University could use a refresher course on academic freedom

University could use a refresher course on academic freedom

I read with interest Tim Dodd’s article reporting that the University of Melbourne ranks 14th in the eyes of the QS 2024 World University Rankings (“Rankings don’t tell the full story about universities”, 28/6). This was made even more interesting alongside Holly Lawford-Smith’s article, which highlighted the path­etic response from the hierarchy of the same university to the appalling campaign against her (“Uni’s abuse of trust transgresses right of academic freedom”, 28/6). This prompts me to ask if the vice-chancellor and friends have any idea of the basic functions of a university. Perhaps he could also encourage the protesters to consider the privileged position they have in a privileged society.

John Colebatch, Kelso, NSW

I look forward to reading a response from University of Melbourne vice-chancellor Duncan Maskell to the claims of gender-critical feminist associate professor Holly Lawford-Smith. The provost of the university, Professor Nicola Phillips, also should be given a right of response as account­abilities of the provost include “creating a diverse com­munity of scholars while supporting academic staff in advancing innovations in teaching and learning”.

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW

After reading the Holly Lawford-Smith article I was shocked by the university office bearers’ indolence in this matter. Peaceful and non-threatening behaviour is the only acceptable way to protest in a democracy. If the actions of a few are allowed to fester and grow then they will be emboldened to go further with their protest that will surely involve injury or death to their targets.

Craig Walker, Darling Point, NSW

Light on reliability

The commentary surrounding our race to renewable energy clearly seems to concern only daylight hours. Flying out of Sydney airport after the sun has set is a beautiful but head-on collision with reality. The electricity demands of Sydney airport alone are staggering – as I look at the night sky filled with nothing but lights, the insatiable demand for reliable, baseload electricity hits home. As many have stated, we are sleepwalking into an energy abyss if we think renewables can even come close to meeting our 24/7 electrical grid appetite.

There is no leadership in this sector, only hollow promises, evangelistic fervour, falsehoods and subsidies that hide an epic failure in ideology. The hubris in this critical, non-negotiable, most essential part of our day-to-day lives is delusional.

Simon Fox, Mollymook, NSW

The Albanese government is refusing to let up in its push to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (“Firms to track and tell all on emissions”, 28/6). Its latest move is to decree that from mid-2024 it will be compulsory for Australia’s biggest companies to begin tracking and disclosing their carbon emissions and those of their clients and suppliers, with smaller businesses to follow three years later. Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the mandatory climate disclosure rules are the next step in the government’s commitment to ensuring Australia’s businesses provide more information and greater transparency on how they are responding to climate change and contributing to the net-zero transformation. Having to comply with the disclosure code will be very difficult and very expensive for businesses, resulting in potential loss of productivity which, in turn, will put workers’ jobs at risk and contribute to an economic slowdown.

The Albanese government is chipping away at the viability of our vital industries and businesses in an attempt to turn its obsession with reaching net zero into a reality.

Dale Ellis, Innisfail, Qld

In addition to the reasonable commentary about the deficiencies of renewable energy, it needs to be pointed out that the only truly renewable sources of energy currently available in abundance are those that involve the combustion of hydrocarbons, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This gas is then reabsorbed by plant matter on Earth, especially trees, producing a new source of carbon as fuel to repeat the cycle. Wind and solar energy do not meet the definition of renewable energy; they are intermittent and unreliable, depending on mostly non-recyclable solar panels and wind turbines, massive battery storage, vast networks of transmission lines and a scarred landscape.

Peter Davidson, Ashgrove, Qld

I understand physics, maths and biology, and have taught them all. I have worried for four decades that our relentless burning of fossil fuels would dangerously warm the world. And, exactly as many of us feared, the planet is now visibly and rapidly warming. To make the situation worse, species are disappearing at hundreds or even thousands of times the typical background rate, thanks to habitat loss and warming. Humans are amazing and if we really commit to saving ourselves we might still pull it off.

Lesley Walker, Northcote, Vic