Climate plan costs unjustified

You report that, when asked on ABC’s Q&A program about the costs of his environmental policies, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten told host Tony Jones that “you can’t have a debate about climate change without talking about the costs of inaction”.

Well, let’s have a debate about the costs of inaction. Perhaps the best expert asked to estimate the costs of inaction was Dr Ross Garnaut, who published two long reports for the government on the dangerous warming threat. His conclusion was that the most likely cost of inaction was that dangerous warming would occur in the next century.

One wonders whether Shorten agrees with Garnaut’s best estimate and, if not, when he predicts dangerous warming would start. It is dumb for the Opposition leader to rely on a Garnaut-like estimate but at the same time justify aggressive costs being incurred before 2030 with his economically damaging proposal to reduce emissions by 45 per cent.

Des Moore, South Yarra

Work is essential

Aboriginal suicide is in the news again. Sadly, hardly a month goes by when we don’t hear about appalling statistics. Suicide of Aboriginal people is a concern for all Australians. A solution must focus on getting adults into jobs and children into school. Children seeing adults work must become normal, otherwise we will lose another generation of Aboriginal youth.

Anthony Dillon, North Sydney, NSW

Vets deserve answers

On Monday, I met my local federal member, the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Darren Chester. I asked him that given five veterans had taken their lives since Anzac Day and at least another two had attempted suicide what was his government planning to do if returned. He was either unable or unwilling to answer my question and complained that I was angry. I am a veteran and I explained that my anger was because my fellow veterans, who had put their lives on the line to protect Australians, are dying. I asked him if he would support a royal commission into veteran suicides and his department, and in reply he turned and walked away.

I find it deplorable. This government under Tony Abbott held a $20 million royal commission into the deaths of four roof insulation installers. Why does it steadfastly refuse to hold a similar royal commission into the deaths of hundreds of ex-service veterans?

Doug Steley, Heyfield, Vic

Egg on our faces

In March, Fraser Anning was assaulted when a 17-year-old youth smashed an egg on him. The offender was hailed by some as a hero, he wasn’t charged, and more than $50,000 was raised on his behalf by GoFundMe.

Now we have Scott Morrison being attacked by a protester and an elderly woman knocked to the ground. Bill Shorten has sympathised with the PM and the injured lady. He also condemned the attack and stated, “This is not what we do in Australia.” Wrong, Mr Shorten. This is, indeed, what we do in Australia. When some people consider themselves as rebels who can physically attack those they do not like, the law is not enforced, and offenders are hailed as heroes, then this is what will happen again and again in Australia.

Michael Doyle, Ashburton, Vic

Gift of weeping

Thank you, dear Les Murray, not only for your erudition, but for being a man of faith, with a soul and heart to see into the depths of humanity and find joy and understanding in the commonplace. You said, “you know I only dance on bits of paper”, and you delighted us all.

Receive our “gift of weeping”, for you showed us “a man who has wept and now has finished weeping”.

Barbara Bunting, Mildura, Vic