The Merivale piece is yet another depressing snapshot of all that is wrong with political-corporate interaction (“Merivale’s menu of criminals, MPs and VIPs”, July 1). Big money, big donors, big lobbyists, the alleged lack of separation between criminals, excessively wealthy business people and politicians, the alleged elevation of profit and influence over probity, alleged worker underpayment and exploitation. The shocking alleged criminality and careless denigration of women. And finally, the tightly intertwined relationship between the Liberal Party, both federal and state, and Merivale. If the Liberals want to begin fixing their problems, including their women problem, start here. A salutary lesson for politicians of all parties faced with ethical dilemmas. Choose wisely. Alison Stewart, Riverview
At the height of the federal election we were provided with a prime example of Justin Hemmes pulling power with politicians. With Cyclone Alfred bearing down on his marginal Brisbane seat, Opposition leader Peter Dutton found the time to jet down to Sydney to attend an exclusive fundraiser at the $100 million harbourside home of the hospitality mogul. It was no doubt an excellent way to raise moolah but could it also have been a good way to lose votes, as Dutton was soon to become the first opposition leader in history to lose his seat? Another question for Sussan Ley’s ‘what went wrong’ review. Nick Franklin, Katoomba
While having easily resisted any inclination to present for a Merivale dining experience, it’s revelatory to read what allegedly happens behind the inviting signature doors, and “good evening, my name is Simon and I’ll be waiting on you this evening” greetings. It all makes for enthralling reading but I’ve never heard of most of the “prominent people” mentioned. If this encapsulates “social standing”, who’d want to make the cut? Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield
I proudly wore a John and Merivale [Hemmes] outfit for my engagement party more than 50 years ago. They have surely come a long way since those days. The rise and fall of the Roman Empire comes to mind. Margaret Grove, Concord
Why am I not shocked that Sydney’s richest criminals and fraudsters dine at Merivale venues, quaffing $1000 bottles of wine with the fine fare? They can hardly be expected to flaunt their wealth at Hungry Jacks, now, can they? Ray Morgan, Maroubra
Despite billionaire status, Justin Hemmes hasn’t bought buildings to accommodate hundreds of staff in one of the most expensive cities in the world. I hope he’s getting sage advice about the benefits to his business and reputation of doing so. In the meantime we’ll be forgoing that Merivale magic next time we eat in the city. Dorin Suciu, Eleebana
CBD (July 1) asks, “What will it take for the city’s elite creatures to fall out of love with billionaire Justin Hemmes’ Merivale group?” The answer is simple: it will never happen. “The city’s elite creatures” will not do so for the very reason that “birds of a feather flock together”. Ian Usman Lewis, Armidale
Blessing in disguise?
Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan claims it was “frankly embarrassing” that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had not yet met Trump (“PM, Trump could finally meet in India at Quad talks”, July 1). He must be joking. Surely it’s being in the same room as Trump and listening to his mindless ramblings that’s embarrassing. Hogan clearly overestimates the value of meeting with this boorish narcissist. Trump doesn’t bargain or compromise, he bullies and dictates. Other leaders have already come away from a Trump meeting humiliated and without a trade deal. In any case, Trump’s word on anything isn’t worth a brass razoo. Approaching Trump cap in hand is an open invitation to be ridiculed. Albo is the leader of Australia and must maintain his dignity. If others choose to join Trump’s band of sycophants, so be it. Graham Lum, North Rocks Road
It’s great that the Trump-Albanese meeting could happen in India, and maybe Albo could whisper into Trump’s ears that he spares us the tariffs and the senseless demand to increase defence spending. Other things Albo could do to avoid causing us embarrassment are riding in a chariot or other gimmicks, as India will definitely put up a spectacle for their domestic voters, or his blandishments of Modi as The Boss, as he did in Sydney, and, hopefully, not bestowing daddy-hood on Trump, as the NATO head did unabashedly. Just quiet, strategic diplomacy with statesman-like behaviour and some bargaining to align our interests will do. Manbir Singh Kohli, Pemulwuy
Melbourne knows better
It says something about the discernment and good taste of Melbourne’s radio audience that The Kylie and Jackie O Show is not the hit that it is in Sydney (“Advertisers defect on Kyle and Jackie O’s Melbourne ‘disaster’,” July 1). The grossly overpaid duo thrive on sexism and extreme vulgarity, which hardly contributes to a sense of community spirit, social justice and the common good. But a prolonged exposure to sleaze can become boring, so there is hope yet for Sydney’s awakening. Bernard Moylan, Bronte
Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O, not wanted in Melbourne
I didn’t think the people in Melbourne would have sense enough to turn off Kyle and Jackie O. Wonders will never cease. Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga
A conclusive argument to Melbourne’s cultural superiority. Rowan Godwin, Rozelle
Gaza peace efforts
Thanks for the editorial (“Out of rubble of Iran, renewed hopes for a Gaza ceasefire”, July 1). While you’ve given a good overview of a complex situation, attempting to balance the horrors of the initial Hamas attack with the continuing horror of Israel’s deliberate, careless slaughter of tens of thousands of innocents, a fair balance also requires noting the deliberate use of starvation of children as a weapon of war. If this doesn’t meet the definition of genocide then that definition needs to be reviewed. Kevin Fell, Cooks Hill
By his own account, US President Donald Trump covets the Nobel Peace Prize. Like him or loathe him, brokering a ceasefire in Gaza would no doubt advance his cause. What would seal the deal is a well-thought-out plan for what happens next. At this stage only the brave or foolhardy would expect him to commit to a long-term program of reconstruction in Gaza. Tom Knowles, Parkville (VIC)
Does Trump really have any idea of what is involved in arranging a “ceasefire” as he claims he can do during this obscene Middle East war? Get the hostages home (maybe), bomb Iran (tick) and persuade Netanyahu to stop killing Palestinians (nah). Here’s an idea instead: Hamas will release the remaining hostages the moment Netanyahu steps down from the presidency and faces trial for corruption. Worth a try ... Nola Tucker, Kiama
Where’s Wally?
Elon Musk - a missing person nobody’s missed at allCredit: AP
Where is Elon, not that I am missing him? I didn’t see him in any of the footage of the Bezos-Sanchez shindig; invitation still in the mail? Did he have to stay at home and placate little X AE A-XII, who is still throwing tantrums after his father told him he could go to his other daddy’s big house? I reckon Elon is in witness protection. Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
A numbers game
The Wimbledon tennis authorities have advised the number of strawberries that will be consumed during the current English tennis event. Can they advise how many tennis balls will be used during the competition? Graham Russell, Clovelly
Preparing for the AI revolution
For some time, AI has been decimating low-level service jobs such as the taking of orders for food and beverages, and this trend will likely become a tsunami (“AI could boost economy by $115b annually: study”, July 1). School and university students seeking part-time work, and many full-time workers in the service industry and in higher professions, will be the losers. The early signs of problems should be a warning to governments that the education system must better prepare students for the revolution ahead. Students will require expert guidance in their career aspirations as some previously lucrative professions, such as law, advertising and banking, will require far fewer employees. It would be of considerable benefit if the companies developing AI were to be more involved in advising students regarding the consequences of AI and the jobs of the future. It is very much in everyone’s interests to minimise potential problems of unemployment because mass unemployment would drain government budgets, requiring higher taxation, and the unemployed can hardly afford to buy the products their former employers produce. Geoff Harding, Chatswood
I don’t doubt that the widespread use of AI systems could increase economic activity. In due course it will kill some jobs and create new ones. It could lead to reduced working hours for the workforce, which would in turn lead to better lives for all of us. Unfortunately, the benefits will accrue to employers and to increased profits. A great opportunity for improved living standards for most of us will be siphoned away in improving the living standards of the few who don’t need yet more. Greg Baker, Fitzroy Falls
A profitable social evil
Illegal cigarettes causing harm in all waysCredit: Fairfax Media
Becky Freeman’s article (“Tobacco retailers prey and threaten”, July 1) is like that of many academics: good at describing the problem without offering any concrete solutions. Recent publicity concerning the rise in illegal cigarettes seems to have missed an obvious solution. First, drop the price from the ridiculously high levels of $50-$60 a pack (which has created the black market) but leave it high enough to deter “most” smokers, i.e. those non-addicts who simply enjoy an occasional fag (like recreational marijuana smokers) – say, about $30-$40 per pack. Second, tighten the laws against any smoking in public. Currently, the list of exclusionary zones is impressive – but you can still walk down the street having a fag. Citizens react better to a blanket ban than one with “exceptions”. Having said that, cigarettes are still legal – so, in theory, they must be able to be smoked in private. Third, increase the fine dramatically if you’re caught smoking outdoors – say, $500 – like a parking fine. The idea of simply jacking up the price at the point of purchase was always going to fail. Sadly, smoking, like other “social evils”, is here to stay. It’s simply a matter of managing the problem as it will never be eliminated. The treasurer said recently he’s not considering any changes, suggesting the government isn’t interested in public health policy, rather in increasing revenue. James Cryer, Castlecrag
App reality
I am always wary of any mention of apps when it comes to multifactor authentication (“Banks to roll out multifactor authentication for accounts”, July 1). Whether it is the CBA, businesses or government service agencies, the growing expectation that everyone has a mobile phone needs a reality check. Fortunately, my bank and some retail businesses with which I deal continue to include options for landlines and email that don’t require the expense of a mobile phone for everyday transactions. Then there is always cash. Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls
Waiting for real service
″Your call is important to us.″ It’s a phrase we’ve all heard – repeated endlessly by automated telephone answering systems while we wait and wait. Businesses claim to value their customers yet many hide behind machines, forcing people into long, frustrating queues. Meanwhile, valuable time is wasted, hours lost from work, family and life, all while productivity and patience drain away. This isn’t efficiency, it’s neglect disguised as customer service. If the calls to businesses were valued, then businesses should invest in a queuing system that would have a staff member call the customer back within a designated time. This is a national problem and a loss to Australian productivity that should be legislated with a financial penalty for businesses that fail to comply. Mark Rea, Hardys Bay
Hobbies aplenty
The letters about hobbies (Letters, July 1) reminded me of a time I was broke and broken-hearted. I found bell ringing. Yes, it sounds a bit nerdy, but hey, it’s totally amusing and the people are very nice on the whole – a wide variety from the social spectrum. What’s more, training is free and once you have a reasonable ″grasp of the ropes″ you can be invited to ring for weddings and be paid a modest sum for your expenses. You should try it. Contact the Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers. Elaine Phillips, Bexley
Campanology can be funCredit: Jesse Marlow
At our local Old Bega Hospital Regional Community Cultural Centre you can become a fully paid-up and insured member of the Bega Valley Textile Group for an annual fee of only $100. This gives you guidance in any one, or all, of the fibre skills you might choose to learn – spinning, weaving, dyeing, knitting, crocheting etc, and encourage you to make wearable, warming or decorative items. As well, the group has equipment, a library of craft books and donated yarns available for members’ use. And our morning teas and the view over the Bega Valley are to dye for. Valerie Little, Tathra
My wife thinks more housework would be an excellent hobby for me and is willing to provide free lessons and supervision. Peter Thornton, Killara
Too left? Too right
I choked on my breakfast, reading your correspondent’s reason for leaving the Labor Party, “It has become too left-wing for me” (Letters, July 1). I, too, after more than three decades of continual membership, have also recently left the party – because it has become too right-wing for me. Tony Ramsay, Armidale
Your correspondent suggests that the Labor Party has become too left-wing. Really? The current mob would need a compass to point them in that direction. Mike Kenneally, Manly
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