Illustration: Alan MoirCredit:
Our freedom to raise concerns and the courageous act of whistleblowing are under threat. Australia has slipped to 21st in the world in the 2019 World Press Freedom Index ("State power is looking at you," June 7).
News Corp's description of the raid of their journalist's home as "a dangerous act of intimidation towards those committed to telling uncomfortable truths".
The Prime Minister cannot distance himself from raids by the AFP. It should not be a crime to expose leaked documents and police should not be used for political ends.
There is too much secrecy of government business. Our democracy is at risk and Australians have the right to know the truth. - Jane Lodge, North Narrabeen
For years News Corp has been complicit in enabling successive governments to repress the truth.The public has been persuaded that "national security" trumps our right to know. Being kept in the dark is now generally accepted.
It will be very difficult to turn the lights back on. - Mark Paskal, Clovelly
The authoritarian tendency within the Coalition has been evident in its attacks on the journalistic independence of the ABC via orchestrated criticism, funding cuts, funding freeze and politicised appointments to the broadcaster ("Press freedom dispute escalates", June 7).
The upshot of the diminution of journalistic freedom is the further erosion of freedom of thought and expression within the Australian community and the undermining of our fundamental right to have relevant information in relation to important issues in what is supposed to be a democratic society. - Gary Mulley, Collaroy Plateau
When is publishing the truth a crime? Answer: when it "threatens national security" or, in translation, "threatens the jobs of Coalition ministers".
When is publishing lies legally OK? Answer: when it is necessary to win an election campaign. - Geoff Black, Caves Beach
Australians need a Bill or a Charter of Human Rights. We can no longer depend on benign tolerance or the common sense of the majority. Carolyn van Langenberg, Blackheath
I was always of the belief that the greatest threat to our democracy was from sources outside Australia. I was greatly mistaken.
Advance Australia Fair. Not likely. John Roche, Bermagui
This uproar is very one sided. Obviously a cornerstone of democracy is a free press, however, our government is entrusted with our security and it must safeguard certain information by classifying it as secret.
When journalists are leaked this secret information by sometimes malicious informants with axes to grind, they may let down our democracy by publishing it. It is the job of the AFP to uphold laws concerning this potential sabotage of our sovereign security. Greg Turek, Killara
Know your enemies
How long will it be before our government starts calling the press "the enemy of the people" (Letters, June 7)? - Valerie Craig, Orange
Then they came for the journalists. We don't know what happened after that. - Jennifer Briggs, Kilaben Bay
Any chance one of our Australian federal policeman might whistleblow? - Anne Wagstaff, Oatley
Regarding the AFP raids, what is the expression? For evil to triumph all it takes is for good men - and women - to do nothing. - Lindy Crozier, Avalon Beach
Peter Dutton, something is not an issue of "national security" just because it may be embarrassing to the defence force or the government. - Michael McFadyen, Kareela
Let me get this right. The government wants to fight for religious freedom to say whatever one wants, but not freedom of the press to say whatever is necessary for an open democracy. - Manuela Epstein, Pyrmont
When acting AFP commissioner Neil Gaughan claims "the AFP is a strong supporter of press freedom" while conducting raids on the ABC and a News Corp journalist's home, we know that the era of "doublespeak" is well and truly upon us ("Press freedom dispute escalates", June 7). - Leo Sorbello, West Ryde
Star left employer little choice
Israel Folau signed a contract and agreed to uphold certain norms. He was counselled before for violating those norms, and he continued to violate them, leaving his employer little choice ("One hell of a fight: Folau to seek $10m in damages", June 7).
This is a difficult time for Folau, and I wish him only the best. - Judy Bamberger, O'Connor ACT
A sporting world gone mad. A successful legal battle for Folau surely means little money for grassroots rugby going forward and undermines the whole code. All this for denying Folau the chance to become "the greatest Wallaby try scorer". Please explain. - Janet Spence, Mosman
Perhaps Australian Rugby could counter-claim for the undisputed damages Folau has caused to the image of the game. - Patrick Russell, Sanctuary Point
Israel, it is great that you are standing up for what you believe but it is my desire that you don't misrepresent what Jesus came to earth to do and that the love He showed to others will be seen in and through you. - Barry French, Normanhurst
Thank you to your correspondent for expressing so eloquently what many of us are thinking (Letters, June 7).
The Folau philosophy is on a par with the minister who told me he knew what it was like in heaven. - Robyn Lewis, Raglan
How can your correspondent, a Christian priest, disavow a quotation from the Bible expressed by Folau? Jesus said that there were two great Commandments: the first to love God and secondly love our neighbour as ourselves. Christians demonstrate their love for God when they obey His commandments. Folau does not misinterpret the Christian message of hope and redemption - he upholds it. - Nan Howard, Camden
First Peoples forced out of Redfern by settlers, again
Interesting to read about Aboriginal people being forced out of Redfern because of high rents and gentrification ("Forced into fringe dwelling", June 7). I knew Redfern in the seventies and onward and was often told by Aboriginal residents that they would be forced out because it was desirable real estate. Over the years I have seen this happen.
There has lately again been much hand-wringing and warmly expressed statements about our history and what we have done to Aboriginal people. We have all benefited from taking their land.
I wonder how many of today's Redfern residents have thought about, or done anything about, the people they have now displaced, while speaking about the bigger picture and Voice to Parliament. Talk is cheap.
Isn't it time we did more to redress the imbalance in Redfern than just talk? Redfern was an extremely significant meeting place for Aboriginal people. It is so sad to see what has happened. - Sue Schreiner, Red Hill ACT
People who think a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament for our First Peoples is somehow racist, completely miss the point ("Indigenous voice counterpoint: a violation of racial equality", June 6).
The determinant here is time-based, not race-based. Anyone in Australia today whose ancestors were here prior to 1788 has suffered, to varying degrees, the intergenerational consequences of the unlawful theft and dispossession of their ancestors' land.
We apply time-based legal discrimination throughout western society - the legal age to vote, to get married, eligibility for a pension, driver's licences and so on. It is essential that all Australians work together to address the legacy of the theft of an entire continent. - Brendan Jones, Annandale
Disabled need more lifts
Just what does the state government have against disabled people ("Anger and bemusement ramp up by degrees", June 7)?
I have cerebral ataxia and need a walking stick to get around; I find that stairs are difficult and I cannot use escalators because of the sudden stop at the end.
How about a few more lifts at railway stations, Premier? - Dave Horsfall, North Gosford
Hot air from the minister
Energy minister Angus Taylor claims that our third consecutive year of national emissions increase does not take into account the contribution of LNG exports to lowering pollution overseas ("Frydenberg urges G20 to resolve rising global rivalries", June 7).
What will he claim when the proposed Adani mine starts exporting massive amounts of Australian coal overseas? He can't have it both ways and he can't deny that Australia has the highest per capita emissions in the world.
Once again the government shows it has neither the heart nor the will to address climate change. - Alan Marel, North Curl Curl
Did Angus Taylor really claim our rising CO2 emissions are justified because our expanding gas exports are lowering CO2 overseas?
There must have been laughs and pats on the back all around when they came up with that pearl.
Can he please apply the same logic to our coal exports, which also don't count towards our CO2 levels but make an enormous and ever-expanding contribution to global emissions. - James Buckman, Enmore
Great to see the Energy Minister has mastered alternative facts. - Tim Schroder, Gordon
Hands off selective schools
Your editorial argues that it is inherently unfair that the children of "better-off families" are over-represented in selective schools because their parents can afford coaching ("No need for more selective schools", June 7) .
Genetics and upbringing are surely far more likely factors. In any case, why is academic coaching so offensive while private music lessons and sports coaching are considered admirable?
The notion that all schools should have a representative cross-section of academic ability, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds in their student body is a fanciful ideal, and unattainable.
The key issue in education is opportunity, and that includes the opportunity to attend a selective school if a child has the talent and application to benefit from what those schools can offer. - David Salter, Hunters Hill
If I found out my kids were sacrificing their precious time assisting the other kids instead of learning more advanced content themselves, I would think it's only fair they are given bonus ATAR points (Letters, June 7). - Niki Zmak, Maroubra
More funding for public schools
I know the solution, Melanie Harris ("My child's school fundraising runs on the volunteer labour of women", smh.com.au, June 7). Funding of schools is a systemic problem that requires a systemic solution.
The hours of volunteer labour would be better spent campaigning for better funding of public schools. - Catherine Walsh, Ashfield
Netball's big draw
Elite netball, especially Super Netball, is lightning fast (no pun intended) but that doesn't mean you can be fast and loose with facts, Liz Ellis ("The (extra) time has come for Super Netball'', June 7).
On the contrary, draws are usually exciting. Draws are most often a fair result. Many players, fans, viewers, and probably commentators like the odd draw.
Extra time might be a good idea, but to say "all TV stations run to a strict schedule" is a laughable assertion. Think cricket if you want sport, but then there are reality shows; most run late every time.
We're in our third amazing season of Super Netball. Those not watching it on TV, have a look, it's scintillating viewing. The camera-work and picture quality is sensational and the commentary clever and always entertaining.
There have been quite a few excellent articles too but I just don't get why Ellis, and one or two other famous ex-players, come up with a new issue such as this one, seemingly to white-ant netball every week. Just get into the game like everyone else. - Tim Egan, Mosman
Belief: Ash Barty has powered her way to a first French Open quarter-final.Credit: AP
Ode to our Ash
After her quarter final win, I could have sworn I heard Don Bradman's spirit singing: "Our Ash Barty - and I ask you is she any good? Our Ash Barty - as an Australian tennis player she's plum pud" ("Brilliant Barty finds keys to French Open semi-finals", June 7). - Howard Charles, Annandale
Tennis player Ashleigh Barty is a class performer both on and off the tennis court. Her post game media interviews are well conducted in a charming and friendly manner. No tantrums from her. A role model for all. - Graham Russell, Clovelly
A load of old pony
I am a bloke who turns 70 this year. I wear what's left of my hair tied back in a ponytail and I don't give a rat's whether your recent correspondents like it or not (Letters, June 7). - Gary Heap, Bankstown
Rejoicing rejection
I am so glad I didn't get into UNSW ("'Very stressful': students rebel after UNSW dumps semester", June 7). - Naosheyrvaan Nasir, Quakers Hill
Better call Barnsey
To solve the national anthem issue, maybe we could ask Barnsey to whip up a catchy tune we can all shout along to (Letters, June 7). - John Swanton, Coogee
Postscript
"Still safe on the letters page, I hope," asked a worried Daphne Roper of New Lambton, who added that "during her long existence" she had never before seen such an intrusion into the freedom of the Fourth Estate. We're not expecting any raids soon, Daphne, although our job did become even more interesting following the AFP's activity. We received hundreds of letters, with the majority showing the same concern as Daphne ("I feel unsure of my personal rights, questioning as never before the power of the state against that of the individual") and supporting the freedom of the press.
"The government and AFP are behaving disgracefully," wrote Gabrielle Merten of Hurstville. Her view that "the escalation of powers to intimidate citizens is a symptom of a narrowing of the freedom of speech" was shared by many, as was her comparison of the AFP to the "dark, dangerous and oppressive police forces" of other eras. "It is time to be both alarmed and afraid," she adds.
Rene Vogelzang of Haberfield had a similar view: "We need to be able to trust our government institutions, we need to be able to trust our press, and we would like to be able to trust our politicians."
Many have called for an inquiry into the AFP's actions, lending support to the idea of the media leading the charge, while Don Smith of Ashfield was full of thanks for ABC chair Ita Buttrose's "strong defence of the necessity of the freedom of independent journalism".
He added: "The electorate needs to pay attention: there is more than State of Origin going on, we are watching the contest of the Origin of our State."
Fascinating times, indeed. Keep writing. - Pat Stringa, Letters Co-editor
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