Women’s agenda
Perhaps one reason the Coalition has failed to increase the proportion of female candidates in the House of Representatives (“Coalition lags on gender equality”, 22/3) is because most intelligent, capable women avoid the Liberal and National parties because they don’t like what either party stands for.
Phil Alexander, Eltham
Crippled by compromise
As a federal election nears, many people write of their disillusionment with the major parties and support for Independents, including the teals. I am in two minds about that.
My main concerns are how many are likely to get in, and who do they wish to displace. By electing too many, we risk electing a government crippled by the need to compromise.
That has been the fate of Italy. Ever since 1945, it has suffered an average of just over one government a year. Italy is often ungovernable. This has reduced it to mediocrity.
Jim Lamborn, Doncaster
Unbridled race to grow
Our unsustainable level of population growth is adversely affecting the democratic processes of local and state governments (“State accused of gaslighting on consultation for major projects”, 21/3). Residents and local governments are given very little say on how building projects will be developed in their area as heritage is bulldozed, gardens and streetscapes are destroyed to create high-density housing.
The quality of life for current and future generations appears not to be even considered in the race to “grow” as fast as possible.
Jennie Epstein, Little River
Short-sighted policies
The article on our reliance on imported gas (“Imported gas may be only option to plug east-coast supply shortages”, 22/3) is yet another reminder of short-sighted energy policies.
If we take this option, we are sinking billions into fossil-fuel imports that are expensive and ultimately unsustainable.
Why are we continuing to prioritise Band-Aid solutions over long-term energy security?
Julia Paxino, Beaumaris
Focus on what matters
Your image of the floating SpaceX capsule and the dolphin (“In space industry, no one can hear you scream”, 22/3) is so, so poignant. As we look to the heavens, it’s the land and water that really matters.
Barry Greer, Balnarring
Hunting’s many costs
As one of the 99.8 per cent not engaged in duck shooting (Letters 22/3), I don’t want to fund this destruction. But taxpayers shoulder more than a quarter of the state’s hunting costs.
According to the Game Management Authority website, their duck research includes multiple bird counts each year, analysis of the season’s cull, and computer modelling for the next season’s cull. They also put satellite transmitters on ducks, and X-ray ducks to get statistics on embedded shrapnel. Think of the savings if the premier did a U-turn on duck hunting.
Neil Wilkinson, Mont Albert
Toilet trauma
Your correspondent’s understandable frustration with the inaccessibility of the Melbourne Recital Centre’s toilet for those with disabilities (Letters, 22/3) is entirely understandable.
Given that, she should definitely not try to use the public toilets at the Royal Park Public Golf Course. Disability access toilets don’t exist! Despite time pressures, I’m sure the Melbourne City Council will undoubtedly have been planning to eventually make the toilets compliant with the standards enacted in 2010.
Greg Ker, Williamstown
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