Drug summit must iron out regulated cannabis market

It is important that the coming four-day drug summit allows for a discussion about the legal and regulated cannabis market (“State MPs backing new drive towards legal use of cannabis”, October 31). As it now stands, even legitimate medicinal access can involve over-the-phone consultations and prescriptions, and a real failure in follow-up procedures. We must ensure access to cannabis is above board for practitioners and patients, and rationalisation and regulation of the industry are ensured before “players” take hold. Regulation is one way of ensuring this before legalisation. A step before, rather than later, when punitive measures become the norm. Janice Creenaune, Austinmer

For some time it has puzzled me that police can lock someone up if they have medical cannabis in their system. This is punitive and not based on medical evidence. The evidence is that prolonged use of cannabis does not affect cognition. It’s only the introduction of it that may. Katriona Herborn, Blackheath

Marijuana was a mild stimulant 50 years ago. It caused laughing and general mirth in lively conversation. Decades of breeding of ever-more potent strains have resulted in pot so strong that the mild high of days gone by isn’t available. Today’s differs from yesteryear’s as much as several nips of overproof rum do from a couple of beers. Pity. Andrew Cohen, Glebe

First-class PM

For heaven’s sake (“PM says he ‘did not’ call Joyce for upgrades”, October 31). Anthony Albanese is the prime minister of the country, leader of the nation. I don’t want to see him flying cattle class or even business class if first class is available. He needs to be able to work in peace and without distraction. He’s not a busboy. And I don’t want to see him picking up his luggage from baggage retrieval, either. Martin Walton, Upper Kedron (Qld)

The ongoing saga of Albanese’s upgrades is becoming more depressing every day. In reading the letters to the editor, many of which say that the issue is a storm in a teacup, I am more impressed by Shaun Carney’s opinion piece (“PM’s perks don’t pass the pub test”, October 31), which explains the problems in any politician accepting upgrades under any circumstances. The whole situation is crying out for a “courageous” decision – ban all federal politicians from accepting gifts, including airline upgrades. Albanese might make himself unpopular in parliament, but he just might impress the public with a principled stand. What will his legacy be? Bruce McKinnon, Mosman

Does anyone really expect that the prime minister should travel jammed into economy class, while running the country at the same time? Peter Hughes, Macquarie Fields

I’d like to reassure all citizens here that I have not accepted any upgrades, nor have I flown by air this year. I’ve paid for my own travel to Melbourne by XPT train and can recommend the veggie lasagne. Dennis Dorwick, Mortdale

It is entirely predictable to observe the policy desert known as the Coalition descending to Trumpian depths, seeking political advantage with childish name-calling. I’m sure they snickered with delight as some intellectual lightweight in their midst came up with “Airbus Albo”. And I can only imagine the squeals of delight when some “genius” evolved that into “Upgrade Albo”. I yearn for the day when this primary school rabble devotes a little more time to whip-smart policy development and innovation, and a little less time coming up with puerile schoolyard nicknames and slogans. Bill Young, Killcare Heights

It’s plain to see that Peter Dutton’s tailspin and tirade over the PM’s elevated status holds as much credibility as the concept of flying pigs. His attempt at parliamentary frequent flyer point-scoring is in itself a sow’s ear of a stitch-up. With the Coalition joystick in hand, Dutton is hoping to intercept Albanese’s political travels. His is a flight of fancy thinking that his accusations of favouritism with Joyce will stick. Steve Dillon, Thirroul

Although unaccustomed to all things social, I may have to peruse the social pages this week to see how many politicians take advantage of freebies to attend the Melbourne Cup and the Golden Eagle. Peter Haggarty, Cranebrook

Can we get over who sat where on a plane and get back to running the country? Wayne Fitness, Rankin Park

I would be more concerned about being stuck next to certain politicians back in economy. Please upgrade them. Neil Reckord, Gordon (ACT)

Justice for robo-debt

It has been announced that robo-debt will be reinvestigated (“Calls for NACC commissioner to resign over robo-debt move”, October 31). The politicians responsible for its introduction should face severe penalties, including jail time. Too often those responsible simply say they are sorry and move on. This makes it easier for more mistakes to be made with no responsibility. It also needs to be noted the same issues occur in the business world. Directors resign and simply move on to other company boards. Barry O’Connell, Old Toongabbie

Long live life

Freddie Mercury and Professor Richard Dawkins shared similar outlooks on longevity (“Consider quality of life when attempting to live forever”, October 31). Dawkins was slightly more emphatic than Mercury when he declared that the worst possible outcome would be an infinite lifespan. Of course, Dawkins, a famous atheist, was referring to the infinite life that the religious look forward to spending in heaven. Mind you, the prospect of floating on a cloud, listening to harp music and forever worshipping a fellow with a long white beard sounds positively horrendous. I’ve had four score years and five, and I’m resolved to eventually go to where I was before my birth: non-existent. Trevor Somerville, Illawong

Global view on climate

A 2023 UN report stated that, if greenhouse gas emissions continued on their present trajectory, global warming could climb by 3 degrees (“Temperature rise hits new record”, October 31). With fossil fuel production, including Australia’s, continuing to climb, this devastating scenario appears highly likely. This implies that, in addition to the transition to renewable energy sources, the consequences of the future climate need to be addressed. Much of Australia is facing more extreme weather events, including flooding, on the one hand, yet droughts and overall declining rainfall on the other. These extremes will, for example, inevitably boost the costs of food production, further increase insurance premiums, threaten water security, exacerbate bushfires and raise the peak demand for electricity during heatwaves. Unrelenting sea level rise, and its threat to public infrastructure and prime real estate, will add substantial costs. In this regard, tough political decisions are required to establish the degree to which the private sector is supported. Roger Epps, Armidale

Colleges, try harder

I am sure that over the years there have been similar Herald articles about the noxious behaviour in certain private school-aligned university colleges (‴⁣⁣Incident’ shows fragility of college culture”, October 31). Nothing seems to have changed all that much. What is particularly disturbing is that attitudes inculcated there are perpetuated in the workplace. What is the cause? Nola Tucker, Kiama

Errors were inevitable in pandemic

All this hoo-ha about how the COVID-19 pandemic (Letters, October 31) was handled seems to me like nothing more than hot air. The pandemic was clearly the most serious challenge that governments and individuals had faced in more than a century. In that context, mistakes were likely to be made and the course taken by authorities might not have provided the best outcome. However, many lives were saved. But what was learnt should certainly be valuable in the future when confronting a similar situation. The biggest concern is the indication that there could be considerable resistance to vaccination. Vaccinations have played a significant part in improving the lifestyle of several generations. The possibility that some may refuse these important safeguards is deeply regrettable. Derrick Mason, Boorowa

I agree with your correspondent that we need a central emergency management body that has the power to invoke “wartime” measures to deal with future nationwide emergencies such as COVID. We don’t even need a referendum to set one up, as long as the states agree to refer their relevant powers to such a body when required. Whether we might ever see that happening, though – well, the pigs are at the holding point awaiting clearance for take-off. David Clark, Springside

When the federal government hands out bouquets for our response to the COVID pandemic, let’s not forget our friends in Warsaw. Readers may recall that in 2021, during the first heat for the race to vaccinate our population, ScoMo missed the starter’s gun. With the global queue for vaccines growing by the day, Poland sold Australia one million doses of Pfizer. Belatedly, ScoMo realised it was a race and we scraped into the final among developed nations racing to vaccinate their citizens. Surely, a gong is in order for Poland’s president, Andrzej Duda. Tony Rhead, Orange

It is sickening to see how little appreciation Scott Morrison has received for his prime ministerial efforts before, during and after COVID. Why anyone in their right mind would try to take on what became a mammoth, horrific, near-impossible task, as Morrison did, is beyond understanding – and then there was hardly a thank you for any of it. Mary Julian, Glebe

I loved lockdown, and duly locked my front door. The streets were quiet, and the adults (epidemiologists/health professionals) were in charge. Let’s sideline the politicians quickly when the next pandemic happens. Tim Schroder, Gordon

So the Albanese government has pledged to establish an Australian Centre for Disease Control (October 30)? I do hope it will officially be designated ACDC. That would rock. Michele Rossetto, St Ives

Colourful notes

Tim Winton’s every sentence and every paragraph are perfectly crafted (Letters, October 31). No word or sentence is superfluous. I’m already a Greenie, and now I’m green with envy that not only can Winton write award-winning novels, but also masterful opinion pieces. At the same time, I’m tickled pink to think perhaps hundreds of thousands of people will read and agree with this article and take action on climate. Then our leaders will “fear the wrath of the people, not the pressure of billionaires and their slick-suited troubadours”. Margot Vaccari, Berowra

Tim Winton’s wonderful way with words is enthralling and (hopefully) inspiring, but sadly vast numbers of Australians simple do not care enough, which enables the fossil fuel lobbyists. We need more people willing to work through the wealth of scientific data and influence the policies enacted in parliaments – before we are shocked out of our complacency. Must there be more black summers, vanishing reefs, cyclones, floods and droughts until a new national poet composes a sorrowful lament about our “wide brown land”? Margaret Johnston, Paddington

Independent thought

I have a feeling the new member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, will be around for quite a while. One morning this week, around peak hour, I drove past the intersection of Pittwater Road and the Wakehurst Parkway, and saw Scruby with a group of her volunteers waving big “Thank You” placards. Just another reason to vote independent — they don’t take your vote for granted. Nick Carroll, Newport

Sinking feeling

The farce that is the construction of North Sydney swimming pool (Letters, October 31) does not augur well for Australian-built nuclear power plants. John Elder, Annerley (Qld)

In the loop

The plan to revitalise the area in front of the State Library sounds brilliant and would liven up the whole area (“Plan for grass plaza on library forecourt”, October 30). However, there is a major lack of public transport in the Macquarie Street area, with a long, steep walk up from George Street. A light rail around the CBD would be great and perhaps could be done quickly if we have learned from the previous projects. Jan Aitkin, Balmain

Wistful thinking

I miss being able to buy show tickets over the phone (Letters, October 31). I also loved the magic of having my signature magically appear when my passbook was held under the ultraviolet light at the bank. As for getting politicians to stand for something and the idea of the common good, please tell your correspondent he’s dreaming! Nick Andrews, Bellevue Hill

Get thee behind me

Trump having hands laid on him at the Atlanta faith summit (Letters, October 31) must surely be one of the vilest photos from this US election. These American pastors need to read Isaiah 1:15, “When ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.” Rhonda Seymour, Castle Hill

When I first saw that front-page photograph of praying, I wondered whether an exorcism might be in progress. Unfortunately not so, it seems. John Lees, Castlecrag

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