Victorians can’t turn blind eye to Andrews QDOS revelations

Victorians can’t turn blind eye to Andrews QDOS revelations

Revelations about secretive Covid vaccine polling by the Labor-aligned QDOS shows a shameful agenda by the Andrews government during the pandemic (“Daniel Andrews’ office ordered secret surveys on Covid vaccine rollout”, 8-9/7). Veteran ALP operative John Armitage boasted how easy it was for the government’s Behavioural Insights unit to clandestinely survey to “squeeze, pump and stir” public opinion to achieve its political ends. It is quite alarming how easily it is for a government to fool most of its people. Hopefully, a royal commission into the Victorian government’s shameful handling of the Covid-19 pandemic will take the blinkers from public perception and help address the Stockholm syndrome virus that has infected the majority of Victorian voters for the past three years.

John Bell, Heidelberg Heights, Vic

Even with hindsight, it’s unlikely Daniel Andrews will be concerned about the way he handled the Covid-19 pandemic in Victoria. Melbourne endured one of the harshest and longest lockdowns in the world, and more than 800 people died, allegedly because of hotel quarantine, for which no one was responsible. Police raided a woman’s home and arrested her in front of her children, they forced a woman walking down the street to the ground, they dragged another from her car. Vaccine passports were implemented. People died in hospitals and were buried without their loved ones present. Residents were not allowed to return home because of border closures. Because of the fear and ignorance pervading at the time, I can understand why most Victorians turned a blind eye to what was happening, but I cannot understand why he remains Premier today.

Ross McDonald, Gordon, NSW

Peter van Onselen (“A royal commission into Covid can’t wait”, 8-9/7) has succinctly and strongly spelt out the reasons why there must be a royal commission into the handling of the pandemic. While our leaders seem to be focused on other matters, surely someone will realise the two years endured by most Australians deserves closer scrutiny. I am thoroughly appalled that the large and small governmental responses to the pandemic seem to have been totally erased from the rear-view mirror of our elected leaders of all persuasions, while royal commissions have been quickly called and held on less significant matters. The pandemic policies impinged on the individual rights of every Australian: young or old, at home or overseas. We can still see the disruption to business and the economy simply by walking down any high street of any town. And our elected leaders dither about with matters that may or may not be sorted before the next pandemic strikes.

Glenda Ellis, Drummoyne, NSW

Enough of the politics

Gemma Tognini has a wonderful ability of getting to the nub of an issue (“Enough partisan talking, people want real action”, 8-9/7). Both John Howard and Bob Hawke had that same ability to cut through. Strangely, when I read so-called political science or listen to colleagues espousing left- or right-wing political banter, I say, what do the people in Penrith think or care? Hour upon hour, day after day of political overkill is of no real interest at all. But if cost of living is hurting my family, I want something done about it and whether it’s right, left or centre I couldn’t care less. Just fix it. So thank you, Gemma, for your common sense and always interesting insights.

Ian Murray, Cremorne Point, NSW

Gemma Tognini, in referring to her recent time in Israel and Italy, wrote: “There, the focus is on what lives and communities look like; how much better off they are. In Australia it often feels like the partisan classes are happy to see it all go up in flames so long as it’s their team lighting the match.” Spot on. Thank you, Gemma.

Peter Clarke, Corinda, Qld

After reading Gemma Tognini’s article, I think it must represent the views of 75 per cent of the population whatever political party they may support. I have one suggestion: make copies of this article and send one to each and every MP sitting in that great big house in Canberra.

Alan Wilson, Narrabeen, NSW

Languishing language

Bernard Salt’s ode to powerful language and the compelling and eloquent language of older versions of church liturgy recall other wonderful words, now largely archaic, but appearing in other guises (“My Catholic upbringing introduced me to Latin, and some of the most powerful language”, 8-9/7).

For example, the word “abhor” in the Te Deum: “Thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb … ”, is generally unused these days except for its adjective, “abhorrent”. Likewise, that marvellous word, “cleave”.

From one word aficionado and devotee of language to another, I salute you.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern, Vic