Will Albanese’s National Press Club address be remembered as a turning point for Australia (“Albanese’s chosen this moment to jettison his political caution. It’s a major gamble”, April 6)? He has openly embraced the urgency of starting to fix generational inequality. He has at last made a start on tackling gambling. If the coming budget shows he is serious about getting our own house in order despite, or perhaps because of, the threatening world environment, Australians will back him. These are the most dangerous times since World War II, with Trump, with climate change, with disinformation, with AI. We need to be able to believe in ourselves. Gary Barnes, Mosman
Karen Middleton seems to think PM Anthony Albanese has got the message that our system of taxation no longer works for us and needs significant change. Cynics might say we have known this since the Henry report was commissioned in 2008, but virtually nothing has been done about it since. Most conjecture has been about possible changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing but, after recent events in Iran, hopefully more attention will be given to the report published last year by the Productivity Commission on cheaper, cleaner energy. As the Grattan Institute has repeatedly noted, by far the best way to achieve this is via a carbon price. We know it works because emissions fell by 2 per cent while the tax existed, and its repeal cost the budget $7 billion over four years. Now is truly the time for Albanese to bite the bullet. Peter Nash, Fairlight
Karen Middleton might be onto something. It does sound like Albanese has taken the decision to make some much-needed changes. People are hurting, and the government knows what has to be done, but it’s almost like it needs our permission to act despite the overwhelming majority it won at the last election. Given how the world, led by Donald Trump, has dealt us so many blows, it’s really now or never. Make the changes. There is no organised opposition to worry about obstructing progress, just a bunch of blowhards whose only message is about hate and blame. It’s now or never. Geoff Nilon, Mascot
The males out
The Labor Party, like all political outfits, has different masters pulling different strings (“Labor gender rules could force cull of male MPs”, April 6). Gender equality in parliament is a laudable aim, but then you have to ensure enough appointees sanctioned by the union movement and then factor in those whose leanings are to the left or right. I hope that, at the end of the day, the best candidates are selected to fill the positions, not just people who just tick the right boxes. Ross MacPherson, Seaforth
Thinking of becoming a member of parliament? Well, if you’re male, to meet rules, given how many old blokes hold Labor seats, cross-dressing may be your best strategy. Seriously, though, I know well two young men, both of whom harboured marvellous potential to become great statesmen, who have reluctantly put aside their aspirations because they see no opportunity. Once again, the oldies cut the youth off at the ankles. What a waste. Andrew Cohen, Glebe
Loyal flush
Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem lived in a fool’s paradise, believing they could satisfy a malignant narcissist (“Sucking up to Trump will always be a losing battle. Just ask Pam and Kristi”, April 5). As attorney general, Bondi had the impossible task of destroying Donald Trump’s political foes and protecting him from the Epstein files fallout. She failed, of course, and was sacked. As secretary of homeland security, Noem made the mistake of falsifying the facts clumsily, embarrassing her master and stealing too much of the limelight, so she was also sacked. Both discovered that selling their souls for Trump was just the entry fee to his church. Loyalty to him is sine qua non, but it’s not reciprocal. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, it seems Trump sycophants believe that worshipping at his altar equates to job security. I expect that Bondi and Noem’s replacements will have the same delusion and find themselves under a bus one day too. It seems the MAGA camp has an endless supply of unqualified nincompoops. Graham Lum, North Rocks
The loss of two American jet fighters over Iran, despite Trump’s claims that the US has unrivalled air superiority, will probably prompt him to sack his entire war cabinet and replace them with people he has complete trust in (“Trump’s desperation shows as he demands Iran ‘open the f—in’ strait’“, April 6). Using the same logic as previous appointments, his chauffeur could lead the US Air Force, the Mar-a-Lago gardener could take over strategic planning, his lawyer could become head of the war economy and his family could serve as liaisons with the weapons manufacturing industry. These new high-level appointments would surely provide the confidence and assurance that the American people need at this time. Patrick McGrath, Potts Point
So, Donald Trump is threatening Iran’s power supplies (“Trump sets 48-hour deadline before ‘all hell’ in Iran”, April 6). Who does he think he’s going to hurt by cutting off power to millions of people who have no ability to influence a regime that has already shown indifference to the deaths of its citizens? If he were serious about regime change, it would mean a ground offensive targeting the Revolutionary Guard and the other leaders, not attacking innocent people who can’t do anything to influence regime change. Lee Cook, Orange
Pope Leo has denounced the war, acts of injustice and the isolation of peoples (“Pope Leo urges world not to grow numb to war”, April 6). As both head of the Catholic Church and with a BSc in mathematics, he is uniquely qualified to lecture Trump on sin. Jeremy Brender, West Richmond (SA)
Childcare folly
Your feature on childcare highlights a glaring contradiction in government policy: a desperate scramble for votes and workforce participation at the direct expense of the next generation’s wellbeing (“How many hours of childcare is best for kids?“, April 6). For those in the early childhood industry, the research cited isn’t “new” but rather a confirmation of what is observed every day. Infants and toddlers do not thrive by being “parked” for 40 hours a week in institutional care. They thrive on the presence of parents, extended family and the intimate social bonds that form the bedrock of mental growth. While the government prides itself on “relieving” parents of childcare responsibilities to chase a double income or “self-actualisation”, they are trading long-term social cohesion for short-term economic metrics. It is a backward strategy. If the next generation suffers, any “solution” bought with taxpayer-funded subsidies is a failure. We don’t need more money tossed at the symptoms of a broken system. We need economic management that values the family unit over labour statistics. Back to the drawing board, government. Chris Rivers, Port Macquarie
Why does the conversation about childcare consistently avoid acknowledging the elephant in the room – that separating mothers and babies from a young age benefits industrial profits rather than people? Human beings are mammals, biologically wired for mother-baby interaction and connection in the first year of life and beyond. If Australia wants to be a society, not just an economy, we would be emulating countries with policies that enable more parents to be the primary carers in the early years without suffering financial or career penalties. Nicole Jameson, Figtree
Let’s nurse the verse
As a lifelong lover and collector of verse, I thoroughly enjoyed George Brandis’ exploration of the passion for poetry of some notable past MPs (“Can poetry help our politics? There was a time in Australia when it did”, April 6). So, what is poetry? In trying to define it, TS Eliot argued that it could not be “fixed in a formulated phrase”. Carl Sandburg thought of poetry as “a synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits”, whereas Wordsworth saw it as “emotion recollected in tranquillity”. WB Yeats asks “how can we know the dancer from the dance?” while the great war poet Wilfred Owen felt his work was “in the pity”. For mine, and clearly for George and the erudite politicians he discusses, poetry so often conveys significant issues of the moment in the most insightful and arresting manner. Ron Sinclair, Windradyne
EV battery blues
The current boost in sales of hybrid and electric vehicles has a downside (Letters, April 6). On a recent visit to Fiji we took a taxi to see the stunningly beautiful surroundings. Being a “car buff”, I was struck by the number of discarded hybrid vehicles left to rot in people’s gardens and fields, as seen from our rather battered Toyota Prius, which is the popular taxi choice and the model typically dumped in Fiji. Our helpful taxi driver said that new batteries cost “three grand”, which was unaffordable, so the old cars were just abandoned. As Fiji has no hope of setting up a recycling plant on its own, it would be a welcome gesture if Australia could help them in properly disposing of such vehicles, and at the same time gain knowledge as to disposal of the highly toxic EV batteries, as this will be an increasing problem here when such vehicles reach the end of their useful lives. Lance Dover, Pretty Beach
Welcome back, Ross
Ross, along with your family and friends, your devoted Herald readers are thrilled to know you have survived your close encounter with death (“Herald legend spent 44 days in ICU and almost died. This is his story”, April 6). Perhaps along with many fellow devotees I was assuming you were off enjoying a well-deserved retirement, or at least semi-retirement. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. Your story of your hospital stay shows you have writing skills quite separate from your ability to make economic gobbledygook comprehensible to regular folk. I reckon there would be many Ross Gittins fans who would be keen to read more about your recent experiences and ongoing rehab. Good on you for singing the praises of our priceless health system, which is all too often criticised and taken for granted. Margot Vaccari, Berowra
Ross Gittins estimated it cost “a massive sum” to save his life. It was worth every cent, and more. Along with the other millions of people who read the Herald, I’m looking forward to more economic pearls of wisdom served up on the shell of common sense. What an ordeal, Ross. We’re so grateful you made it. Elisabeth Goodsall, Wahroonga
So sad to hear about the plight of Ross Gittins, but what an incredible story. Although he is peerless as an economics journalist, he could also pass for an expert in health and medicine. When I was an economics teacher, I relied on his columns in the Herald for lesson preparation and also encouraged the students to read his work as difficult concepts were explained so well, and with humour. I met him at a conference once and found him to be a most engaging conversationalist. I am sure we all wish him well in his recovery. Brian Parker, Terrigal
Ross Gittins’ laugh-aloud narrative style reveals his brain cells are still in good health. On a personal level, this Baby Boomer noted a tooth infection had started all his troubles. Having recently spent a sizeable chunk of my children’s inheritance having my teeth checked, fixed and, yes, beautified, any shred of guilt has disappeared. Cheryl Wilson, Crows Nest
I was shocked to read of Mr Gittins’ illness, gladdened that he is on the mend and proud of our nurses and doctors in the public health system. This is one taxpayer who is more than happy to pay a Medicare levy if it means we can all expect the level of care and compassion afforded to Mr Gittins. May his health continue to improve and his wonderful writing never diminish. Rowena Penniment, Earlwood
No AI in team
As a senior citizen, most of my friends and acquaintances find computers a complete mystery (Letters, April 6). My basic computer literacy stems from a part-time job I once had where use of a computer was a necessity. And I discovered that the basic skills could be mastered by someone with average intelligence. You only have to peruse the contributions to social media to realise that. My message to those who feel left out would be that you, too, can participate, with a bit of brief tuition and a lot of experimentation in your leisure time. Us oldies have plenty of that. A new and exciting world awaits, just grasp it while you still have your marbles. Derrick Mason, Boorowa
Businesses are investing heavily in AI, but does it help the customer? In an attempt to avoid long and tedious waits on the phone to make a query, I have tried “virtual assistants” and “live chats” on several occasions, to no avail. The responses tend to be circular if the query is beyond their basic comprehension, and responses such as “I am still trying to understand humans” only increases the frustration. At least a conversation with a living human (even if they are in another country) usually resolves the problem. Judith Campbell, Drummoyne
Farce and furious
I support the thoughts on One Nation from Trevor Somerville (Letters, April 6). However, One Nation must not be seen as a political force, but a political farce. Robyn Lewis, Raglan
A wee spot of bother
With a dodgy dunny on board, it’s lucky they don’t have upset stomachs, or the astronauts would be gastronaughts. Houston, we have a problem (“Lunar loo on the blink again as astronauts cross their legs and rocket towards the moon”, April 6)! Michael Deeth, Como West
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