Long past time for reform of the parliament’s broken entitlements

Irrespective of jurisdiction, of political stripe and whether the expense was “within the rules”, it is clear to taxpayers that parliament’s travel expense system remains broken. Whether they’re whale-watching, or taking helicopter flights, or flying family into Thredbo, or splurging in Paris and in New York, something’s gotta give.

It’s past time the travel expense system for politicians and public servants be no longer in-house but outsourced to the proper bureaucratic umpire that determines the eligibility (or otherwise) of work-related travel expenses – the Australian Taxation Office.

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW

Communications Minister Anika Wells certainly has some explaining to do with taxpayers following the revelation she has taken advantage of what appear to be pretty loose and generous travel provisions for our politicians. It’s not only Wells who should be rebuked, it’s the system put in place by those who take advantage of it.

Most of us, I think, would support our politicians travelling business class when carrying out official duties, certainly on overseas trips and domestically on flights over three hours duration. These practices are common in the private sector. We might exempt ministers from the three-hour criterion but not rank-and-file backbenchers and certainly not staff. As for accommodation, we could probably agree five-star for ministers, three or four-star for others.

John George, Kingsley, WA

Immigration bites

Despite the determination of the Labor government to pretend levels of immigration are not excessive, the Australian public thinks otherwise.

It is axiomatic that pressures on housing, transport and other infrastructure are clear signals that the country cannot sustain current levels of migrants. Apart from economic pressures, it is clear that the principles shaping the policy are increasingly being questioned. In former times skills were seen as of primary importance. Today, one could be forgiven for believing that this has been supplanted by ideological attachment to giving primacy to immigrants of war-torn or developing countries.

Vicki Sanderson, Cremorne, NSW

Truth and justice

There is little accountability or transparency in federal politics, as clearly outlined by Paul Kelly (“Nation deserves a moral reckoning”, 6-7/12). Politicians talk the big talk, as Anthony Albanese did before being elected, but once in government it’s all about denial and obstruction. The only brake on bad behaviour is the fear of having to face a parliamentary inquiry or royal commission if they lose government.

With its current majority in federal parliament the Labor government is not feeling this pressure and probably has assumed that it will be in power for at least another term. By that time the Higgins saga will be old news and, it hopes, mostly forgotten.

Peter McKenzie, Gracemere, Qld

Paul Kelly’s article reinforces most people’s take on truth and justice. This Labor government under Anthony Albanese will go down forever in history for sidestepping issues such as the Linda Reynolds and Fiona Brown cases. As Justice Michael Lee said, the alleged political cover-up was the “major motif”.

John Bicknell, Bargo, NSW

Power of forgiveness

Thank you to Greg Sheridan for such a powerful reflection (“ ‘I saw God’s face shine on him’: the family who chose to forgive”, 6-7/12). As Sheridan writes: “With uncommon faith and grace, Danny and Leila Abdullah have built something remarkable out of unimaginable grief.” Danny found the strength to visit the driver in prison and discovered that he had become a Maronite Christian, like them.

As Sheridan notes: “Danny and Leila have built something positive out of their tragedy” by creating the i4Give Foundation to “promote the central Christian message of forgiveness’’.

Among various beautiful other reflections, Leila says: “Forgiveness is for the forgiver more than for the forgiven.” If only our cynical and hardened world would heed the wisdom of Leila’s father, who told her: “When I heard you forgiving, that word will change the world.”

Kevin Burke, Sandringham, Vic

Blayney blues

The 30-year suppression order over evidence for the Blayney goldmine decision is extraordinary, strongly suggesting the project was blocked for spurious reasons, perhaps using cultural heritage as a “Trojan horse for environmentalism” (“Bee scandal hidden in a 30-year gag”, 6-7/11).

It seems the mining sector continues to suffer following Rio Tinto’s Juukan Gorge destruction in 2020. Protection of heritage sites poses a threat to the economy when coupled with environmental lawfare, potentially halting development.

John Kempler, Rose Bay, NSW