Here we go again. This parliament is only a few days old and our "honourables" are at it again. I am convinced that both major parties decide before the start of each day who they will focus on and try to destroy. If only they channelled their efforts into sensible debate and passing much-needed legislation, we would all be a lot better off. And what sort of example are they setting for the younger generation?
The Westminster system is seriously outdated, and look at the mess the Brits are in at the moment. It is time for our parliamentarians to behave with a little more decorum. I am sick and tired of looking at the tonsils of Leader of the House Christopher Pyne (pictured). Is this how he behaves at home with his family, when he meets with his electorate, when he goes to church? I sincerely hope not. So why does he – and everyone else – behave in such an appalling way in parliament?
![Illustration: Andrew Dyson](/web/20160906075039im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/7/t/5/a/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gr79x0.png/1472802990027.jpg)
John Cummings, Anglesea
The huge gap between MPs and the battlers
David Rees (Letters, 2/9) suggests that politicians should walk in the shoes of those who are less fortunate. Unfortunately, it is the case that many parliamentarians live in, and represent, electorates akin to their own background or standing. Perhaps it should be mandatory that all politicians spend time sitting in the electorate offices of their opponents to hear the views, problems and issues facing people whom they rarely get to meet or work for. Maybe then the divide between politicians and people in the community, particularly the less fortunate, would be reduced.
Andrew Cameron, Newstead, Tas
Serious lack of morality among our leaders
What a cheek for the Prime Minister to say budget repair is the "massive moral challenge" of the new parliament. If politicians chased tax-evading multinational companies, our budget might be in reasonable shape. As for morality, I doubt if any of the clowns in parliament knows what it is.
Chris Hargreaves, Forest Hill
A little more humility, Prime Minister
Malcolm Turnbull would do well to take a more humble attitude in the House of Representatives when he answers questions and presents policies. His "double dissolution" election was a disaster for his party (Labor came close to forming government) and the make-up of the Senate. The nation is now in a state of instability. But is it possible that Mr Turnbull's arrogance can be tempered? I think not.
Graeme Lee, Fitzroy
Where's the transparency around donations?
The "Sam Dastyari-Chinese donation" affair has again exposed the hypocrisy of politicians from all political parties. It is hard not to be cynical when the government bays for blood over a trivial affair, while all the time accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from foreign donors. All this, plus channelling undeclared donations through various slush funds or "associated entities". Then it is strangely silent about recent Independent Commission Against Corruption's findings against its party in New South Wales.
The Opposition wants reform, but still accepts donations from foreign donors. It claims this is OK because it is legal. And then there are the Greens who voted down proposed ALP reforms relating to donations, showing yet again that they are prepared to put politics above principle. Our political system needs greater transparency around donations. We, the people, have a right to know who is really running the country.
John Kirk, Canterbury
Bring on the inquiry
In response to Bill Shorten citing in parliament the case of a woman who was victimised by a major bank, Malcolm Turnbull asked how a royal commission would help her. The answer is not difficult. Laws are made to correct situations, plug holes, change poor practices and support the disadvantaged. How do you know what laws to make? You observe society and its practices. We need examples from the banking industry, which make the news – in a negative way – too often. Those examples will come out in a royal commission, and the commissioner will provide an action plan to correct poor practices. Talking to bank CEOs will have no such effect.
John Pinniger, Fairfield
Double standard?
So Bill Shorten is supposedly upset about those who may have suffered as a result of the behaviour of banks. What a hypocrite. It would appear he is not concerned about the $300million that workers were underpaid in deals between retail and fast food outlets and the Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees Association (The Age, 31/8).
Roger Vincent, Fitzroy, SA
Matter of respect
I worked as a secretary for more than 30years. I was often expected to "stand by and serve the coffee", even including at one trade union office. Sad but true. Unlike Chua Sock Koong, Singtel's chief executive, I did not "learn to laugh it off" (Businessday, 2/9.) What a put down for a chief executive. If we are talking equality, what about the put downs which secretaries and coffee-makers experience daily? Some are more equal than others.
Rosemary Taylor, Castlemaine
The cheaper option
Harold Mitchell bemoans the lack of apprenticeships being provided by industry (BusinessDay, 2/9). Why would any organisation go to the expense of training apprentices when fully trained personnel are available via the 457 visa system? And, as we have seen on many occasions recently, these people are often paid less than an apprentice.
George Migios, Box Hill
Such a loving family
I am the father of three beautiful people. One daughter is a lesbian. She is in a loving, strong relationship. After a special person became a sperm donor for her, she became the proudest mum of a lovely baby girl. The love that she and her partner have for their child is bubbling and infectious. There is no doubt our granddaughter will have a warm, loving childhood and grow into a beautiful, balanced woman. I cannot see why my daughter's role is any less or diminished, as some would have us to believe. Be strong.
Peter Gell, Williamstown
Beware the danger
The practice known in China as "guanxi", where you give in return for some form of assistance, cannot apply in other cultures, for it would seem to be coercion, or worse, blackmail. The matter of political donations is fraught, but it must not be made more so with the interference of cultural values that override, and are not appropriate in, our legal system.
Everyone needs to be aware that they do not become subjected to inappropriate – immoral – pressure on our systems and regulations. In a multicultural society, cultural knowledge, awareness and respect are mandatory, as is knowledge of the laws and regulations by which it operates. If social awareness and morally correct practices, and laws and regulation, do not work, then this society becomes powerless before the forces of corruption. Political parties should know this.
Pamela Tuckett, Surrey Hills
An overlooked issue
So Sam Dastyari has a cosy relationship with businesses linked to the Chinese government. I wonder whether he has discussed the plight of the Muslim Uyghur minority with them.
Henry Zeimer, Caulfield North
Who needs the wall?
Donald Trump keeps saying he will build a wall on the border between the United States and Mexico. Can someone tell him that many tunnels have been dug between the two countries. The smugglers will build more tunnels. It will be a waste of a wall.
Ken Fernandes, Altona
Love thy neighbours
Since 2002, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria has saved 17million lives. On September 16, at the fund's Fifth Replenishment Conference in Montreal, it hopes to raise $US13billion to save another 8million lives. This fund will be helping one of our closest neighbours. In January, Papua New Guinea confirmed an outbreak of drug-resistant tuberculosis. The island of Dairu has 1500 residents, 160 of whom have been diagnosed with it – the highest rate in the world. I call on our government to pledge Australia's fair share of $300million to the fund.
Ruby Richardson, Kensington
Tell us why, Premier
The behaviour of Daniel Andrews over the ridiculous agreement with the United Firefighters Union, and the disgraceful treatment of Jane Garrett, makes it impossible for this former rusted-on Labor supporter to continue to back the party. Just what is the hold that the union has over Mr Andrews that he can allow this appalling mess to undermine the many achievements of the government?
David Mitchell, Moe
Hard work, little pay
So two "marquee" players in each team in the AFL's national women's league will be paid $25,000. A handful of high draft picks at each club will be paid about $10,000. All other players will get the minimum payment of $5000 (Sport, 1/9). That means the whole team will get less for their admittedly much shorter season than one bloke on the average AFL salary of $300,000. If those women put in 40 hours per week for an eight-week season, plus a decent pre-season, do the maths. Many will earn less than $10 per hour. Forget about pay equality. How about paying the minimum wage?
Ann Nicholson, Clarinda
A winning formula
Many of the proposed improvements to the Queen Vic Market identified by planner Professor Rob Adams (The Age, 1/9), appear uncontroversial and would provide for a more efficient operation. These include improved storage and refrigeration facilities and the relocation of heavy machinery away from pedestrian areas. The suspicion remains, however, that this is little more than a real estate play which hinges on very large residential and other developments. It would also see the market ending up as a gargantuan supermarket. The outstanding success of initiatives such as the Summer Night Market demonstrate that the Queen Vic is a major "people attractor" in its current, and long established, form.
Ian Hundley, Balwyn North
The viral sensation?
I read with interest the report regarding Deakin University academic Joel Zika who is videoing in virtual reality the last 16 classic "dark rides". These include haunted houses, ghost trains and river cave rides (The Age, 30/8). I am wondering: if the films go viral, will this be another form of the "Zika virus"?
John Kruger, St Albans
Political reality
An early election is not constitutionally possible on the skyrail project, or any other issue (Letters, 1/9). Also, as Labor and the Greens do not have a combined upper house majority in Victoria, there must have been other "villains" involved in passing the relevant planning amendment.
Paul Rodan, Malvern East
A win-win for footy
As a long-time Carlton supporter, in recent years I have become used to not having a team to support during the final weeks of the AFL season. And for fans, there are fewer matches to attend. Why not hold a secondary "also-rans finals" series, involving the ninth to eighteenth teams. This would extend over four weeks, starting at the "real" final's bye weekend, and leave the Grand Final weekend clear of any also-ran distraction. The result would be happier fans, more money for the AFL, and a post-finals pecking order extending from the premiers to the bottom team.
John Dennis, Black Rock
My scientific dilemma
I am a devout Darwinian and I have always honed my skills of observation to try to meet the standards of the great man. So this: Why is it that Tasmanian Devil's facial cancer disease appears to be genetically disappearing after just four generations while I have been obliterating the weeds in my garden for 50years and nothing changes? I have just filled my green bin thus, so have the evidence.
Stewart Bessant, Moonee Ponds
AND ANOTHER THING
Politics
The Age needs two permanent headlines, "crooked businesses" and "dishonest politicians".
Kishor Dabke, Mount Waverley
Never mind a royal commission into banks. I want one into our political system.
Nick Jans, Marysville
Peter Costello, we don't want banks to be unprofitable. We want them to be honest.
Allan Carbis, Lalor
North Korea has executed a vice-premier for his "disrespectful" posture during a speech. I'm glad Hinch isn't in Pyongyang.
Robert Reynolds, Hampton
Turnbull: the mouse that roared.
Geoff Charles, Mount Waverley
The government is blind to the difference between those too poor to pay tax and those too rich to pay it.
Steve Farrelly, Donvale
Turnbull says budget repair is a moral challenge. What then of releasing asylum seekers? An amoral challenge?
Erica Mehrtens, Northcote
What "angry white male" commentators see as "political correctness", the rest of us recognise as common decency.
Andrew Wood, Moonee Ponds
Ross Gittins, a very good article (31/8). Morrison overlooks the tax that even the "taxed-nots" pay – GST.
Russell Tucker, Eltham
Economic prosperity at the expense of mitigating climate change will be useless if there is no food or water.
Peter Lording, Surrey Hills
Furthermore
Wonderful features on the new $5 note. But why not have an image of the Queen as she looks today?
Lidio Bertelli, Dallas
Religious schools are happy to take taxpayers' money so they should comply with the laws.
Marg Ludowyk, Brunswick
It's only fair and just to hold the plebiscite so we can all have our say.
Mary Macgill, Lemnos