Homegrown solutions to systemic problems will work for everyone

Your editorial (“Cape York’s plan to close the gap in one generation”, 19/11) and the articles by Paige Taylor (“Responsibility reboot to save poorest million”, 19/11) and Cape York Partnership chief executive Fiona Jose (“Partisan shots won’t help sprint the welfare trap”, 19/11) demonstrate the power and effectiveness of Indigenous Australians finding homegrown solutions to entrenched systemic problems that have degraded, and often destroyed, the lives of the people.

Importantly, not only is this a reboot of Indigenous politics but also a post-welfare vision for the “bottom million” Australians regardless of race. Crucial is the focus on practical, measurable outcomes generated through personal responsibility and quality education.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern East, Vic

What a marvellous – and genuinely inclusive – proposal, expressed powerfully, succinctly and eloquently by Fiona Jose.

Let it be implemented properly, true to what has been set out. Long may she and her organisation prosper. Awesome.

Leni Palk, Unley, SA

It is wonderful to read that the Cape York Aboriginal community is taking responsibility for their own welfare.

The initiative always had to come from them as they know what is needed and how it works. For too long they have been locked into the various federal government policies for them that we all know have not been successful. Noel Pearson has been at the forefront of trying to enhance the welfare of Aboriginal people for many years and it is my wish that the various areas of government now get behind this initiative and make sure it is successful.

It would be gratifying if this at last goes towards closing the gap.

V. Donovan, Corinda, Qld

Your article on the success of the Cape York leadership program was a sage reminder that breaking the social scourge of intergenerational welfare dependency is an arduous feat but the program shows it can be done, subtly and without fanfare, one life at a time.

Australians do wish to see a closing of the gap and the way forward is by amplifying aspiration rather than installing more stifling administration.

Peter Waterhouse, Craigieburn, Vic

What cost did we cop?

The COP30 climate talkfest in Belem, Brazil, will end this week with 50,000 people coming home full of climate talk.

It is not easy to find out how many Australian officials were paid to be there or how much this conference cost taxpayers.

Maybe we can let officials know that we Aussies who love our country will be expecting, even demanding, comprehensive, accurate reports of what Australia let itself in for at COP30.

Geoffrey H. Sherrington, Donvale, Vic

Immigration crisis

Andrew Hastie continues to impress with his considered and perceptive analysis of the problems of contemporary Australia (“Coalition to avoid a hard migration target”, 19/11). In singling out immigration as the crisis troubling many Australians, he sensibly emphasises the importance of social cohesion and skills as central to the discussion.

While the moguls of industry tout immigration as an easy fix for growth, we need policies that reflect the values and aspirations of contemporary Australians. Culture and national values are important counterweights that stabilise change. Our representatives in government should always place them front and centre.

Vicki Sanderson, Cremorne, NSW

Lesson from Argentina

In the 1950s, Argentina enjoyed a high standard of living. The capital, Buenos Aires, was the only other city on Earth, apart from London, to have a Harrods store.

The vicissitudes of life, which included the Perons, brought that country to its knees. Only by dint of a strong man at the top, it would appear that Argentina is now rebounding. Our former prime minister Paul Keating warned of Australia becoming a banana republic last century. In the imbroglio surrounding climate change, energy provision and net zero, let’s hope his prophecy never comes to pass.

Prue Sheldrick, Peppermint Grove, WA

Tied to power subsidies

With all that is said and written about rising energy prices, the elephant in the room is the return on investment for the energy companies.

When the states sold their energy responsibilities to external providers, the net result is that in some form the consumer, the electorate, pays.

Without taking back control of the entire energy production and distribution system, there’s not any chance of improvement in the future. All governments can provide is ongoing subsidy to consumers, and we’re still paying.

John Curnow, Tanunda, SA