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THE VICTORIAN LABOR PARTY

We deserve better from those we elect to lead us
IBAC and the Ombudsman’s report into the Labor Party in Victoria is damning. The “sorry” from Premier Daniel Andrews is not enough. How sincere is the apology when he has set a deadline of June 2024 for creating the new integrity framework recommended by the report?

Two years is too long. The state election is this November. Both Andrews and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy should make a firm promise (one they will actually keep) to implement these critical reforms with greater urgency. The Victorian people deserve better from those we elect to lead us.

IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich said that one of the saddest parts of the report related to young staffers who sought a career in politics but discovered “that the only pathway to that objective was by engaging in this unethical factional behaviour”.
Geoff Wenham, Malvern East

This has been brewing for years
The corruption scandal now engulfing the Victorian ALP has been building for years and shows the depths to which Victorian Labor has sunk with its “anything it takes” attitude.

The recent appointment of Lizzie Blandthorn as the new state planning minister demonstrates just how rotten things have become. Whatever her merits, the fact that Blandthorn’s brother is a lobbyist for developers makes her completely unsuitable to be planning minister. John Cain, whose watchword was decency, would never have countenanced an appointment like this, so why was she even considered for the role by Daniel Andrews?

As a long-standing Labor voter, from a family with deep Labor family roots, I will not vote for the party in the forthcoming state election so long as Blandthorn is in line to be our planning minister and the stench of corruption hangs over the Victorian Labor Party.

I remind Daniel Andrews and his party: you can lose this next election. What are you going to do about it? Peter Hogg, North Melbourne

What on earth has he been doing?
What on earth has Daniel Andrews been doing? Asleep at the wheel for years, yet suddenly alert enough to be disgusted by the revelations of the joint inquiry?

Perhaps a trip or two out of his office to check in on the party branches and their disgraceful tactics was in order? Please don’t have us believe you didn’t know what was going on, Dan.
Anna Dillon, Warrnambool

Factional system is at the heart of the problem …
It’s a surprise to me as a longtime ALP member that factions aren’t considered a major contributor to Labor’s problems.

By definition they create conflict and division and stifle free-flowing discussion and debate. They also promote corrupt practices and nepotism under the patronage of a few factional warlords and their cronies. This includes preselections and other positions where merit often runs a distant second.

Philosophies, policies and strategies will always bring political people together from time to time, as they should. However the formalised and tightly controlled Labor factions do nothing to attract the voting public.

The one-third-only primary vote for the party in the recent federal election should ring alarm bells. For Labor to fully modernise their abolition has to be an urgent priority.
Tony Delaney, Warrnambool

… just look at the scalps so far
As Daniel Andrews tries to deflect blame from himself with a promise to adopt these recommendations, what is obscured is that the scalps so far for “egregious behaviour” have been from the Right, as if the Premier’s Socialist Left were lily white (“Labor’s sorry mess”, The Age, 21/7).

It is no accident that it was Adem Somyurek and Marlene Kairouz who were shamed for doing what IBAC has shown to be endemic in the Victorian ALP. It is also no coincidence that Ombudsman Deborah Glass has been starved of resources as she has persisted in these investigations, while the government has even gone to court to block her work.

As the adage goes, a fish rots from the head down, and Shakespeare’s echo of these words in Hamlet concerning Denmark would be just as apt for the state of Victoria.
John Morrissey, Hawthorn

THE FORUM

Making them welcome
How refreshing to read Chris Wallace’s article (“Public service sighs with relief”, Comment, 21/7) that government departments believe under the Albanese government their advice might once again be welcomed.

Good governance depends on government ministers receiving frank and fearless advice that is apolitical, professional, systematic and thoughtful and underpinned by integrity.

This approach is a world away from the previous Coalition governments that believed they knew better and employed overpaid consultancies to give them what they wanted. The result? Deep decay of principled government, destruction of public servants’ morale and worsening of outcomes.

No wonder Scott Morrison preached not to trust in governments.
Julie Chandler, Blairgowrie

This is more important
Our primary industries are far more important than people having a holiday or even business in Bali.

Surely we can warn people that if they want to travel from Bali to Australia they will be quarantined in our empty quarantine facilities until they, and their belongings have been cleared of foot and mouth disease.

This could be the issue that defines, or sinks, the new federal government.
Jenny Callaghan, Hawthorn

Despair is not an option
As we absorb the State of the Environment’s news of the devastating reality of Australia’s poor and deteriorating environment, Claire O’Rourke’s positive perspective about the ability of humanity to collectively adjust is a breath of fresh air (“Overwhelmed? Here’s some good news”, Comment, 21/7).

It is, of course, appropriate to be outraged at relative governmental and corporate inaction, but if we are to create a sustainable future we can be proud of, despair is not an option. We must instead choose optimism and action.

As O’Rourke suggests, the technology, economics, and politics of decarbonisation are finally stacking up. This is the moment to reverse the trend of environmental decline. In the words of Jane Goodall: “Together we can. Together we will.”
Amy Hiller, Kew

Meaningless numbers
As depressing as it is, your correspondent’s assessment (Letters, 21/7) that “it is too late to save Australia’s environment” is accurate. The Catch-22 he highlights, “capturing carbon in trees is great until they burn”, is recognition of a climate tipping point. That is, although trees constitute one of the major ways carbon is trapped, they cannot be sustained in an overheated climate that supports lightning storms.

Equally, the other major carbon sink, kelp forests, cannot be sustained with the rising temperatures and acidity of the oceans.

The perilous state of both these significant carbon storage mechanisms is due to the excessive CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Examination of the data available from the Hawaiian atmospheric measurement laboratory at Mauna Loa shows the present CO2 concentration is around 421ppm, about 140ppm greater than at any time in the last 800,000 years. Most importantly, the measurements over time show the CO2 concentration continues to increase, with little evidence of a slowing rate.

This data proclaims a climate catastrophe that represents an existential threat to humankind, if not to planetary life in general. Against this backdrop, arguments over whether future CO2 emission reductions should be 43, 50 or 75 per cent become meaningless.
Maurie Trewhella, Hoppers Crossing

Putting them on notice
Regardless of the individuals involved, one of the best things to come out of both the NSW ICAC investigations (which so sensationally took in then premier Gladys Berejiklian) and the current Victorian joint inquiry into ALP branch stacking and the misuse of public funds for party-political purposes is that they put governments on notice.

Such commissions send exactly the right message that governments are accountable to the public for their actions and behaviour. The public demands and deserves nothing less. Corruption, rorting and nepotism have no place in a healthy democracy.
Nick Toovey, Beaumaris

More independents, please
The recent report on the Victorian Labor Party, the NSW scandal about the proposed appointment of John Barilaro to a plum New York post, the resignation of that state’s previous premier and all the various “rorts” identified at the federal level indicates some of the problems associated with party politics and allegiances.

The best outcome would be to increase representation by independents so that real discussion would need to occur regarding any legislation, and they would vote according to their community needs.

Victoria has a chance this coming election to reframe the political landscape if we could get more quality independents to put their hands up.
Denise Stevens, Healesville

The case for mandates
It appears we must learn to live with COVID, but that does not mean we just accept it and take no action to mitigate the effects.

Like COVID, motor vehicle use also results in thousands of deaths and injuries every year, but we live with that. However we do not let people decide for themselves whether or how they will take measures to reduce the impact of motor vehicles on the community.

It is not permitted to drive unless you have demonstrated competence and knowledge of road rules and are licensed. The car you drive must be roadworthy, registered and carry insurance. You must obey the road rules and correctly use a seatbelt and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Failure to comply with these rules will result in substantial financial penalties, possibly imprisonment.
Given that, what is the problem with mandating face masks when in close contact with others to reduce the impact on the community?
Peter Shaw, Dromana

A national disgrace
While it is good to see a review of the Reserve Bank, it is difficult to understand the federal Treasurer defending such inept behaviour by this organisation. The RBA has been completely out of touch with the economy and the community. They have irresponsibly encouraged Australians into huge debt and were the principal influencer of increased house prices across the nation.

As late as November last year, the RBA was telling Australians that interest rates would not increase until 2024, providing Australians with some economic assurance.

Now because of mostly external factors, war in Europe and natural disasters, fuel and food prices have gone through the roof. Not the normal demand-supply inflation.

The RBA response is to now penalise those most vulnerable in our community. They will fix these price rises, by increasing interest rates, making it difficult for those with high mortgages and stop these families spending money to bring down inflation. The RBA really have their head stuck in the wrong place.

How is the RBA accountable for such irresponsible behaviour? They deserve sacking. The government needs to reassess how monetary policy is managed in Australia. This is a disgrace.
Charles Scarafiotti, Sandy Bay, Tas

Footing the bill
Taxpayers should not be responsible for the COVID payment for those without sick leave. Behind many of these workers are labour hire companies that we know very little about. Who owns them and what level of salary do they enjoy?

Before the next pandemic, or in this one, there needs to be a mechanism for the federal government to impose a fee per worker to cover the cost of such leave. It is time labour hire companies met legitimate costs for their workers, not the taxpayer.

Payment to workers would need to be administered by government because of the nature of the work involved. If the revenue received eventually exceeds what this has already cost, it can become a buffer for the next pandemic.
Jan Thomas, North Melbourne

Emotive opinion not helpful
Living in Bullarto township we are surrounded by the Wombat State Forest and are grateful VicForests is finally clearing the fallen trees, of which there are hundreds of thousands, in some places stacked eight high following the massive June 2021 cyclonic storm. This salvage operation is also reopening many of the essential CFA fire access trails and making areas safe.

Emotive opinion condemning the VicForests salvage operation is unhelpful with the massive clean-up and restoration operations, which will take years.

I would prefer to take advice from Dr Kevin Tolhurst, AM, associate professor in fire ecology and management, School of Forest and Ecosystem Science, University of Melbourne, who in a recent radio interview on ABC Drive on this very topic suggested it’s not healthy from a human life and property point of view or from an environmental point of view or from a fire mitigation point of view to leave all the fallen trees and woody material on the ground.

Fire is the biggest ongoing risk to our precious forests and this risk must be actively managed.
Gary McIntosh, Bullarto

Time for a rethink
Compulsory mask wearing isn’t going to happen and recommendations to wear masks are being ignored. It’s time for a different approach.

When I went to the city and NGV yesterday, most people were unmasked. I went straight home. Why don’t operators of galleries, cinemas, entertainment venues, shops, supermarkets, etc have times where “only masked” people can attend? There could be mask-only trams and buses and mask-only train carriages.

There must be money in catering for those of us who care about not getting COVID, etc.
I won’t be back at the NGV until they have masked sessions … or COVID is no longer a threat.
Margaret Callinan, Hawthorn

The real heroes
I agree. Let’s not lose the real meaning of the word hero (Letters, 21/7). Heroes aren’t people who run or swim faster than the competition. Neither are they those who can skilfully control a ball for a career.

Heroes are those who risk their lives to save the lives of others.
Patrick Edgeworth, Elwood

AND ANOTHER THING

Politics
It’s disappointing that there is an obvious need for a Victorian parliamentary ethics committee. One would have hoped that we would be electing ethical people.
Julian Guy, Mount Eliza

Credit:

How to stop politicians becoming corrupt? Limit them to two or three terms for a start.
Lindsay Donahoo, Wattle Glen

We seem to have pivoted from a prime minister who didn’t believe in his own government to a humble, hard-working bloke, who’s prepared to mend fences. What a refreshing contrast.
John Bye, Elwood

If, as Scott Morrison said, governments can’t be trusted, why was he desperately trying to hang on to his job?
Bernd Rieve, Brighton

Just do the right thing, Daniel Andrews. Resign.
Brian Marshall, Ashburton

How many apologies before a premier reaches Go?
Mike Pantzopoulos, Ashburton

Unlike the previous federal government where the “buck never stopped”, it was refreshing to see a political leader accept full responsibility for what happened on his watch.
Ludi Servadei, Malvern East

Relations with China
It’s clear enough what is needed to mend our relationship with China. Obedience.
Lindsay Zoch, Mildura

Furthermore
It’s only a rort if you are not in on it.
Richard Sykes, Bell Park

If criminal charges were laid against every unethical and inappropriately behaved person in this country, whether it be politics, business, or just everyday life, our justice system would buckle under the pressure.
John Rawson, Mernda

Finally
So we may be losing the Benny Hill comedy that was Boris Johnson’s administration, but now we’ll always have his Top Gun video.
Nina Wellington Iser, Hawthorn

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