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Credit: Illustration: Matt Golding
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Visa criminals: Wholesale exploitation of system no surprise
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is reported to be “incredibly disturbed” by the revelations of a migration system that is rife with corrupt practices (“Criminals make mockery of visas”, The Age, 16/5). This is matched by Peter Dutton’s incredulous assertion that it’s just a “political review” so there’s nothing to see here, move on.
Where have politicians been over the past 20 years or so? Blind Freddy could see that Australia’s migration and international student system was being exploited as a means to get cheap labour into the country under the fig leaf of providing education services and filling skills shortages.
Paul Miller, Box Hill South
Who was watching the front door?
Anthony Albanese finds the exploitation of migrants under a flawed migration system abhorrent. Equally abhorrent is the exploitation of genuine refugees by both major parties for political gain. This has come at a cost of billions of dollars, which could have been better spent.
While we were “stopping the boats” through the back door, criminal networks were flaunting the migration system via the front door. Future generations will look back at these policies in comparison to our early treatment of Aboriginal people.
Tony Jackson, Fitzroy
A failure of governance
You have to hand it to Peter Dutton for nerve. The Nixon report on the immigration visa system is eviscerating to the nth degree, but not only does the former home affairs minister deny anything to do with it, but blames the current minister for the problems.
I would like to see this matter referred for review by the upcoming federal ICAC, because while the government of the day was hairy chestedly mistreating many people on a multitude of visas, somehow some people could rort the system to make millions of dollars.
Glenn Murphy, Hampton Park
All eyes on refugees
It seems that while the previous government was demonising “boat people”, they rolled out the welcome mat for the real crooks.
Jenny Bone, Surrey Hills
Diversionary tactics
Peter Dutton claims that a review by Christine Nixon that exposed widespread deficiencies in Australia’s education visa and migration systems, was nothing more than “a joke” and “a politically motivated review”. Seems like classic Donald Trump speak.
One would expect more from Australia’s Opposition Leader who appears only to be seeking to avoid embarrassment over having been exposed over his inept handing of the Home Affairs portfolio in the previous government.
Garry Meller, Bentleigh
Make system equitable
It would seem that while our navy has been busy patrolling the seas to prevent the people smugglers bringing mainly genuine refugees to our shores, that the criminals instead have been busy flying in young people on temporary visas, supposedly to study, but in reality to work as “sex slaves” or be exploited as underpaid labour.
Christine Nixon’s report has highlighted the deficiencies that have been allowed to develop in our visa system. In the interim many refugees and “temporary workers” have been and continue to be traumatised.
It is to be hoped that the report will be released as promised, and that action is taken to ensure that our visa system is an equitable one and from where the criminal element has been eliminated.
Genuine refugees and students deserve no less.
Helen Thomas, Nunawading
THE FORUM
Disturbing revelations
The continuing revelations into the behaviour of Melbourne Water (“Water chiefs ignored key warning on conflict risk”, 16/5) further exacerbate the trauma so many residents of Maribyrnong have endured. I thought Melbourne Water was there to help us, to ensure that flood warnings were accurate, that new houses couldn’t be built in flood-prone areas, that walls couldn’t be built around an entitled racecourse to the detriment of others. Melbourne Water let us down.
Pauline Ashton, Maribyrnong
Fear of glitter
Several councils have cancelled drag queen reading events specifically organised for today’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (“Threats push drag story time online”, 16/5). This is a day to celebrate, to be inclusive and to be an ally to an amazing community. Instead it’s been hijacked by a small group of small-minded people.
How can a man in a dress with glitter and good cheer be so terrifying? This then spreads to death threats to another amazing community – the library workers – with police called due to death threats.
Hands off! If you are so scared by these wonderful events, just stay away and let the rest of us enjoy.
Asa Smith, Montmorency
Be bold about inclusion
In Western democracies over recent years, and increasingly in Australia with the recent disruption of local council meetings, extremist groups from the far right have become more brazen. The hatred-fuelled views of public figures such as Marine Le Pen, Jair Bolsonaro, Posie Parker and Steve Bannon, to name but a few, have emboldened those on the far right to shout their intolerance. Muslims, the Jewish community, migrants, people of colour and those who are transgender have all become the target of their vitriol.
While we can be thankful our governments are taking affirmative action against discrimination, making the display of the swastika illegal and raising the transgender pride flag outside Parliament House in Victoria as examples, we cannot be complacent. It is the responsibility of every one of us to call out hatred, intolerance and discrimination when we see it, have those conversations with our friends and families, and promote kindness and inclusion.
Claire Merry, Wantirna
Inspiring act of kindness
What an inspiring and uplifting story about a hairdresser’s simple and generous act of kindness (“Hairdresser’s gift of kindness a cut above for mum suffering cost of living crunch”, 16/5). We need these stories and examples more than ever today, in a world where the divide between those who have too much and those with too little seems to be ever widening, and there seems to be so little political will to prevent it.
As Roland Semaarn’s act illustrates, we can still act as individuals and be inspired by his example.
Joan Kerr, Frankston
The problems with Airbnb
Collingwood Airbnb host Jane Blair’s choices (“Council urged to look at Airbnb tax”, 16/5) show how the lack of regulation is worsening the housing crisis. She has no present need for her flat as a dwelling, and gives as a reason for her putting it on Airbnb that if she let it to a tenant she wouldn’t be able to afford the mortgage repayments. In a world without Airbnb, her investment would be unaffordable and she would have to sell it, presumably to somebody who would live there or let it to a tenant. And if we didn’t have a housing crisis, she would not need to keep it to future-proof herself in case her personal circumstances change.
Samuel McMahon, Parkville
Solution in the garden
I wonder whether local councils would consider relaxing their rules about granny flats in order to help out with the housing crisis. Such dwellings are necessarily small, but would be snug and easy to maintain – ideal for singles and couples. Housing that cohort in other people’s backyards could greatly ease pressure on the current rental situation where several applicants apply for each dwelling, by helping a substantial portion of renters avoid the heartbreak of the queue.
Many councils permit granny flats to be established in backyards, but most insist on removal once the “grannies” no longer need them. That is a shame, when so many people are desperate for somewhere to call home. However, I would not want to see such dwellings listed on Airbnb. That platform has enough to answer for already.
My experience in the rental market tells me that there is no shortage of singles and couples who want small units, but not in towers. Granny flats could be a way for mums and dads to help the economy and supplement income, while it’s desirable for retirees to have compatible renters in the backyard.
Elaine O’Shannessy, Buxton
United benefits
So, Melbourne is to get a new ticketing system to replace myki (“Myki change ahead as operator loses deal”, 16/5, ). Let’s hope it’s a better solution to the current outdated system. One of the many disadvantages of living in a federated system is that every state and jurisdiction has its own tap-and-go system. Imagine the billions that could have been saved, and the convenience for travellers if every state had invested in the one national system.
Denise Stevens, Healesville
Free and simple
So, the contract with an American company to run the public transport ticketing system will be $1.7 billion for the next 15 years. Might it not be cheaper to make public transport free than send our taxes offshore? It could also attract more travellers and reduce road usage.
Phil Labrum, Trentham
End the tapping
I am hoping myki’s replacement will be safer, kinder to overseas visitors, the elderly and parents with small children. As it is, our current tapping for payment clogs up the tram, bus entrances and creates many other difficulties.
If there was a specific tax to service the cost of all public transport, no one would have to pay or tap in any crowded doorway or in the wind. It will feel free and make life simpler.
Carol Oliver, Carlton
Fund Aunty properly
Your correspondent (Letters, 16/5) asserts left-wing bias is the reason listeners are turning away from the ABC. On the contrary, after years of browbeating and budget cuts from the Coalition and constant attacks from the Murdoch media machine, the ABC has become a shadow of its former self. However, it needs to be acknowledged that Radio National still has a number of decent programs, most notably Late Night Live hosted by Phillip Adams.
A fiercely independent, informative and well-funded ABC is needed in Australia to attract discerning listeners back into its fold.
Phil Alexander, Eltham
Fair and square
I don’t want a left- or right-wing ABC. I want a fair and square ABC. A broadcaster that will keep me informed, entertained and, most of all, have intelligent discussions about the world in which we live. Radio National just about fills that need!
Myra Fisher, Brighton East
Who agrees with me?
I wonder about the extent to which accusations of “ABC leftie bias” and “inaccurate reporting” arise from any broadcaster “being left of and/or not agreeing with me”. More than 50 per cent of Australians think they are of above-average intelligence.
Being in the majority doesn’t make you correct. Ratings work the same way.
Richard Jamonts, Williamstown
Carbon dilemma
Re: “Labor keen to ‘scale up’ buried carbon” (The Age, 16/5), Chevron’s Gorgon in WA is the biggest carbon capture and storage (CCS) experiment in the world. According to the Climate Council, “the project has captured just under 5 million tonnes total, or about 12 per cent of the project’s total emissions and cost an estimated $3.1 billion”.
CCS is akin to the carbon offsets dilemma, in that if you produce gas, you can plant a tree to “offset” the emissions; or you can “experiment” with capturing the emissions. Either way, you are still producing gas. As the global transformation progresses, fossil fuel companies’ profits will eventually dwindle. There is pressure from shareholders, not only with environmental concerns but because they want to future-proof their portfolios. Many companies in Europe have pledged to switch, over time, to sun and wind power.
Instead of draining the public purse and adding to our emissions, Australian operators could do the same.
Fiona Colin, Malvern East
A lovely tribute
Pam Cupper has given us a lovely obituary for her sister Gwen (“Deep social ties in a life well lived”, 16/5). I believe that it is appropriate that most obituaries celebrate people whose lives were memorable for particular contributions to society in different fields: knowledge; politics; philanthropy; courage; musical; artistic, sporting and other talents.
However, it is also good to pause and think about people, like Gwen, who overcome significant disabilities to live their best life. Her loving family and support group must also be honoured for their devotion to Gwen and the pleasure they took in all her achievements.
Sandra Torpey, Hawthorn
Expertise appreciated
Vale Krystyna Wisniewska, who, in addition to the contributions detailed in her obituary (“Poetic talent had a unique perspective on life”, 16/5), provided invaluable advice, delivered with memorable expertise and the warmth of a sympathetic and altruistic personality, to the many translators casually employed by the Department of Immigration following the fall of the iron curtain and subsequent large numbers of immigrants to Australia.
Ruth Farr, Blackburn South
And another thing
Credit: Illustration: Matt Golding
Federal politics
So Stuart Robert will not give a farewell speech. That’s fine. He’s said enough already.
Les Aisen Elsternwick
Captured and stored carbon? The only thing Labor is burying is its credibility on climate action.
John Mosig, Kew
Your correspondent stated that Howard haters morphed into Abbott, Turnbull, Morrison and Dutton haters. As the major said in Fawlty Towers, I won’t have it. Turnbull had some good points.
Ross Hosking, Blackwood, SA
Your correspondent groups all conservative leaders after Howard into one basket. Yet Turnbull was prevented from doing his job by the other three.
John Bye, Elwood
Furthermore
Were the masked neo-Nazi, anti-migrant protesters in the city on Saturday the same ones protesting against wearing of masks last year?
Andrew Budge, Fitzroy
Surely the critics of the ABC who believe the station is left-biased aren’t suggesting that a media outlet like, say, Sky News would give “commentary in a balanced and truthful manner”?
John Cain, McCrae
Mary Doyle, new member for Aston, wisely said in her first speech, “Social welfare is not a dirty word.” Please listen, all those on the opposition.
Pat Rivett, Ferntree Gully
I’m perfectly happy with my hamburger wallet and don’t wish to lose my public transport smart card in the forthcoming myki changeover.
Ian Powell, Glen Waverley
Cathy Wilcox’s cartoon was spot on (Letters, 16/5). Those with deep pockets have always had a voice to parliament. We need to level the playing field for Indigenous people.
Georgina Simmons, Mornington
Whatever happened to the word “popular”? Just about everybody seems to be “beloved” as far as the media is concerned these days.
Bernd Rieve, Brighton
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