We are offered poor choice in candidature for Prime Minister when there is only one candidate that can be properly judged. Conservative ideology and attitude is slowly but surely squeezing the life out of Scott Morrison and, in many aspects, our nation. So why is there doubt around Anthony Albanese? That’s politics I guess, but remember John Curtin was not considered dynamic or theatrical, but gave his all for the nation in WWII. We should never judge a book by its cover. Brian Jones, Leura
I do not think Scott Morrison is racist, but I do believe he was willing to use a racist argument for his own political gain (“Morrison accused of lying about denials he used race in bid for preselection”, April 5). I’m sure all those from the Lebanese community coming to his defence are honest in their appraisal of him, but again this is the outcome of a political calculation on his part. As outgoing Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells has argued, I see little evidence of a moral compass, just an “ends justify the means” approach to political life. Neil Ormerod, Kingsgrove
If Morrison did indeed make racist comments about his opponent, Michael Towke, why did the Liberal Party accept his views? Marina Garlick, Balmain
The question isn’t whether Morrison is racist. The question is whether he is ruthless enough to use race as a tool to advance his own interests. Various events over the course of his political career suggest the answer to that is yes. George Dodd, Canterbury
The Coalition, aware that it could be facing defeat, desperately appoints compatriots to positions of influence, with salaries completely obscene compared with aged care workers, child care workers and many other unsung heroes who struggle to make ends meet (“Goward heads list of Libs picked for tribunal gigs”, April 5). Another demonstration of this government’s misplaced priorities and the disrespect for those who actually do jobs that have a much larger responsibility and provide a more meaningful, necessary and valuable public service. Chris Gresham, Upper Lansdowne
Nothing like the smell of defeat to see the “real” Liberal Party, days out from an election being called. Laughable about them being better economic managers as they can’t stomach looking after Australians in aged care, but let’s stack a few government agencies with well-paid jobs for the mates. Wendy Atkins, Cooks Hill
If pub noise annoys then move on
Having lived two blocks from Five Ways and the Royal Hotel Paddington for almost 50 years it always amuses me how people complain about the pub (“Sydney nightlife returns, and so do noise complaints”, April 5). If you buy near a pub it comes with both benefits and problems but usually the closer you are the cheaper the real estate. The Royal is the heart of Five Ways, it brings the community together; it has provided employment to literally hundreds of young people from the area while at university (disclosure: including two of my sons); it supports local groups and school fundraising activities; and for the community punters the only TAB for blocks. Yes, there is noise and I get bottles and cans left on my fence; occasionally vomit and the inconsiderate customers talking on the top of their voices as they walk up the street but it also provides solace knowing there is life around. After two years of doom and gloom it’s a little piece vibrancy. I could go on but suffice to say it’s a vital part of our community and if you can’t handle the noise move out to the suburbs. Dorothy Harding, Paddington
After two long years (and still counting) of restrictions and lockdowns, and businesses on their knees, there are people complaining about music and the sound of others having a good time. The simple solution for the complainers is for them to move to the suburbs – away from venues that host live music and dancing. There they will have all the quiet they crave. Alice Khatchigian, Ermington
Show them the exit
Today we receive more evidence of war crimes committed by Putin’s invaders (“Satellite images contradict Russian claims, show bodies in Bucha for weeks”, smh.com.au, April 5). Last Tuesday Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland expelled dozens of Russian diplomats. The US followed by kicking out 12 “intelligence operatives.” Poland showed the door to 45 Russians suspected of espionage. Add Bulgaria, Latvia and Lithuania to that list. But our Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne is still thinking things over. We need to totally isolate these killers to truly support the brave Ukrainians. Mark Paskal, Austinmer
All war is a crime but the deliberate targeting of civilians is an abomination. Sanctions need to be shored up with action if Putin is to pull back. Genevieve Milton, Newtown
With friends like these
It’s a sick world we live in. India respects Russia’s invasion of Ukraine so it can save a few rupees on cheap oil (“India’s refusal to condemn Russia not an issue for Australia: Barry O’Farrell”, smh.com.au, April 5).
Australia respects India’s position, presumably so we can flog them a swag of free-trade produce. Barry O’Farrell likens our differing views on invasion, mass murder of citizens and devastating destruction of another country’s infrastructure to two friends tolerating different choices of footy teams or schools for their kids. What a disgusting example of Liberal-speak. Dave Watts, Avalon
Penalty own goal
Three payments made to victims of Dyson Heydon, paid not by Heydon but by the taxpayer (“Morrison government ensured secrecy over alleged victim payouts”, April 5). Then the government insists on secrecy. What is going on ? Why isn’t Heydon penalised ? Tony Redmond, Wyong
Winning attitude
All children should have the opportunity to play sport: nothing too organised; no large, fancy grounds just having fun with friends (“There’s more to sport than winning”, April 5). When I see boys and girls laughing, giving cheeky advice to friends as they play on the grassy verge outside their home it brings back happy childhood memories. Friendships made then have lasted a lifetime. Always make time for this. Developing skills and talent is another part of life when winning is the thing. Bea Hodgson, Gerringong
Many years ago a group of us aged in our early twenties, organised weekly after work softball and played with teams made up on the day – for fun. It was very much enjoyed by all until we were hijacked by someone who set up rules and strict regulations, so all of us folded and never played again. I still remember the disappointment and have never played organised sport since. Kris Mckeon, Cowra
EV ambition parked
I’m happy to admit I am an EV-evangelist when it comes to the future of transport, so you can imagine how saddened I was reading of Dr Akhil Gupta having to park his ambition to help save the planet and concentrate on saving lives, dumping his EV for a petrol car due to lack of supportive infrastructure (“EV charging fuels strata power struggle”, April 5).
Governments both state and federal have been adding to emissions by omission; full of hot air, all talk, no action on building the promised charging facilities necessary to transition, as usual, relying on people power. When I look at the way countries around the world are moving forward I am green with envy. Janet Argall, Dulwich Hill
Watered-down inquiry
Is the independent inquiry into Australia’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, funded by philanthropic sources, designed to pre-empt a full-blooded royal commission-style inquiry by an incoming Labor government (“New COVID inquiry must improve preparedness”, April 5)? This is a valid question seeing that the announced inquiry will be dominated by two former heads of commonwealth departments not previously renowned for providing fierce and robust advice to Coalition governments. The panel otherwise includes a leading businesswoman, the 2021 Young Australian of the Year and only one infectious diseases expert. Michael Frawley, Downer (ACT)
Re-location, location, location
In the early sixties Jindabyne was moved from a valley to higher ground to build a dam (“Heavy falls and floods likely to hit this week”, April 5). Could this be done to help the people of Lismore? Costly yes, but climate change is definitely with us and the future looks bleak for those living up in the Northern River’s area. Pat Allen, Lane Cove
All good, mate
Surprisingly, many don’t have difficulty with my name. They call me “mate” (Letters, April 5). Mustafa Erem, Terrigal
Third eye
My wife is a left-hander and like correspondents have related before, can write with both hands on the blackboard (Letters, April 5). My only trick was to put my glasses on the back of my head to keep an “eye” on the class as I wrote. Worked much better because I am bald. Phil Armour, Yass
Matter of time
Judy Hungerford only needs to wait till the end of June to realise her wish to wake with the sun at 7am (Letters, April 5). Peter Stuart, Carlingford
Why am I suffering full jet lag when the daylight savings changeover is a mere hour? I don’t care what our time zone is, but please don’t make me go through all of this twice a year. Margaret Grove, Abbotsford
Great buns
Long before those six variations of the humble hot cross bun came out of the collective ovens, nothing in the last 60-plus years will come close to those Arch McLachlan baked in his Mann Street, Gosford cake shop (“The big bun fight”, Good Food, April 5). Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
The digital view
Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au
Victory within Albanese’s grasp but Morrison still in the race
From Bertram Duster: ″Albanese as the leader of Australia, and the representative to the rest of the world? If you think Morrison is bad, Albanese will take it to new levels. We need someone with presence and ability, but my mind is drawing blanks on who that would be.″
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Politicians are leading us head-first into climate disaster
Source: Philippines Alive
