What great role models our politicians are for young people (“Canberra disorder in House revealed”, January 4). Being loud, aggressive and disrespectful seems to be the only way they think to make a point instead of intelligent debate. If sending them to the naughty corner (sin bin) is not incentive enough to stop this behaviour, maybe being voted out at the next election might work. Disruptive behaviour certainly doesn’t help their constituents, only holds up important legislation. Christine Tiley, Albany Creek (Qld)
Most of those ejected from the House of Representatives – 83 per cent – were from the opposition. Surprise! Surprise! Sore losers, the Coalition has been determined from day one to ruin Albanese’s Prime Ministership. Australia and its people? Forget that: “Let’s get Albo.” Kathleen Hollins, Northmead
It is a pity our federal MPs are currently on the nose, many do enter politics to try to change the world for the better. The revelations about behaviour in the House, though, explain such public malodorousness. The belligerence of a divisive, Dutton-led Coalition is primarily responsible. For example, the recalcitrant mindset of senior Liberal Sussan Ley speaks volumes about off-putting, needlessly aggressive conduct. Such hostility makes essential that Set the Standard recommendations be hastened to compel culprits to oppose without descending into deliberate disorder. Ron Sinclair, Windradyne
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese under fire by the OppositionCredit: Dominic Lorrimer
While the people most often sent to the sin bin in federal parliament for boorish behaviour make no apology, it is interesting that the most popular politicians are three females. It was no accident that the successful teals at the last election were all female and that part of their motivation was boys behaving badly in the Coalition. While we may be frustrated that Labor is not getting their agenda through quickly enough, one suspects that the higher percentage of females on the Labor side may be urging careful consideration before rushing to legislate. That may pay off in the long run. The Coalition would surely benefit from more female candidates at the next election, but It is hard to imagine Peter Dutton attracting them. Gary Barnes, Mosman
Nine out of ten members of parliament ejected from the chamber are men and the three most popular and, dare I say, effective, politicians are women. Is there a common theme here? Rowan Godwin, Rozelle
I think if the Speaker could fine members 10 per cent of their salary for each offence instead of ejecting them from Parliament, behaviour would improve dramatically. Michael McFadyen, Kareela
Great to see our parliamentarians setting the standard of behaviour expected from responsible adults. Fortunately, most children are too busy on their devices to watch the unacceptable behaviour in our parliament. Perhaps in 2024 the children might be better role models for all. Denis Suttling, Newport Beach
If you want to cut down on interjections in the parliament, why not introduce a demerit points system similar to driver’s licences? The consequences could be removing your parliamentary pension, not allowing you to vote on legislation, or paying a fine to your opposite number. The public deserves better from our representatives. Tim Maunsell, Kensington
Baby Boomers are not leeches on modern society
The article suggesting Baby Boomers should pay more for nursing home care (“Wealthy Baby Boomers told to pay more for aged care”, January 4) omitted two fairly important facts. Firstly, while the family home is only counted to a value of $192,000 when assessing nursing home costs if you’re on a pension, you lose it after two years as your family home is counted as an asset by Centrelink. The other fact is that the median stay in care is less than six months. While the average is 18 months this all indicates that whatever policy is adopted, it had better hit our Baby Boomers hard early. The problem with that, unfortunately, is that people won’t go into aged care and will instead require increasingly higher costs for home support. Few people see a nursing home as a place of choice for their last days. Let’s not paint them all as rich leeches sucking the life out of our society. Most endured a world war, the Depression and the enduring animosity of every entitled young person who reviles their frugality. Brian Barrett, Padstow
We Boomers are an easy target when it comes to funding for our aged care. No definition of wealthy has been specified. The NDIS is not means tested and is the most expensive system in Australia at the moment. Robyn Lewis, Raglan
Aged care should be caringCredit: iStock
Over 60s should be made aware of the financial flexibility and tax benefits around superannuation. Most don’t know what their options are and how they can use their superannuation once they reach this magic age. Salary sacrifice are also two words that people should be made aware of. Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill
We have a discussion once again about the aged care industry, which was gifted into private profit-making hands by successive governments, ignoring the obvious truth that making profits for shareholders is an immoral motive for running aged care. On the back of government subsidies that are almost obligation-free, social services like aged-care, once largely charity-based, have become profit-taking industries and staffing is a question of profits, not care. We in the general population can see that Australian corporations use government as a cash cow; why are politicians afraid to call this out for what it is and stop the corporate rip-off of taxpayers? Barry Laing, Castle Cove
While I don’t disagree with this, I think more detailed reporting is necessary as to how much wealthy baby boomers currently pay. Costs can easily get to $150,000 a year and more for an aged care resident on the current system so to imply that next to nothing is being contributed is not at all accurate. Elizabeth Darton, Lane Cove West
Heat greatly distresses animals
Thank you, Dr Gundi Rhoades (“Spare a thought for pets as the planet hits boiling point”, January 4) for bringing to our attention the plight of domestic pets in our warming climate. Our neighbours lost a rabbit a couple of years back because it was stuck in a cage under a tarpaulin in the boiling temperature. They arrived home too late to revive it at the vet. It is not only domestic animals that suffer. Every boiling day, I am unable to rid myself of the idea or image of thousands upon thousands of pastoral animals without shelter or water that must stand in the heat day upon day in a fur or wool coat without a skerrick of shade, not to mention caged pigs and chickens in metal-roofed sheds that amplify heat. How is this legal? I simply cannot imagine the appalling life these animals bear every day in the increasingly hot seasons. Clare Raffan, Campsie
Sometimes we really do need to be hit over the head, as Gundi Rhoades examines the plight of animals during summer and the increasing heat. Pets (mainly large dogs) are still being left in locked cars as people shop, attend appointments or receive services. Fines and condemnation for actions appear essential to remind pet owners. Leaving a sliver of window open is not enough in furnace-like cars. Janice Creenaune, Austinmer
Won’t somebody please think of the animals and keep them cool?Credit: Reuters
An old salad bowl propped on top of a plant pot on my small balcony provides fresh water to the local birds. They mostly come for a drink but sometimes have a dunk. It helps the birds and provides a lot of joy. Lisa Clarke, Watsons Bay
A timely, hard-hitting opinion piece to contemplate, and a reason to take action. Homeless people will need extra assistance in this sweltering summer too. It is imperative we restore our balance with nature. Disregard politicians and decision-makers who will not take necessary action to use clean energy to reduce emissions. Try to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Household food waste can be turned into compost by using a worm farm or the new, tiny, kitchen compost bins. Simple, easy ways for each of us to leave our children a place where they, their pets and wildlife can survive. Bea Hodgson, Gerringong
Cat claustrophobia
High five: Owner Sunny gives Mooncake a treat in her flat in Singapore.Credit: Reuters
The most interesting aspect of the story about the Singapore cat (“Clandestine cats will soon have reason to purr”, January 4) was the fact that 80 per cent of the population lives in apartments that are government built and controlled and sold on 99 year leases to citizens. Given the state of housing affordability and availability in this country, if an economically successful and progressive country takes that approach to the fundamental issue of housing, it is time the Australian government took a leaf out of the Singapore book. Brian Kidd, Mt Waverley (Vic)
Independent growth
I must correct the claim by your correspondent (Letters, January 4) that there are hundreds of “private high schools” in NSW selecting students based on capability and/or wealth. The median fee charged in NSW independent schools – 70 per cent of which are K-12 schools – is less than $5,500 per year. Most parents choose an independent school because it provides a quality, affordable faith-based education (for example, our sector includes 29 Islamic and 17 Seventh Day Adventist schools and campuses). This is why it has been the fastest growing school sector in NSW for the past decade, accounting for around half of all additional students since 2012. The notion that Independent schools are only for the rich is outdated. According to the federal government’s Capacity to Contribute measure of family income, 74 per cent of NSW independent schools educate children from low to average income families.
Margery Evans, Association of Independent Schools of NSW, Sydney
Root of the problem
Ironically, council tree preservation orders are probably responsible for the lack of trees in many Sydney suburbs (Letters, January 4). To quote from the more enlightened policy of Lithgow City Council “... of most concern is the apparent attitude that people are afraid to plant trees because they believe that when the tree gets larger, Council will not allow them to remove it. … to address this issue Council amended the TPO so as not to apply to privately owned lands.” William Lloyd, Denistone
Here in the Hornsby Shire, a 1950s quarter-acre block with bungalow and garden with trees has been obliterated and replaced by two mega mansions occupying all land with no space for garden. Fortunately tall gums across the road stay, but where do children of the future get fresh air from and hear bird calls? Alison Stewart, Waitara
Burbs bonanza
Yet another delightful description of a suburb that I don’t know, and will now explore (“It’s a great life in the prime minister’s backyard”, January 4). Congratulations on a lovely series that encourages all of us Sydneysiders to spend more time enjoying places that we know too little about, so (relatively) close to home. Anne Ring, Coogee
Plane safety no joke
Always pay attention to the safety instructionsCredit: Sydney Morning Herald
The successful evacuation of passengers in Japan (“Fast and orderly evacuation saves 379 from airport fireball”, January 4) is a reminder that the pre-flight safety briefing by cabin crew is more than a ritual. It’s a timely reminder for passengers to look up and take note. It might just save your life. Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls
Burns notice
Congratulations to Robert Burns (Letters, January 4), who joins the ranks of Herald letter writers taking poetic licence and sitting alongside thousands of others, some of whom can lay claim to famous namesakes, including one pilgrim who (I hope) continues to make progress in Campbelltown. Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
Congratulations Robert Burns (no relation) on finally slipping one past the editor; maybe your earlier efforts were too poetic. It won’t be your last time in print if, like me, you pre-pay for your death notice. Col Burns, Lugarno
Don’t despair about your letters not being published over the years, Robert Burns; a man’s a man for a’ that. Jim Dewar, Davistown
Doctor knows best
Just letting your correspondent (Letters, January 4) know that it will be a cold day in hell before you get any doctor to use “it and its” for human beings in medical correspondence. I don’t use those terms for my cat. Jennifer Briggs, Kilaben Bay
Series continues
I agree with your correspondent (Letters, January 4) who agrees with your correspondent (Letters, January 3), and who can’t wait for the upcoming season of Doctor Whom. The important question, however, is whether the TARDIS is bigger on the inside, or larger. Shaun Davies, St Peters
We have to talk about the inside
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