Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor has said proposed adjustments to the stage 3 tax cuts would hurt those “having a crack” (“PM’s tax flip sets stage for showdown”, January 24). By that he meant higher earners, the implication being they have tried harder than others to earn more. This is callous social commentary and creates resentment towards lower income earners. It completely ignores concepts such as disadvantage, luck and opportunity. It also ignores the inequities in our education system which facilitate the hegemony maintaining its strangle hold on top jobs. Lucy France, Cronulla
Taylor is calling the changes to the stage 3 tax package “the mother of all broken promises”. This so-called broken promise concerns how the cuts will be distributed, not the total amount. If Angus Taylor is looking for a cut through moment in Australian politics, I doubt he’ll find it here. Ian Adair, Hunters Hill
Credit: Illustration: Cathy Wilcox
If Peter Dutton and his minions want to talk about “broken promises” they should think about Tony Abbott’s record of going back on his word, as Cathy Wilcox has shown (Editorial cartoon, January 24). To tweak the proposed tax cuts makes sense and will benefit those who truly deserve it. Christine Tiley, Albany Creek (Qld)
How are Dutton, Taylor and the rest going to present themselves as the newly minted champions of the working battler and rail against the cost of living while they simultaneously oppose changes to the tax-package which would put more in the pockets of struggling families? Will Dutton take front running as friend to the poor and Taylor defender of the rich? One line of attack for the wealthy suburbs and the opposite for the poor? If they’re going twist themselves into this sort of position, I suggest they all take up yoga.
Gary Stowe, Springwood
The hypocrisy and hysteria of the opposition about changes and broken promises shows a complete lack of understanding of what is happening as their constituents struggle with interest rates, rental increases, lack of housing supply and cost of living pressures. Any relief is welcome even if it comes from breaking promises made to the top of the food chain who have no qualms in minimising their tax at every opportunity. Lee-Ann Groblicka, Turramurra
Come on, PM. Bob Hawke and Paul Keating would have had Taylor and Dutton for breakfast in confronting them over their faux anger and politicking about changes to the tax cuts. A sign of intelligent maturity is the ability to adapt to changed circumstances and new evidence. It is fortunate that Labor has those qualities. Alan Russell, Unley (SA)
Just how many of those bleating about a broken promise are earning more than $180k a year?Albanese has done what a good economic manager should: review programs in the light of current conditions. It seems the Great Economic Managers, now in opposition, cannot grasp this. Wayne Duncombe, Lilyfield
Surely the solution to the tax cuts lies in the Liberal Party’s belief; to make the rich more productive, give them more. To make the poor work harder, give them less. Ron Kerr, Ballina
Isn’t this what government is for - change the laws for a better Australia. Tim Schroder, Gordon
Bring on the final photo op for hi-vis ex PM
While some see Scott Morrison as a “self-styled daggy dad”, I will forever recall him as the hi-vis PM, shamelessly posing for endless photo opportunities, dressed in whatever safety uniform was required by the workplaces, factories, disaster sites etc that he visited (“Self-styled daggy dad who proved himself to be anything but ordinary”, January 24). I look forward to a final staged photograph of him in removalist uniform, wheeling a commandeered hand trolley laden with boxes of his files as he cleans out his parliamentary office and departs the building. John Payne, Kelso
Morrison effectively vacated politics long before his announcement that he’ll now, actually, physically vacate his parliamentary seat (“Morrison to resign from politics”, January 24). To paraphrase the words of The Mikado’s Ko-Ko, “I’m sure he’d not be missed”. Anne Ring, Coogee
Morrison claims he will have more time with his family now he is taking on work in the US. I guess it depends on how many jobs he has lined up overseas. If he continues his form, he could have five or six, leaving even less time with family. Robyn Lewis, Raglan
When politicians resign to spend more time with their families, do they consult the families first? Victoria Harrington, Thirroul
Politicians who retire in midterm to spend time with the family invariably have a high-paying corporate position to immediately move to, well exceeding their already generous parliamentary salary. The fact that this means an expensive byelection paid for by the taxpayer does not seem to enter the picture. Bernard Moylan, Bronte
Credit: Matt Golding
Isn’t it time that politicians who resign before their terms are up because they get a better offer or in fact for any reason pay for the byelections? Jane Howland, Cammeray
The new member for Cook will definitely be a male (probably stale and pale). Male Liberal Party members demand safe seats. Women get the leftovers in the Coalition. Elaine Hoyle, Avalon Beach
Oh, for a teal candidate for Cook! Josephine Piper, Miranda
The Coalition must be devastated by the impending loss of Morrison. To misquote Lady Bracknell: To lose one minister may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose five or six in one day looks like carelessness. Susan Anthony, Cammeray
As a fitting tribute, should we all not put our hoses out for Scotty from Marketing? Peter Fyfe, Enmore
All the best to the former PM in his retirement from politics. His leadership during those early days of the pandemic will long be remembered for its positive impact, long after the brickbats are forgotten. Mark Latchford, Seaforth
Metro Theatre debacle wouldn’t have happened to a 19th century building
The state government and Sydney Council get another chance to redeem themselves over failing to properly protect the important state heritage listed Metro Theatre, having shamefully endorsed its emasculation as a token façade in a modern hotel (“Developer to sell theatre after three-year battle”, January 24). Where is the vision, the statesmanship and the integrity expected of people who are supposed to guide our city into the future while retaining significant elements of its social and built history? The problem at the moment is that there is minimal protection for 20th century architecture. This would not have happened to a 19th century colonial mansion or a Victorian terrace. The Metro is nearly 100 years old, the best example in Australia of an art deco functionalist designed theatre and has an important role in the social history of theatre and cinema in Sydney. In Potts Point-Elizabeth Bay, which contains more Art Deco buildings than anywhere in Australia, the Metro is one of only two remaining commercial buildings from the period. The Metro Theatre is becoming a focal point for the Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay community as we have realised if this goes, nothing is safe. Heritage is not a dirty word. It is a reflection of our ability to appreciate the past as we embrace the future. The Metro must be saved and it would enhance Sydney’s night-life and reinvigorate Kings Cross were it returned to being a live theatre. Peter Sheridan, Elizabeth Bay
Such good news that the Metro Minerva has a chance to rise Phoenix-like from years of indecision and possibly become what it was originally built for, with a sale to a sensitive entrepreneur. This art deco gem of a building needs to return to the streetscape as a live theatre. Not another boutique hotel or a “Parisian style” showroom as planned. The Theatre Royal in midtown Sydney almost had the same fate of demolition some years back. It is now packed out every night with a log jam of future shows vying for stage space. Maybe the lessees of that theatre could put in a bid to transform the Minerva to become a double act of their hugely successful theatre portfolio. They’ve certainly breathed much needed new life into the old Royal. Time to get the show on the road once again in Kings Cross. Greg Vale, Kiama
Good decision
My spirits were lifted when I heard the announcement that Kim Williams will take on the role of chair of the ABC (“‘He gets the ABC’: Kim Williams announced as new ABC chair, to replace Ita Buttrose”, smh.com.au, January 24). We live in difficult times when the words misinformation and disinformation are so familiar in broadcast media and there is need for the experience and straight thinking of Kim Williams. I have the happy memory of working with him in the 1970s, when he was at Musica Viva and I was at the Crafts Council of Australia, and know of his skill and good will in approaching each new phase in policy development of the arts in Australia. The ABC is pivotal in this area and we can breathe easy now as he will be totally aware of this. Jane Burns, Randwick
The invasion of the ABC by NewsCorp is all but complete. Wait, let’s not mince words. Let’s call that a take-over. Is Williams’ brief to prepare the terms of surrender for the next Liberal government to sign on? Thank you, Labor, for being complicit to this charade of a surrender all along. Felix Orcullo, Wahroonga
Williams from NewsCorp Australia, David Speers from Sky News. All you need is Andrew Bolt to run the 7.30 Report and the ABC is yours, Rupert. Ken Pares, Forster
No balance
The stoush at the ABC between the journalists’ union and management just confirms the general perception that the ABC is basically a workers’ collective that refuses to be managed (“Buttrose rejects attack on ABC director”, January 24). Many of their journalists believe that they have the right to use the ABC to pursue their own political agenda rather than provide unbiased and balanced coverage of news events. They must be made to understand that pushing your own barrow is not appropriate to a balanced national broadcaster. Try opinion pages or Sky if that is your take on journalism. Michael Castles, Grose Vale
The ABC board’s “strong backing” of the managing director brushes past the real problem, which is ABC self-censorship. While it is good policy to ban staff opinion-making, particularly by social media, it looks craven and cowardly to prevent ABC journalists reporting fearlessly. ABC management’s banning of the use of the term “genocide” is clearly now an own-goal of significant proportions, given the South African case in the International Court of Justice. Alan Carruthers, Artarmon
Can’t march
I’d like to correct your article regarding the reasons that Jews - and many of Israel’s supporters - are reluctant to join pro-Palestinian marches (“Calls for ceasefire should unite us”, January 24). It is not “imagery and tag lines” that we are “uncomfortable” with. It is decades of implacable hatred of the Jews (Israeli or otherwise) that has been acted upon by firstly invasion attempts and then by terrorist acts; the most brutal of which occurred on October 7. So would I join a protest alongside people who consistently refuse to acknowledge my right to exist? No, I would not. Rob Buist, Randwick
Human pests
Your correspondent’s long list of “invasive pests” had one major omission – Homo Sapiens (Letters, January 24). Jean Byrne, Eastwood
Pretty ugly
Your article on Hornsby left out one thing of great importance: the water fountain in Florence Street (“The nature escape 45 minutes from the city”, January 24). Truly a work of art. So ugly it is, conversely, breathtakingly beautiful. We were told by the council, when it was first unveiled, that it would attract hordes of international tourists, just to gawk at it. Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga
One day for all
Pat Cummins is on the ball (“Australia Day needs a new date”, January 24). He acknowledges that “it is hard because January 26 does mean something different to different people. He also states, “we’re all in unison that we absolutely love Australia.
The answer is to celebrate our national day with a public holiday on the last Monday in January. And for the occasional year when the last Monday falls on the 26th, the celebration could be delayed until the end of that week. A good captain’s call. Rob Firth, Red Hill (ACT)
Illustration:Credit: Matt Golding
Good onya, Pat. Surely we can retain the date and public holiday to celebrate the arrival of the First Fleet on “Anniversary Day” for those who wish to do so. And we can find a new, all-inclusive day to celebrate our nationhood. Brian Roach, Westleigh
I agree with Pat Cummins. Put simply, January 26 is a day of division and should be moved or canned. Our PM disappointingly shows little empathy and understanding of the hurt a celebration on this day causes. Andrew Moody, Forster
When a respected cricket captain enters the fray on a thorny national issue, his view usually speaks for the nation. He has spoken. All that needs to happen now is the choosing the new date. John Groom, Thirroul
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