I’m an avid reader of Nick Bryant (“Nation of rebels who stick by the rules”, December 24). Arguably the rules he rails against in his piece are an application of the philosophical/ethical framework of utilitarianism. Best exemplified by the Star Trek character Spock, who famously says that “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few”. It also means that the famous Australian mateship concept and the notion of a fair go are demonstrated. This unique Australian characteristic is demonstrated and reciprocated by our compliance culture. If more countries embraced these quaint practices, I’m sure the world would be a better place. Bernard Stever, Richmond
Never enough rules Credit: Joe Benke
Nick Bryant is generous to contend that our convict heritage helps explain our excessive regulation, but Australia’s gold medal for arresting climate and environmental protesters is also testimony to certain lobbyists, including a media conglomerate and supposedly independent “think tanks”, who want – and get – legislated protection for their favourite extractive operations. Mark Wills, Northcote (Vic)
I just want to tell Nick Bryant that swimming between the flags is not a rule per se, rather advice. Surf lifesavers can only focus on so much of swimming areas at a time, so they train their gaze on the sea between the flags. People are free to swim beyond the flags at any time. Nick can do that until the cows come home and will not be fined or reprimanded by inspectors, or any old ladies. Kim Woo, Mascot
Nick Bryant has much to say that invites valid consideration. Rebellion is often more in the mind than in reality in Australia. But I take serious issue with his reference to “rear-to-curb parking”. An analysis I did of motor vehicle accidents over a 10-year period, as risk manager in my former company with a fleet numbering several hundred cars, revealed the most common minor accident, by a large margin, was reversing out of car parks after parking nose-to-curb. Ever tried reversing out of a shopping centre car park with a huge SUV parked next to you, Nick? Hazardous would be an understatement. Rear-to-curb parking is the safest option in the jungle of urban shopping centre car parks. Brian Kidd, Mt. Waverley (Vic)
Entries below-ATAR
Why are universities dumbing down entrance requirements (“Lowered bars offer easier uni entry for many”, December 24)? Clearly, they are accepting lower marks and providing early entry pathways to encourage more fee-paying students. In doing so, are they not also cheapening the value and worth of the degree? With a 40 per cent dropout rate for students with an ATAR below 50, is it fair to enroll them and saddle them with debt for no good outcome? Universities need to set higher standards, not lower ones and stop chasing more student fees. Warwick Spencer, West Pymble
Castle Hill High student Sienna Zhang has opted to study at UTS after much deliberation.Credit: Wolter Peeters
Considering the financial and time commitment in studying for a bachelors degree and the impact on future career satisfaction, perhaps universities should do far more in guiding the uncommitted student in choosing a suitable course. Students with lower ATARs may require extra assistance in making this important decision. The possibility of attending some trial lectures and Q&A sessions in the last year of high school to give students a feel for the subjects could be extremely helpful. Geoff Harding, Chatswood
People make schools great
It is great to read letters from so many teachers and the article featuring the school I taught in for years, Epping Boys High (Letters, December 24). It takes many years and outstanding leadership, as well as committed teachers, to achieve these results. I worked under a series of good leaders in a school that has prided itself on great results in the HSC, rugby, football and music. Upholding school tradition is very important at Epping Boys, and it takes some time to establish this tradition. Departmental programs and syllabuses play a minor role, some are welcome, some are put in the back of a cupboard. It really doesn’t matter whether it is a government-run or a private school, tradition is important and both parents and teachers seek out schools which maintain it. Vivienne Parsons, Thornleigh
Reuben F. Scarf, the clothing chain proprietor who died in 1992, set up a foundation to recognise NSW HSC students who demonstrated high qualities of commitment and dedication when academic excellence through exam results was not their forte. Scarf was of this profile and did not excel at much until, in his 20s, he was thrust into management of a retail outlet. Teachers will know these kids who could easily be distracted and disruptive but make the classroom better to manage through their positive and helpful attitude towards others. To all the award recipients, usually between 200 and 300 each year, congratulations, society increasingly needs you. Brian Jones, Leura
Low-fee Sydney schools that beat their expensive HSC rivals validate the reasonable proposition that it is not so much the expensive school facilities, principals and staff, but more the experiences and interests of great motivated teachers and students in low-fee schools that produce or enhance students’ academic results. Steve Ngeow, Chatswood
If more difficult courses are not weighted more highly, Ross Drynan, everyone should take five subjects at the 2-unit level and ace the HSC! John Christie, Oatley
Fuel for thought
The real news in the proposed merger of Honda and Nissan is that both automakers are bleeding sales to EVs and plug-in hybrids (“Honda, Nissan set to start talks on blockbuster $80b merger”, smh.com.au, December 18). Following the lead of Toyota, Japanese automakers have failed to embrace the EV revolution with many, notably Nissan, accumulating significant debts as sales fall. Meanwhile, BYD, a minnow five years ago, is now taking on Toyota as the largest automaker in the world, built on the reputation of its EVs and plug-in hybrids. All this is driven by sales in China, which desperately wants to cut its urban pollution and roll back greenhouse gas emissions. And the response from the Coalition’s energy plan is to fantasise that Australians will not embrace the new technology and stick with inefficient, polluting petrol cars. They will be lucky if petrol car manufacturers still survive. Neil Ormerod, Kingsgrove
Left-right out
It is baffling to read that Labor is still in that old factional war, Left v Right, in 2024 (“PM’s third ‘captain’s call’ heats up seat battle”, December 24). They need to consider DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), which all governments expect big organisations to do. Ashvini Ambihaipahar being chosen as Labor’s candidate for the safe Sydney seat of Barton to replace Linda Burney fits all DEI criteria. All factions of the ALP should broaden their horizons to understand the reality of community expectations rather than continue with their powers to show which faction rules the party which is irrelevant to modern Australia.
Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and new Labor candidate for Barton Ashvini Ambihaipahar.Credit: AAPIMAGE
Sentimental party hub?
I wonder if Justin Hemmes has sentimental attachments to the CBD Hotel (“Holdouts stand in the way of Hemmes’ 24/7 party palace”, December 24). Years ago I had reason to visit his father, “Mr John”, there. I’ve always remembered talking to him at his favourite table by a window overlooking the corner of York and Market streets where he would enjoy lunch. Max Petrie, Palm Beach
Victims’ families suffer life sentence
In reference to Nicholas Cowdrey’s letter explaining that most laypeople don’t understand sentencing criteria, I would like to provide my own example (Letters, December 22). Twenty years ago my 21-year-old son was killed by a drunk driver who was six times over the legal limit, with six previous criminal convictions. The killer was given 5.25 years imprisonment but served three years. Everyone in the courtroom was shocked, including the legal teams. When the prosecutor appealed the leniency of the sentence, you wrote to me and explained that while the sentence seemed lenient, it wasn’t negligently so, so the appeal was denied. I also received a patronising lesson in how life and death works, Mr Cowdrey, when you explained that more years in jail for the criminal would not bring my son back! Your letter and comments have haunted me for 20 years. You still assert that laypeople don’t have the capacity to understand a just sentence or how the justice system works. How out-of-touch you are with people’s expectations of justice. Clare Parbery, Allambie Heights
Secret Santa
As a new grandfather to a toddler, I am reminded of what I love about Christmas; the unadulterated joy in my grandson’s eyes. Unfortunately, I also now recall what I hate the most – doing all the work and incurring all the expense while some fat bloke in a red suit gets all the credit. Col Burns, Lugarno
Universal language
The article about wonderful people presenting Shakespeare and Bach uses a superb phrase: “Generating art that only exists in the moment of delivery” (“A musical match made in heaven”, December 24). I saw that truth in Timor-Leste some years ago when Rachel Scott was playing her special purple cello in a little school. The large, limpid eyes of thin children sitting on the dirt floor drank in the music of the soul as she played The Swan by Saint-Saëns. Beauty and grace. Susan Connelly, Croydon
Actor Bernadette Ryan, actor Christopher Tomkinson and cellist Rachel Scott are in a show called Bach and the Bard at the Jove Theatre Company Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
Frankly, it’s taxing
Yes Jan Marshall, your comment regarding reviewing the tax paid by multinationals is pertinent to a discussion of economic and taxation policy, (Letters, December 24). However, the “obscene profits” earned by multinationals is equally matched by the numerous benefits given to Australian taxpayers, such as the dividend franking rebate. This payment by the federal government to “poor” taxpayers who are unable to use their franking credits now costs Australian taxpayers $5.5 billion a year and is akin to upper-class welfare. James Duggan, Hunters Hill
All talk, no action
It seems that we have a cosy group of companies, government, regulators, and unions, all making the right noises about worker health and safety without actually doing anything (“Tunnel workers ‘exposed’ to silica”, December 24). These companies and government need to set up a fund now for the medical and compensation claims for silica-related diseases that will be inevitable. Greg Baker, Fitzroy Falls
Surely the clear winner of the Outstanding Oxymoron of 2024 must go to SafeWork NSW. Allen Young, Terrey Hills
Waste mismanagement
This sounds like a company Dutton could use to manage our nuclear waste (“Billionaire developer charged over asbestos-in-mulch crisis”, December 24). Peter Bourke, Rockdale
Rallying cry
Talk about being sent a sign (“Tension rises as a community rallies together”, December 24). With the police and crowd split by the Welcome St and Box Rd signpost, Wolter Peeters’ capture of the high-tension scene in Wakeley earlier this year is excellent. Lisa Clarke, Watsons Bay
An angry crowd confronted police after the stabbing.Credit: Wolter Peeters
A man, a plan
So Mr Trump is trying to take over both Greenland and the Panama Canal (“Trump threatens to take back Panama Canal”, December 24). Watch out, Canada, you may be next! Marjie Williamson, Blaxland
Powering down
Andrew Brown can do more to reduce his electricity bill (Letters, December 24). Firstly, get a heat pump when he needs to replace his hot water system. For a while, they were subsidised or free. He could ask an electrician to install a timer which would heat his water while the sun is shining. Alternatively, there is a device which can be installed in the meter box which constantly monitors excess power and redirects it to the hot water system. Hot water can represent one-third of a bill. And finally, run the dishwasher and washing machine during the day, and use an air fryer. Tom Meakin, Port Macquarie
Andrew Brown complains that his electricity bills are still too high. Since his solar cells have paid for themselves, it’s time for the next step. Invest his ongoing solar savings in a battery. It may take longer to pay off, but electricity bills will be negligible. If he has any spare cash left over, heat pump hot water would further reduce power bills. Dick Barker, Epping
Thank you to your correspondent. I too was wondering how anyone with solar panels these days has power bills of “mostly zero”. This used to be the case when the feed in tariff was 60¢-66¢/kWh, but these days, even with using limited daily electricity, I get a bill to pay. Without a battery, there will always be a fee, regardless of how careful one is with using electricity. Dorothy Gliksman, Brush Creek
To Andrew Brown. If you want to have zero power bills with your solar array, get a battery. Peter Gibson, Wentworthville
Fares too cheap
Sydney train fares are ridiculously cheap – recovering on average, only around 20 per cent of actual costs (“Ceasefire in rail pay dispute saves Sydney’s New Year’s Eve”, smh.com.au, December 24). A wage rise for drivers without a compensating fare increase would bleed even more funding away from needy nurses and teachers. Time to bite the bullet, Premier Minns, and start the long, painful journey back to sensible, unsubsidised train fares. Michael Britt, MacMasters Beach
Heartless decision
It is not difficult to agree with Daniel Duggan’s wife when she describes the attorney-general’s decision to deport her husband, a father of six, being announced less than a week before Christmas as callous and inhumane (“Wife claims government buried decision on extradition of ex-fighter pilot to US”, December 24) – a decision that appears to have been timed to frustrate any chance of an appeal to the High Court. Why any Australian should be incarcerated for more than two years – much of it in solitary confinement – for allegedly breaking the laws of another country over 10 years ago, while battling a deportation request, is a question we deserve an answer to. Richard Tainsh, Potts Point
Daniel Duggan was arrested in Australia at the request of the US.Credit: Image via 60 Minutes
Uncle Sam says “jump” and the Australian government says “how high?” No matter which political party is on the Treasury benches, Australians at home or overseas are just not safe from the tentacles of what Washington wants and thinks it’s entitled to have granted. Let’s hope Daniel Duggan can get a fair hearing from the Federal Court. One man’s decision, even that of the attorney-general, shouldn’t be all that it takes for Duggan’s life and family to be smashed to pieces. John Kingsmill, Fairlight
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