Review proves we must handle China with care

In the current climate of increasing tensions and the focus on Australia’s military capabilities, let’s not forget China is our major trading partner (“War games find Defence unprepared”, May 2). Nevertheless, China’s belligerence in its quest for hegemony in the Indo-Pacific puts us (as AUKUS partner) in the firing line should Taiwan or any of our friends in the north be attacked. Military conflict would result in tragic loss of life and be economically disastrous on both sides. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced the importance of reducing the heat in our relationship with China, but how? Aside from dominating global trade, China provides funding to over 100 countries to develop roads, railways, power plants, ports and other infrastructure projects through its Belt and Road Initiative. Perhaps increased involvement by China in Australia’s infrastructure sector would reduce the chances of war. The Defence Strategic Review claimed China can strike two-thirds of Australia. I find it difficult to envisage missiles raining down on Chinese-financed and built infrastructure, a fast train on our east coast being but one example. John Kempler, Rose Bay

I don’t understand why some people don’t understand that Australia needs a defence force. Everything I hear on the subject from anyone with professional experience is the same; that we face a difficult international situation, that our defence capability is poorly resourced, and that we have to accept, however unpalatable it is, that we need to do something about it. No one wants to send their sons and daughters to war, however, as someone born during World War II with a father on active service, and a young adult during the Vietnam War, I recognise that our geography won’t protect us forever. One of the major responsibilities of any government is the defence of the realm. Vivienne Parsons, Thornleigh

It doesn’t take a Defence review for people to realise that in a war with China we’re f---ed. I could have told you that for free. Steve Johnson, Eastgardens

I can’t help wondering if the iron ore we sell to China – which has helped to keep us financially afloat – has been turned into steel and submarines which will threaten our own subs. Just saying. Elly Haynes, Orange

Your correspondent (Letters, May2) regarding recruitment into the ADF may have far more influence over her family than I have with mine. I can’t imagine my children or my grandchildren being told they can’t join the ADF if they have a mind to.
The ADF can offer career opportunities following trade or tertiary training, or merely a desire to serve their country. Migrants, especially, may well see the educational benefits of enlisting and see it as demonstrating loyalty to their new country. Denis Suttling, Newport Beach

So, we need to recruit foreigners to fight in our planned war with our largest trading partner? There is a word for foreign fighters – they are called mercenaries. Perhaps the younger generation, in not flocking to the ADF, is telling us something about our priorities. John Richards, Turramurra

Children will evade new vape detectors at school

Why on earth are taxpayers having to pay for 40,000 vape detectors plus labour to install them instead of simply banning vape devices from being sold at all (“Revealed: plan to buy 40,000 vape detectors for school toilets”, May 2)? Kids aren’t stupid, they will simply do it elsewhere. Our grandson was in Tasmania recently and says he saw kids as young as six using vape cigarettes. Is there any good reason to allow them to be sold? Christine Stewart, Glebe

Vape detectors in school toilets is a great idea, but I can’t understand why there doesn’t seem to be a concerted and publicised effort to stop these things coming into the country. And if cigarette companies are involved, they should be outed and put out of business. We don’t need the things. Ian Adair, Hunters Hill

It is all well and good to install vape smoke detectors in schools, but can the government also install “vape legislation avoidance detectors”, “vape importation detectors” and “illegal sales of vapes to minors detectors” as well? Stop the problem before making it a school issue. Jenny Coote, Woonona

Schools already have vape detectors. They are called teachers. Colleen Northam, Taree

Finally, Health Minister Mark Butler will ban non-prescription vaping. Next steps needed: Dramatically reduce costs of nicotine replacement products to safely help addicts of all ages. Employ more enforcement staff. Declare many more public spaces smoke-free and vape-free – the majority don’t smoke or vape and are entitled to breathe clean air, free from toxins. Margaret Hogge, Non-Smokers’ Movement of Australia, North Curl Curl

The government is to be congratulated for taking on the vaping industry. We bravely led the world in taking on Big Tobacco over plain packaging. Who is to say Australia isn’t a healthier cleaner better place for that? The medical profession is clear, vaping has become a way for Big Tobacco to get new cohorts of young people addicted to nicotine. If history is any guide, the tobacco lobby will fight like hell to stop this proposal. The government deserves our full support to stand up to them, just as I’m sure they would if they tackled online gambling ads aimed at the young. Gary Barnes, Mosman

Please tell me how we have “vape shops” in plain sight (not plain packaging) obviously selling e-cigarettes that contain nicotine to anyone, including children, who’ll buy them. Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill

Act now or koalas will be lost

The editorial (“Koala colony once gave hope of better fate but not now”, May 2) responds to the dire warning from Gunnedah on how koala populations can implode once chlamydia sets in. Yes, there are some hopeful signs with a chlamydia-free and breeding koala population in Campbelltown, but unfortunately that’s where the good news ends. This important population is threatened with critical habitat loss as corridors are cut by sprawling housing estates, including the Lendlease development at Mount Gilead. Unless urgent action is taken by governments to protect their habitat and deliver promised underpasses on Appin Road, the koalas of south-west Sydney will also soon become extinct. Maria Bradley, Coogee

It was with deep sadness I read your editorial on the plight of koalas in the Gunnedah region. Last year, federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek was dismayed at the latest State of the Environment report and has undertaken to strengthen our environmental laws. The Samuel review, which called for the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act to be strengthened in 2020, received over 30,000 submissions. Governments now need to rebuild the community’s trust in our environmental protection laws. It’s disappointing Plibersek’s state counterpart, Penny Sharpe, has not acted to stop logging in sensitive areas. If immediate action isn’t taken to protect the remaining NSW koala habitat, then federal intervention is surely warranted. Anne O’Hara, Wanniassa (ACT)

The threatened koala extinction is a warning. We need to act now to mend existing environmental damage and bring in laws to prevent future destruction before all species, including humans, disappear forever. Joy Cooksey, Harrington

V’landys’ big gamble

Andrew Webster’s interview with Peter V’landys proves Mammon rules the sport of rugby league in the 21st century (“Betting adds more entertainment to rugby league: Inside V’landys Vegas plan”, May 2). We are promised a spectacular circus in Las Vegas, with many millions of dollars provided from American gambling. Never mind the athletes, just bet, bet, bet. Lorraine Hickey, Green Point

How disgraceful that Peter V’Landys and the NRL are keen to open next year’s rugby league season with a double header match in Las Vegas. Not for the purpose you’d expect of promoting the football code, but to tap into new US online betting and gambling markets. Rugby League has a long and sordid history of unhealthy associations involving breweries, tobacco companies, alcohol and poker machines. Now they’re fixated on saturation sports betting. Is anyone at the NRL vaguely interested in promoting the players and the game itself? Mark Berg, Caringbah South

The cutting interview of ARL head V’landys starkly exposes the cynical profit-focused exploitation rugby league has turned into, far from the simple sport it used to be. Each response from this scion of big business has a bottom line that for every opportunity to screw more dollars from people’s interest in the old game, there is a mug punter who can be exploited, and there is a poor player who can be concussed, to provide the “product” the ARL flogs. And we build stadiums to give to this mob. Barry Laing, Castle Cove

Sport of passion

I disagree with your correspondent, who says “soccer will never resonate with the general Australian public until the sport becomes a pleasure rather than a passion” (Letters, May 2). It is the largest sport by participation in the country. The “passion” is what sets football (soccer) apart and makes it “the beautiful game”. The group commitment inside a stadium with 20 or 70 thousand passionate supporters is something to experience. The violence meted out to the referee at the weekend was not passion – it was thuggery and must be dealt with in the harshest terms. If your correspondent wants pleasure, then buy an ice-cream. Dale Bailey, Five Dock

Jim-dandy

I don’t agree with Treasurer Jim Chalmers on many things. However, on making employers pay superannuation each payday he is correct (“Millions to retire richer in payday super plan”, May 2). Well done, Treasurer. Some employers won’t like it as it will affect cash flow, but super is part of the employees pay packet and should be treated the same as the cash-in-hand component. It should make it easier for payroll administration. John George, Terrigal

Op shop gems

In the op shop where I volunteered for 14 years (“Op shop flock seek company, and maybe a frock”, May 2) we had regular customers, many of whom lived alone and who came in regularly for a browse and a chat. Funny stories abounded. On one occasion, having taken off my shoes to fix the display in the shop window, I turned around to see a customer pick them up, intending to buy them. Josephine Piper, Miranda

Risky business

The army might find it easier to fill its ranks (Letters, May 2) if the top brass paid some attention to OH&S guidelines. Who wants a job with an employer who clearly foresees the risk to its staff of death, disfigurement and mental injury? John Christie, Oatley

Helping hand

Thank you, Stephen Grady (“Dementia sufferers lack support in first year”, May 2) for reminding us that in personal tragedy we can find the inspiration to be of unique and profound support to others who are suffering. Lynette Schaverien, Castle Cove

Dr Dolittle returns

With ScoMo advising Britain on the AUKUS project (“Morrison eyes UK defence job in exit plan” May 2), what could possibly go wrong? Oh, I forgot – defence wasn’t one of his multiple ministries. Levane Abdoolcader, Padstow Heights

In a country where the Right thought Boris Johnson and Liz Truss were a good idea, it’s no surprise they’re thinking of hiring Morrison. They’ll learn. Gary Stowe, Springwood

This week’s highlights for the Coalition Show: The Return of Doctor No (Tony Abbott) and the season’s end for Doctor Dolittle (Scott Morrison). Glenn Wood, Bardon (Qld)

Royal show

It’s not pomp and pageantry that will entice me to watch the coronation this weekend but if Rampaging Roy Slaven and H G Nelson call it, I’m in. John Bailey, Canterbury

Dog flap

Get a cat rather than a dog to reduce health hazards, say your correspondent (Letters, May 2). Really? The greatest trip hazard is the cat: small, silent, mobile deadly. Lance Rainey, Rushforth

In my local dog group those retractable leashes are known as “trip wires”. Robin Love, Rozelle

The digital view
Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au
The plan to purchase 40,000 vape detectors for public school toilets
From Sydney101: ″⁣Bring in the detectors. The horse has bolted on this issue, so we also need to back it up with intensive health and wellbeing support for young people already addicted. To be fair, parents could help by having the conversation with kids. Most would be shocked to know how rampant the vaping issue has become.″⁣

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