There is another aspect to the corruption in the building industry which needs a thorough investigation. This concerns the large corporations which negotiated deals with the CFMEU (“CFMEU’s ‘inside track’ on projects”, July 18). It does take two to tango, so why haven’t the police been informed of the alleged endemic bribery and corruption involved in the building industry? Vanessa Tennent, Oatley
Just days after Anthony Albanese became leader of the opposition in 2019, he expelled John Setka from the Labor Party over accusations of corruption. This was in a period when the Liberals held federal government and had the power to deregister the CFMEU, which was clearly corrupt long before Labor was elected in 2022. That’s three years in which Dutton and his colleagues had the opportunity to do what he and his fellows now demand of Albanese, but didn’t. Gary Stowe, Springwood
Credit: Cathy Wilcox
On one hand, let’s not target the entire union movement with corruption and criminality because of the wayward CFMEU (“This is not the time to flinch on union corruption”, July 18). On the other, the latter’s secretary’s assurances that his union is more than capable of embarking upon internal corrective investigations are the same as any suspect organisation claiming objectivity during a self-conducted internal investigation. It is unethical, as the interest in survival will inevitably taint the process, resulting in a lack of robust objectivity and transparency. Frederick Jansohn, Rose Bay
There are reports that cash was handed out between the CFMEU and a company owner. In any such case, there is a “corrupter” who offers a bribe and a “corrupter” who takes it. In the case against the CFMEU, no mention is made of the company that offered or agreed to pay the bribe to facilitate their business. Both parties have engaged in “corruption”. Are both parties going to face penalties? If not, why not? Professor Raja Junankar, Western Sydney University
Many people are demanding that Labor return donations from the CFMEU in light of allegations of illegal activity. However, I don’t recall demands for the Coalition (or Labor, for that matter) to return donations from banks, insurance companies and casinos after proved illegal activities like money laundering and wage theft. It would appear that unions must adhere to a higher standard than corporations. Leo Sullivan, Haberfield
My nomination for a clean broom for the CFMEU is David Chandler. He has done a fabulous job as NSW Building Commissioner; builders now know they are answerable for the dodgy jobs they may do. Chandler has decades of experience in the building industry, and he bows to no one. He is undoubtedly the person we need to clean out this dodgy union. Sue Adams, Dulwich Hill
Before anybody starts union-bashing as a reaction to the CFMEU’s disgraceful behaviour, remember that the average trade union member is a 46-year-old woman working in nursing. Nurses and teachers are the great majority of union membership. When the Coalition slags union thugs, they insult all these wonderful people. Mark Berg, Caringbah South
Our ailing planet will be the biggest loser if Trump wins
As world leaders adjust to an increasingly likely “win” for former President Trump (“Project 25: all hail to the chief”, July 18), it is becoming likely that the biggest loser will not be Joe Biden or the American people, it will be the world’s climate. We are now seeing detail from Project 2025, the controversial 920-page manifesto for a second Trump administration, which includes restrictions on the US government’s ability to combat climate change, political personnel overseeing scientists and the dismantling of multiple environment-related agencies. Unfortunately, we are all on the trajectory of continuing global warming, with 2023 significant as the year that 77 countries across the globe had their warmest year on record. The last thing the world needs now is backtracking on climate change mitigation. Rob Firth, Red Hill (ACT)
The Earth, it’s the only one we have, peopleCredit: AGE contributer
Trump’s plan to replace non-partisan civil servants with his loyalists would undermine American democracy is not surprising. His efforts to transform his presidency to a kingship would be emboldened by the earlier landmark Supreme Court’s decision, which virtually made Trump “a king above the law” by extending immunity to presidential actions deemed to be “official”. It is “interesting times” ahead. Steve Ngeow, Chatswood
If Donald Trump wins in November, our thoughts should focus on 2028. During the four years of his second term he will implement Project 2025 to rid the US civil service and federal courts of impartial personnel and stack them with his partisans. The two-term rule for presidency will be tossed out, with other legislation which doesn’t suit him. There may not even be a democratic election in 2028, but if there is, and he loses, his vice president will nevertheless certify him as the winner. Only fools should think he’ll be an autocrat for just one day. Howard Charles, Annandale
Is there a vax for POTUS-24? Les Shearman, Darlington
Joe Biden is criticised for his age, but no mention is made of the fact that if Trump was to become president, he would be 82 at the end of his term, older than Biden is now. Younger hopefuls are badly needed! Megwenya Matthews, North Turramurra
There seems to be a general feeling of smug complacency that Australia is immune from political violence. However, I am surprised that no mention has been made of the 1966 election campaign shooting of Labor Party leader Arthur Caldwell at Mosman Town Hall. I was 13 at the time and have vivid memories of the event. Steve Castieau, Bexley
These road fares are unfair
While we discuss the merits of fairer tolls (“Fairness test key to two-way toll”, July 18), we need to keep in mind that the roads from Sydney’s wealthiest areas remain toll-free. Why aren’t there tolls on the Syd Einfeld Drive and the William Street tunnel? Giles Parker, Riverview
Minns will have to reverse his position on no new tolls on old roads or risk undermining the report that is meant to be the answer to Sydney’s toll woes.Credit: SMH
Surely the worst example of the adoption of toll roads would be the Lane Cove tunnel. The alternative route above ground went from three lanes to one lane. The other two lanes were converted to one exclusive bus lane and a bike lane. The result is constant traffic congestion. The thought that a modern city would reduce a three-lane road to one lane demonstrates the incompetence of our political masters. We can do better. Eric Sekula, Turramurra
Your correspondent (Letters, July 18) claims that “We of the north shore” paid off the Harbour Bridge, and now lays claim to paying for the Harbour Tunnel, forgetting that “we of the north-west” must pay for the M2 and the Lane Cove Tunnel before even reaching the bridge or the tunnel. In his report, Allan Fels is considering the fairness of tolls for all the people of Greater Sydney. Daphne Ferguson, Baulkham Hills
The upper house report on the Rozelle Interchange is available. It makes for sober reading. Clearly some future archaeologist will divine that we have built a concrete sarcophagus dedicated to our god, the almighty dollar. All who pass through must show their obeisance by paying a toll. The report should be compulsory reading for all ministers. It is a lesson on how not to manage a major infrastructure project. John Crowe, Cherrybrook
Climate catastrophe
The article on the spooking of renewable investors by the opposition’s nuclear policy contains the nub of the underlying problem in saying, “The government has underwritten schemes to encourage investment but is not bankrolling projects with public money” (“Bowen blasts Dutton over dangers of nuclear ‘frolic’” , July 18). Only when Labor bites the bullet and does what the nation needs, which is a controlled and fast transition, directed, funded and owned by the government, will we have a hope of getting ahead of the climate catastrophe. Barry Laing, Castle Cove
Time to end migrants’ suffering
This week is the 11th anniversary of the Rudd government’s decision to never allow refugees and asylum seekers who come by boat to settle in Australia. This draconian policy has led to tragic outcomes for those individuals left in a perpetual state of limbo in PNG. Now, 47 men, scapegoats of a politicised policy, still remain in PNG. Their mental and physical health has suffered enormously. Some are so ill they cannot even apply for resettlement in other countries. It is time for the Albanese government to remedy the inhumane mistakes of the past and bring these men to Australia. Judith Reynolds, Leura
Removalists face a tall order
For us retired old seniors, when we were youngsters, the tallest buildings in town were the Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building (“Council to approve plans for Sydney’s tallest-ever buildings”, July 18), but for quite a few years now, when I go into town by bus and look towards town from the Harbour Bridge, Sydney has almost looked like Hong Kong. I worked for Grace Bros Removals (which was sold out in 1983, when Grace Bros became Myer) and was a removalist. Now, I plan a get-together lunch with old workmates every month. Many of us have been saying for quite a while that we wonder how so many trucks could get into town and deliver all the items needed to build those huge buildings. And also, when people buy those units, we wonder how removalists could park nearby, and how long would it take them to get their furniture upstairs? Brett James, Baulkham Hills
Will it be up, up and away for city removalists?Credit: Paul Rovere
Sydney’s unique appeal has been that it is a city where views of sun, sky and sea led down to a beautiful harbour. The more high-rise buildings may help to fill the coffers of some property giants and the lord mayor’s council, but that comes with the risk of creating a city where the beauty of the harbour no longer “floats in the air” but becomes one that risks going back in time to being like the soulless and faceless crime centre of its very early days. Studies have proved that when too many rats are forced to live in a confined space, death and mayhem occur. Less is more. Less high rise is a more appealing option for creating a city where residents have not become so crammed in that they feel they have no space to move freely and safely about their neighbourhood. Joy Cooksey, Harrington
It should come as no surprise that the City of Sydney Council is poised to approve two skyscrapers that will become the city’s tallest buildings. I am only surprised the planners haven’t gone higher. Just what the city needs – more shadows and deeper canyons of wind to offset the sails of the Opera House and the harbour’s magnificent brilliance. Why not call the project “Twin Towers of Babel”? Peter Skrzynecki, Eastwood
Black day for free speech
Tenacious D have rightly chastised themselves for their remarks (“Tenacious D thrive on black humour. So why gag themselves now?” , smh.com.au, July 18). But that photograph of Gass and Black naked behind their instruments can’t be taken back. They may be out and proud, but I am forever damaged. Janice Creenaune, Austinmer
Tenacious D, this time fully clothed Credit: AP
Tenacious D says what a significant proportion of the democratic world instinctively thought – before prudent restraint kicked in – and paid the price. Thanks for being the scapegoat, chaps. Jeffrey Mellefont, Coogee
Aged care Olympics
In the activity room of my aged care residence, festooned with Olympic symbols, we are blowing paper boats through a straw down a long smooth table, to see who can get the boat to slide the furthest. Frail ladies surprise themselves with creditable scores. With a new challenge tomorrow, the Olympic spirit is alive and well. Joan Brown, Orange
Now add an Orange oneCredit: Michel Euler
Heart wins
When the contest is between logical mind and emotional heart, the latter prevails (“You thought #MeToo killed office romance? Think again”, July 18). Mustafa Erem, Terrigal
Dress desperation
I used to work at an inner-city pub which, due to its location, was the first port of call for the weekend-long buck’s do (“The buck’s stops here – and so should the hen’s night”, July 18). I used to think how desperate some women must be for that long white dress. Wendy Young, Glebe
Is the white dress really worth the effort?Credit: Getty
Great game
What an enthralling contest by 34 desperate gladiators (“Madge of honour: True Blues prevail in fight to remember”, July 18). Congratulations to all concerned, especially the NSW Blues battling in hostile enemy territory. It was compelling viewing. Denis Suttling, Newport Beach
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