I totally agree that class inequality in housing is one of the most pressing issues for Australians and other parts of the world. The Labor and Liberal parties have ignored the issue since the late 1980s. Back then I saw various associates (who dabbled in the lower middle class) buy not one or two properties, but eight to ten each. It has been ignored for decades – no party has the guts to implement a one residential property per adult rule and a one commercial property per adult rule. It might sound like something called socialism (which it isn’t), which we might also rename “sharing.” It is not a question of abolishing personal property, but of limiting the extremes of property. Many more groups of permanently stranded tenants would be able to afford housing if many more properties were for sale. Reforming the dysfunctional economic system focused on indiscriminate expansionary growth would also help. Dumping the interior of the west for standing up for parks and the sanity and amenity of their surroundings is hardly the answer. There are many plans for Callan Park and there is already affordable housing that locals have fought to maintain for healthcare staff. The Inner West has the second-lowest ratio of green space per capita in the state. Ann-Therese King, Lilyfield
Callan ParkCredit:oscar colman
In light of today’s inequities in Indigenous housing, services, education, wealth and disadvantage, perhaps it’s time to reflect on the past when this nation was called the “Commonwealth of Australia”. This title must be the name and the aspiration of our country; common wealth, not the haves and the have-nots. Our political class and business leaders have lost sight of the fact that while we are a Commonwealth, we all have an interest and a desire for the good of all while pursuing our own desires. Once upon a time, all of our currency and government letterhead reinforced the notion of a Commonwealth. When did we become the indifferent Australia of today? Alex Maynard, round corner
Local action on the global stage
It’s refreshing to see a prime minister who admits that “elements of power that need to be expanded” include “aid” (“Global Warming Australia,” September 24). We now rank 22nd among OECD foreign aid donors. In contrast, a report released last week shows that Australians are the richest people in the world. Clay O’BrienMosman
Penny Wong, Minister of Foreign Affairs.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
We have an excellent Minister of Foreign Affairs in Penny Wong, and our Prime Minister also happens to be a natural diplomat. Establishing our credentials as a responsible global citizen on climate change has been crucial. If he’s already repositioning Australia in the world, it’s up to Anthony Albanese to be authentic, ready to genuinely engage and reduce stridency while projecting a tough stance. His vision of government at home can only be strengthened by this broader perspective. Margaret Johnston, Paddington
Anthony Albanese on the world stage, touting Australia’s climate credentials, reminds me of the children’s story The Emperor’s New Clothes. Although progress has been made with the passage of the new Climate Bill, the Prime Minister should not congratulate himself too much. The government remains committed to maintaining the status quo for our coal and gas exports, which account for millions of tonnes of global emissions each year. Hopefully this madness will be exposed at future international forums. Anne O’Hara, Wanniassa (ACT)
teacher lesson
That a permanent teaching position is described as lucrative speaks volumes about what is wrong with teaching in New South Wales (“Teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers”, September 24). Previously, one completed a teaching degree, applied to the department, interviewed, and if successful, was appointed to a school. Now, if you get a permanent date, you’re special. The best most graduates can hope for is casual work or a temporary contract. Try borrowing from a bank or even signing a lease with this on your request. A permanent job should not be considered lucrative. This should be the minimum offered. Bill Gillis, Point Hallidays
An elephant in the room regarding teacher dissatisfaction and teacher loss is student behavior and the reluctance of principals to do anything about it. And parents can be the worst: “My little angel wouldn’t do that.” The number of angels I have taught in 23 years would make a heavenly host. It wore me out, along with the grading, preparation and teaching load of an English/History teacher. I’m so glad I left when I did, and I haven’t seen a try in over 20 years. Genevieve Milton, Newtown
Ask questions now
It is now even more important to spread primary ethics to all school children (“TikTok is confusing our teenagers with fake news”, September 24) to arm them with the curiosity, critical thinking and ethical reasoning necessary to cut through misinformation passed on to vulnerable young minds. Any vulnerable mind at any age would benefit, I think. Helen Lewin, Tumbi Umbi
Save the royal expense
The Prince and Princess of WalesCredit:Getty Images
Many monarchists and others would welcome a visit from the new Prince and Princess of Wales next year (Letters, September 24), especially if they bring Prince George with them. But with our staggering budget deficit, we simply cannot afford the huge cost that this entails. It’s time to stop putting everything unnecessary on the national credit card. Stephanie Edwards, Roseville
axle madness
I don’t think people deliberately drive through flood waters (Letters, September 24). The problem is that most people don’t know what “flood water” means. One of the local universities demonstrated a few years ago that once the water is at axle height, your vehicle becomes a boat. Perhaps the message should be: “Do not ride in water at axle height”. Roger Campbell, Beecroft
The ‘Gong show
I personally fear that ‘selling Wollongong to the world’ is being taken at face value by the NSW government (‘The course with all that has caught the big fish in cycling’, 24 September). We love to share the beauty of our region, but give the NSW government any idea of privatization and they’ll go with it. New tolls at each end, you think? Janice Creenaune, Austinmer
Best stays
On the contrary, Richard Glover (“Faulty Showers and Hotel Disruption”, September 24). Airbnb has forever changed the way we travel and, without exception, my experience has been positive. I am writing to you from a beautiful apartment in Stockholm. Sure, you need a certain degree of athleticism to get to bed, but there’s no stuffy concierge or inopportune “room service” wake-up call when, exhausted after a long day of sightseeing, you forgot to return your “do”. do not disturb “. Oh, and the luxury of being able to open a window cannot be underestimated. I’m more than happy to make my own bed and lay in it. Janet Argall, Dulwich Hill
Reading about Richard Glover’s accommodation experiences reminds me that when it comes to travel, there’s no place like home – where, unless you’re renting, if things go wrong, you don’t need to deal with a host who doesn’t care. Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
A real powerhouse
I was at the Powerhouse Museum (Letters, September 24) watching a demonstration of the Bolton and Watt engine, and an English gentleman said to me: ‘I come from the University of Leeds and we don’t have one. He was very furious. Marcia Horvai, Pennant Hills
swan song
A small victory I know, but I watched until the end. The myth of the Swans fan in good weather is now shattered. You’re welcome. Ian McNeil, Ainslie (ACT)
The All Blacks hakaCredit:Getty
Why are the New Zealand All Blacks allowed to perform the Haka before an international rugby match? Peng Ee, Castle Cove
Soothed with energy
I spent about an hour online last week arranging a new energy contract. There are dozens of providers, offering dozens of options, all lasting 12 months. Once upon a time, it was so much easier. The idea of doing it all over again in 12 months takes my mind. Barbara Ryan, Caringbah South
Date recording
Sixty-three years ago my husband proposed Anzac Day for him to remember the day (Letters, September 24). It worked. Marie Grady, French Forest
Save Dougie
Darko “Dougie” Desic (Letters, September 24) had nearly three decades of “imprisonment” as a fugitive in Sydney without breaking any other laws. I believe he has indeed redeemed himself. Sue Casiglia, North Ryde
digital vision
Online comment of one of the stories that attracted the most comments from readers yesterday on smh.com.au
A third of Australians support raising the migration cap
Of sunseeker71: We need nurses, lorry drivers, fruit pickers, service workers…things most Australians don’t want to do, so increase migration where we have skills shortages or simply shortages. Many economic migrants would like to drive a truck and put food on their family’s table.
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