“Race to the bottom” first published April 10, 2024Credit: Matt Golding
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THE FORUM
I was saddened when reading the article “School of last resort runs out of room for disengaged kids” (2/1/25) about the Pavilion school in Epping and a parent described it as having “teachers that care”.
As a retired teacher, I know that teachers always care. They just may not have the resources provided at Pavilion, such as three educators in each classroom and no doubt small class sizes.
If all schools had these provisions, more students would be successful.
Meredith Johnston, Mt Evelyn
Grand prix costs
An Age letter to the editor of June 23, 2008, was accompanied by a Tandberg cartoon of then transport minister Tim Holding claiming that the grand prix was good for Melbourne. At that time, Victorians forked out $40 million to prop up the event. For the most recent financial year, Victorians forked out $130 million to support the AGPC and the CEO pocketed around $690,000. To date, the F1 car race at Albert Park has received over $1 billion from the state government. Enough is enough.
Geoff Gowers, Merricks North
Voters’ choices
I would be interested to know why people have swung away from Anthony Albanese. The failure of the Voice seems to have infected people’s perception of the government.
The swing to Dutton is extraordinary given he hasn’t given any details of his policies or vision other than he is not Albanese. Peter Dutton is a confident yet glib communicator. Anthony Albanese is extremely poor. Is this is how people decide?
Polly Mish, Hawthorn
Scare campaigns
Looks like Labor is gearing up to trot out its discredited “Medi-scare” campaign again (″Bulk-billing at centre of Labor election pitch, attack on Dutton″, 2/1/25). Is Bill Shorten making a comeback? It didn’t work in 2016 and it won’t work in 2025.
Greg Hardy, Upper Ferntree Gully
Howard’s record
How could John Howard after all these years still defend his decision to go to war in Iraq? Thousands of Iraq civilians died for no benefit to anyone except arms sellers. Politicians will never admit they made a wrong decision even when it is so bleeding obvious. (″John Howard defends Australia’s decision to commit troops to Iraq,″ 1/1/25
Ian Hetherington, Moama
Fair work and pay
Re Paul O’Halloran’s article ″Sending bad bosses to jail won’t stop wage theft. Seize their homes″, 2/1/25. What an over-reaction, both from him and Fair Work Australia.
The sooner the minimum wage is scrapped and employers are allowed to pay salaries that are commensurate with the financial status of their business, the better the relationship between employers and employees will be.
Small businesses are hamstrung by these minimum wages. They are forced to pay unskilled and ill- trained persons a wage that is not in keeping with their ability to be productive in the business. It holds back small businesses and limits employment opportunities.
AI will in time take over employment activities because the threat of sanctions will be too great for many businesses.
The example O’Halloran uses of a sushi chain’s wage theft is an outlier. The law already exists to prosecute such offences.
Graham Haupt, Glen Waverley
Builds, big and small
People who gain the greatest benefit from level crossing replacements are motorists. The Victorian government needs to take more actions that assist commuters. Motorists will gain indirectly by there being fewer cars on the road.
It is most concerning to read (“Quiet cuts to Metro Tunnel scope raise questions over what services will actually be delivered”, 2/1) that works complementary to Metro Tunnel are in doubt. All of these works, rail crossovers and short tram extensions, could proceed if a couple of level crossing replacements were delayed by a couple of years. They are all “Small Build” items.
It is ironic that the process of tram alterations commenced in 2024 when the turnout from Swanston Street in Victoria Parade was redone as part of allowing route 57 trams to travel along Swanston Street. Redirecting funds from level crossing replacements to these could ensure their completion in time for the opening of the Metro Tunnel.
Rod Watson, East Brighton
Heavy metals show
Fireworks are a spectacular show for a short time in Melbourne and Sydney. But the impact to the environment is a lasting problem.
Fireworks contain potassium nitrate, sulfur and heavy metals like barium and copper, which explode in the air and spread, polluting waterways and soil.
There are many scientific articles available on the harmful effects of pyrotechnics.
Why is our government not taking any notice of the scientific information? Let’s look at safer ways to celebrate special occasions
Patricia Rattray, Black Rock
Plan for suburban growth
Why are developers allowed to build housing estates in often remote and isolated areas without the necessary infrastructure occurring at the same time – especially in considering public transport connections?
Developers and the state government should work hand in hand before these new “suburbs” commence. Houses shouldn’t be sold until it’s a total package.
I felt upset reading about Mambourin (“Forgotten suburb bides its time for basic facilities”, 2/1/25) where people’s hopes and dreams are dashed. Promises are cheap. Waiting years for basic services is not on. It’s totally unacceptable. It’s taking advantage of people with no voice. And it just keeps happening.
Sue McNamara, Rye
West still wonderful
When my husband and I were searching for our first home, we did not consider how polluted or undesirable the western suburbs were. We didn’t care, it’s affordable, close to town and has great food. We both grew up in the south east, and regularly meet new locals who have been priced out of the east and gone west.
Despite its proximity to Brooklyn industrial zone, our pocket near the Kororoit Creek brings bush, walking paths and bird life. Volunteers at the Friends of Kororoit Creek have even spotted a wallaby hopping near the zone.
We aren’t afraid of local industry, but want to see greater responsibility and co-operation with residents to protect our health and wellbeing in the wonderful west.
Lauren Bliss, Sunshine
AND ANOTHER THING
Transport
Does one have to pay to use public transport? From my experience, as a regular user of buses and trams, I thought it was optional – and becoming more so. (Being risk averse, I always tap on.)
Louise Kloot, Doncaster
NYE celebrations
It was very disappointing that the 9.30pm Melbourne New Year’s Eve fireworks were not televised. The Sydney concert is another world away!
Heather Barker, Albert Park
“Morrisons have Mar-a-Lago with NYE Trumps” (2/)1. So much for a “happy” new year. It’s going to be a long 2025.
Jenny Bone, Surrey Hills
If ever we doubted Scott’s far right political leanings now we know.
Graham Fetherstonhaugh, Carlton North
I can imagine the excitement at Mar-a-Lago when Scomo knocked at the door.
Ross Barker, Lakes Entrance
Furthermore
I understand Brad Battin also likes both country – and western music.
James Lane, Hampton East
I’m old enough to remember the outrage when the baked beans scene was cut from Australia’s television premier screening of Blazing Saddles (“That’s not a cut”, 2/1).
Peter McGill, Lancefield
When at university, I remember telling my father that Australia would soon become a republic. My grandson tells me the same thing.
Jim Lamborn, Doncaster
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