Australia still walks the world stage with a good reputation and a sensible approach

Clive Hamilton over-stated the case when he said Australia’s reputation had been trashed over climate change

Clive Hamilton misguidedly believes the world is looking at this country as a bad global citizen because it exports lots of coal, and only activists like him are interested (“We want us to be proud of our country as a good global citizen”, 11/2). He believes stopping Australia’s exports will make a difference to world CO2 emissions, as opposed to the coal being provided by another country; and that the loss of $66 billion of annual export income would have no effect on jobs or living standards. He would like us to “feel proud walking on the world stage”, even if we could no longer afford the clothes for our starring role.

Graham Pinn, Maroochydore, Qld.

Clive Hamilton argues that Australia has trashed its reputation on the world stage because of its repeated failure to do the right thing for the world’s poor and vulnerable. This ignores the fact that Australia exports coal to the developing countries so that their citizens can enjoy the benefits of having electricity.

Rather than Australians being proud to walk the world’s stage, more likely we would be seen as idiots if we allowed zealots to trash the economy without gaining any benefits, and in the process refused to help developing countries .

R. Watson, Sunnybank Hills, Qld

A plague on both houses

The coming federal election is already a perplexing affair, with nothing original being put forward. The Coalition is using the “Tampa technique”, a fear card used so well in past elections by old Liberals. The voters have become more sensitive and compassionate about a very troubled world and displaced people: asylum issues should not be used to get votes.

On the Labor side, Bill Shorten could lose the election he should win with ease with his franking credits changes that will hurt many who try to self-fund and stay off the aged pension. Self-funded retirees will not vote Labor – why would they? This policy is a gift for the Liberals. And the banking royal commission is a part of poor politics on both sides and should not be a vote catcher for either. Australians want to hear some clear and defining policies.

Stuart Davie, Corowa, NSW

Disaster scheme needed

Recent fires and floods have shown it is imperative that all Australians have adequate insurance. Due to climate change these events will be more frequent and more catastrophic. There is an urgent need for a nationally-run insurance company similar to Medicare (Insuracare?) that would ensure everyone had basic cover if they lost homes or businesses.

At the moment insurance companies are able to dodge payments to victims who haven’t read (or understood) the fine print. A national insurance body would use plain language to explain its cover and ensure everyone has the essentials. Those who wished to could get top-up insurance from other companies.

Ed Sianski, West Moonah, Tas

Surveys are dodgy

If evidence from two “surveys” was significant in Alen Stajcic’s sacking, I feel sorry for him (“Axed soccer coach says ‘I have been ruined’”, 11/2). Surveys are notoriously bad research tools, often filled with inappropriate, imprecise and leading questions, resulting in incorrect conclusions. Only experienced researchers can construct surveys for meaningful results.

Evan Nichols, Rochedale, Qld

Future direction

The Land and Environment Court of NSW decision on the Rocky Hill mine will echo for some time: environmental lawyers will ensure the judge’s argument vis a vis coal and climate will feature in future, similar cases. (“Courts join frontline in fight against climate change”, 9-10/2).

Jim Ball, Narrabeen, NSW