DREAMWORLD DISASTER
The fact that Deborah Thomas, the CEO of Ardent Leisure, has been so harshly criticised by the media and others should ring alarm bells with company directors and CEOs across Australia. In the case of any accident or crisis, their first instinct should be for the people who are involved, rather than the extent of the company's insurance or public liability cover. In the case of Dreamworld, it was the victims' families who were most affected. In other cases, it might be families of workers who have been retrenched or employees who have been adversely affected by cost-cutting. We can blame business courses and degrees for this neglect of the people involved. The courses focus on the false gods of profits, cost cutting and efficiency, and forget that all these factors rely on, and affect, people.
Rob Siedle, Hawthorn
Company put the shareholders' welfare first
Michael Pascoe's analysis of the failures of Ardent Leisure's leadership (The Age, 28/10) will be required reading in management courses for years to come. The fundamental problem is a common one. The welfare of shareholders has been elevated above those of customers. The bottom line and share price are everything, and the first reaction when something of this nature occurs is to protect the value of the company. Similarly in government, the needs of people have long ago been relegated behind the desire for obtaining and maintaining power and currying favour with key stakeholders whose support is needed to do so.
Stephen Dinham, Surrey Hills
Ticking all the boxes is not enough
We are informed that the defective Dreamworld ride had a current certification of safety and also had an engineering inspection just weeks prior to its failure. That takes care of the box ticking, which these days appears to be a substitute for prudential management. The investigation must look at who, and what, was responsible for the ride's failure. All such rides should have a safety audit, because no level of risk is acceptable. If a ride had a sign announcing, say, that one in 500,000 patrons might be injured or killed, would you take a chance on it?
James Ogilvie, Kew
A tragedy, but Dreamworld should not close
The accident at Dreamworld that resulted in the death of four people was indeed a great tragedy. It would be an equally great tragedy if the theme park were "destroyed" as a result. Hundreds of people are employed there and hundreds of thousands of adults and children go there to participate in various activities and have fun. This is the first time that such a major accident has occurred at Dreamworld. It is imperative that the cause of the accident is investigated and the problems are corrected, but "destroying" the park is an overreaction. Almost any human activity can result in an accidental death; it is a part of living.
Bill Mathew, Parkville
A damning indictment of corporate culture
The way Deborah Thomas did not skip a beat when she was caught not telling the truth at the media conference was a tribute to modern media training. Any lie can be passed as truth as long as it is presented smoothly and with confidence. Interviews with politicians or business leaders are excruciating for their obfuscation and evasion. For example, does Malcolm Turnbull believe we cannot see through his meaningless platitudes, hollow reassurances and spin? It all reminds me of that old expression: "The key to success is sincerity. Once you learn to fake that, you've got it made."
Monty Arnhold, Port Melbourne
Our shameful new low
So asylum seekers who attempt to reach Australia by boat will never be allowed to enter the country, even if they are genuine refugees and seek to come as tourists decades later, under legislation to be introduced by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton (Online, 30/10). How low can the government go in its treatment of asylum seekers? Please, Malcolm Turnbull, visit Nauru and stay there for a few days. Show some compassion for these people who have braved everything to seek our help.
David McCredie, Kew
No, not in my name
I was hoping and waiting for the refugees on Manus and Nauru to be quietly brought to Australia. Instead it appears the government wants to ban them from stepping on our soil. One wonders whether this contravenes international law. Malcolm Turnbull, please know that you do not act in my name. This is not the will of the Australian people. And please, do not cry crocodile tears for the 1200 odd people who have been lost at sea. Eminent persons have put forward possible solutions to the problem of the people smuggler trade, but it seems our government is not intelligent enough to explore any other avenue than its current inhumane strategy.
Doris Hotzel, Ringwood
World is judging us
Your report about how the widow of a man who died in a car accident was told she could not come to Australia to see his body (The Age, 27/10) was a depressing reminder of the abyss into which our morally bereft leaders have sunk. Stopping the boats was necessary. Our disgraceful treatment of asylum seekers who are already here is unnecessary. Moreover, the world is noticing. Travelling overseas recently, I was dismayed at frequent adverse references in the international media. One example was the editorial in the The New York Times which referred to our "abominable offshore detention system" as "cruel and indefinite". And this indefensible policy is approved by many politicians who profess to be Christians.
John Gartlan, Balwyn North
Sexism, alive and well
Hayley Moore, the UK's first female race-caller, is entitled to her opinion that she does not see sexism in the British racing industry (The Age, 28/10). However jockey Michelle Payne's opinion regarding our racing industry has been supported by many studies/inquiries into industries here, particularly those which are male dominated. Ms Moore's criticism of Michelle speaking out is unjustified. It is only by speaking out that a light is shone on poor behaviour. The behaviour one walks past is the behaviour one expects.
Jenny Callaghan, Hawthorn
Just more of the same
Another good article by Martin Flanagan (Forum, 29/10). He suggests that if Donald Trump becomes president, his attitude towards Australia will be, "You expect us to fight for you, you fight where we tell you". So more of the same then?
Mark Arthurson, McLaren Vale, SA
Benefits of being PC
In an effort to recognise the grievances behind the rise of Donald Trump, Martin Flanagan says he "understands the irritation on that side of politics with political correctness". He refers to it as "the censorious Victorian morality of our day". That interesting phrase suggests a stifling prudishness which restricts free speech. Surely Martin is not pining for the days when he felt free to call a spade a bloody shovel?
Rod Wise, Glen Iris
A work entitlement
Instead of arguing over the balance between paid parental leave provided by government or employers (The Age, 28/10), it would be better to have one integrated system, with contributions from both, under the existing WorkCover structures. The federal government's funding commitment for several years could be used to seed a fund that all employees could access, and all employers could contribute to in the same way that they do for WorkCover. It could be set up easily by altering the terms of existing WorkCover insurance in each state to include parental leave. Employees would then receive a proportion of their weekly income as they do under WorkCover. It would be seen, correctly, as a work entitlement rather than welfare.
Gill Riley, Doncaster East
A sustainable Australia
Josh Gordon's article (Comment, 28/10) was welcome. Australia had 19million people in 2000. Now we have more than 24million. If we continue at the current rate, we will have 40million people by 2050. This will impact on our environment, employment, transport, housing and housing affordability. It is all very well for the current generation. What about our children and grandchildren?
It is foolhardy to believe continued population growth is the solution to a vibrant economy. Only the rich and "captains of industry" push that theory so they can make bigger profits. We need to reduce immigration to about 70,000 a year, limit 457 visas to specialised jobs, and aim to limit our population to about 26 million.
Peter Allan, Blackburn
Protect female cyclists
The four Good Samaritans who chased down a man who tried to rape a pregnant woman along a Brunswick bike path are heroes. However, I am dismayed at the audacity of Casey Tennent, who was sentenced to 23 months jail and a four-year community corrections order (Saturday Age, 29/10). Like the victim, I am a train-line cyclist. I am saddened that I have to choose a different mode of transport to avoid the possibility of sexual assault. It is unfair that females to have to worry whether their bike lights are bright enough to ward off a potential rapist who may be lurking in the shadows. More needs to be done to educate men about appropriate gender standards and respectful relationships. Perhaps short jail terms, such as this one, for a serious criminal act is part of the problem.
Chloe Span, Coburg
Dangerous cyclists
Port Phillip Council has put much effort into "beautifying" the Elwood Creek environment but insists that the canal path be shared between pedestrians and cyclists. However, it barely 1.5metres wide in places and cyclists use it as a short cut rather than the adjacent roads. It means the elderly, very young and pets are all at grave risk of being tipped into the water. Bike riding on the pavements is also commonplace. I have been sworn at by merely exiting my own front gate. If I were to walk on the road, I might be fined for jay walking. Keep cyclists to designated bike paths, such as those on St Kilda foreshore, and we will all be safer and happier.
Ros Collins, Elwood
Cyclist's perilous trip
On Saturday, buses replaced scheduled train services between Essendon and Craigieburn because of vandalism. Although there were no warnings when I arrived at Southern Cross Station, or on Metro's website, I was denied entry to the bus at Essendon because I had a bike. I was told that this was due to "safety considerations". I was left stranded in an unfamiliar area, with no idea how to get to my destination.
As I had not expected to have to ride far, I was not wearing bright clothing or a visibility vest. However, my navigation problems meant my only option was to mix it with the traffic on main roads. If you use a bike, and also plan to catch a scheduled train, you have no idea when you leave home whether you will return safely. It is a lottery, not a train service. Metro, do not call them "replacement bus services" because they are not.
Carol Skinner, Fitzroy
It's time to say enough
The continuing revelations of government ministers abusing their taxpayer funded-allowances is beyond belief. Add to this the perks of babysitting costs, travel rorts and dinner expenses by former MPs in plum jobs while they also draw a parliamentary pension. It stands in contrast to the government's campaign to reduce welfare benefits to the unemployed and its claims that some women are double dipping on paid parental leave. Where is the justice and morality when the poor are penalised, yet politicians are allowed to rip off the system? When will we demand changes to the way politicians are rewarded that reflects community standards?
Reverend Ray Cleary, Camberwell
A religious musical
In her review of Godspell Reimagined (Arts, 28/10), Anne-Marie Peard says this new version is "told without the burden of religion". I saw the original Godspell and the religion was central to it, with fine music as a major conduit. No wonder this version got a poor review.
Marguerite Marshall, Eltham
Rieu's 'wild' fans
The article we did not see: Police made a surprise raid at the Andre Rieu concert last week. They seized 3250 tablets for blood pressure, 2670 pills for arthritis and 2800 viagra pills. Many patrons appeared to be in a dazed state and were unable to recall where they had bought the items. The police also seized several possible weapons, including nail scissors, a heavy handbag and an umbrella. No arrests were made and the crowd was surprisingly well behaved.
Peter Hyslop, Southbank
AND ANOTHER THING
Affordable housing? Halve the grossly over-sized and build twice as many.
Michael Hipkins, Richmond
MPs' rorts
Ministers are supposed to "act with integrity". I doubt many would recognise integrity if it bit them.
Greg Brown, Tarneit
Hasn't Herbert heard of animal courier services? But then he'd have to pay.
David Francis, Ocean Grove
Why are MPs allowed to make "honest mistakes"? Most workers would be walked to the door.
Lou Ferrari, Richmond
Why not rebuild the demolished pub as a pet-minding centre for busy politicians?
Justin Phillips, Greensborough
Herbert and his dogs are small beer compared to Hockey and his massive entitlements and perks.
Stephen Bickell, Mount Evelyn
It could have been worse. The doggies could have flown by helicopter.
Tim Durbridge, Brunswick
US election
Is it true that if Trump loses, he'll become ambassador to Australia?
Stan Marks, Caulfield
Why is it cool to believe Trump's accusers but not Bill's?
Jack Sonnemann, Lucaston, Tas
There are claims the FBI used information from Russia, which would help Putin get his man elected. Who'd have thought?
Jill Breen, Kyabram
Racing
Holding the Mackinnon Stakes after the Melbourne Cup is like holding Christmas Day after New Year's Day.
Russell Wenholz, Holt, ACT
Is there a sweep on the number of government cars that will be at the Cup?
Greg Tuck, Warragul
The Derby-bound train was fully of high-heeled women. Coming home, they were wilted and barefooted. The high price of fashion.
Rex Condon, Ashwood