The Advertiser and Sunday Mail Letters to the Editor July 27-August 2
August 1: When red tape stands in the way of pandemic safety, we need to cut through the bureaucracy, a reader says.
Opinion
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- MICHAEL McGUIRE: Adelaide skyline suffers from ugly buildings
- MORE READER VIEWS: Read last week’s letters here
Letters to the Editor published in The Advertiser and Sunday Mail.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, AND SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
Virus red tape
I WAS on a Jetstar flight.
Three of us, strangers, were seated together.
The three seats in front of us were empty.
To social-distance, I asked if I could move to the empty row.
My request was refused. I was told that if one of us had the coronavirus, they needed to know who we were sitting next to.
So the airline policy is to increase your chances of catching the virus rather than encouraging, where possible, social distancing.
I have rarely come across such stupidity.
DAVID SALINGER, Somerton Park
Stop the trucks
IF there is any concern about the number of trucks crossing from Victoria into South Australia, there is an alternative.
Send all interstate freight by rail for the duration of the pandemic.
RAY HARMAN, Flagstaff Hill
Work outsourced
FACTORS in the runaway spread of COVID-19 in Victoria such as essential public services in profit-obsessed private hands, uncontrolled outsourcing, and workers without entitlements moving between sites in casual jobs, would have been warmly endorsed by Margaret Thatcher.
These, plus the drastic downgrading of public services in Britain, have contributed to a huge loss of life during the pandemic.
Thatcherite policies are the last thing any country needs in this current pandemic-prone world.
Britain of the 1980s is long past, and the concept of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg wishing to go back to these policies is terrifying.
P. THOMAS, Goodwood
Women on merit
IN response to Guy Mudie, I am proud to have been preselected as one of six women out of seven candidates on the Liberal Party’s Legislative Council ticket for the 2022 state election (“Filling the cabinet”, The Advertiser, Thursday).
Our ticket is also led by a woman, in Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink.
This was a result of a democratic process, rather than of quotas, and is why I am proud to be part of the Liberal Party.
NICOLA CENTOFANTI, South Australian Legislative Council
Fossil-fuel price
THE call by Emergency Leaders for Climate Action to impose a levy on fossil fuel emitters cannot just penalise Australian industry.
With Australia being responsible for about 1.3 per cent of the world’s fossil fuel emissions, the ELCA’s recommendation needs to be extended to all other nations of the world.
Fossil-fuel emissions affecting climate change is a global issue and the intensity of the resulting bushfires worldwide is not just attributable to Australian industry emissions.
ELDERT HOEBEE, Torrens Park
Boulevard threat
OUR North Terrace cultural boulevard is full of beautiful, historic stone buildings.
It is the jewel in Adelaide’s crown, especially during the summer months with Christmas festivities, the Adelaide Fringe and other festivals.
But to my horror and anger, one of the beautiful state-heritage-listed stone buildings at 203-205 North Terrace (across from Government House) is not having a facelift.
It is about to be demolished and only the facade will be kept.
Behind the facade will be an unsympathetic 33-storey student-accommodation tower.
The design of the tower has no architectural link with the heritage facade and sticks out like a sore thumb.
Shady trees and the beautiful North Terrace building are being changed beyond belief.
This is not good enough.
Have these planners no soul and no care?
It seems all too hard for them to retain and reuse such a beautiful building in the heart of Adelaide while complementing an empathetic 2021 addition.
We can do better than this to ensure Adelaide remains a beautiful city that treasures its history and enjoys its culture and a vibrant future.
I hope new Planning Minister Vickie Chapman has better understanding than her predecessor and is less arrogant.
DIANA HILL, South Plympton
Let cats run free
RESPONDING to “Push to ban straying cats” (“The Advertiser”, Wednesday), I do not agree with having cat legislation at either council or state level.
State legislation has obviously failed. Cats cannot be controlled by laws.
The only way to manage cat populations is to build good relationships with the people who look after cats and encourage and enable them to get cats desexed.
Trying to force these cat carers with legislation that threatens seizure of their cats, fines and limits a household will not result in co-operation.
Without the co-operation of the people who care for cats, nothing constructive will be accomplished. Consult with people on the ground, please.
DIANA PALMER, Malvern
Punishment need
MICHAEL Schilling states that “it is good that reparation has been made” regarding the expenses issue of MPs, particularly Stephan Knoll (“Fair treatment”, The Advertiser, Saturday).
“Owen” from “Text Talk” expands on this by making a very good point: When transport minister, did Stephan Knoll allow fare evaders to simply repay the fare?
Of course not, and neither should he simply get away with his own dodging. Both should receive further punishment.
Margaret Dingle, in “Text Talk”, asks: “Does it matter whether Stephan Knoll paid his parents or a hotel?”
Well, Margaret, hotels are businesses. They issue receipts and pay taxes on their earnings.
ALAN MOSKWA, Magill
Submit a claim
THE problem with politicians’ expense claims could be easily solved.
All expenses incurred should be paid for by the person incurring the expense.
They should then have to submit a claim at the end of each month, with substantiating receipts, to an appropriate office or person for checking.
If the claim complies with the rules, a reimbursement should be made immediately. If the claim is not legitimate, it is simply not reimbursed.
This may make everyone concerned study and understand the rules better.
With Australia’s bloated system of government, plus the large public service, one can only imagine how many mistakes are made.
CHRIS RAMSAY, Pasadena
Sporting welcome
THE return of school sports after the COVID-19 lay-off is most gratifying.
As a former volunteer sports officer in a public school, I observed the interest that students had in representing their particular school and playing sport with their friends.
The school-sports program promotes opportunity and challenges for students to pursue excellence in a positive sporting environment with a focus on team success, with the satisfaction of personal development. It is accepted that scholastic attainment is of major importance in every school.
However, we should not underestimate the value of school sports for the students who embrace this important aspect of school life.
CHARLES SILKE, Campbelltown
Ship of leaders
THE much-maligned Ruby Princess may be in need of a new skipper.
Comrade Dan Andrews could do the job, with the blessings of more than a few Victorians, who would be happy to flick-pass him over the border.
Put turn-a-blind-eye US President Donald Trump in charge of the engine room.
And employ Prince Andrew, who is at a bit of a loose end, as master of evening ceremonies.
These three initiatives should ensure a sellout.
RORY DREDGE, Aldgate
Race for arms
SO, we’re to be arms makers for the US (“American Muscle”, The Advertiser, Thursday)?
A cargo-cult mentality comes to mind – jobs at all costs. But doesn’t this make us a prime target?
What worries me more than China’s many faults is the instability of US President Donald Trump. Imagine this realistic scenario: Donald Trump, seeing his poor polling, decides to strike China. But China pre-empts him and strikes out at an easy target – the US’s close ally, Australia.
What, then, for the extra jobs in defence manufacturing? President Dwight Eisenhower once warned of the power of the military-industrial complex. We have signed up as a full member.
Dr JOCK CHURCHMAN, Firle
Greenday rallies
MANY performers object to politicians using their music during their political rallies.
I wholeheartedly agree, especially when they misinterpret the lyrics.
It is unfortunate that Green Day is one of those bands, because they have the exact right song for US President Donald Trump, including these lyrics:
Don’t want to be an American Idiot.
Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alien nation.
Where everything isn’t meant to be OK.
LUKE KOUMI, Walkerville
Not satisfied
GOOD to see Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones taking a stand on US President Donald Trump using their songs at the campaign meetings.
Might I suggest, Mick, you relent a little and let him.
In fact, even sing it for him. It goes like this: We can’t get no satisfaction.
WAYNE NICHOLLS, Royston Park
Naivety no excuse when public money at stake
THE apparent naivety of the ministers and MPs embroiled in the expenses issue is difficult to fathom.
What is so hard to understand that public funds are to be expended in a frugal manner, and always in the interest of the taxpayer instead of your own? Every public dollar spent should be preceded by the question: Is this really necessary and is it clearly within the law and prevailing policy?
Premier Steven Marshall deserves sympathy for being lumbered with colleagues who, at best, do not appear to understand basic public responsibility, and, at worst, have disregard for the rules governing expenses claims.
Fortunately, the major figures involved – three ministers and the president of the Legislative Council – have finally accepted much-needed responsibility by resigning their positions.
MICHAEL SCHILLING, Millswood
Republic time
FOLLOWING the revelations of the Buckingham Palace letters in which Australians found out what the Queen didn’t know and when she didn’t know it, I have heard the old adage “If it’s not broken, why fix it?” ad nauseam.
A constitutional monarchy may work for England but it long ago ceased to be relevant to Australia, where we effectively run as a republic.
Lip service is paid to the monarchy and the occasional visit, but real power is set by elected governments (except, regrettably, in the case of Gough Whitlam).
However much Australians distrust politicians, this is, in effect, how our leadership system works. It just needs to be formalised and out in the open. It’s well overdue for Australia to stand on its own two feet.
JENNY ESOTS, Willunga
Chef impresses
WHAT a breath of fresh air the article on chef Rachel Khoo was (“I think you should feel guilty. But don’t beat yourself up about it”, Sunday Mail, July 26). She considers the animals and environment before her tastebuds.
C. THORPE, Kidman Park
More organs needed
DONOR Families Australia supported last week’s Donate Life Week in its endeavours to increase the organ-and-tissue-donation rate.
DFA is an organisation of families saying “yes” to being a donor on behalf of their deceased loved ones. Sadly, this pandemic has adversely affected many things around us.
During Donate Life Week, we heard registrations were down by 20 per cent and transplant surgery had decreased, denying many Australians that precious gift of life.
DFA is active in raising awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation within the community. For the past 20 years, donor families have been asking for assistance to meet their consenting recipients. The time is right for this to happen.
The positive impact on the donor families and recipients involved with these meetings will have a ripple effect throughout the community.
Now is the time for governments and the public sector to embrace its community and work together.
BRUCE McDOWELL, Donor Families Australia chairman
No fan of Harry
HARRY Windsor has loudmouthed himself over and above any other royal family member for years. Now he wants to sue for privacy. Pathetic.
CHRIS ST CLAIR, Forest Hill, Victoria
Special spot for Anzacs
REGARDING “Taxpayers foot bill for pollies to parade” (Sunday Mail, July 12) and Ian Kent’s comments (“Respect for Anzacs”, July 19), I, too, was dismayed with Greens MP Adam Bandt and other senators.
They compare spending money on a trip to Sydney for the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras with spending money to attend an Anzac commemoration ceremony.
Anzac Day is our day of honouring our war heroes. It thanks and honours all those that served and who are still serving. There is no comparison.
SONIA GEISLER, Morphett Vale
Love cheese name
EDWARD William Coon – the man was born with that name. And now it offends the most precious of us politically correct humans.
Coon cheese has been around all of my 72 years on the planet. How I love a good cheese sandwich.
But, it seems, no longer. We are getting to the stage that we must be mindful of other people’s feelings. Next, we won’t be able to boo the opposition at the football in case we offend and hurt the opponents’ feelings. Give me a break.
In the future, I hope nobody is born with the surname of Black, White or Brown because you will soon have to change it by deed poll. You might be hurting some precious person.
To the makers of Coon, what a waste of money to rebrand a darn good cheese.
HELEN VICKERY, Encounter Bay
Catching a bus
NOW that Transport Minister Stephan Knoll has resigned from cabinet, how is he going to get from point A to point B?
Oh, shock, Mr Knoll may now have to rely on catching buses. At least we, the public, can sleep at night knowing that, because we held a public outcry to save bus routes from being axed and bus stops from being removed, Mr Knoll will not be left stranded.
And he won’t need to walk long distances to a bus stop. Don’t forget to validate your ticket, Mr Knoll, or you face being caught by the transit police, and have to pay a fine to the State Government. I wonder if he even knows how to validate a Metrocard.
BELINDA OSMOND, Littlehampton
Aboriginal culture
MANY Australians continue to resist the evidence that Britain, from 1788, invaded Aboriginal communities existing in this country and continued to disregard or understand our first peoples’ culture and laws.
Is this a lack of education or blissful indifference?
Authorities continue to only recognise the Westminster system and have little acceptance or compromise with Indigenous culture.
Is it any wonder that Australian prisons have high numbers of Aboriginal people serving sentences per capita.
Why is it that we do not incorporate their thinking? Why should they give up thousands of years where they successfully controlled their destiny?
I wonder how we would react to having our Westminster system taken away from us. Let us put ourselves in their shoes for just a moment and see the picture from a different perspective.
It is time to work together and stop this indifference.
GLEN CHENOWETH, Goolwa North
Respect for life
IN England the people refusing to wear a mask for virus suppression are the same people demanding that everyone wears a poppy for Remembrance Day.
NICK HASKELL, Athelstone
Seeing red
EVEN in the pandemic, some things never change: cyclists going through red lights. And, lately, it’s been those making food deliveries.
A. LOGAN, Urrbrae
FRIDAY, JULY 31
Customer training
I WATCHED Kerry Nash’s video of her bullying the Bunnings employees in a Victorian store.
She wanted entry to the store unmasked and backed her demand with a rehearsed mantra of human-rights issues.
She would not accept Bunnings has the right to refuse entry if wearing a mask is a condition of entry, and the police removed her.
I commend Bunnings for the staff training that gave their employees the strength to calmly resist Nash’s claims without engaging in a debate.
Nash has unwittingly supplied an exceptional video training tool.
I feel sorry for Nash because of her difficulty of living in a world that does not generally agree with her views.
PAUL CURRY, North Brighton
Come together
IT is time politicians and others stopped using the phrase “we’re all in this together” because, quite obviously, we are not.
A stupid woman in Victoria – the hottest COVID-19 spot in Australia – refuses to wear a mask when going to Bunnings.
Two stupid women travel from Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane and lie about where they have been.
They are infected, infect another woman and have been in contact with numerous other people.
Four, every bit as stupid, men sneak into SA. They are followed by more every-bit-as-stupid men.
In Sydney, despite the increase in infections, those organising the Black Lives Matter protests think they have a right to disobey the rules. In their extreme arrogance, they forget that black, yellow, coffee-coloured, pink or white lives all matter.
Most SA citizens have, in order to protect themselves and others, obeyed the rules.
We may not like them but they are there to try to stop the spread and the deaths.
We should simply close the borders and concentrate on rebuilding jobs and the economy in SA. Keep them closed until Australia is free. Or at least until a proven effective vaccine is found.
Some people in the eastern states simply do not seem to care.
ROBERT McCORMICK, Bridgewater
Shift the blame
INITIALLY blame was heaped on to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ shoulders.
The blame now should be directed at those Victorians who are not following the rules.
How many more people need to die before they get the message?
DOMENICA CAVUOTO, Klemzig
Stop elder abuse
ONCE again, the spectre of nursing-home neglect has been brought to light during the current pandemic.
Soaring infection rates, coupled with evidence of unsanitary accommodation and questionable nutrition for the residents, have recently come to the fore.
What happened to the royal commission into nursing-home abuse? Why is the abuse continuing unchecked?
But more importantly, who is going to finally put a stop to this cruelty?
My heart goes out to all the residents of the affected homes who have no voice. Those who suffer in silence.
PETER RICHARDS, Seacombe Gardens
Dump opposition
MAYOR Dean Johnson from Kimba Council would love to give the impression that it’s only interstate campaigners who are opposing the creation of a nuclear waste facility in South Australia.
He couldn’t be further from the truth. The local traditional owners, the Barngarla people, were deliberately excluded from the ballot Mr Johnson ran. They ended up holding their own vote.
And if you combine the results of both ballots, the “yes” vote drops below 50 per cent of eligible voters. Hardly a ringing local endorsement of a highly controversial and divisive proposal that is actually illegal under our state law.
People across wider SA have also not had a say and the current plan also neglects the interests of the tens of thousands of Australians who live along transport corridors.
The Federal Government’s push to move radioactive waste to Kimba is not a proven or credible plan.
It is not surprising that widespread SA community opposition remains.
CRAIG WILKINS, Conservation SA chief executive
Bad news week
I READ in The Advertiser on Thursday of our MPs pocketing $3.5m in perks.
Meanwhile, as grandparents, we have to leave an inheritance for a generation that is broke.
I read of neighbours from hell who are vandals, drug users and drunken street thugs.
And there were teenage girls whose stupid and selfish actions have triggered fears of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Stories tell me that we have an internet full of seductive conspiracy theories and that a video on TikTok of a semi-naked man jumping into the Sydney Zoo aquarium to swim with the fish was made by someone who “can’t believe he done that” (sic).
There is more, much more, but I can’t bring myself to read on after seeing the story about cheerleaders making sex claims.
Please, can someone, anyone, convince me that the world is not going to hell in a handbasket?
PATRICK McMURRAY, Modbury North
Merit questions
FUNNY how women have to be appointed on merit but men’s merit is rarely questioned.
MAUREEN GOLDIE, Blackwood
Protecting Vale
OUR Willunga wine basin is too precious to sanction storing contaminated waste next to the main road from Adelaide to Cape Jervis and the Kangaroo Island ferry (“Dump will ‘hurt’ our wine area”, The Advertiser, Tuesday).
Both the current McLaren Vale waste depot and the old, down-slope North Maslin sand quarry are entirely unsuitable for storing contaminated waste.
As a geologist, I can see this would act like a virtual wick to the underground reservoir of precious water supplying vineyards for our world-famous McLaren Vale region wines.
Even if lined, storage of toxic chemical waste south of Tatachilla Road is like burying old rat cubes in your children’s sandpit.
PROFESSOR JIM GEHLING AO, Sellicks Beach
Rapid changes
IN their book The Future We Choose, Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac draw attention to the speed of climate change in the past 50 years.
This has made the youth concerned about the need for decisive action by the world’s governments.
John Allen seems, unfortunately, to miss the point (“Adapt to change”, The Advertiser, Tuesday). We do not have time to adapt ecologically to climate change, noting the effect it is having on the world’s ecosystems.
Already about seven million people are dying annually from air pollution.
All of us have a responsibility to do our part, particularly in this time of challenges from COVID-19.
It is an excellent time to get involved with schemes such as Trees for Life. Every tree combats the carbon emissions and the world needs to plants millions of trees quickly.
I would encourage as many people as possible – not just Mr Allen – to get involved and prepare to plant this spring. Act now.
We need all governments to prioritise their climate-change strategies, maximise the use of renewables and steadily reduce the use of fossil fuels.
They need to do this if they are serious about producing a better world for our children, grandchildren and future generations.
BOB RIESSEN, Belair
Depth test
LET’S hope the new state ministers are up to the task.
No offence but former minister Stephan Knoll had appeared out of his depth for some time now, even without the latest scandal.
ROGER BATES, Paralowie
Spread the load
YOU would have thought that, during a pandemic, it would be prudent to lighten the load of your loyal workers so they can concentrate on the current situation.
Adding portfolios to existing ministers, and calling it the best balance, can only suggest one of two things.
You haven’t got enough ministers to go around. Or there are completely competent people that you are unable to promote due to internal factions.
It would seem unjust if party politics were to impede having the right team ready to tackle our challenges going ahead in these trying times.
ALEX NEILL, Netherby
Right balance
EXCELLENT move by Premier Steven Marshall to ditch the right faction in his ministerial reshuffle. Both the restructuring and development of the South Australian economy, along with our innovative and progressive social and cultural history, would not benefit from a lurch to the right by the Liberal Party.
We might now see the best of Premier Marshall, and even the prospect of a Marshall decade.
Importantly, the Labor Party and its dominant right faction will now need to reconsider its positioning and policies in matters economic, environmental, social and cultural.
All in all, an improved prospect for a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive state of SA.
STEWART SWEENEY, North Adelaide
THURSDAY, JULY 30
Filling the cabinet
WHENEVER a business or political party is criticised for not promoting women to the top jobs, the argument is made that the best person for the position, irrespective of gender, should get the nod.
This posturing has often silenced critics in the past. But it is now subject to much deeper scrutiny.
Premier Steven Marshall’s promotion of three new male backbenchers into his cabinet has left him open to criticism as to why two assistant female ministers were overlooked.
In 2020, to only have three female ministers out of a cabinet of 14, is not a great look.
If the merit argument is again used to defend this situation then Mr Marshall and the South Australian Liberal Party needs to act with haste to draft a number of talented women into winnable seats before the next state election.
Group photos looking more like a Menzies or Whitlam federal cabinet are unlikely to seduce the female vote any time soon.
GUY MUDIE, Highgate
Women on merit
IT is amusing to hear Susan Close lecturing the Liberal Party for not selecting a woman to be promoted to a government portfolio.
Susan Close is a perfect example of the Labor Party’s policy of gender selection over merit. While in government, the department she oversaw failed in her portfolios to protect and support children and families and trashed the reputation of TAFE.
As Deputy Opposition Leader, she will cement Labor’s tenure in Opposition.
Voters have long memories.
MARY-ANNE HIGGINS, Rose Park
Andrews angst
I HAVE read differing views regarding the handling of the second wave of COVID-19 by Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews.
One from Australian Medical Association state president Dr Chris Moy criticising Mr Andrews (“Vics put all of us at risk”, The Advertiser, Tuesday). And the other by reader Des Kemp backing the Premier (“Andrews trying”, The Advertiser, Wednesday). I side with the view of Dr Moy.
Has Mr Kemp not heard of the likely cause of this second wave in the first place? Namely the government's appointment of security guards to oversee hotel quarantining, with many given only limited training.
Their questionable contact with hotel guests followed with the result of rampant likely spreading of the virus. Upon checking out, the guests were not compulsorily given a second COVID-19 test. Mistake after mistake by Premier Andrews cannot be denied.
BRUCE BURFORD, Adelaide
Healthy leaders
DEAN Jaensch is quite correct in his analysis as to why South Australia is well placed with its COVID-19 protection, due to the leadership of Premier Steven Marshall, chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens (“SA shows way in pandemic response”, The Advertiser, Tuesday).
I would add another name, Health Minister Stephen Wade, who has been there every day of this COVID-19 journey marshalling the resources necessary for this battle. We should also acknowledge the courage of frontline health workers from SA who go over to Victoria, putting themselves in harm’s way. And in doing so, gaining the experience that may be needed here (hopefully not).
The keys to our future wellbeing as a community will be discipline and a nimbleness to react as a community should outbreaks occur, as shown by the people of the Barossa.
BARNEY McCUSKER, Mount Gambier
Boost for cure
AS we wait for a COVID-19 vaccine, the University of Southampton may have found a drug that can help.
This drug provides a boost to the bodies immune system and helps kill this virus sooner.
A particular protein in the immune system that is targeted by, and killed by, this virus is replaced by a spray into the lungs.
As this protein is directed right at the virus as it attacks the lungs, it can significantly reduce inflammation.
This can potentially save lives and significantly reduce the time taken by the patient to get well. Unfortunately it has been a relatively small human test regime at this time. But results are very positive.
All people using this drug had positive results, but others using a placebo didn’t.
This would be an excellent treatment for anybody with a weak immune system. Especially the elderly. I seriously hope it will be available soon.
DAVID BISHOP, South Plympton
Mask incitement
HERE is what the Crimes Act – Section 24D states about Sedition.
“Any person who, with the intention of causing violence or creating public disorder or a public disturbance, writes, prints, utters or publishes any seditious words shall be guilty of an indictable offence.”
The penalty is imprisonment for three years.
Those presently and openly promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and inciting others to refuse to wear masks, or not follow directions from our duly elected leaders, should be immediately subject to the above penalties.
D. HERBERT, Kent Town
Fix travel rules
ANYONE with their nose in the taxpayer trough, taking out more than their high salaries, needs to be removed. If the stupid 75km country member rule needs to be amended, do that as well.
I note ICAC Commissioner Bruce Lander has started looking at these expense claims going back 10 years. Doesn’t Mr Lander have more on his plate?
From the Rann, Weatherill and Marshall group of SA parliamentary representatives, he might uncover 50.
So what?
Aren’t we better off fixing up the ridiculous lax rules and poor authorisation process?
ROB BURNS, Modbury
Due process
HOW is it that the claim forms submitted by the various pollies were processed and paid?
Surely some public servant must check every claim to ensure that it was valid.
They are the gatekeepers to the public’s money and it is their job to determine the validity of any claim before paying it.
You don’t just rubber stamp any claim willy nilly.
MICHAEL PRUS, Fairview Park
Explain, Premier
SO, we now have a new brace of ministers after the debacle over politicians’ entitlements.
Did the three previous ministers deserve to lose their privileged positions?
If you accept the explanations given, which seem to amount to some unfortunate administrative error, then probably not.
Anybody can make a mistake, and if Premier Steven Marshall honestly believes there is no deliberate dishonesty here, the penalty seems excessive.
So why did the Premier sack them?
Let’s not quibble over semantics about “resigned” or “sacked”, for it is obvious that four senior politicians don’t wake up one day and all independently think: Today would be a great day to resign.
But, if you don’t accept the administrative error explanation, then the alternatives are few, and less innocuous.
In that case, losing their ministry is not just appropriate, it is inadequate and an appropriate outcome would be to remove them from parliament altogether.
So before we pat the Premier on the back too vigorously, shouldn’t he explain himself just a little further?
STEPHEN PALLARAS, former Director of Public Prosecutions
Strong inquiry
BERNARD Finnigan claimed 51 days for travel allowance when parliament was not even sitting (“Finnigan pay perks”, The Advertiser, Wednesday).
First, how deep will the current investigation go in exposing the total rorts going on?
Second, surely some highly paid public servant was responsible for signing off on all these claims.
If not, why not?
Third, why do the ex-ministers still have jobs?
It’s instant dismissal in the private sector.
Last, imagine what all the wrongly claimed money could do to help the homeless, underprivileged, victims of spousal abuse, etc.
It makes me mad.
But worse than that, it makes me sad.
After many years as finance director in the private sector, I ensured full transparency and confirmation from all managers and executives before signing off any expense reimbursements.
It isn’t that difficult.
R. FORSAITH, Flagstaff Hill
Kimba votes
I WRITE in response to Friends of the Earth Melbourne’s new campaign saying “South Australians oppose Canberra’s nuclear waste plan”.
I, for one, don’t believe Melbourne-based activist groups actually have much of a clue about the views of South Australians, and especially not the views of the residents of Kimba.
It is also clear you don’t have much of a clue about the plans for a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility in general.
In your petition you don’t acknowledge that two in three Australians need nuclear medicine in their lifetime, and most of the radioactive waste stream in Australia is a by-product of making it.
You also neglected to point out that there is no Native Title on the land near Kimba, which is privately owned, and which has been used for basic agricultural purposes for 80 or more years.
And you skipped over the part where this was Kimba’s plan and decision
A local resident put his land forward and 62 per cent of the local community voted for this industry and the 45 jobs and $31m in investment it would bring here.
The Kimba community has made its decision.
And we ask that activist groups from outside of our town respect that decision, or at the very least stop pretending to speak for us.
MAYOR DEAN JOHNSON, Kimba District Council
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
On edge about PC
“VINTAGE cheese is shredded, brand name offensive” made me super nervous (The Advertiser, Saturday).
I have loved Coon cheese for years and had no idea there was something offensive in the Coon label.
I am not prejudiced against any colour, be it yellow, brown, black or whoever.
And I am totally indifferent to whoever wants to bed whatever sex they choose.
Therefore, I find it difficult to know how I can describe any individual without causing offence to the politically correct. Could The Advertiser issue a list of sensitive material not to be used when describing somebody?
A. BOWERS, Glenelg North
Scrap the states
PETER Cleary suggests we should drop the upper house of parliament and become a unicameral state like Queensland (“Political reform”, The Advertiser, Tuesday).
While there is some merit in this idea, perhaps we could get rid of the states altogether.
The states are an anachronism of the 19th century, carried over from an era of colonial jealousy where communications would take days, or even weeks, to spread across the country. They are vestiges of our colonial past and, arguably, no longer models of good government.
Also, considering the ravages of both natural disasters and COVID-19 this year, have the states really been considering both national or regional interests?
Given many interests of the South-East in South Australia may not be the same as the Pilbara in Western Australia, perhaps we, and our interests, would be better supported by one unitary state, and a number of truly regional, governments without the interference of state governments.
New Zealand, Switzerland, England, France and many other nations are unitary states. Why not Australia too?
COLIN FRASER, Sheidow Park
Glove changes
I WOULD like to know whether the people conducting drive-though testing are changing their gloves and gowns after each test to avoid spreading the virus further.
BRENTON WALTERS, Glenelg South
Andrews trying
I READ the column from Dean Jaensch with some empathy for Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (“SA shows way in pandemic response”, The Advertiser, Tuesday).
I thoroughly agree with the accolades given to our leaders Premier Steven Marshall, chief medical officer Nicola Spurrier and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens during this COVID-19 pandemic.
They have obtained the confidence of the SA people in the manner they have by steering the state through the pandemic.
But Mr Andrews should not be criticised as he has been.
Sure, there have been mistakes made, and there is a strong weakness of compliance from the Victorians, but let’s put it into perspective.
Mr Andrews is in charge of about 6½ million people, where about five million live in and around Melbourne.
They have more than 30 per cent of people who were not born in Australia.
Some Melburnians do not either understand or care about the necessary health protocols, as well as people who are openly promoting a conspiracy theory about COVID-19 against government policies.
I would say our leaders have had it easy compared with Mr Andrews.
DES KEMP, St Agnes
Curb emissions
JOHN Allen is right to say we should teach future generations to adapt to climate change (“Adapt to change”, The Advertiser, Tuesday).
But he is terribly mistaken to suggest that’s all we should do, or can do, about climate risk.
First, present generations are, with some exceptions, at best, reluctant novices at climate-change adaptation. So, with our heads still partly in the sand, what exactly would we be able to teach future generations to help them survive a hotter climate than the one we’ve experienced?
Second, even if we are not defeatist about prevention (curbing emissions), adaptation to climate change, on its own, won’t suffice. It would be like expecting to be safe while driving a car with seat belts but no brakes.
Third, it is absurd to say we don’t need policy. A stance of having no policy is a policy actually – an irresponsible one.
JIM ALLEN, Panorama
Bill rising fast
THE hit to the public purse from MPs misusing their travel allowance is about to blow out considerably.
The amounts wrongly claimed under the country members’ allowance will pale by comparison with the cost of an ICAC investigation.
And the eye-watering hourly fees charged by silks defending those involved will also mount up if the former ministers are reimbursed for those costs (“Taxpayers may be hit for silks”, The Advertiser, Monday).
C. FAULKNER, Cheltenham
Marshall pressure
THERE seems to be a common belief that Premier Steven Marshall has acted well by simply accepting resignations from four significant team members.
Having just under a quarter of your cabinet resign in disgrace, all for essentially the same reasons, should be a major concern for, not only Mr Marshall, but for all South Australians.
Governments can be brought down from the backbench and working in the background can be more advantageous for some.
Considering our COVID-19 and economic situation, what sort of leadership example does this set when you would rather just send the naughty kids to the back of the room than make an example of what not do?
ALEX NEILL, Netherby
Integrity counts
THE dismissal of four SA parliamentarians is encouraging.
The amounts they claimed were tiny in relation to the state budget.
What they were dismissed for was not money but lack of integrity.
For standing up for integrity, Premier Steven Marshall must be highly commended.
It’s interesting to think what may have happened if they’d been in the Federal Government.
On recent history, they may still be in place, supported by their superiors.
DAVID HARRIS, Novar Gardens
Make pollies pay
SURELY taxpayers won’t have to foot the bill for the highly priced criminal lawyers hired by the two resigned ministers (“Taxpayers may be hit for silks”, The Advertiser, Monday).
That would be adding insult to injury.
If they hire them, they pay for them. Who would be foolish enough to authorise such folly?
GARRY TURNER, Port Pirie
Growing again
WE are facing the worst debt-to-GDP ratio since World War II (“Editorial”, The Advertiser, Friday).
This means the debt ratio after World War II was worse than it is today.
And that’s an interesting comparison, considering the 1950s and 60s were arguably the halcyon years in Australia’s economic history.
Of course, in those days the Australian people owned their essential services and their governments, state and federal, competed with the private sector in almost every commercial endeavour (banking, airlines, insurance, etc).
Primary and secondary industries flourished, the Snowy Mountains hydro build was in full swing.
Trade unions were strong, wages grew and the standard of living was high.
The safety net for those in need was called social security, not welfare.
Growth, not austerity, was the way to go.
We can do it again.
BOB RUWOLDT, Seacombe Heights
Sterilising cats
IT is pleasing to see Onkaparinga Council is to follow on from the excellent desexing program established by Cats Assistance To Sterilise, which has worked with councils to humanely reduce cat numbers during the past 30 years (“Cat desex plan to herd in numbers”, The Advertiser, Friday)
Residents in my suburb of Moana have been having their cats sterilised through CATS for generations, and these included many stray and abandoned cats, as well as pets.
CATS and the RSPCA are correct. Council cat bylaws have not worked, and are indeed making matters worse.
The State Government’s cat legislation, forcing microchipping, has actually reduced the numbers of cats that are now being desexed, causing a massive increase in kittens and cats that are not desexed during the past two years.
Just stop persecuting and killing cats and stick to desexing them. That is the solution to too much breeding.
SPENCER MORGAN, Moana
Footy on way out
WILL Australian football soon vanish?
I have watched with dismay at the deterioration as a spectacle of this once excellent game.
It seems that the “over the shoulder”, “around the neck”, and, to some extent, “in the back” rules have been forgotten. Or removed from the rule book.
Once it was generally agreed that the player going for the ball should be given a fair go.
Now that player is nothing but prey for a pack of opposition players able to tackle with no concern about breaking the above rules.
Our once-great game, which provided a spectacle for all, is in danger of becoming nothing more than a version of the rugby codes.
BRONTE SCHUBERT, Moana
TUESDAY, JULY 28
High price of QCs
I READ that ex-ministers Stephan Knoll and Tim Whetstone maintain they have done nothing illegal.
It they genuinely believe that, then why do they need QCs to defend them (“Taxpayers may be hit for silks”, The Advertiser, Monday)?
If they want QCs then they should pay the cost, not the taxpayer.
The taxpayers did not tell them to do what they did.
JIM WALTON, Urrbrae
Show receipts
SO four state politicians appear to have made the wrong expense claims and have rightly paid the price.
However, what worries me is: How did they get their claims paid?
They are allowed to claim reimbursement for certain expenses which, in any well-run organisation, means they have to present proof by way of receipts to whoever authorises actual payment.
Clearly either someone else is involved or someone else has not been doing the job properly. It is no excuse for the pollies, but the system should not have allowed the claims to be paid. To my mind there is a bit more cleaning up to be done.
JOHN TRIGGS, Kilkenny
Restoring faith
GOVERNMENT ministers’ travel allowances are legal if they remain within the current guidelines.
But rorting can be ceased by ministers having to produce receipts for all accommodation expenses incurred during approved visits to regions, and then seeking reimbursement.
This reform to the travel-allowance scheme could serve to restore public faith in those appointed to govern our state.
CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, Mount Barker
Marshall’s law
SO state Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas thinks this is a chaotic South Australian government over a resolute Premier Steven Marshall sacking a few country ministers over mishandling their travel-allowance expenses.
Perhaps Mr Malinauskas should remember how this so-called terrible government got us over a terrible summer of fires and managed this coronavirus season with few cases in a safe and healthy state.
Just remember the Labor government in Victoria for its virus incompetence, and thank the Lord we have nothing like it here.
And the previous Labor government here for 16, not always competent, years. Electors don’t forget that easily.
DAVID REA, West Beach
Tunnel vision
WILL the new state transport minister take his or her eye off entitlements and focus on some more positive tunnel vision on South Road?
ELDERT HOEBEE, Torrens Park
Honest effort
INAUGURAL Australian Democrats leader Don Chipp promised to “keep the bastards honest”.
I find it satisfying and commendable that the media has so effectively channelled this sentiment by bringing to the public’s attention the recent misuse of public funds by greedy, or naive, politicians.
JAN MARTIN, Dulwich
Political reform
IS it time to rethink the need for a two-chamber parliament in SA?
A one-chamber system (like Queensland) would force a concentration of the best talent rather than a system that rewards patronage to a party.
We could pay them properly and reduce the unseemly grab for allowances to supplement incomes.
Another way to look at whether the Upper House is needed is to ask any of your friends if they can name one member of our Legislative Council?
Let’s cut the cost of government to our taxpayers and promote a parliament of talent and drive not one that is bloated by mediocrity.
PETER CLEARY, Medindie
School challenges
I READ with interest the report today on South Australia’s NAPLAN literacy results (“Glimpse of how schools perform”, The Advertiser, Monday).
It was encouraging to see that our schools’ achievement has improved.
It is always satisfying to see the press acknowledging the success of our SA schools, both state and private. I did, however, also note that schools recognised for their results were mainly middle class, whose students enter school, on the whole, ready to commence their literacy journey.
I genuinely believe the unspoken heroes of this literacy story are the disadvantage schools in economically struggling areas, where children start their schooling with little exposure to books or other activities that middle-class children experience as a matter of course. These schools do outstanding work.
Their results, if taken on face value, may not appear notable. If one looks deeper and measures distance travelled, their results are remarkable.
The work teachers do in disadvantage schools should be acknowledged and celebrated. I want to congratulate these schools for their ongoing work in a challenging situation.
It would be admirable if we all took the time to inform the SA community of these outstanding educators.
TONI COCCHIARO OAM, Fulham Gardens
Unseasonal fears
WHAT is more frightening than COVID-19?
My plum tree bursting into leaf in July, that’s what.
A mask may save us from COVID-19, but it cannot save us from the consequences of that.
When are our policy makers going to figure out the state of the world and take on a message that’s been around for 60 years? That environmental deterioration, poverty, endemic disease, and urban collapse to criminality are all the one issue which needs to be tackled if we are to have an economy at all.
Mrs R.M. BLAND, Parkside
Adapt to change
BRIAN Measday wants the Federal Government to make a definite policy to do something about climate change (“Climate policy”, The Advertiser, Monday).
Can I put forward some facts about this subject without raising fear or hysteria?
The climate has been changing for millions of years, ever since the Earth was formed. And no living thing has changed that.
Species of all sorts have had to adapt to it or perish.
Some human species have learned to adapt, and that is what generations to come are going to have to do.
Arabs, Indians, Eskimos, Aboriginal people, and many others, have learnt to adapt.
Let us stop imagining we are going to somehow stop change by making policies. Let us concentrate on how to teach following generations how to adapt.
JOHN ALLEN, Brighton
Shop priorities
STATE Treasurer Rob Lucas should be commended for his persistence re shopping-hours reform.
As a member of the silent majority, I have only one beef with current opening hours. I am surprised that supermarkets and hardware stores, etc, still close at 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
I believe these are the days that shoppers need and want later closing.
Very early opening and very late closing is not required by most people. Perhaps concessions could be conceded by both sides and a simple, workable solution like 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, could be adopted.
Regardless, later closing on weekends should be a priority.
BRENTON BARRON, Mount Osmond
Puerile defence
I BELIEVE the United Nations Universal Declaration of 1948 is not a global law that all countries must adhere to, it is a simple declaration on human rights that we should all aspire to.
So quoting this as a defence for not wearing a mask is puerile at best, idiotic at worst.
The UNUD is guided by the rule of law, as each country is responsible for its citizens. At its most basic level, the rule of law is the concept that both the government and citizens know the law and obey it.
However, the rule of law is also much larger than this.
There is no single agreed definition of the rule of law. However, there is a core definition that has near universal acceptance.
It has two main principles which are: That the people (including the government) should be ruled by the law and obey it, and; that the law should be such that people will be able and willing to be guided by it.
So, to the would-be freedom fighters who hate their government so much, and do not respect the rights of their fellow citizens, please read and understand our Australian Constitution.
It is our governance for human rights.
It also states that federal law will override state/territory laws if there is a conflict, so you need to know both lots of laws.
Simply put, you are too egocentric to understand these concepts, as they are not about you and what you want.
BRUCE HAMILTON, Valley View
Distance on trains
TRAIN crowding has let SA down.
This includes bad organisation and lack of people taking responsibility for themselves.
They are all complaining but there is not one mask in sight.
And, in the rush to all get on the first trains, all safety precautions are thrown to the four winds.
Transport officials have no idea what procedures should be put in place.
On entering the platforms, each one should have a designated position. And as the people go through the turnstiles, they can count numbers for each train.
And others can be made to wait for the next one at the entry point.
Let us all hope there is no outbreak in SA.
SHIRLEY BRENEN, Findon
Mask madness
IN 1918, during the Spanish flu pandemic, the world learned that masks were vital to stop the spread of viruses.
How is it possible that people are still arguing about masks 100 years later?
NICK HASKELL, Athelstone
MONDAY, JULY 27
Freeway delays
I NOTED with interest the report on Thursday’s traffic jam on the South Eastern Freeway, pictured (“Traffic’s flamin’ hell”, The Advertiser, Friday).
It reminded me of the State Government’s rejection of that part of Globelink, a dedicated freight route around Adelaide to the north.
It was rejected because, in the words of Premier Steven Marshall, it didn’t stack up.
I don’t agree. A recent study, the accuracy of which is not in dispute, stated the annual economic cost of delays on the Freeway, caused by accidents involving heavy vehicles, was $258m.
This amount, added to other lesser benefits, discounted at the 2 per cent rate used by KPMG in its Globelink study, easily outweighs the cost of a freight bypass.
I have forwarded my figures to the Premier and the RAA, but surprisingly there has been no response.
I suppose they have been too busy lately, what with COVID-19 and the travel expense claim matters.
COLIN SMITH, Norwood
Climate policy
I WONDER if anyone can understand where the Federal Government stands on climate change.
They do have a policy, of sorts. It, in my opinion, skirts around all the main climate-change issues, almost as if by intent.
The Federal Government’s climate policy is akin to having a policy when no real and effective policy is held at all.
Climate change threatens all life on Earth.
What could be more important?
Our Federal Government has a clear obligation to act on climate change as a matter of extreme urgency.
Its first step should be to prepare a climate policy that clearly indicates to the people of Australia where it stands. And how it intends to deal with the many associated emerging problems it is creating.
BRIAN MEASDAY, Myrtle Bank
Paying the bills
HOW quickly they forget.
The latest argy-bargy over allowances demonstrates once again the entrenched hypocrisy of our politicians.
Labor leader Peter Malinauskas has conveniently forgotten how low his own party set the bar for ministerial standards.
Premier Steven Marshall has obviously forgotten the impotent fury he endured as opposition leader while those standards were trashed.
If he persists in maintaining the status quo on ministerial accountability he may find himself back in opposition.
Ultimately both leaders and all their minions would do well to remember who’s paying the bills.
BERNIE COATES, Modbury North
Travel excesses
I WAS employed by the Commonwealth government for 40 years.
For a number of years I was required to travel to many areas, and this was subject to various travel perks and allowances.
Lots of people thought these allowances were excessive, and the rules somewhat ambiguous.
Therefore, from time to time, these allowances and the ambiguity were brought into question. However, because all politicians in Canberra, irrespective of the party they represented, were covered by the same rules, they never voted for change.
They all knew that if their expenses were subject to scrutiny it would cause many problems for many of them.
I’m not excusing any impropriety by existing South Australian government ministers, but Labor and others should be careful what they wish for.
A thorough investigation by ICAC of all MPs could raise some embarrassing facts. And this will be of great interest to long-suffering taxpayers.
However, if it gets too embarrassing, parliament may not provide the answers the members of the public are looking for.
Therefore, this parliament and its MPs will forget the transgressors and parliament will vote for business as usual.
DAVID BISHOP, South Plympton
Not up to job
THERE are questions about the competency of some politicians, where some members of the government have allegedly misused travel allowances.
My question to Premier Steven Marshall is: If an individual cannot comprehend certain rules to the point of misusing them, would it be fair to say they are simply incompetent, or, alternatively, dishonest?
Either way, would they be fit to be elected representatives of the people in parliament, let alone members of government?
I’ll let the Premier answer this.
GEORGE CAPETANAKIS, Ashford
Minister selection
OUR Premier Steven Marshall has shown a disappointing lack of discernment in his choice of cabinet ministers, in particular Stephan Knoll.
Not a good sign of good leadership, Mr Marshall.
One can only hope he has the courage to now weed out any more signs of poor morals in his party.
Perhaps in the interest of honesty in government, he needs to be ruthlessly honest with those who are entrusted to govern.
Mr Marshall is a good Premier, but his government is only as good as it performs.
He needs to be strong and firm. His loyalty to his team is right, but his loyalty to his state is even greater.
There is no room for lax morals.
It has to be rooted out whatever, or whoever, the cost. I hope Premier Marshall can lead his team well.
Mrs. JOYCE MORLAND, Christie Downs
Leaking money
READING The Advertiser front page on Friday, one article states we are going to lose $1.4bn in revenue from the GST and another article says a government contract for $50m goes to a Victorian company without tenders being asked for.
What a disgrace when SA companies don’t even have the opportunity to tender.
Once money like that goes out of the state, it’s gone and won’t come back.
Time to sharpen up, Premier Steven Marshall.
MICHAEL WHITE, Mount Barker
No change
REGARDING travel allowances, history indicates you won’t get any change out of politicians.
M. F. HORTON, Clarence Park
Human frailty
ALL humans are unique and fallible.
Of course, the repercussions of making a mistake are harsher when you hold public office, and nobody would want to be in Planning Minister Stephan Knoll’s shoes right now.
Mr Knoll and the Marshall government have serious work to do restoring faith with the voting public.
But perhaps all is not lost.
Uniqueness also applies to human communities. Even local government areas within a metropolis like Adelaide have distinct qualities, needs and preferences.
With the exception of developers, nobody wants the one-size-fits-all Planning and Design Code that Minister Knoll is trying to push through.
Maybe now would be a good time to can it.
C. FAULKNER, Cheltenham
All the answers
STEPHAN Knoll won’t lose his job because there are two sets of rules: one for them and one for the rest of us.
The man has an answer for everything, albeit absolute gobbledygook.
You know what they say, though: If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bulldust.
Politicians are there to serve the taxpayer, not the other way around.
MELINA ESPOSITO, North Adelaide
Missed the bus
I SUPPOSE Transport Minister Stephan Knoll was building himself a ready-made excuse as far as his claiming of travel entitlements was concerned.
That is, until he did a backflip a couple of weeks ago on his new transport initiatives.
If the plan had been approved he could have said that he could not have used public transport to get to work because someone had removed his bus stop. So, therefore, he had to drive.
GREG GADE, Ingle Farm
Health repairs
THE new build for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital is at least six years away.
The meandering pathway to this election promise seems never-ending, while the current WCH suffers from chronic neglect, understaffing and inadequate resourcing.
The completion date for the new build must be fast-tracked and the present hospital properly maintained, or there will be a perfect storm of failed care for the women and children of this state.
PROFESSOR JOHN SVIGOS AM and PROFESSOR WARREN JONES AO, obstetricians and gynaecologists
Illiterate big cat
I SEE where a panther named Jasper has been roaming the Port Adelaide area for sometime now (“The Port panther”, The Advertiser, Friday).
In fact, it appears that posters have been put up around the area. I don’t know why.
I am pretty sure that panthers can’t read.
Oh, if you are reading this Jasper, no offence meant.
WAYNE NICHOLLS, Royston Park
Border shift
WITH the problems of medical issues on the NSW/Victoria border, why not temporarily move the border so that Albury and Wodonga are both in either NSW or Victoria?
JANICE BEARE, Marden
Streets of shame
CITIZENS, presumably with mental-health issues, wandering around in either a drunken or drug-addled haze, sometimes abusing passers-by.
A homeless person camps outside a cafe and the elderly cafe owner is powerless to do anything. A person defecates in a walkway, with public toilets only metres away.
Hindley Street late on a Saturday night, you might think? Try Topham Mall in the heart of the CBD on a recent sunny workday morning.
The rose-coloured glasses brigade might say it’s diversity at play. When will someone in local or state government have the guts to call out this disaster instead of sweeping it under the carpet?
GEOFF FORBES, Kensington Gardens