Unveil donors for integrity’s sake
There can be no excuse in these days of computerisation and instantaneous electronic banking transactions for political donations not to be logged and listed in real time (“Secret donors give a third of political cash”, January 31). Listing “shadowy enterprises” that conceal the true donors the year after an election is held shows that obfuscation and lack of transparency are the aim and more important than openness and integrity. Our independent MPs have tried to introduce bills to ensure truth during election campaigns and an independent integrity commission, but have been blocked by the Coalition. It’s time the major parties took a stand to show that integrity and honesty in government count. That certainly includes knowing who is funding candidates, in real time, and also whose money is funding politicians from “blind trusts”. Alan Marel, North Curl Curl
When a union donates to a political party it is in the hope they develop policies that improve conditions for all of their members and, by extension, all Australian workers. When a corporation donates to a political party, they hope they will develop policies that benefit their shareholders and management and possibly to strip rights from their workers to increase profits. Graeme Finn, Summer Hill
The Centre for Public Integrity makes clear how ineffective the requirements for political parties to disclose the source of donations are. These alarming statistics provide greater force to the argument for a federal independent body such as ICAC to oversee political activity. Mark d’Arbon, Chittaway Bay
In ancient Rome, bread and circuses were used to “influence” voting. Now it’s tax breaks (bread) and the media circuses that “influence” voting. We certainly have come a long way, haven’t we? Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga
All smoke and mirrors
Your correspondent (Letters, January 31) correctly attributes to “bureaucrats” the function of frequently changing language usage to create “an illusion of progress”. Too true but, as well, it includes the desire to create an impression of superior intellect, to confuse the public as to what they actually mean (as Sir Humphrey often pointed out) and, in the case of corporate bureaucrats (and they are as plentiful as their public counterparts), to often hide what they might really be up to. Eric Hunter, Cook (ACT)
Let language live
May this 86-year-old “former ambulatory sperm ejaculator” thank yesterday’s writers (Letters, January 31) for some common sense? I, too, grew up when anything to do with reproduction was “hush, hush” and no one in “respectable” households could even utter the word “pregnant”. My wonderful wife and I embraced “women’s lib” because it freed both sexes from the roles in which they had been imprisoned. John List, Picton
My copy of The Female Eunuch is still in the bookcase, a visit to a cinema is still “going to the pictures” and a trip to the beach includes “putting on blockout”. Echoing the sentiments of your correspondents, and inspired by Helen Reddy, let it be said, “I am Woman”. Lyn Langtry, East Ryde
I wonder how many kids will instinctively replace “I love you, Mum” with “I love you, birth-giver”? Arthur Cooper, Alstonville
I look forward to the chest stroke events in the swimming at the next Olympics. Alan Johnson, Seaforth
Ute beauty
The uptake of electric cars in Australia is not surprising (“Pedal to metal as EV uptake accelerates”, January 31). But it could possibly increase exponentially if the car makers would release an electric ute. If it was made in Australia, it would be even better. Build it and they will come! Michael Wheatley, Rock Forest
It comes as no surprise EV uptake is gathering speed. We had our road to Damascus conversion mid-2021 and there’s no looking back. My only fear is I may have become “that” person you don’t want to be placed next to at dinner. I just have to tell everyone just how wonderful EV ownership is. I try to ignore the eye roll when you mention the brand of car starts with a T. Good friends have started to give me that look when I launch into the sales pitch; my diary may soon involve nothing more than road trips. Janet Argall, Dulwich Hill
The carnivore is over
For many, the trend towards a vegetarian-dominated diet is fuelled by financial considerations or concern for environmental sustainability or the ethics of animal welfare (“Vets report cruelty in meat industry”, January 31). Each is a valid reason to review what’s served on the plate. Steve Dillon, Thirroul
States untied, not united
The idea that we are “the only continent on earth that is united as a single nation” (Letters, January 31) has been under more than a bit of strain during the past two years. If we are to become a republic, let’s first get rid of our anachronistic states, which have recently become so counterproductive to a united nation. Alynn Pratt, Grenfell
A drop in the ocean
All the fanfare surrounding the government’s $1 billion (over nine years) to “fund projects and research to protect the Queensland World Heritage site” of the barrier reef (Letters, January 31) would suggest it’s a huge amount of money. To mere mortals, it is. But it puts into perspective the purchasing power of $20 billion of JobKeeper funds still owing to taxpayers by hugely profit-making corporations. Think new hospitals, schools, welfare housing, rapid antigen tests, et cetera. So, why is the government not enforcing the repayment? It’s time. Kathleen Hollins, Northmead
Remembering Nan
I knew Nan Howard (Letters, January 31) from a different perspective, as a passionate advocate for the arts who ran the Camden Fine Art Gallery for many years. My visits to the gallery were always highlighted by lively discussions about the arts and the artists she represented (including daughter Sarah) and often culminated with me taking home yet another beautiful painting. I only became aware of her Christian views through her letters to the SMH. Renata Bali, Beechworth (Vic)
Big shout out
Quiet, smiling, polite, Ash Barty proved she was human after all with that primal scream. I hope Arthur Janov (author of The Primal Scream, now deceased) was listening. He must have heard it wherever he is. Peter Skrzynecki, Eastwood
Ash and Rafa: a marriage made in tennis heaven. Both are courageous champions, doused in dignity, and with the most engaging smiles. Thank you for a great weekend. Sally Spurr, Lane Cove
I predict Ashleigh will make an appearance among 2022’s most popular baby names. Vivienne Mackenzie, Port Hacking
Is it unAustralian of me not to have watched the tennis? Michael Deeth, Como West
The digital view
Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au
Rafa’s 21: Spanish great jumps clear of rivals with second Australian Open
From Cybertweety: “Novak – eat yer heart out! All of these 5.5hours made my day/nite !”
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Proposed teaching reforms must put the children first
Source: Philippines Alive
