The 2004 cabinet papers are smoking-gun evidence of Howard and Costello’s wilful and damaging dithering on housing policy (“Why Howard vetoed plan to fix soaring house prices”, January 1). They knew their tax policies were crushing housing affordability and yet with trademark arrogance, they did nothing. A whole generation of younger Australians have already paid a high price for their inaction, and it could take another 20 years to fix the problems Howard and Costello failed to address. Beyond housing, the 2004 cabinet papers are a litany of poor decisions and inaction, which have created decades-long problems for this country and our neighbours. It’s time we reassessed the legacy of this poor government and its two prominent leaders, who have spent the past 20 years pontificating from the sidelines on the problems this country faces – problems they could and should have fixed when they had the chance. Martyn Frappell, Bulli
John Howard with his treasurer Peter Costello in Canberra on March 7, 2003Credit: Penny Bradfield
The revelations in the 2004 cabinet papers simply confirm that most of the major problems facing Australia in 2025 were caused, or at least exacerbated, by the Howard-Costello government: the housing affordability crisis, substandard private aged care facilities, growing inequality, our appalling treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, lack of progress towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians – the list is almost endless. Martin Mansfield, Baulkham Hills
The released cabinet papers of the Howard/Costello government reveal two things. First, the beginning of our housing crisis was evident in 1999, as were the detailed and still recommended solutions, and second, the government’s political cowardice (and that of all subsequent governments) in not implementing those vital changes. The effect of negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions in 1999 was evident when the landlords’ reported $1 billion profit in 1999-2000 had become a $10.5 billion loss by 2008-09. For negative gearing to be advantageous, you need to make a capital gain and not be excessively taxed. Thus, both are essential in this model. But this is a giant housing bubble which is being maintained by the ongoing support for those tax concessions, a supply deficiency due to red tape, greatly reduced public housing construction, NIMBYism and stalled commercial building sites due to failed businesses or business plans. The government has a lose/lose scenario. Maintain the status quo and housing becomes even more unaffordable, or introduce reforms and take the risk of a housing negative equity and the huge social, economic and political consequences. The longer reforms are delayed, the greater the cost. The government should start with turbocharged public and affordable housing and non-retrospective CGT reform to help to pay for it. Rowan Godwin, Rozelle
I think that the article should be retitled “How Howard and Costello stuffed the housing market”. It started with the decision in October 1999 to provide concessions on capital gains tax. It created a Ponzi scheme where houses were purchased not for rent but capital gains. In 2004 Howard and Costello realised the mistake but did nothing about it. Coalition philosophy: it is more important to win elections than do the right thing. Rob Siebert, Skennars Head
It’s there for all to see. Governments have known for 20 years that Howard’s capital gains tax changes killed housing affordability. Howard himself knew it and chose to pander to his home-owning base. Time to end this failed rort. Michael Berg, Randwick
The articles on cabinet papers from 2004 show that some of the problems then, such as negative gearing, WorkChoices and aged care funding, are still problems. Do we expect them to still be problems in 2044? Probably. If some problems are beyond politicians’ reach, maybe we should consider other ways to resolve them. A citizen’s forum may be one solution, or perhaps a referral to the Supreme Court. Could we hold an online referendum on controversial suggestions? I don’t have the answer, but if we ever want to solve problems, we should think outside the square. Neville Turbit, Russell Lea
It’s 20 years on and, given Mark Latham’s antics and behaviours since he lost to John Howard, we have to be thankful he did not take up residence in The Lodge. Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
Dream out of reach
To dream the impossible dreamCredit: Photograph by Chris Hopkins
Yes, urge young adults still living at home to join the property market as soon as possible (“What are your chances of buying a first home in 2025?”, January 1), but, realistically, that will not happen. One essential is a partner who can share expenses, but the lack of permanent, well-paid jobs in today’s world is the main factor. Marjie Williamson, Blaxland
Sticks and stones
The image and caption of Peter and Kirilly Dutton on social media was clearly meant as a joke, albeit adolescent and in poor taste (“Dutton meme ‘stupid’ say ALP ministers”, January 1). However, the Libs’ overreaction showed just how immature and thin-skinned they are, and blaming Albanese was a massive overreach. Albo responded swiftly and appropriately and that should have been the end of it, but Dutton and co are milking it for all it’s worth. It’s about time the opposition put its fragile ego aside and focused on developing policies for a change. Graham Lum, North Rocks
The complaint about the Peter Dutton meme is ridiculous. Dutton and his wife were happy to be involved in an extensive fluff piece where the photo and quote were sourced. There were no calls for the original article to be pulled down for involving a politician’s partner, so why now? Graeme Finn, Earlwood
Friendship lifeline
Thank you for reminding us of the value of friends gathered across the world during our travels or migrations and some simple ideas that will work to keep it kindled (“Try these five simple tips to strengthen your long-distance friendships”, January 1). I suggest that, as we age, we need to keep a “next-of-kin” contact of long-distance friends so that there is someone to update you should they go missing or stop responding to your messages. I’ve had two friends die, and I didn’t know until their partners informed me many months later – I had assumed they were busy and that’s why hadn’t responded. I have another one who has stopped responding and I have no one else to check in about him. If we knew of major events in their lives, it’s sad, but we need someone else to tell us when they go through their biggest event and are unable to inform us themselves. Manbir Singh Kohli, Pemulwuy
Trees over views
I believe Woollahra Council is not trimming the trees along New Beach Road with the primary purpose of maintaining residents’ views (Letters, January 1). It is to protect the trees from being vandalised (poisoned) by said unscrupulous residents, as has happened in the past, with no culprit determined – another sad indictment of some of the wealthy considering themselves above the law and the amenity of others. Robert Hosking, Paddington
Even the oddest trees are wonderful thingsCredit: Getty Images
For many like-minded among us, trees do not obscure a view, the trees are the view. John Constable, Balmain
Pet hate for stray cats abounds
It is obviously that Australia has a major environmental problem due to stray cats (Letters, January 1). Our country has the unenviable award of having caused the most extinctions globally. The solution needs to be different but respectful. All pets, generally, should be treated the same as dogs, their owners required to protect their pets from harm or doing harm to the environment or other properties/residences by being confined to their property. As it is for dogs, currently, all pets should be under control by a lead or similar, when outside the property. This would result in better protection of cats and of our environment, fewer neighbour/resident disputes and road accidents, as well as happier communities. Brian McDonald, Willoughby
There’s nothing good or bad but thinking makes it soCredit: Aresna Villanueva
To hear the ferocious killing of a possum by a cat outside your bedroom window in the dead of night would encourage anyone to do more to contain these killing machines. Yes, it’s instinct. This cat had been stalking the possum for some time. Gail Grogan, Constitution Hill
When it comes to wiping out wildlife, cats are mere amateurs when compared to humans. Ryszard Linkiewicz, Caringbah South
I don’t think people should be too quick to blame roaming cats for the killing of native wildlife. Recently I have found piles of feathers from massacred crested pigeons in my yard. I had to apologise to the local cats when I saw the real culprit, some sort of small bird of prey dive-bombing the pigeons, then dragging them off to a quiet place in the garden to disassemble. The result was a pile of feathers. I think all cats should be registered, microchipped and confined to barracks, but they are not always responsible for the killing of native wildlife. Patrick St George, Goulburn
Your correspondent asks, “At what point did Australians start prioritising pets over native wildlife?” I would say not long after people who started coming from overseas to live on this continent decided to put their priorities ahead of those who had been here for millennia. Doug Walker, Baulkham Hills
Catholics, cats and cicadas – maybe there’s a school of thought that would have them all managed or banned? Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield
Morality in play
So much for the argument that human morality can only be acquired from following God’s laws (Letters, January 1). The Catholic Church hierarchy and sexual deviant individual priests surely had a thorough grounding in their God’s laws. It would seem then, that God’s laws are not internalised as comfortably as the self-generated laws of secular humanists and atheists. Not at all surprising, given that humankind survived for about 100,000 years before godlike laws came along. Trevor Somerville, Illawong
Humanity in evidence
Regarding your correspondent’s letter about the problems of the world and the unimportance of harbour views (Letters, January 1), a friend’s 30-year-old cousin tragically lost his life over Christmas, following an extremely dangerous route from Ethiopia across the Red Sea and through Yemen searching for work to put food on the table. This tragedy is a metaphor for so much that is wrong in the world, including the mismanagement of resource-rich African countries such as Ethiopia. Stability would bring investment back, and with it the opportunities for further education and employment that young people need to contribute and build solid futures. Yet, in the actions of his fellow travellers, young men who tried to save a poor man’s life rather than fleeing to save their own, hope for humanity surely flickers unextinguished.
Barbara Chapman, South Yarra
Healthier support
There is no cure for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) (Letters, January 1). Research has barely touched the surface of its causes. As it stands now, you’re probably not going to get better (although a small number do). If you have it mildly, you can function at 30 per cent of average capacity. At the other end, you lie in a silent, darkened room and are fed with a tube. Millions are missing from their own lives. No cure, no help, no understanding and barely any funding. Clinical immunologist Graeme Stewart (Letters, December 30) makes many good points. You can’t cure what you can’t measure or find even if the illness is plain to see. You can only try to manage the symptoms. Lucky are those who find a solution through various health support systems. I have recently been given a different diagnosis and the contrast between two decades of no formal support to having a brilliant team with me is stark. Beverley Fine, Pagewood
Traveller’s wail
The new passport - it’s going to cost youCredit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
A 10-year Australian passport now costs $412. We can visit 189 countries visa-free. In comparison, the Singaporean passport gives visa-free access to 194 countries and costs just $70.69. Why on earth does a small booklet cost this much? I always favoured the principle of user pays, but this one is just unacceptable. Mokhles Sidden, South Strathfield
Tastes of home
Your correspondent (Letters, January 1) reminded me that my dad never pressured me to return home when I was living in London in the early 1970s, but occasionally he’d enclose a couple of gum leaves in his letters to me. It eventually worked. Elly Haynes, Orange
The other use for gum leavesCredit: Wiskerke / Alamy Stock Photo
The quintessential sounds of Australia for me are the droning of a didgeridoo and the carolling of a magpie. Unique sounds for a unique land. Genevieve Milton, Dulwich Hill
Bard had it covered
I concur with your correspondent’s Shakespearean quote of “drinking down all unkindness” (Letters, January 1). Yet the world is so filled with war and tragedy, I am reminded of another: “Did heaven look on, and would not take their part?” Robert Hickey, Green Point
Old habits die hard
My new year’s resolution is to stop writing letters to the editor: oops. Peter Fyfe, Enmore
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