Nationals’ fracture can be interpreted as democracy at work

Paul Kelly articulates how a fractured nation leads to fractured politics (“Hurt Joyce undermines the leader-lite McCormack”, 14/2). But it is no cause for alarm; it represents democracy at work. Furthermore, the challenge is felt across all parties and it is more an issue for Labor, as evidenced by a significant right faction that is closer to the Nationals on energy policy than with its green-left faction.

Kelly correctly places climate change at the cutting edge of the dilemma. But he is wrong to distinguish moral terms from cost and price issues. There is nothing more moral than aiming to provide employment and affordable energy for all, and both targets still require improvement.

Ron Hobba, Camberwell, Vic

When discussing Macbeth with my Year-12 English students, it proves helpful to give them real-life examples of the fatal flaw. Barnaby Joyce has proved to be a reasonable modern-day example. “Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand yet let that be, which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.”

Following his recent repayment of Banquo’s loyalty (Damien Drum, also his assistant minister at the time Joyce’s personal life was creating untenable situations for his party) by undermining his endorsement as Deputy Speaker, Joyce has moved beyond Hamartia and now exemplifies the worst of Machiavelli who said: “Politics have no relation to morals.”

Louise McEwan, Sedgwick, Vic

Industrial subtext

The submarine project is a very expensive undertaking — one that was meant to strengthen Australia’s industrial capacity (“Short-changing taxpayers on Shortfin Barracuda subs”, 14/2). The revelation that there is no legal requirement for the French contractor to meet a specified degree of local involvement is a most concerning issue. If there was a problem, it should have been identified early for all to know. Now it seems to almost defeat the purpose of a local building program.

There are serious questions to be answered by those involved in the decision making. The issue must be addressed forthwith — even if some renegotiation is required as mere promises are insufficient. The Australian taxpayer is owed that.

Michael Schilling, Millswood, SA

Sporting waste

The amount of money spent on sport in this country is obscene compared to the amount spent on several other needier issues (“Gold-medal spending but it’s not on athletes”, 14/2). Elite sportsmen and women put Australia on the international map usually for a relatively short time and, while we cheer their success, they soon drift into obscurity.

Unlike elite scholars, they don’t ever contribute financially to the money spent on them. Many sportsmen and women go on the earn good money, none of which repays taxpayer funding for their training and performance days.

Officials involved with the administration of many sports must also be reduced in numbers and their big salaries reduced.

Ken Johnston, Rochedale South, Qld

Most people’s first exposure to sport is at primary school. While only a small percentage will become elite performers it is hoped that students will continue to participate in sport and physical activity.

It would make sense to invest in primary physical education teachers, support school sport and allocate sufficient time to the subject — PE in the primary school rather than pay consultants and recruitment companies As a retired PE teacher I have experienced and seen the lack of support PE teachers receive, the diminished time for the subject in primary schools and the demise of inter-school sport.

Caroline Brooks, Indooroopilly, Qld