Much of the Albanese government’s overspending was inherited

It is clear from Shaun Carney’s article (“Economic future demands bold risks”, October 29) that economic conditions have been difficult for Jim Chalmers, but Australia is performing reasonably well in comparison to our counterparts. The opposition spokesperson on the economy is Tim Wilson, who famously wanted to slash taxes but refused to say what he would do about the consequent $110 billion hole in government coffers. As for One Nation, we have no idea what they would do other than to take 700,000 people out of the economy for three years which, according to journalist George Megalogenis, would create a recession like that in 1930. The government finally bit the bullet on negative gearing and capital gains and now, to improve its bottom line, it should properly tax gas exports. Peter Nash, Fairlight

If the treasurer is considering cuts to infrastructure spending (“Chalmers weighs spending cuts as Cup Day rise looms”, October 29), I hope he is talking to his state counterparts first. Concentrating on the infrastructure that actually helps people live better lives would be appreciated over copious approvals and construction of data centres that help no one in a cost-of-living crisis. Elizabeth Darton, Lane Cove West

Does the government overspending include the $800 million paid to France for cancelling the submarine contract, the $2.4 billion paid as compensation and refunds to robo-debt recipients, the $23 billion overrun of the Snowy Mountains Scheme and the $641 million paid so far for the AUKUS contract, all initiatives of the former Liberal government? Corrado Tavella, Rosslyn Park (SA)

After today’s news that overall inflation has risen again (“Inflation rises to 4.3 per cent, fuelling prospect of Cup Day rate rise”, smh.com.au, October 28) in spite of the RBA’s attempts to move inflation rates down, I wonder if one morning someone in authority is going to wake and say: “What we have been doing is not working. Let’s try something different” – or words to that effect. The economic story has just become another Groundhog Day event, repeating the same thing over and over again: inflation is not in “target range”, RBA hikes interest rates, the opposition parties blame the government for not doing enough, the government defends its record, etc. All of the above repeated ad nauseam. Australia, can we not do better? Dale Bailey, St Leonards

Perhaps Dr Chalmers should borrow from Sir Robert Menzies’ book and suggest a top income tax rate of 75 per cent on incomes over $400,000 per annum. Perhaps he might also shift the bulk of the tax burden off PAYG taxpayers and back on to the shoulders of businesses, corporations and miners, just like it was before Fraser came along. Or is that too much like socialism? Ryszard Linkiewicz, Caringbah South

I agree with your correspondent (Letters, October 29) that Paul Keating, although falling well short of Churchillian standards, was often quite witty and humorous. However, claiming that he “didn’t hit below the belt” conveniently ignores his “unrepresentative swill”, “I wanna do you slowly”, “little desiccated coconut” and “stupid, foul-mouthed grub” gibes, even if they were accurate assessments. Col Burns, Lugarno

Like Ross Gittins, I too want a bigger government (“Why the feds have to change tack”, October 28). We realise the importance of government not when life is humming along smoothly, but when things hit a crunch. When hospital emergency departments are overflowing, when law and order is under pressure, when our rivers are polluted, when the air is unbreathable, or when we do not receive fair remuneration for our work. Balancing the budget is a tightrope act. The current deficit is projected to be about 1 per cent of GDP. While deficits are often criticised, they can help fund vital infrastructure, support people through economic downturns and maintain essential public services. The temporary reduction in fuel taxes during periods of sharply rising petrol prices added to budget costs but also gave households and transport operators time to adjust to higher living and operating expenses. Unless the opposition specifies which spending programs should be cut, which taxes should be raised and what the long-term consequences of those decisions would be, the treasurer and prime minister become easy targets for every economic ill. Manbir Singh Kohli, Pemulwuy

Half a billion dollars allegedly spent on plastic Halloween rubbish that will all end up in landfill. What cost-of-living crisis? Stephanie Edwards, Leichhardt

Aged care cost gap

It was distressing to read yet another example of the role money plays in determining care received as an older person – $800,000 the price to move higher up the waiting list for an aged care placement for David Witt, who has spent four months in Royal North Shore Hospital (“Hospital patients stranded by bed block crisis”, October 29). On each occasion that I refer less wealthy patients for necessary specialist care, I am beset by worry regarding the many hundred dollars’ gap payment they will incur unless lucky enough to have a specialist of the compassionate kind or to be able to wait the necessary time to access care through a public hospital clinic. Mark Butler’s various attempts to influence the excessively high fees charged by some specialists have, to date, proven ineffective. Louise Dolan, Birchgrove

Lula is flawed too

Contrary to what your correspondents say (Letters, October 29), the re-election of Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva is not evidence that democracy has triumphed over authoritarianism. His government has advanced legislation to ban internet platforms from sharing “fake news” which, if passed, would seriously hinder freedom of speech by allowing the state to decide what news is fake. Lula himself has also expressed support for the leftist dictatorships in China, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, among others. We should not grow complacent about the strength of Brazil’s democratic institutions simply because Jair Bolsonaro is behind bars and his son has lost the election. The fight to protect democracy in Brazil is not over. Nikhil Dhanabal, Clyde North (Vic)

Putin is no communist

Your correspondent who refers to Putin as “the ultimate communist” needs to research communism (Letters, October 29). Putin is anything but. Alynn Pratt, Grenfell

Who would have thought Trump and the Greens would both go pro-Russia at the same time. Like minds; surely not. Michael Castles, Grose Vale

Good on Greens leader David Shoebridge for ensuring George Orwell will be read yet again after his ministry of love speech at the press club (“‘Not invited, not welcome’: Russian ambassador attends Greens leader’s speech denying Ukraine military aid”, October 29). In the presence of the representative of the state whose aggressive actions have ensured the greatest environmental devastation inside, around and in places far from its borders, Shoebridge says yes to a paper peace by prolonging deadly war. In contrast to the German Greens party and others supporting both military aid and humanitarian aid without contradiction, the Australian Watermelons have thrown their lot in with the despotic destroyer of the environment, Putin’s Russia. At a time when we need our governments to unite against those who would destroy our planet in their violent push for more land and wealth, the Australian Greens have confused peace with appeasement. Christopher Hill, Kensington

Time for runs on the board

Australian politics and Australian cricket have an intrinsic connection – remember that the Aussie cricket captain is second in importance only to the PM. We now have Albo and Marcus Labuschagne both having a difficult time at the crease, and what are they doing? Relentlessly padding up and nervously defending their position. Time for both of them to revert to their natural game in a considered and aggressive manner and get runs on the board, not just wait for their wicket to fall. We have both a country and a Test series to win. Barry Ffrench, Cronulla

Cross to bear with Minister Scully

Planning Minister Paul Scully and Attorney General Michael Daley (the member for Maroubra) have scoffed at the Liberals’ proposal to use Long Bay jail for 12,000 new homes, saying Anzac Parade is already “chock-a-block” in the morning peak hour (“Labor rubbishes Coalition plan for 12,000 homes at Long Bay jail site”, October 29). So I assume Scully will refuse a proposed 40-storey apartment building in Victoria Street, Kings Cross, opposite the Coke sign because William Street, New South Head Road and the rail lines are also “chock-a-block” in peak hours. What’s good for the goose, minister … And you’d make yourself a right goose by using traffic congestion to lampoon one idea while ignoring it from another “state-significant development”. Carole Ferrier, Darlinghurst

Long Bay is a desirable location for real estate development. Location. Location. Location. And the NSW government should seriously consider the profits on offer in the marketplace for such a prized development. June Love, East Gresford

The state opposition doesn’t need to pursue a policy to turn the Long Bay jail site into new homes. The Minns government is already busy approving multiple prison-like complexes for people to live in (“Too soon to bar housing plan for Long Bay”, October 29). Ross Duncan, Potts Point

What would it take to convert Victoria Barracks into aged care (Letters, October 28)? Government problem; government-owned building; central location; already set up for accommodation; close to major hospitals; lots of room for expansion. Roger Hallett, Toowoomba (Qld)

Leaders on the nose

Last week Albo was on the nose with my fellow letter writers. This week they have pivoted to our state premier (Letters, October 29). I agree that weak leadership is troubling. Perhaps Albanese and Minns could reflect on a comment made by Oxfam Australia chief executive Jennifer Tierney, who recently said: “There is something fundamentally wrong with a system where extreme wealth keeps skyrocketing while so many people are struggling to afford the basics.” You can be sure Ms Hanson is taking note. Mark Paskal, Austinmer

I watch Bluey with my grandchildren. The attitudes and values expressed are the opposite of One Nation. For One Nation to plagiarise it for their own political ends is beyond disgusting. Keith Binns, Goulburn

Bird of honour

The first flight from the Nancy-Bird Walton airport should have been our national airline, Qantas, and should have had an all-female crew to honour this pioneer aviator. It’s also ironic that the first flight was second-rate Jetstar, and it was late! Christopher Woods, West Hobart (Tas)

What an insult to one of Australia’s greatest aviation pioneers! The new western Sydney airport was named in honour of Nancy-Bird Walton, yet before it has barely established itself her name is already being binned in favour of the bland, corporate abbreviation “WSI”. Let’s be clear: WSI is not the acronym for Nancy-Bird Walton. Walton was a trailblazer for women in aviation and a significant contributor to Australia’s wartime aviation effort. Around the world, airports proudly celebrate their namesakes. JFK, Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Liverpool John Lennon, Louis Armstrong in New Orleans. Their names are integral to their identities, not inconvenient afterthoughts like WSI. She deserves better. If we cannot be bothered to use her name, why did we bother honouring her in the first place? Hereward Dundas-Taylor, Katoomba

Star stash

It’s reported that Star Entertainment has now found it can afford to pay the not-insignificant $260 million fine for breaking the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws (“Star, fined $260m for laundering, has the cash”, October 29). I wonder where that money came from? Clearly not winning punters at its casinos. Bill Young, Killcare Heights

Safety first

Congratulations to Archie Patten for recognising the lack of free swimming lessons and water safety in Australian schools (“Archie and the captain’s call to keep his classmates safe”, October 28). I am shocked and angry that every child is not given free swimming lessons and water safety lessons as older generations were. Family finances should not be considered. My husband is not a strong swimmer but has saved two people struggling in the surf. He remembered how to approach a person safely who is thrashing about with fear. Early years of water safety at the end of the school year ensured a happy ending on two different occasions. Ask your local politician what is the case in your local area. Free swimming lessons and water safety is a must in every child’s education. Australia must be watertight. Bea Hodgson, Gerringong

Thank you, Archie. For several reasons my life has presented me with a few challenges, but my very loud battle cry is against the expression “It is what it is”! This is the modern version of (shoulder shrug) “What ya gonna do?” Something! You did it, Archie. You actually sat down, thought about the problem, did the research, asked the right questions, and acted! Look at the result: story and photo in a national newspaper. Everyone I know who’s read it is so impressed. Archie Patten, I will be using you as the benchmark in my “It is what you let it be” campaign. You deserve the school captaincy, my man. John Veitch, Burradoo

The Beale is back

Well, feed me garlic and call me stinky! Kurtley Beale has earned a recall to the Wallabies at 37 (“Beale, 37, poised for shock return for Wallabies”, October 29). A significant achievement for a wonderful player. I’ve got a spring in my step, hopeful for a phone call from the Test cricket selectors. Although at 68, and playing only fourth grade for Orange CYMS CC, I’m now renowned for my bonhomie and spirit in belting out the club song after a victory. Peter Snowden, Hawks Nest

DJs’ faux pas

Oh no, Jane Hyde (Letters, October 29)! You’ve just made the perfect pitch to some developer. I predict a squillion-storey monstrosity on the iconic site, behind the historic facade, of course. Viv Mackenzie, Port Hacking

“‘Always greet customers and offer to help’, the sales assistant chided her junior at David Jones last weekend as Edward Loong of Parramatta stood by – and received neither from either.” This appeared in Column 8 on June 17, 2004. Hmm, 22 years on, seems nothing’s changed except my address! Edward Loong, Milsons Point

Flowered up

Either the NSW Christmas bush is flowering early or I’m going to have to get cracking on my Christmas shopping. Michael Deeth, Como West

In my neck of the woods I am surrounded by people peacefully taking photos of jacarandas and celebrating weddings. It is a lovely contrast to the ugly headlines dominating the news. Vicky Marquis, North Sydney

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