Keating does himself no favours in attack on Britain

From the report in The Australian, Paul Keating has lost none of his bile in his dotage (“Keating rants at ‘deluded’ Britain”, 24/1). In one spray he has managed to criticise the Australian government, the UK government and a senior journalist, all because they don’t accord with his own view of the world, especially his rose-coloured view of China.

By comparison to the prime ministerial successes of his predecessor, Bob Hawke, and his successor, John Howard, perhaps he still harbours resentment at being thrown out of office after only one election win. After 26 years in retirement it’s time for him to maintain a dignified public silence.

Christopher Doogan, Malua Bay, NSW

There appears to be an “irrelevance” plague among former leaders. Apart from the element of rudeness to a visitor from a country with whom we need to do business, calling UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss’s comments about probable escalation of aggression from both China and Russia as “demented” makes me think Paul Keating’s head is firmly buried in the sand.

Elizabeth Jobson, Tamborine Mountain, Qld

Corporate chorus

The majority of Australian business leaders now believe the world is at a tipping point for action on climate change (“Act now on climate change: business”, 24/1). The 2022 Deloitte CxO Sustainability Report uncovered that almost all Australian companies have already been impacted by climate change.

Business leaders do, however, remain optimistic that humanity can still limit the impacts of climate change. This view aligns with the scientific consensus that we still have a window of opportunity to commence urgent action but emissions must drop sharply this decade.

Support from our Federal Government, which is stuck on a weak 26-28 per cent reduction target by 2030, remains the missing piece of the puzzle required for a successful transformation toward a better future for all.

Dr Amy Hiller, Kew, Vic

Grand slam

Why are fans banned from the Australian Open for asking, “Where is Peng Shuai?’ but journalists are free to ask exactly the same question (“Open shuts down spectators’ Peng protest”, 24/1)? According to Tennis Australia it is apparently a political question to ask about the welfare of a female tennis player in China. The police were quickly summoned to deal with these inflammatory T-shirt wearers and the threat they pose to an orderly society. Is this Melbourne or Beijing?

Jeremy C. Browne, Ripponlea, Vic

Tennis Australia is treading a fine line by banning clothes or signs that are “political” in nature. The Australian Open is its showcase tournament and it can do without conflicts in the stands that have occurred in the past. It is understandably concerned of a repeat of the tension in the lead up and during the Balkans war that translated to ugly scenes when players from states within a deeply divided Yugoslavia were seen by expat spectators as clarion carriers for their various grievances.

The Peng protest seems benign in comparison but TA is loath to relax its hard line. The broader question for Australia is whether it is comfortable that such freedom of expression will be similarly banned at the Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Kim Keogh, East Fremantle, WA

School of thought

Recently I was in a store and presented three items at $1.95 to the young lady at the till. I proffered $10. She started struggling with a calculator and I advised her the change was $4.15 and she asked how I knew the answer so quickly. I replied: 3 x $2 = $6 minus 15c equals $5.85. $10 – $6 equals = $4 plus 15c. She looked at me wistfully and said “I wish they had taught us that in school” (“Basic skills still crucial in era of ‘laptop learning’”, 24/1)

And therein lies the problem with schooling today; most teachers haven’t been taught the basics, so how on earth can they pass it on?

John Hunt, Northbridge, NSW

As a would-be musician striving for improvement for 70 years, I wish to add a small layer to Ruth Bonetti’s elegant thought (Letters, 24/1). “Perfection” can be achieved by computer-generated music, but it lacks one important feature, emotion! Emotion is at the heart of music.

I have heard the most beautiful music flowing from a 10-year old schoolgirl recorder pupil, trying her heart out to express the joy of it all. My overriding advice is, therefore, whatever you do, always play from the heart.

Gerry Power, Bowral, NSW

An insightful riposte by my friend’s child in response to her exhortation that “practice makes perfect” as he toiled away at the piano: “No, mum, practice makes permanent.”

Leni Palk, Unley, SA