Huge pothole in argument for EV user tax

Wow, a road user tax on EVs seems to be the biggest idea coming out of the roundtable (“Treasurer revs up road user tax” August 22). EVs make up less than 1 per cent of vehicles on the road, and less than 10 per cent of new vehicles sold. Surely, it would be more appropriate to wait until there is a large number of EVs on the road. Announcing it now seems like a message to anyone trying to reduce their carbon footprint: “Don’t worry, we’re coming to get you.” How about taxing fuel-driven vehicles for their health and pollution costs. They still make up 99 per cent of vehicles on the road. I guess the opposition would have happily agreed, though. Anything to prolong fossil fuel use and delay the uptake of EVs. Let’s get electric vehicles on the road, decrease our emissions, clean up our cities and air, and then worry about taxing them. ​Peggy Fisher, Manly

So the government’s roundtable gabfest has finished with little outcome other than to remove some red tape and to tax “early adopter” EV drivers. These drivers, who have already paid more for their vehicles, including large government taxes, now need to pay a road user tax because they avoid the petrol excise. The benefits of EV vehicles in reducing pollution in congested cities has been sacrificed at the altar of Treasury’s short-term financial greed. Not only that, but the probability is that this new tax, just like the petrol excise, will be continually increased. But EV drivers are an easy target compared with big tech companies when it comes to taxing. Strangely, it would appear that the only government putting its money into EV vehicles in this country is the frequently maligned Chinese, with their subsidies giving us EVs comparably priced to petrol models for the first time. Sydney drivers need encouragement to change to EVs, not extra taxes. Hugh Wolfenden, Bellevue Hill

It comes as no surprise that Jim Chalmers is planning to slap EV drivers with a new road user charge. This is quite in keeping with the Labor Party’s short-term, financially focused approach to climate change. Its strategy appears to be that, by the time future generations are cursing their inactivity, they will be long gone. John Croker, Woonona

One only has to look at Jaguar Land Rover to see how to improve productivity. Its automated factories operate day and night with nary a human being in sight. Clearly, improved productivity equals fewer jobs. Robert Hosking, Paddington

It is surprising that nobody has suggested the obvious measure to level the “unfair” advantage of electric over combustion fuel vehicles. The damage to road pavement rises exponentially (to the fourth power!) with the axle weight. So your Toyota LandCruiser, weighing twice as much as a Corolla, does 2×2×2×2 = 16 times more damage. Tyre wear reflects this damage to some extent, so a sales tax on tyres to replace other charges would be equitable and efficient. Drive less, drive moderately, save money. Simon de Burgh, Alexandria

Paul Sakkal, in his article on the economic roundtable meeting this week (“Coalition launches pre-emptive strike on Chalmers’ tax agenda”, August 22), writes of the Coalition leaping to oppose any changes to – well, anything meaningful, especially if it involves the word “tax”. So it’s situation normal there. The Labor government has a strong mandate to reform our taxation system, including a tax on pollution. It will be cheered on by all fair-minded Australians. I want to see my grandchildren able to buy a house and live without fear of catastrophic climate change. Come on, Labor, please make it happen. Jane Lorimer, West Hobart

Spectrum of fears about NDIS

Retired doctor Dermot Perry wrote that he and his colleague both have qualities that belong on the autism spectrum (Letters, August 22). My wife and I do also, and we’ve mused that our children do as well. After five decades of teaching, I learnt to celebrate the abilities and “special interests” of my “special” students. The fact that society is recognising the prevalence of autism is an encouraging, if challenging, change in perception and acceptance. The government is right to adjust its policy and action to better accommodate these wonderful people, who bring so much to our lives through their diverse thinking and reactions to the world. My classes were richly enhanced by the students who could tell us amazing stuff about the periodic table, how my calculations on the whiteboard were wrong, or could tell us about their collection of vacuum cleaners. So many of the great composers, writers and inventors were autistic. Some parents resist diagnosis, which I think is sad because so much more is known about autism now, and this can be used to help these people be happy and flourish. Phil Armour, Yass

All parents want the best for their children. As well as parents of young children with autism, there are ageing parents whose adult children are on the NDIS (“Parents scared of NDIS changes”, August 22). Our anxiety is different. Our daughter relies on the NDIS for supported accommodation, psychology and help with basic with activities such as showering and meal preparation. There is always a fear that her funding will be cut, and she could become homeless or forced to live so far away that we would be unable to visit her. The NDIS should not become another generational battlefield. Sally James, Cromer

I’m afraid that some correspondents do not understand the profound disability that autism is (Letters, August 22). As soon as I had my second child, I noticed major differences compared with my first. I was right to be concerned, and so began years of speech and occupational therapy, all before the rollout of the NDIS. You cannot understand autism unless you or a family member have it. It is not just a lack of attention, uncontrollable behaviour and repetitive actions. It is about an individual being unable to function in our “normal” world. It is the inability to understand body language and other verbal clues, overstimulation to sound, crowds and bright lights. It is the inability to be able to read situations and take part in an ongoing conversation. There is no cure, but early intervention helps. It is a lifelong struggle for those with autism, whether they are mild, moderate or high functioning. Patricia Miller, Bexley

I agree with Glenys Quirk’s observation (Letters, August 22) that the explosion in diagnoses of children with autism, ADHD and the like is very arguably related to a global saturation in screen usage and its often accompanying lack of social awareness, constant distractions leading to poor concentration and impulse control issues etc of children from a very young age. They are growing up in an ether of technological focus with little balance from the natural world. Our young are being fed to the lions. Judy Finch, Taree

As an educator, I am deeply sympathetic to families who are being told about proposed/imposed changes to NDIS funding. One matter that concerns me is placing children with “moderate” needs in the same funding model as those with “mild” diagnoses. While I believe all children should be well supported, I also know that so-called moderate needs are actually very significant. Families of children with moderate needs should continue to receive NDIS funding and the community should demand this support. Linda Page, Baulkham Hills

Horror of rape

As the mother of a 14-year-old daughter, I read the above article in disbelief (“Lehrmann Judge ‘lacked evidence of rape’“, August 22). I cannot begin to express my horror and disgust at the use of the term “soft rape”. These kinds of words set women’s rights and issues of consent back at least fifty years. I’m sorry Ms Burrows, but there’s no such thing. Amanda Smythe, Cammeray

Kudos to nightlife saviour

One often reads reports critical of Justin Hemmes’ business dealings, but why so little mention of his valuable contribution to reviving Sydney’s nightlife (“How Merivale’s powerful political ties helped move a light rail stop”, August 22)? I recently attended a 6pm Sunday theatre performance in the city, and remarkably I was able to find a late dinner afterwards, thanks to a Justin Hemmes venue. As we approached the George Street strip of his restaurants in the tram, it was amazing to see how the area was thriving. Ten years ago, the place would have been dead on a Sunday night. Hemmes’ restaurants are a welcome addition to Sydney’s recently non-existent, after-theatre nightlife. Long may his contribution to the city continue. It’s been asleep for far too long. Greg Vale, Kiama

I read with interest about Merivale’s influence in the placement of the Wynyard light rail stop. How very Sydney. In 1890, the wealthy and politically well-connected tailor, William Chorley, bought a parcel of land in the then Field of Mars Reserve, naming the property after his natal town in England, Cheltenham. When a northbound railway line was being planned, he lobbied the government repeatedly until it agreed to place a station near his property (which he planned to subdivide), and name it after his estate. This was completed in 1898, no doubt making him a tidy profit. Plus ca change. Gaye McSweeney, Revesby

ABC impartiality

To anyone who understands the fundamental principles of independent public broadcasting, the kerfuffle over the ABC’s new rules as to what staff can or cannot post on social media seems ludicrous (“Lattouf lawyer slams ABC’s new rules”, August 22). There should be no need for Aunty’s staff to be governed by any “public comment guidelines”. Whatever their role, they forgo the right to parade their opinions from the moment they accept employment with the broadcaster. This is what balances the privilege of being able to work free of commercial or proprietorial influence. That obligation is absolute, otherwise public trust in the ABC’s independence and impartiality is compromised. David Salter, Hunters Hill

Dead take priority

Never let it be said that the interment of the dear departed should interfere with a round of golf (“Golf course cemetery plan double blow for player,” August 22). I’m sure it also might be quite a blow for mourners seeking somewhere to deposit their deceased in respectful repose. There needs to be some acknowledgement of sensible perspective. In a large city where space is at a premium, surely the burial of the dead should take precedence over those who just want an occasional circuit of a course in pursuit of a small round ball. Urban dwellers should accept that sometimes, in the interests of public utility, they are required to make some small sacrifices. I’m sure there are plenty of golf courses to cater for those who are keen to spoil a good walk. As far as the dead are concerned, they don’t have many options. Derrick Mason, Boorowa

Beware the CT scan

I was interested to read about the new national screening program for heavy smokers that uses low-dose CT scanning (“Screening sets eyes on biggest killer”, August 22). Only a few weeks ago I was reading research published in the journal of the American Medical Association that estimated the number of cancers caused by current levels of CT scanning and predicted that the total might soon equate to 5 per cent of cancers. “Do no harm” is a doctor’s creed, so it is just as well that the new screening will use low-dose CT. John Collis, Berkeley Vale

Aim for the rooftop

The incredible uptake of rooftop solar and home batteries shows that the Labor government can afford to aim high when setting Australia’s 2035 target to reduce climate pollution (“Battery rebate prompts massive rooftop power surge”, August 22). The stakes are clear: A strong target will create jobs and cultivate new industries such as green iron, while a weak target will leave communities exposed to intensifying heatwaves, bushfires and other extreme weather. Australians are doing a heavy lift on climate. Will the prime minister match them by setting a strong, science-based climate target? Karen Campbell, Geelong (Vic)

Hearts in right place

Who is this “cabal of faceless individuals” running the show, Michael Strickland (Letters, August 22)? The PM and his ministers do actually run the show and they all have faces. And they face accountability at the ballot box every three years. As for their primary aim being the maintenance of power, that may be true in some cases, but I am related to a cabinet minister and I can assure you, he and his colleagues take the national interest very seriously. I get so tired of people claiming all politicians are in it for themselves. It isn’t true. Morgan Smith, Marrickville

Dangerous ideas

If your wellbeing or safety feels threatened by what published authors say at a writers’ festival, you’d do better to spend your time and money on visiting your therapist, surely (“Writers Festival or psychologist’s couch?” August 22)? Seems the Bendigo organisers forgot what a writers’ festival is all about. Pen Layton-Caisley, Marrickville

Bedroom nays

I 100 per cent support the need for more housing, but I am also an advocate of keeping the state out of the bedroom (“Call to tax ‘desirable’ spare rooms”, August 22). Heather Johnson, West Pennant Hills

Digital enhancement

I understand Lenore Phelps’ regret at having to give up her beloved newspaper (Letters, August 22). My wife and I moved to the digital Herald about five years ago due to a sea change. We were sad to lose the printed version but we have since embraced the digital era, despite limited IT skills. She on her iPad and me on my laptop, anywhere in Australia or the world, reading the Herald and so much more that the digital version offers. I strongly recommend exploring the digital puzzle section for all your favourite crosswords, which can be played electronically. Good on you for moving to the digital era at the spritely age of 93. I wish you all the best with your new venture. Mark Nugent, Lugarno

What a lovely letter from Lenore Phelps on her life-long association with the Herald. If I lived in Lennox Head, I’d come over every day and read it to her. Ruth Pojer, Double Bay

Ms Phelps, I only wish I lived in Lennox Head too, not only for a decent surf break but so that I could read the stories du jour to you over a cuppa. Rurik MacKenzie, Summer Hill Creek

Postscript

In its 124 years, the Nobel Peace Prize has had its share of controversial recipients. US President Donald Trump will certainly fall into that category if his efforts to sweeten up the award committee are successful. Apart from his questionable efforts at promoting peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, the award has a certain gravitas. Self-promotion and haggling just aren’t part of the process, but that didn’t stop Trump making his case in a phone call to Norway’s finance minister.

Readers were quick to respond this week. “The phone call to Jens Stoltenberg linking tariffs and Trump’s possible peace prize would be considered shameful by any rational person,” wrote Diane Dennis.

Donna Wiemann agreed. “Hopefully, his unashamed call will not further his unworthy cause,” she said.

Some believe he does deserve the prize though, first and foremost Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli leader’s goodwill didn’t extend to Australian PM Anthony Albanese, however. Still angry with Albanese for his decision to support a Palestinian state, and furious over this week’s denial of a visa to a right-wing Israeli politician, Netanyahu launched a petulant tirade, calling Albanese weak and accusing him of abandoning Australian Jews and betraying Israel.

Reader Ry Feder felt differently. “Personally, there is only one world leader I feel abandoned by, and that is Netanyahu himself … Never again means never again, for anyone. It doesn’t mean you can commit genocide in my name,” he wrote.

“It would be weak of Albanese to not speak out,” added Nell Knight.

The prime minister was in Canberra this week for the government’s highly anticipated productivity summit. Readers were full of suggestions on how to improve the economy. Peter Nash was one: “Surely now is the time to reconsider the reintroduction of a carbon pricing scheme. We know it works,” he wrote.

Gary Barnes said the government needed to change its risk-averse mindset, which was leading to a brain drain: “Our scientists are first-class, but too often have to move to the US or the UK to capitalise on their ideas.”

Mark Willis took aim at the multibillion-dollar diesel fuel tax rebate. “The roundtable should adopt the Grattan Institute’s proposal to wind back this generous rebate,” he suggested.

Raising the mining sector’s “economic rent” was one of the topics under discussion at the meeting. Predictably, the pro-coal lobby quickly blasted the idea of higher taxes.

There’ll be no prizes for guessing what former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce had to say about it.

Ivan Hemens, Letters editor

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