A counter-meme is needed for young entrepreneurs whose meme amounts to a denial of their civic duty to the society that makes their businesses successful (“Meme spirited”, May 23). The young start-up only succeeds by the will of enough customers who contract with them. There needs to be a society that responds to the business idea. To draw society or customers as sleeping slugs is an insult and an incorrect caricature, nor is it good advertising. The PM is the elected representative of the society they denigrate. It follows, in a democracy, that the successful business supports the society that supported it. Tax is that civic duty. Anne Eagar, Epping
Anthony Albanese hits home the point that his government’s tax and investment reforms are designed to benefit the majority of Australians with aspirations for purchasing their own house. In reply, it is amazing to think the bloated investor class, whose self-centred goals have excluded many of that majority from accessing housing, consider themselves as occupying the same or analogous aspirational space. In fact, the investor class now lamenting the loss of the financial advantages they once had, or wish to acquire, are weeping crocodile tears while those who were suffering have been given what a government is there to do: improve their lot. Even then, equality is not achievable, though at least it is one morally correct step in the right direction. Frederick Jansohn, Rose Bay
New Zealand has never had a capital gains tax but Auckland isn’t the Silicon Valley of the south – so tax isn’t a determinant of innovation. Maybe young “entrepreneurs” should focus on their businesses and spend less time making empty threats of going elsewhere. Michael Berg, Randwick
Suboptimal timeline
I suggest that Kevin Rudd can afford to spruik the AUKUS deal (“Rudd says AUKUS subs guaranteed”, May 23) since many of us, including Rudd himself, may not even be around long enough to see the first sub delivered, let alone the last one. The first sub is due to arrive in the late 2030s and the last one in the 2060s. Only a supreme optimist would believe this timeline. I’m willing to bet that none of the vessels will ever reach our shores. In any case, I won’t be around long enough to see if I’m right or wrong. Graham Lum, North Rocks
Kevin Rudd may well be correct in his belief that the AUKUS submarine project has passed the point of no return; however, the most important attribute of submarines is their stealth, and one could justly say that all submarines will soon be under threat. China has acoustic sensors with a listening range of 1000km and, a whole year ago, Chinese scientists were testing a quantum sensor system capable of detecting tiny changes in the Earth’s magnetic field made, for example, by a large metal object moving underwater. By the time the subs are due for delivery in the 2040s it is highly likely they will only be fit for display in museums. Peter Nash, Fairlight
So Kevin Rudd has confirmed we are definitely getting the Virginia class subs? Can he also confirm how we plan to deal with the radioactive waste they will generate? Under the agreement, Australia has committed to taking full responsibility for managing and storing all radioactive waste generated by its nuclear submarines. I realise the biggest issue will arrive around 2050, when these subs are decommissioned, but the highly enriched uranium spent fuel, as well as the reactor compartments, will remain radioactive for thousands of years. The intergenerational environmental, health and cultural challenges go way beyond our current government and require full transparency for all Australians. Daniela Catalano, Haberfield
Rudd for the UN?
Anyone who can survive in Trumpland as well as Kevin Rudd, while still maintaining his integrity, must be someone of unusual capability (“Rudd steels for grandest mission”, May 23). Just as we refer to massive floods, fires and earthquakes as a one-in-500-year event, so we will remember the Trump years of corruption, mendacity and egomania when both friends and allies were terrified of his capricious ability to punish and retaliate. After this and the bloody predations of Putin and Netanyahu, the world pines for peace and freedom from what seems like continual turmoil, and the position of secretary-general of the United Nations after December 31 – though, like the papacy, an impossible one – is more important than ever. Although the UN is pushing for a female, preferably from Latin America, two men with similar intellectual vigour, crisis management expertise and language skills have earned already their spurs. Rudd and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are two such men. Bernard Moylan, Bronte
With the passage of time, and now that Rudd’s term as US ambassador is ending (“Ex-PM on his ‘character-building’ Trump encounter”, May 23), my thoughts go to their legacies. Rudd’s legacy is being unbelievably useful since he lost the PM role, unlike his immediate successor, who is still scaring even his disciples that he will return to politics rather than quietly enjoy his latter years. Malcolm Turnbull’s big success was starting Snowy 2.0, which will eventually be completed at whatever it costs and be the biggest battery in Australia but, more importantly, it trapped the Coalition into fully embracing renewables. Turnbull’s greatest failure was not endorsing Rudd as UN secretary-general, a job that Rudd would have completed with distinction, judging by his time as US ambassador. Peter Kamenyitzky, Copacabana
Humane being
For heaven’s sake, bring the remaining ISIS women and their children back home with a minimum of fuss (“More ISIS brides begin journey home”, May 23). Ignore the rabble-rousing of the conservatives, get the women settled in holding accommodation if necessary, and turn attention and care to children who must be deeply unsettled by the recent years. Otherwise, what is their future? Living in some kind of limbo will not benefit the children and will not reflect well on Australia. Surely the government has enough advisers and therapists to look after a few traumatised children and their unfortunate mothers. For those who oppose any trace of humanity, what would you suggest should be done with them? Nola Tucker, Kiama
Not so simple consultation
Dr Hayley Glasson (“Pill scripts are about to change. As a GP, I’m concerned”, May 23) is spot-on. In 42 years of general practice I have lost count of the number of times that patients have a “simple consultation” that turns out to be anything but simple. The chest pain mentioned as a throwaway line, the bleeding from the bowel (“Just a bit giddy, Doc”) and the childhood abuse that has never been mentioned before to anyone, including her husband of 30 years. It takes time to build the rapport that enables patients to tell their story. Fragmenting care is going to produce worse outcomes. Chris Boyle, Waratah
Divide and conquer
The anti-Labor people are really having a knife-sharpening fiesta (“Best frenemies forever? The Labor mates in high places”, May 23). Not content with digging up every so-called authority they can find to say nasties about the budget, they are working on the divide-and-conquer theme by trying to set Minns and Albanese against each other. Marjie Williamson, Blaxland
Canavan’s farewell to city seats
If the Coalition were elected, the National Party’s leader, Matt Canavan, would be deputy PM (“Canavan praises podcaster calling for mass deportations”, May 23). Canavan doubled down on a racist podcaster’s views on the mass, race-based deportation of migrants as a “good Australian” after Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price made a controversial appearance on the show. There could be a number of interpretations: the Nationals want the White Australia policy revived; the Nationals want to be in coalition with One Nation as they see the writing on the wall of the Liberals’ future. But by doubling down on the podcaster’s racist views, Canavan seemingly wants to ensure the Liberals never get back their city seats. Here is another take: If you upset our biggest trading partner, China, and China stops buying from and selling to Australia, imagine the economy tanking on a scale we haven’t seen in decades. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill
Matt Canavan says podcaster Sam Bamford is a “good Australian” and entitled to his views. This shows how feral the far right of Australian politics has become. Canavan knows exactly what he’s doing. With friends like him, Angus Taylor’s chances of winning government are even more remote. Ian Adair, Hunters Hill
How would re-migration be executed? What sort of government would condone this? What sort of Australia would we be living in, allowing non-white migrants to be deported? And white people around the world are just meant to drop everything and migrate to Australia? I guess, if we have the whole of England here, a sizeable part of Africa could move there. Is that win-win? Claudia Drevikovsky, Croydon
I’m just wondering how many generations it takes for someone to be whitewashed enough to be considered a “good Australian” according to Matt Canavan, Sam Bamford et al? I am the sixth generation since my ancestor arrived in Australia from India. Given that my blood is now only part Indian I was wondering which part of my body will be deported? My hand or foot, a toe? Jenny Coote, Woonona
Unfortunately, Sam Bamford does not seem to have a basic grasp of economics. If all immigrants (of which I am one) to this country were deported, would he be prepared to make up the shortfall in taxes? Cheryl Luther, Baulkham Hills
I am a pensioner with Aged Care. My cleaner is Colombian. My physiotherapist is from Pakistan. My podiatrist is Chinese. My doctor is Malaysian. I quite like immigrants. Hugh O’Keefe, Elizabeth Bay
Honour moral courage
The article “One man’s bid to keep Epstein files in public eye” (May 23) is an important reminder that the Epstein scandal was never just about one predator, but about power, silence and the courage to challenge both. Virginia Giuffre spoke publicly against wealthy, influential men, despite enormous personal cost. Her voice helped to shift the global conversation around sexual abuse, coercion and accountability. That is why a petition calling for formal recognition of her bravery matters. We readily honour physical courage. Moral courage deserves recognition too. Roz Townsend, Queanbeyan East
Wild about pets
Why do Australians prioritise pets over our wildlife (“Penguins in peril: What will it take to save them?” May 23)? Why would anyone living near a threatened penguin colony choose to own a dog or cat? It is crunch time for many of our animals with nearly 600 on the threatened species list. So often in the classroom when discussing our unique animals children will tell stories of how their pet dog or cat has attacked or killed a blue tongue lizard, ringtail possum or rosella. We need a comprehensive campaign to educate people around one of the true costs of our pet obsession – the decimation of our wildlife. Dorin Suciu, Eleebana
Begone Banjo’s brumbies
Brumbies (Letters, May 22) are an introduced pest, like foxes, rabbits and cane toads. Romanticising them (the Banjo Paterson era is long gone) doesn’t mitigate the damage they do to the environment and native species. Betsy Brennan, Wahroonga
Explodey beats bolide
Thank you, Angus Dalton (“What to do if a meteor lands near you”, May 23), a sage warning indeed. But prize of the week has to go to astronomer Professor Jonti Horner for, “[A bolide] is just a technical term for ‘explodey meteor’.” For me, explodey beats bolide any day. Jennie Curtin, Blackheath
A tip for restaurateurs
Once again, we see some restaurants wanting the diner to subsidise their wage bill (“How to avoid bill shocks when you dine out”, May 23). We even have Justin Newton saying, “People that work in the hospitality industry are often on the minimum wage. With the cost of living being so high and margins in hospitality so low, tips go a long way to help hardworking teams.” If Mr Newton wants to keep his staff, pay them a livable wage, not expect diners to pick up the bill. It’s time for the diner(s) to tell the owners that we are not going to tip or pay a surcharge. Maybe some restaurants will have a sign saying, “This restaurant is tip and surcharge free”. Robert Pallister, Punchbowl
Paying for paper bags
Leaving aside the “deceptive price discounting” and “shrinkflation” (Letters, May 22), I would like to know why I am paying 25 cents per paper bag when previously they were free? Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga
Kinder than carking it
Let’s face it (Letters, May 22), at least, euphemisms such as “passed away” beat less salubrious colloquialisms like “carked it”, or “croaked”. Edward Loong, Milsons Point
What’s wrong with the good old Aussie, “He carked it”? Peter Fleming, Northmead
I thought we solved the death thing long ago with “Gone fishing”? Julie Robinson, Cardiff
A friend was at a dinner when the host said he was going for a bottle of wine, but he never returned as he died en route to his cellar. Now whenever my friend reports someone’s death to me, he says, “They went for a bottle at 95”. Justin Fleming, North Sydney
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