China’s explanation on coal uncertainty is difficult to accept

China should behave like a responsible world citizen and learn it cannot always take precedence in the global community.

When considered against the background of other actions by China to advance its economic and strategic interests, the denial that the current holdup affecting Australian coal is not political is difficult to accept (“Beijing denies coal ban; steel source dissents”, 23-24/2).

Whatever the real situation, it creates uncertainty and losses for exporters and does not bode well for a future where China is seen as a reliable trading partner.

China has a right to advance its interests but, like other responsible world citizens, must not always have its own needs take precedence over the common good in our shrinking world.

Right now, a softening in some of China’s stances would be helpful. The alternatives are likely to be both unproductive and laden with increasing political tensions.

Michael Schilling, Millswood, SA

Oversupply of sad kids

Your front page story was staggering and sad (“100,000 children on pills for depression”, 23-24/2). The breakdown of the family unit, both parents working, latchkey kids, little to no exercise, obsession with smartphones and obesity would certainly be part of the recipe for this state of affairs. As a society, we are coming undone at the seams and enabling a whole class of kids by saying “it’s ok, we understand, you’re not mentally well.”

But what of the medical fraternity? Another pill to solve a societal problem? Perhaps we need to question the Australian Medical Association as to the efficacy and long-term effects of such mind-altering drugs.

John Partridge, Manly, NSW

IB is no easy pass

I would not say that schools are “gaming the system” in offering the International Baccalaureate to senior students (“Schools gaming uni entry system”, 23-24/2). This suggestion ignores the very real workload and intellectual demands the IB places on students. It also ignores the robustness of the method used to convert grade scores to ATARs, where the relativities are based on tracking the university success of previous students with similar Year 12 scores. The equity answer lies in offering the IB to government school students, as other states and the ACT have done.

John Collier, Glebe, NSW

Students want visas

Judith Sloan is correct in her summation (“The value of international students remains debatable”, 23-24/2). I asked some Chinese university students what their plans were when they completed their courses. The answer was to stay and eventually bring out their family. And we have to remember there is a visa that enables children to come here for schooling, consequently giving them the chance to attend selective schools.

Many international students are gaming the system and applying for permanent residency, thus skewing immigration policy. It should be looked at and remedied.

Lesley Beckhouse, Queanbeyan, NSW

Make way for women

The Roman Catholic church is in dire need of a revolution (“Pope demands action on abuse”, 23-24/2). A few heinous men have abused children and left the good clergy to clear up their mess. Many males have proven not to be worthy of high calling – it is time for the women to take over.

Walk into any Catholic church in Australia during mass and 75 per cent of the congregation will be women. After 2000 years, it is high time Il Papa became Ave Maria.

Irene Shanks, Mareeba, Qld

Only married men should be able to become Catholic priests. The church also needs to include women in the priesthood. Until these measures are introduced we’ll continue to see abuse of children and administrative failure.

Andrea Crowe, Eastwood, Vic