Questions to answer for a successful Yes vote for the voice

Greg Craven suggests that for the voice to succeed it must have support from across the political divide (“Voice far from won outside the centre-left bubble”, 14/11). His stated mission – and rallying call to his fellow travellers – is to work in the parliament “to win the undecided, uninformed and unconvinced” to the Yes case, and he likes that the proposal is to be delayed until 2023-24 to try to make the double majority necessary to win as “bombproof as possible”.

He is correct in his final assessment that many will vote No out of uncertainty and confusion. Uncertainty that the voice will improve the lives of those in remote communities in any event, and confusion as to why there is a proposition to divide Australians on the basis of race. Satisfy those concerns and they’re on a winner.

Kim Keogh, East Fremantle, WA

Diabetes dilemma

Natasha Robinson’s article on the surging incidence of diabetes (“Doctors issue crisis call over diabetes surge”, 14/11) highlights the underlying problem of the obesity epidemic.

A look at any crowd photo of 50 years ago reveals that fewer than 10 per cent were overweight. Comparative figures for Australia are now 67 per cent (70 per cent for males and 55 per cent for females). Disturbingly, the obesity epidemic is starting at an earlier age, with as many as 50 per cent of young adults and 28 per cent of children overweight.

The simple explanation is reduced physical activity and increased calorie intake. And the only developed country without this problem is Japan, which retains its traditional diet and lifestyle. We are less inclined to walk anywhere, climb stairs, or participate in sports, our time being increasingly consumed sitting in front of electronic devices.

The health benefits of reduced smoking are now being undermined by obesity, with its associated problems of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Life expectancy has improved enormously over 50 years, but is already starting to fall.

The simple solution is not strange diets, pills or surgery, it is to eat less and exercise more.

Dr Graham Pinn, Maroochydore, Qld

ABC of social media

Noting that “by far the highest incidence of workplace health and safety incidents at the ABC over the past year has occurred as a direct result of interaction with social media including Twitter” and that the ABC has felt it necessary to appoint a “social media wellbeing adviser” contributing to the increased cost of staffing, as well as the organisation’s insurance policies (The Diary, 14/11), surely the cost-free solution for staff who feel “unsafe” is to pull the plug and close their account.

Just think of all the time they’ll save. But the downside of course is Aunty would then need to recruit a FOMO therapy team ­leading at yet more cost for the taxpayer.

K. MacDermott, Binalong, NSW

Popcorn movie

I’m sure Cate Blanchett is a wonderful actor again in her new film Tar (“The power of Cate’s passion, and vice versa”, 14/11). However, the world is so full of anxiety and pain that when I go to the movies, all I want is pure entertainment to take me away from the daily reality. I don’t want to be drawn into a world of challenging issues. There are enough of those around us every day.

Robyn Manoy, Darling Point, NSW

Fit for a queen

In response to David Morrison (Last Post, 14/11), the Queen herself, in February 2022, publicly declared her wish that Camilla should be officially known as the Queen Consort (not Queen Camilla) when Charles became king. Prince Philip was offered the title of Prince Consort in 1954, seven years after marrying the Queen, but declined, preferring to be known as the Duke of Edinburgh. He became prince of the UK in 1957. Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, was named Prince Consort in 1857, 17 years after they married.

Roseanne Schneider, Toowoomba, Qld

Cricket tragics

Congratulations are in order for the English T20 world cricket champions. Deepest commiserations to the Pakistani team which battled its way into the final only to be beaten by what was a better side all throughout the competition (“Stokes delivers innings for the ages”, 14/11).

It is with regret to say that I enjoyed the series more once Australia was eliminated. In the lead-up to the championships and throughout, the Australian team never looked settled or as if they were enjoying the game.

On the other hand, how refreshing was it to see the positivity of all of the other teams. They seemed to be enjoying the experience of playing in the T20 World Cricket Championships even in defeat. The various Australian cricket teams need to work on improving their image. At the moment they are playing and carrying on like a bunch of spoiled, privileged schoolboys.

Peter D. Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic