Indigenous element makes sense in some subjects but not all

As a recent law school dean, to me the reports about Macquarie Law School come as no surprise (“Political preaching defeats the purpose of law course”, 21/3). On the Council of Australian Law Deans there has long been a push to have an Indigenous element in every subject as a condition of accredita­tion.

There are subjects where that makes sense, but others in which it makes no sense at all. Instead, at the University of Queensland, we sought to encourage discussion in every relevant subject of how technology might assist or transform legal practice in that area. Technology is having a huge impact on the profession and will directly impact students’ job prospects. What a law school prepares its students for matters. It is right for Macquarie’s students to be worried that they are not being prepared well.

Patrick Parkinson, emeritus professor, TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland

There is nothing new in some university lecturers demeaning students on matters of privilege: it has just got a lot worse.

I recall in the 1970s at a Group of Eight university where my physics lecturer consistently awarded more marks to my laboratory partner for identical work and co-authored reports.

Apparently I was privileged, having grown up in the eastern suburbs (despite being the granddaughter of Italian migrants) while my partner was from the western suburbs and hence he was deserving of greater marks.

It was rubbish then and it is rubbish now, and demeans the concept of a university.

Joanna Wriedt, Eaglemont, Vic

I have a mixed reaction to the articles of Damien S and Chloe B about the Macquarie University law faculty: dismay at the intransigent politicisation of some course content and admiration for the literacy skills of these two students, not to mention their decision to speak up, albeit under pseudonyms forced on them by the apparent intolerance of dissent on the part of some course conveners.

Helen Jackson, Higgins, ACT

Belt-tightening vital

Many of your readers will be nodding their heads in agreement with Adam Creighton, who warns of the painful adjustment that lies ahead for laid-back Australia once our iron ore revenues subside and the extravagance of our public spending on the National Disability Insurance Scheme and other out-of-control social welfare money programs is brought into stark relief (“Voters sick of spending rot, but pollies don’t listen”, 21/3).

It would take a national leader with powers of persuasion and oratory well beyond the talent currently available to win an election on a platform of national belt-tightening, although as the survey conducted by the Institute of Public Affairs bears out, that is precisely what we need, and what most Australians almost certainly recognise.

Better to do it now, surely, than wait like Argentina until the nation is virtually broke before sounding the alarm.

Peter Austin, Mount Victoria, NSW

Economy’s engine

That private enterprise is the engine room of the country and the only source of funds for the government is something lost on our esteemed leaders, with their pie-in-the-sky schemes and lack of oversight – think of the NDIS, renewables and Snowy Hydro, just for starters.

And as far as small business is concerned, we started with two loans, worked from 6am to 10pm, giving each other two hours off in the afternoons, and didn’t employ staff until we got rid of one of the loans.

Admittedly, we were young then but that is a pretty common story for most family-run businesses. When the private sector is booming, then so does the country. But with so many businesses being put into receivership on the rise, apparently the Labor government knows better and blames the private sector. Nothing to do with it or the unions.

Glenys Clift, Toowoomba, Qld

NDIS ‘surprise’

As Gomer Pyle might say, surprise, surprise, surprise (“NDIS gravy train for middlemen”, 21/3).

It should come as no surprise to read that some operatives within the NDIS have been riding a gravy train for quite some time now.

Surely the bells, whistles and red flags should have raised concerns about an organisation whose funding levels are in the same realm as the defence budget. Our defence budget could use some additional funding at the present time.

Mike Flanigan, Wellington Point, Qld

Correction

A report headlined “NDIS gravy train for middlemen” (21/3) included an incorrect estimate by Dr James Fitzpatrick of fees for NDIS plan managers. The NDIS’s December quarter 2024 report says plan managers were paid $158m in that quarter for plan management services.