University professor sets an example for other academics

Professor Peter Morgan is to be congratulated and should be supported in his courageous stance against the reported aggression and racism of the pro-Palestinian ranters on the University of Sydney campus (“ ‘Menacing anti-Semites in fake keffiyehs’: professor with courage his uni is missing”, 17/5).

His courage is commendable in comparison to others in authority who are appearing pusillanimous in the face of this threat that has no place on a university campus and that amounts to intimidation of Jewish students and teachers by protesters in phony keffiyehs.

As Henry Ergas writes elsewhere, freedom to speak imposes no obligation to listen (“La Trobe’s ‘compelled listening’ an assault on the academic ethos”, 17/5). The disruption of academic programs to this end is an affront to the academic ethos.

Ian Dunlop, Hawks Nest, NSW

Professor Peter Morgan shows the way as a true exemplar of all that university education stands for and is meant to be. The inimitable Henry Ergas, in his column, stands head and shoulders above the ignorant baying mob with his scholarly analysis and erudition.

These are sad times when vice-chancellors sacrifice the welfare of students and staff in favour of the baying mob roaming the campuses. Worse, they seem to be blind to their legal obligations to their staff and students.

Leni Palk, Unley, SA

If university chancellors continue to allow the anti-Jewish protesters to disrupt and intimidate those attending lectures, perhaps those peacefully attending the lectures could give the protesters a rousing rendition of Advance Australia Fair. That should drown out some of the drivel they are being subjected to.

Yvonne Crane, Killarney Heights, NSW

Relief beyond belief

There is obvious anger at the Albanese government’s rolling out of an across-the-board $300 handout for power relief.

People cannot fathom why millionaires, billionaires and the generally well-off households are getting a handout they don’t need.

Everybody has forgotten about another much larger group who have no right to it as well – the hundreds of thousands of households that have solar power on their roofs, households like mine. I installed solar when the top feedback rebate was available.

Since then, my bills have always been small or in credit with my power provider. I am currently in credit for $2200. It was much higher before power prices took off under this government.

In addition to the Albanese government’s $300 gift, the Miles government is going to top that up with another $1000 for Queenslanders, bringing my power credit up to $3500.

If this is the best plan Labor governments can come up with for helping people doing it tough, then there is no hope for them.

Shane Porter, Elanora, Qld

Gas conundrum

It took the courage of federal Resources Minister Madeleine King to break with the prevailing groupthink in drawing up a new gas strategy for Labor (“Anti-gas Greens bad for nation”, 17/5).

It suggested a complete reversal of Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s opposition to gas, even as a transition fuel. In parliament, days later, Labor failed its first test by capitulating on the fast-tracking of offshore gas.

There’s now no reason to believe Bowen will include gas in the Capacity Investment Scheme. Not even the potential loss of more manufacturing industry will see meaningful change.

Labor is, and will always remain, conflicted about gas in the energy transition. Action speaks louder than words.

Jennie George, Mollymook, NSW

Court decision

The recent Federal Court decision allowing Australian coal and gas projects to be approved without considering their emissions’ environmental impact might paradoxically benefit the environment (“Court win for coal, gas sparks green fury”, 17/5).

We need to bear in mind that assessing emissions of a project in isolation overlooks the broader environmental consequences if the project is not pursued.

For instance NSW, a significant natural gas consumer, has opted not to develop local gas resources, instead importing gas from other states.

Moreover, the state is now constructing a liquefied natural gas import terminal at Port Kembla to bring in gas from overseas. This imported gas carries a much higher emissions footprint compared with locally produced natural gas.

Ignoring the full spectrum of emissions consequences arising from energy projects could ultimately lead to worse environmental outcomes.

A holistic assessment strategy is crucial for the emergence of genuinely sustainable environmental stewardship.

Don McMillan, Paddington, Qld