symptoms.
Andrew Spannenberg, Mayfield
Ponga must take stock
I realise Kalyn Ponga is a Queenslander, but how about this? A few years ago, for New South Welshmen, it was make the City or Country team to then play State of Origin. From Origin to play for the green and gold of The Kangaroos; Australia's best rugby league players. To refuse an invitation/selection for the honour of playing for our magnificent country certainly deserves animosity from the rugby league fraternity.
Bob McCarthy, a Kangaroos captain, is right. No more representative teams for Ponga. He said earlier in his career his goal was to play for the All Blacks; not the Wallabies. So, for him to refuse a spot for the Kangaroos deserves punishment. He's got to realise that many fans appreciate his efforts for The Knights, but a lot would love to see him play for Australia. Premierships don't come around too often, but fair-dinkum have pride.
He is a Queenslander who took the money to leave the Cowboys. A premiership for The Knights, however wonderful it would be, is not realistically happening for at least a couple of years. He must wake up and appreciate what he has been offered, otherwise go to the Warriors and aspire for an All Blacks jumper.
Matt McAlary, Waratah
SHORT TAKES
All-together now for new anthem
It's not often I agree with Garry Linnell, but I call on the Herald to launch a campaign to make I Am Australian the national anthem ("Anodyne anthem really gets my girt", Herald, 28/9). It is unifying, recognises all Australians and is inclusive. I am, you are, we are Australian.
Damien Kroek, Corlette
Slow speed a bridge too far
Can anyone tell me why we have been restricted to a maximum speed of 40kmh on the Donald Street bridge, just because there is some work taking place beneath it?
Ray Dinneen, Newcastle
Tourism price-gouging rife
I applaud the ACCC for looking at price gouging with the supermarkets. It's a common practice. While they are at it, I wonder if they should also look at the airlines and hotels. Reports indicate that airfares to Melbourne for the grand final were up to $800. Hotel prices were also at a premium. I planned to visit Melbourne, not realising the finals were on. I changed my plans to later this month at greatly reduced prices. It happens at Easter, Christmas and school holidays.
Greg Lowe, New Lambton
Avoidance advice
Kalyn Ponga could have avoided all this selection drama if had consulted Nathan Cleary, or his father Ivan, on how to avoid representative duties. Just saying.
Neil Meyers, Warners Bay
Review puts ABC in spotlight
Last week, ABC chairman Kim Williams warned of the dangers of "fake news" and the threat it posed to democracy. His revelation came less than a week after the ABC was forced to establish an independent review into allegations it misrepresented the actions of an Australian soldier in a gunfight in Afghanistan in 2012. Is it any wonder the ratings of the ABC are going down as more people are becoming sceptical about the ABC being unbiased?
