It seems that even though we are a supposed wealthy country, there are many who are suffering from homelessness, the result of domestic violence and some through financial stress.
The ones most at risk are women and their children and even those in the latter stage of their lives, caught out by not enough super or long service.
What is the solution? There are so many disused railway passenger carriages. Could they not be used for temporary, not permanent, accommodation? How hard would it be to remove the seats to allow for beds, some tables and chairs, just anything that would be better than trying to sleep in a crowded car.
How can we sit by allowing vulnerable women and children to be put in dire straits through inaction? I, and many others, would gladly volunteer to make these carriages comfortable for those less fortunate. Anything would be better than sleeping in a crowded car in freezing conditions, or sweltering in the heat attacked by flies and mosquitoes.
I realise there are obstacles to overcome, but we can do it, can we not?
Alan Metcalf, Stockton
US circus affects all
It's hard for me not to think I'm living in a David Cronenberg movie when I see who is once again being put up to represent the Republican Party to run for the US president.
I was more than shocked when he got up in 2015-16 but, honestly, how on earth can any sane American vote again for this completely dangerous clown? He's a danger to all, not just Americans. I thought a certain redhead here in Australia was a front runner for being the top political clown, but that person is a genius in comparison.
You may think the presidential election is nothing for us to be concerned about? I beg to differ.
Garry Scow, Warners Bay
Demand a housing solution
The ongoing housing crisis has spurred many opinions on how it will either become the new "norm", or be fixed by just a change in policy.
One of the latter came from the Grattan Institute, which argued that it was the government's splurge on infrastructure construction that was jeopardising the housing construction target. Like all academic thought bubbles, it does have some validity because construction of essential infrastructure puts a strain on resources, that is building materials and labour, that drives up the cost of both.
However, it is an argument that works in reverse. If the Grattan researchers were asked how we could overcome the shortage of infrastructure they would blame the high demand for housing, which was also driving up the cost of materials and labour in an attempt to build 1.2 million dwellings.
Fortunately, there is an alternative approach that has worked for our energy supply system, which also faces the risk of electrical power shortages, especially during heat waves. This threat has been minimised by reducing demand, a process achieved by having large users such as smelters cut their usage during peak demand periods.
Cutting demand for housing and infrastructure by reducing immigration would be a win-win with added environmental benefits, but it seems that this approach must not be mentioned.
Don Owers, Dudley
Kerridge's hard work begins
Well, it did not take long for the former Newcastle lord mayor to complain about the nasty politicking before the election ("Nelmes' blast for Kerridge", Herald, 21/9). Some media reports have even said that many in Newcastle did not even know the election was on, so it is a bit difficult to find where the nasties were.
Ross Kerridge will need the wisdom of Solomon if he is to bring councillors together, for the benefit of Newcastle, when the gauntlet has already been thrown down, and results are not even finalised.
John Hollingsworth, Hamilton
No zest in renewables
Amy Hiller ("Zest for energy should spur leaders to act", Letters, 23/9) said that 73 per cent of folks in the Hunter prefer renewable energy.
People should note that the "73 per cent" was of a mere 373 people in the Hunter and across Australia, 2004 people were asked their preference in a voluntary survey on behalf of Renew Australia for All, a climate activist group. Two thousand people is only 0.007 per cent of Australia, a tiny unrepresentative sample of Australia.
Despite the roll out of renewables, our power bills keep going up, cost of living keeps going up and no benefit has been shown for the climate. Obviously renewables have failed to deliver any of the benefits promised. Surely the government must end this costly indulgence of renewables that are a failure?
Peter Devey, Merewether
SHORT TAKES
Cut pollies' salaries, pay nurses more
I cannot believe the Premier, Chris Minns, has the audacity to say that the government cannot afford to give nurses a 15 per cent salary increase. Maybe it's time the politicians had a good look at the indecent salaries and allowances they receive for incompetence in their positions? Give the nurses and other essential services personnel what they deserve for the services they provide.
Robert Stewart, Muswellbrook
Cartoon offers brilliant view
Congratulations to the Pope's View "Unwokeable Beauty" (Herald, 21/9). This cartoon, as well-crafted cartoons often do, interprets the news in surprising ways. It depicts a caricature of Peter Dutton lying asleep on what looks like a drum of nuclear waste and covered in recent unfavourable nuclear power reports, while dreaming a Trumpian dream of "Drill Baby Drill'. Meanwhile, outside the window, the installation of renewable energy's solar and wind farms continues unabated. Absolutely brilliant.
Ian Thomas, The Hill
Israel's destruction widens
Israel seems intent on destroying more homes and lives now in Lebanon. I believe the residents of Israel felt much safer a year ago, but backed by the US, they can't lose.
Julie Robinson, Cardiff
Move quick on 'bargains'
I visited Marketown Coles on Tuesday. To my surprise, there were yellow and black "price reduced" stickers on just about every product in the store. What could have brought on this change of heart? Even my wife's beloved Streets Magnum ice creams were reduced to $8 from the usual $11. My advice to everyone: get in folks before the court case starts.
Mark Bird, Newcastle
Super balance reflects profits
I have to smile every time I read a letter complaining about the profits banks and the major supermarkets declare periodically. Before raging against these companies, people need to have a good look at the investment portfolios of their superannuation funds. Pretty much every one will have significant holdings of shares in these companies, and happily accept the dividends they provide. Without these companies in particular, the returns provided by the myriad funds would be a lot lower.
