Mob pursuit of George Pell was a modern witch hunt

Henry Ergas is right (“Pillars of Justice abandoned in mob pursuit of Pell”, 15/5). There is a sickness in the body politic, as shown in the extraordinary statement made by the Premier of Victoria following the unanimous High Court acquittal of George Pell.

The mob pursuit of Pell was nothing less than a modern witch hunt, the crazy search for a scapegoat, whether guilty or not. This holds dangers for everyone. All those who joined in ought to get down on their knees, pray for forgiveness and repent.

Furthermore, Pell should be compensated for 405 days in jail for an offence that he did not commit.

Peter Edgar, Garran, ACT

There are many reasons for subscribing to The Australian and Friday brought yet another reminder in the form of Henry Ergas’s contribution. Reading his writings is to wander the labyrinths of his mind and get a sense of the depth of knowledge and erudition that informs his commentary.

As I marvel, I also reflect and conclude that this is what those who spend their time on posting derivative things to social media miss out on — not just the reading of these pieces but the acquisition of the breadth of knowledge and insights to inform and enrich their lives.

Leni Palk, Unley, SA

Upside in Virgin bid

The Queensland government’s plan for a stake in Virgin is likely to be a politically winning bid by giving it a seat at the table with input into maintaining the airline headquarters in Queensland and access to two competitive airlines crucial to a state so dependent on tourism.

Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie identified the importance of Virgin to the Queensland economy for tourism and in helping to establish an aviation industry.

Protection of jobs will be the big political issue in the state election in October this year. The Virgin bid stakes a claim for this high profile political issue.

The Queensland government will not be running the airline, nor will the investment be made if the numbers do not stack up as the bid is in the hands of experienced QIC chief Damien Frawley. So the bid is a win whatever the result.

David Muir, Indooroopilly, Qld

Alarming statistics

Adam Creighton nails the hard numbers in relation to unemployment (15/5). Nobody with any connection with industry believes the 6.2 per cent unemployed figure. His revelation that 72 per cent of the nation’s 13.2 million workforce is now employed by all levels of government is a statistic that should alarm everyone.

This state of affairs is sustained by the institutional equivalent of Monopoly money. The worst effects of economic lockdown have not yet manifested themselves in official figures, in particular the building industry which will be the next domino to fall and flow all the way through the supply chain. Now people are allowed to emerge from hibernation, economic green shoots will germinate but it will be a small harvest indeed.

Ashley Georgeson, Adelaide, SA

The ideal league referee

The number of referees required to control a rugby league game has become a big issue. In my day, there was a sole custodian. However, being a halfback, I knew it was my duty to be his assistant. Shockingly, after the game not one referee thanked me. Very ungrateful.

If the refs go on strike, NRL chair Peter V’landys will know what to do. Appoint halfbacks to run the game. I know they would do it gratis. Of course, though retired (and because the AFL and rugby union are hibernating), I would be available to resume my former role, while in lockdown, in front of the TV.

I. Walsh, Aspley, Qld