Category: Australia

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Australia

Hunt for masked man after brazen suspected child abduction attempt from Glenelg Primary School

Hunt for masked man after brazen suspected child abduction attempt from Glenelg Primary School

A suspected child abduction in which a young female student was allegedly dragged down a South Australian primary school corridor by a stranger has sparked a major police investigation.

Police say a man was seen walking into Glenelg Primary School about 10am on Tuesday.

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He was described by police as “behaving suspiciously” on school grounds before leaving the area.

Parents revealed shocking details about the terrifying order to 7NEWS on Wednesday, saying they were told the female Year 4 student was dragged down a school corridor by a man she did not know.

They say the man walked onto the grounds, entered a classroom building and climbed the stairs to the second floor, where he grabbed the girl outside the toilets in front of her friends and teachers.

“(He) had dragged her halfway along (the corridor), which is about where my daughter’s classroom is, and … then he got scared, maybe she was screaming, and then he ran away,” one mum told 7NEWS.

“It’s really horrible to think they got that far in and no one had stopped them. It’s a long way to get into the school.”

Police are investigating claims a man tried to abduct a Year 4 student from Glenelg Primary School. Credit: Facebook / Glenelg Primary School

A friend of the victim said the man had looked at the girl under a toilet stall door and took photos of her before she ran screaming, The Adelaide Advertiser reports.

“He came into the school building, he was looking at her, taking photos of her under the door when she was in the toilets,” Seva, 11, told the newspaper.

“She screamed, and then she ran out and the man started chasing her up the stairs.

“Everyone in my class is scared. I don’t really feel safe at the school anymore, because I’m afraid it might happen to me.”

The claims have left parents shaken, with another concerned mum telling 7NEWS “it’s madness”.

“I think it’s terrifying, I can’t believe it happened,” she said.

“What that child went through must have been devastating,” another said.

“(I felt) scared for the children, you want it to be a safe place when they come to school.”

Parents say the man made his way inside a school building, up to the second floor when he tried to grab the girl. Credit: 7NEWS

Police were called to the school about 10am, but by the time they arrived no suspect could be found.

The man is described as being about 180cm tall, bald and was wearing a knee-length light blue shirt, black pants, a black face mask and was carrying a beanie.

Parents claim they were left in the dark about the terrifying order.

“I heard nothing, they just said there was an incident and that was it,” one told 7NEWS.

A letter was sent to parents stating police were investigating an incident on school grounds but made no mention of an abduction attempt.

The school principal declined an interview request by 7NEWS, but said the student involved and her family have been offered support.

Government spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said the claims were “terrifying”.

“We will make sure police have all the resources they need to investigate and get to the bottom of this,” he said on Wednesday.

Anyone who may have seen a man matching the description, or has dashcam footage near the Diagonal Road school, is urged to contact police.

– With Peter Caldicott

Olivia Newton-John’s daughter shares first message.

Olivia Newton-John’s daughter shares first message.

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Australia

China ‘ready to use all necessary means’ to reunify Taiwan with ‘motherland, Xiao Qian says

China’s ambassador to Australia said China is “ready to use all necessary means” to reunify taiwan with “the motherland”, while addressing Australia’s “difficult” relationship with the superpower.

During an address at the National Press Club, ambassador Xiao Qian said the US was to blame for rising tensions around the self-governing island.

Xiao claimed the US “must take full responsibility” for the escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait, calling Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to “China’s Taiwan region” a “serious violation” of the One China principle.

China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, during an address to the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on Wednesday 10 August 2022. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, during an address to the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

“Speaker Pelosi insisted on visiting the Taiwan region in disregard of China’s strong opposition, making it clear to the world it was the US side who first took provocative action to change and undermine the status quo,” he said.

“China is compelled to take counter-measures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is legitimate and justified.”

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan has drawn the ire of the Chinese government. (AP)

He said China has been very patient waiting for a “peaceful unification”.

“But … we can never rule out the option to use other means, so when necessary, when compelled, we are ready to use all necessary means,” he said.

Asked to clarify how “all necessary means” should be interpreted, Xiao said: “You can use your imagination.”

China was “absolutely determined” to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said, insisting that Beijing “will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China.”

“As to what does it mean, (what) ‘all necessary’ means? You can use your imagination.

‘An issue of reunification’

During the address Xiao was asked by reporters what would trigger a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, what kind of military might it could involve and what the impacts could be.

Xiao said he would “rather not use the word ‘invasion’ when we talk about China and Taiwan”.

“Taiwan is different from any other scenario or situation,” he said.

“Taiwan is not an independent state.

“Taiwan is a province of the People’s Republic of China.”

He framed the tensions as an “issue of reunification, complete reunification” and of “Taiwan coming back to the motherland”.

China has launched military exercises near Taiwan following the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The areas marked in red show where the People’s Liberation Army drills are being held. (CNN)
Xiao reminded Australia of its commitment to the One China principle
Xiao reminded Australia of its commitment to the One China principle. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

‘China and Australia, we can be friends’

During his address Xiao talked at length about “the much-discussed, much-talked-about” China-Australia relations, saying the two countries can once again “be friends.”

“In the past couple of years, unfortunately, the relationship between China and Australia was caught in a difficult situation due to reasons known to all,” he said.

“This has greatly impacted the bilateral exchange cooperation… and severely damaged the friendship between our two peoples.

The 2022 federal election, which saw Anthony Albanese oust Scott Morrison, had been an opportunity to “reset the relationship” between China and Australia.

He then detailed meetings between ministers from Beijing and Canberra, where he said “encouraging” progress was made.

Countries with the highest military expenditure in the world

He said the West should see China “as a partner rather than a rival”, and then detailed Beijing’s commitment to international agreements and the UN.

“No matter how China develops itself now or in the future, China will never seek hegemony or sphere of influence,” he said.

The development of China-Australia relations was at a critical juncture, he said.

“China’s policy of friendship and cooperation to Australia remains unchanged.”

The ambassador said the election of Anthony Albanese was a chance to “reset the relationship” with China. (Alex Ellinghausen)

While the two countries are close, there were obvious differences between China and Australia, Xiao said.

“As an old saying goes, no two leaves are alike,” he said.

“Different as we are, there are no areas where we have fundamental conflicts of interest.”

Both countries should work hard to not allow any differences to obstruct or “hijack” the relationship, Xiao said.

“As we say in China – only the wearer of the shoes knows whether the shoes fit or not.”

Xiao claimed China has no interest in meddling with Australia’s foreign policy, and denied there were moves a foot to set up a military base in the Solomon Islands.

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Australia

Australia should abandon goal to limit global heating to 1.5C, says gas company eyeing Beetaloo Basin | oil and gas companies

A gas company with interests in the Beetaloo Basin is calling on the federal government to rewrite its climate change legislation to abandon the “unattainable” objective of trying to limit global heating to 1.5C.

The call comes despite Australia being a signatory to the Paris agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2C – and preferably to 1.5C – compared to pre-industrial levels.

Tamboran Resources, which received a $7.5m grant for exploration in the Beetaloo Basin, has argued the government’s objective in the new legislation should be revised down to keeping warming “well below 2C above pre-industrial levels”.

The company suggests that including the 1.5C limit in the legislation could expose fossil fuel companies to “counter-productive lawfare” that could stymie its “climate improving” gas projects.

“While the world still has the ability to avoid a 2C temperature increase, it seems like a growing reality the world will exceed 1.5C in the next few years regardless of what actions are taken, particularly from Australia’s perspective,” the company’s submission to a Senate inquiry examining the bill says.

“By including an Australian legislated objective [of 1.5C] that will be reached very soon at the global level and in which Australia has a very little influence on, it will likely provide additional ammunition to ‘lawfare’ lawsuits in Australian courts on the grounds that legitimate Australian projects are incompatible with an unattainable global target. ”

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The “unbearable cost, delays and additional risk” that would result from court action would make it difficult for the company to move ahead with projects it claims would help reduce global emissions, the submission states.

Tamboran, who refused to appear before a parliamentary committee investigating oil and gas drilling in the Beetaloo Basin, says unlocking gas reserves would reduce emissions by displacing coal, particularly overseas.

“Unlocking the Beetaloo Sub-basin gas resource is the single, largest emissions reduction project currently available in Australia, and will make the largest contribution towards achieving the Paris agreement objective of limiting global temperature increase to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels.”

It says scope 3 emissions, which relate to how Australian gas is consumed overseas, did not form part of Australia’s Paris commitment and the legislation should explicitly address this.

Other submissions to the inquiry argue the government’s ambition does not go far enough, with the Australian Research Council’s Center of Excellence for Climate Extremes among those calling for the government to lift its 43% emission reduction target “urgently”.

“Every tenth of a degree increases the risk to Australian communities, and therefore every opportunity to drive emissions down must be taken,” the centre’s submission states.

The Australian Conservation Foundation is also pushing for a higher target, describing 43% as “a good step forward but… not enough to meet the Paris agreement commitment of keeping global warming to 2C or to pursue a 1.5C limit to global warming”.

It also wants the legislation to oblige the Climate Change Authority to act on “science based” advice and to include tracking and reporting of scope 3 emissions in the annual climate change statement.

While the Greens resolved to support the legislation, the party has foreshadowed further discussions with Labor about inserting a climate trigger in environmental regulations which would make it hard for new fossil fuel developments to secure approval.

It has raised particular concern about the development of the Beetaloo gas fields, saying unlocking the gas from the region would increase Australia’s emissions by up to 13%.

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Australia

Last train to Bondi has ripple effect on small businesses, commuters

Last train to Bondi has ripple effect on small businesses, commuters

Rail Tram and Bus Union state secretary Alex Claassens said the union leadership was prepared to meet management on Thursday to talk about ways to ensure trains could operate during a planned six-hour stoppage in Sydney’s south-west on August 17.

The union leadership is also due to meet Transport Minister David Elliott and Employee Relations Minister Damien Tudehope late on Thursday.

Bondi Junction station on Saturday.

Bondi Junction station on Saturday. Credit:Rhett Wyman

Claassens cast doubt on the chance of a breakthrough at the talks, saying they had “gone backwards” every time they had met with Tudehope, and he reiterated the union’s call for Premier Dominic Perrottet to intervene to resolve the dispute.

Tudehope hit back by accusing the union of a “campaign of misinformation” and called on Claassens to engage with the government so that a new enterprise agreement could be put to a vote of the union’s members.

“It’s about time that members had a look at the quality of their leadership because we want to put money in the pockets of ordinary members of the rail union, and it is this leadership that is standing in their way,” he said.

While the workers’ stoppage ended at 4pm on Wednesday, Sydney Trains advised commuters to allow plenty of extra time while train services gradually return to normal. The timetable was expected to be fully operational by about 8pm.

Platforms at Bondi Junction station were deserted shortly after 9am on Wednesday.

Platforms at Bondi Junction station were deserted shortly after 9am on Wednesday.Credit:Rhett Wyman

Unless a deal between the government and the unions can be reached, commuters face major disruptions on the T3 Bankstown, T8 Airport and South, and the Southern Highlands lines on August 17 when another six-hour stoppage by workers is due to occur.

The following week – on August 23 – stoppages will disrupt the T1 North Shore and Western and the T9 Northern lines, as well as both the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast and Newcastle lines.

It will be followed on August 25 by stoppages on the City Circle line, and culminate in a refusal by rail workers to operate foreign-built trains on August 31. Foreign-built trains make up about three-quarters of the state’s rail fleet.

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The resumption of major protected industrial action on Wednesday follows weeks of disruption to the rail network in June and early last month.

The NSW government suffered an embarrassing defeat early last month in its efforts to stop unions from taking industrial action across Sydney’s rail network.

On July 9, the Fair Work Commission dismissed the government’s bid to suspend industrial action for 10 weeks, rejecting “inexplicable” claims that it was harming the state’s economy.

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Mystery as several dogs die after visiting Queensland beaches

Mystery as several dogs die after visiting Queensland beaches

Sunshine Coast pet owners have been put on high alert following a spate of mysterious dog deaths after visiting local beaches.

The Sunshine Coast Council confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that it had received reports from a local vet of at least five dogs experiencing symptoms of poisoning after visiting the Point Cartwright and Buddina area.

7NEWS understands all five died as a result. The council expressed its condolences to impacted community members.

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The North Coast Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care has since warned residents to “use caution” when walking pets around the areas of Buddina, Minyama, Point Cartwright and La Balsa, which are part of one continuous coastline.

“We, unfortunately, have had a series of patients presenting with alike symptoms that may suggest a toxicity by ingestion,” it said.

“Although we are unable to confirm the cause of these presentations, the link to these patients is the area that they have walked within the 12 hours prior.”

Buddina Beach. File image. Credit: SLSA Beachsafe

Symptoms include gastrointestinal upsets, breathlessness, lethargy, or any change in the behavior of your pet.

‘Absolutely heartbroken’

One man claimed his six-month-old puppy fell ill after visiting Kawana Beach on Wednesday. On Saturday, she was put down.

“This doesn’t seem like a coincidence, so I’d recommend steering clear for now. Please share around, as I don’t want any other beloved pets to die or anyone else to go through what I have,” he said.

“Absolutely heartbroken.”

Buderim dog day-care centre, Doggie Adventure Playhouse, also shared that one of its dogs, Billy, appeared to have been a victim of poisoning after visiting Buddina on Sunday. He died on Monday morning.

“Our loving thoughts and cuddles go out to Billy’s beautiful and heartbroken parents,” it said.

Silver Lining Pet Rescue Inc said one of her dogs, Sophie, also died over the weekend while on an adoption trial.

“Both Sophie’s now owner and foster mum are devastated at her passing. Please take care until the cause is known, ”she said.

The North Coast Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care has urged residents to ‘use caution’ when walking pets around the areas of Buddina, Minyama, Pt Cartwright and La Balsa. File image. Credit: Laura Reed/Getty Images

Some locals had expressed concern online that communal drinking bowls might have been contaminated.

Queensland Police told 7NEWS.com.au that it had been “made aware of several instances of alleged dog poisoning in the Sunshine Coast area and are looking into the matter”.

“Anyone with information is being urged to contact police.”

While the exact cause of the poisonings is unclear, a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed it was assisting the Queensland Police Service and RSPCA Queensland in the investigation.

“In the meantime, the Council has taken precautionary measures to reduce the risk of animals drinking possibly contaminated water by emptying and sanitizing all dog water bowls in the area,” she said.

“We are also working to remove any loose water bowls and seal any fixed bowls to prevent access.”

The council also encouraged pet owners to keep their dogs in sight at all times while in off-leash areas, ensure their dog is responsive to voice commands before letting them off-leash and contact their vet at the first sign of any symptoms.

Terrific moment cassowary chases down driver.

Terrific moment cassowary chases down driver.

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Australia

Sidoti’s tirade against the ICAC is sour grapes

Sidoti's tirade against the ICAC is sour grapes

The Independent Commission Against Corruption has made some mistakes in its 34 years of existence but the case of MP John Sidoti is a reminder that, all too often, criticism of the institution is based on naked self-interest and sour grapes rather than high principle.

Sidoti took to the floor of NSW parliament on Tuesday to launch a broadside at the ICAC which he said was better suited to a “communist regime” than NSW.

He urged Opposition Leader Chris Minns to reform the ICAC if he wins government. “This Frankenstein’s monster is out of control and nobody is safe. Reform the beast before it takes a bite out of you, too,” Sidoti said.

He said the ICAC suffered from “incredible institutional pride” and “will not let go of a matter, even when it is clear that the matter does not fit the definitions required under its Act”.

Not coincidentally, Sidoti made these comments in a debate on a motion to suspend him from parliament because of the findings of corruption the ICAC made against him last month.

The ICAC recommended consideration be given to charging Sidoti with misconduct in public for a prolonged campaign, from 2013 to 2017, to change zoning rules in the City of Canada Bay Council in a way that was “entirely directed to his private interest in increasing the development potential of his family’s growing number of properties in and around the Five Dock town centre”.

Sidoti used his status as the local MP, the ICAC said, to influence councilors to act in his family’s interests and broke public trust by claiming he was acting at all times in the interests of his constituents and the community when he was not.

Sidoti used his speech to rerun many of the arguments which he made during the ICAC’s public hearings last year. He said, for instance, that in pushing for the rezoning which favored his parents’ property he was just acting as a “dynamic, hardworking and passionate advocate for his community”.

But the ICAC found Sidoti could not identify any shopkeepers who had asked him to intervene and the rezoning he was advocating was “inconsistent with what the local chamber of commerce was advocating to CCBC”.

Sidoti’s speech was full of contradictions. On the one hand, he said the ICAC’s decision had robbed him of his “dignity, career, reputation and future prospects”.

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Australia

Blue Mountains teenage rapist called a ‘monster’, court hears

The victim of a teenage snuff at a house party west of sydney has called her attacker a monster who deserves to be behind bars.

The young woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, read out an emotional victim impact statement at a sentence hearing in Parramatta Children’s Court on Wednesday in the presence of her rapist.

“I hate you for what you did to me. You don’t deserve to be happy after the cruelty you’ve shown me,” she said.

Katoomba High School in the Blue Mountains
The victim and the accused studied at Katoomba High School in the Blue Mountains. (9News)

“I’ve struggled every day since. So have my parents, my little sister, my friends and loved ones, and you continue to live your life without repercussions.”

The man, who also cannot be named, studied with the victim at Katoomba High School in the Blue Mountains.

He was found guilty of six counts of sexual intercourse without consent and one count of choking.

The rape occurred at a house party on a mattress in the premises’ living room, the magistrate heard.

The victim said she hoped her assaulter’s family could live with the “reality of the monster” he was.

She told the court the rape had destroyed her life, leaving her “ashamed and irreversibly damaged” while giving her nightmares, psychological issues and low self-esteem.

“I don’t know who I’ve become. I used to be so sure of what I was going to do with my life and now I’m so very lost,” she said.

“Now all I can do is pray that this magistrate decides to put you behind bars where you deserve to be.”

The accused’s solicitor Brian Walker said a suspended control order was appropriate for the sexual assault.

“In my submission, it falls to the lower end of objective seriousness for offending of this kind,” he said.

There was initial consent, and the incident was opportunistic, occurring in an open area around people, he told the court.

The lawyer argued his client had not planned anything or lured the victim into an isolated spot.

The young man was now a person of good character and had a low probability of reoffending, being in a good job and a stable relationship, Walker said.

However, the court heard the man had consistently denied the allegations of rape and had not shown any contrition or remorse for his actions.

The magistrate will hand down her sentence on August 25.

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Australia

Massive traditional shortage puts more pressure on Australian construction industry

Australia is in the midst of its biggest tradition shortage in decades, with prices and demand adding further pressure to the construction industry.

The worker shortage is at the worst level since the industry records started, with the most acute scarcities in bricklaying, carpentry and roofing.

Not only is there a worker shortage but there is also a lack of building supplies.

Construction renovation work site
Australia is facing a building frenzy but there is a lack of traditions, (9News)

Despite this, Australia is facing a building frenzy with more than 100,000 homes under construction.

This is 80 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.

“The combination of all the factors we’ve seen over the past couple of years has resulted in the single biggest home building and renovations boom that we have ever seen,” Housing Industry Association (HIA) economist Tom Devitt said.

However, it has created a unique opportunity for people to enter the industry.

Tim Norrington, 23, is considered a “mature aged” carpentry apprentice after making the switch from being a musician and retail worker.

“It’s just brought so much stability to my life since I started,” Norrington said.

Tim Norrington, 23, is considered a "mature aged" carpentry apprentice after making the switch from being a musician and retail worker.
Tim Norrington made the switch to an apprenticeship during the pandemic. (9News)

More than 100,000 apprentices are currently in construction trades, up by around 25 per cent compared to pre-COVID-19 levels.

“The demand for skilled trades has been phenomenal over the last 12 months,” Geordan Murray, executive director of industry policy at HIA, said.

“Given the strong demand for construction trades, it’s presented some really strong opportunities for people.”

Tradies working at a construction site
Thousands of apprentices are in the process of training up for trades. (9News)

The construction industry may also be looking forward to positive news as the June quarter saw an easing in shipping container, oil and timber prices.

“2024 and 2025 is when we expect this pipeline to work its way down, in terms of prices and of availability, things should ease by then as well,” Devitt said.

When can you enter a rail crossing?

How long do you have to wait before entering a rail crossing?

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Australia

Troublesome politicians rewarded with cushy jobs

Troublesome politicians rewarded with cushy jobs

Memo to all Australian billionaires: here’s your chance to be loved and be unforgettable as well as being able to help humanity, like our dear Olivia. She founded her foundation to find a cure for cancer. Felix Orcullo, Wahroonga

It’s not often this man in his late 60s sheds a tear, but with the death of Olivia coming so soon after that of Judith Durham, today’s the day.

The voices of both singers soared with such grace and beauty above the often-undignified scramble of life. Along with the loss of two wonderful women I mourn the passing of what helped give our nation character. Peter Farmer, Northbridge

So sad Judith and Olivia died at approximately the same time. A pure coincidence, but a shame one is removed from the front page to be replaced by the other. This ancient teacher was reminded that Olivia’s grandfather was a Nobel Prize winner and physicist Max Born. Bernie Carberry, Connell’s Point

It proves again that Australia is God’s own country. He has taken two of our singing icons, Judith Durham and Olivia Newton-John. Ok Judith. Okay Olivia. Chrissie Whitlock, Earlwood

With the passing within days of two of the world’s loveliest people it seems that death is a really dud idea. Is it essential? Peter Skinner, Beecroft

I was 10 when my mother took me to see grease. I started to take the grease soundtrack cassette to school, where we would gather around a cassette player and would try to imitate the moves in the movie while singing along. I was briefly nicknamed Olivia Newton-Raffan and my dance partner was George Travolta. Thank you, Olivia, for being such a huge, happy part of my childhood. Clare Raffan, Campsie

We loved you, we honestly loved you Alan Gibson, cherrybrook

Hopelessly devoted to you. Rod Tuck, Katoomba

ONJ online taxes

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Like so many young guys growing up in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, ONJ was top of all pops for me. For five decades her presence de ella whether singing, acting or dancing (or all three) was jaw-droppingly fabulous. Her 10,000-watt smiles from her would light up the darkest room, despite her ongoing cancer and treatment from her. Tony M.

I was Olivia’s trainer for a few weeks in 1984 when she attended Kerry Packer’s Hyde Park Club for a short time. I was in awe of her and I was shy and a bit awkward… I have often wished that I’d engaged a little more but she radiated incredible warmth and beauty and it was all too much for my 20-year-old self . Dave

Olivia, Livy, Sandy. You have been there my whole life and I have always adored you. Thank you for the wonderful sounds and visions. May you rest in peace lovely lady. Jason

If there was ever a class act, Olivia Newton-John was it. In addition to her career, her career tributes perhaps the ultimate is that not a single bad word can be found about her anywhere, ever. She is remembered with nothing but love and fondness. liv

US could look in mirror on criticism of China ambitions

Peter Hartcher illustrates René Girard’s “mimetic” theory: that humans have an in-built compulsion to imitate each other (“Mutual agitation, a parlous game”, August 9). The desire of the US for world domination mirrors that of China, as does the desire of forces within each nation for domestic success. The wishes are the same. Neither would agree with this, of course, so devoted is each to the fallacy of being both autonomous and right. Carl von Clausewitz not only saw war as politics by other means but came to the realization that the ever-developing means of war, combined with human violence – reciprocal and imitative – results in an “escalation to extremes”. Is China’s belligerence towards its own people and neighbors so very different from decades of US meddling in other nations’ affairs and the accelerating slaughter of its own civilians? Susan Connelly, Lakemba

Heart bleeds for Liberal

How very rich of the senior Liberal minister to claim that his party machine is now in the business of acting like the Labor Party (“MPs rage at machine politics”, August 9). Firstly, anti-abortion, predominantly an issue at the heart of conservatism and always has been, is social control too. All the other issues this maverick is now rallying behind are the very ones his party fought against for the last decade (and more) with no crossing the floor from him. The Liberal Party has never represented Labor principles. A case of sour grapes at their abysmal loss is more like it. Anthony Connolly, Beacon Hill

The problem with the Liberal Party is not only machine politics – for it afflicts all our parties – but the fact that people do not have a “choice”. When was the last time you were able to truly negotiate with your bank or insurer? Their terms are either “take it or leave it”. How can you embrace “freedom of choice” when they have none in sight? Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga

Set the tone of debate

While there’s much truth in Lidia Thorpe’s forthright opinion piece, its ability to cut through to the vast majority of voters is thwarted by both tone and delivery (“Trust us approach to Voice will never work”, August 9). Likewise to the senator’s recent appearance in parliament’s swearing-in ceremony. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. Raising a closed fist in parliament, our nation’s highest office of public debate, is at the very least, completely counterproductive to progressing your concerns. Parliament House’s protocols, as antiquated and anachronistic as they might be, demand respect equal to that paid to acknowledging ancient Indigenous practice and custom. It works both ways. Possibly changing them through persuasive, logical, well-measured arguments from within might be more constructive in garnering support. Cleveland RoseDee Why

Plugging the EVs gap

On the subject of electric vehicle uptake, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries claims by 2025 that private homes in Australia will require some 177,000 charging systems (“Clean car traffic jam after 10-year delay”, August 9). They are forgetting that EV owners, like everyone else, have to sleep. EVs can be slow-charged overnight at off-peak rates, from an ordinary powerpoint. In most circumstances, there would be no need for an expensive charger in the garage. I’m sure most EV owners would agree. Dennis O’Hara, Wanniassa (ACT)

Kickflip the script on youths

“It's almost no longer a skate park; it has skating elements,” says Lachlan Scott, right, now 20.

“It’s almost no longer a skate park; it has skating elements,” says Lachlan Scott, right, now 20.Credit:Janie Barrett

the herald is to be applauded for allowing opposing views a forum, but there are times when an opposing view doesn’t deserve to be heard (Letters, August 9). Your correspondent makes Scrooge look benevolent. How does he know whether the skateboarders he derides don’t swim or play football on the weekend. On the other hand, they may not like team sports or be unable to afford sailing. Not everyone in the eastern suburbs is rich. And more seriously, would your correspondent prefer that after school these youths, rather than skateboard in full view, go vaping and drinking in the public toilets or behind his apartment? Richard Fry, Marrickville

A minor suggested rewording to yesterday’s skateboard letter: “The proposed renovations to the Royal Sydney Golf Club are selfish. Golfers can get exercise swimming, playing tennis, sailing, etc.” Chris Yates, Narrabeen

I walk in Rushcutters Bay Park every day, weather permitting and enjoy the green open spaces, the birdsong and the peace and quiet, which is at a premium in our busy city. Apart from the visual impact of a skate park facility, there is the issue of noise and the safety of children crossing busy New South Head Road to access the skate park. There are many other more suitable options for a skate park such as Centennial Park or the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. Karin Olah, Darling Point

Different accounts on banks

Reading of the practice of banks rejecting loan applications from single women took me back to 1963 when, as a single 23-year-old and a serving WRAAF Sgt at Richmond air base, I attended an appointment with the then bank manager at the Bank of NSW. I went to request a loan of £1500 to buy out my siblings’ share of an old house inherited from our mother (Letters, August 9). Much to my surprise, the loan was approved on the spot. The only provision was that I change my banking to the Bank of NSW. I have remained eternally grateful that I was helped financially at such a young age. Yvonne Tebay, Brandy Hill

Not only ladies had problems with banks. In 1965, my fiancee and I went for a house loan. She had worked eight years for a major bank since leaving school and I had worked for a major company for the same eight years. We were refused. We had a good savings record but not a chance. We got a loan through my employer who had a terminating mortgage scheme running for employees. Still angry after 56 years. Richard Kirby, Campbelltown

The digital view

Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au
MPs say muzzled debate, culture wars and populism is killing liberalism
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James Marape returned as prime minister in Papua New Guinea after fraught election | Papua New Guinea

James Marape has been returned as Papua New Guinea’s prime minister for its 11th parliament after a fraught and violent election period that has run for roughly six weeks.

Marape – who became prime minister in 2019 after toppling his predecessor and former party leader, Peter O’Neill – was invited to form government by the governor general, after his Pangu Pati secured 36 seats and was able to strike deals with coalition partners to bring its numbers to more than 80.

O’Neill had hoped to reclaim the top job, but was left disappointed after only 14 members were declared for his rival People’s National Congress (PNC) party.

The new parliament sat for the first time on Tuesday, the counting of votes continuing in 11 seats, and Marape was voted despite as prime minister – 97 votes for and none against. O’Neill left the chamber before voting took place.

Speaking on Tuesday, Marape reassured Papua New Guinea that his party was “not for one region, not for one family, not for one person” but “belongs to this country”.

“Today, I want to give comfort to every Papua New Guinean wherever you are, as shown and reflected on the floor of parliament where 100% of members showed up to vote not just for me but for the mandate, collectively the coalition secured because we went to the elections as partners,” he said.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese issued his congratulations, tweeting: “Congratulations James Marape on your re-election as Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. The Australia-PNG partnership is special: we are neighbours, friends and family. Australia is committed to working with the PNG government to continue to deepen our comprehensive bilateral relationship and tackle shared regional challenges.”

O’Neill said he had left the chamber in protest at the fact that parliament had sat and decided on a prime minister while counting was still under way in some seats.

“I did not vote for Marape simply because I cannot support a leader not properly elected by the people in their electorates,” O’Neill said. “I cannot vote for what is wrong. I walked out and gave our party MPs the opportunity to vote on conscience.”

O’Neill had filed an urgent application seeking orders to prevent the parliament from sitting this week, arguing that for parliament to be called there has to be a declaration of all 118 seats. The supreme court refused to issue the orders, ruling there was no urgency in the application.

The election was plagued with violence, with 50 election-related deaths reported by the end of July. There were also reports of voter fraud, ballot boxes being destroyed and candidates taking over polling stations. Up to a million people were believed to have been disfranchised due to the electoral roll not being updated in a decade.

The new PNG parliament has female representation for the first time since 2017. Two women have been elected – central governor Rufina Peter and Rai Coast MP Kessy Sawang. They are only the eighth and ninth female MPs ever elected to parliament in PNG’s nearly 50-year history.