The Premier did not have to say what he did; he is merely doing what the right always accuses critics of doing; that is, “piling on” with comments surely harmful to young people who are already struggling. Yes, he is entitled to his opinion, but voicing something hurtful from such a senior position is merely supporting the PM’s “dog whistling” to bigots. Remember, not one sporting body has raised this as an issue. Michael McMullan, Avoca Beach

All these men opining about transgender participation in women’s sport: maybe they should just butt out and leave it to those specifically affected to comment on and solve. Alicia Dawson, Balmain

The Prime Minister’s comment that he and Jenny are blessed to have two healthy children has been misunderstood (“Children a blessing: autism mum”, April 22). He was clearly sidestepping the question by using a favourite tactic: dragging his family into the debate. Morrison’s comment was effective in avoiding Catherine Yeoman’s question about the future of the NDIS, an ominous sign for all parents of children who may need NDIS assistance. Sure, he took a bit of flak for “misspeaking” but his ploy worked: whatever he’s got up his sleeve for the NDIS, we, the voters, are none the wiser. Merona Martin, Meroo Meadow

Deep bench steps up

Anthony Albanese’s COVID diagnosis might be a “blessing” for Labor (“COVID puts Albanese’s campaign plans on hold”, April 22). In Penny Wong, Tanya Plibersek, Jim Chalmers and others, he has a credible, passionate, articulate and principled team who will have no trouble stepping into his shoes while he’s isolating. As a bonus, voters will become familiar with a welcome alternative team to replace Scott Morrison’s dodgy ministerial offerings. This time, Morrison might just miss out on being “blessed” by Albanese’s misfortune. Pam Timms, Suffolk Park

Now we’ll hear more from Albanese’s band of “senior shadow ministers”. This broader input is how it should be for all parties, as we’ll be voting for a governing team that is in no way adequately represented when primarily spruiked by the leader of a party. Anne Ring, Coogee

It will also reinforce the fact that the solidarity in Labor is due in large part to Albanese’s skill in bringing together a party that was somewhat fractured during its last stint in government. Mary Lawson, Marrickville

Can we now, please, let some Labor women into the limelight? Carla Gillis, Hallidays Point

Albanese tests positive to COVID, election campaign goes viral. Jenny Stephenson, Wollongong

Free ferry rides just the ticket but demand outstrips supply

Free public transport on public holidays and certain off-peak periods is a great idea for stimulating economic activity and giving more opportunities for people to enjoy a good day out (“Fare-free scheme sparks rush on off-peak public transport”, April 22). However, the combination of ballooning weekend demand and a finite supply of ferries has left some people stranded at intermediate wharves because ferries are too full to pick them up, while other people have had plans for the day disrupted as they spend long periods in queues. If the transport minister wishes to introduce more fare-free periods he needs to float a proposal that better matches supply and demand on the water. Doug Walker, Baulkham Hills

Our grandchildren were disappointed that two off-peak ferries failed to stop and pick us up because they were full last week, and we ended up driving instead. However, this was not due to the current free services, it has been happening for years. When will those managing NSW transport realise that demand often exceeds supply during public and school holidays and put on extra ferries? Margaret Grove, Abbotsford

Looking at the photo which includes three maskless people on a train, I’m not sure if I agree with the Transport Minister that free public transport will assist in recovery from the pandemic. Geoffrey Williamson, Woollahra

Aid cuts prove costly

The PM and defence minister are thumping their chests, telling Australians how strong and successful they have been in protecting our interests in the Pacific (“Bipartisan stance is vital to address Pacific security”, April 22). The facts tell a different story. Solomon Islands thumbed their nose at Australia and signed a deal with China. Perhaps, just perhaps, it may have something to do with the Coalition slashing our foreign aid budget at a time when China was baring its claws in the Pacific? Jon Jovanovic, Lenah Valley (TAS)

Thanks for calling out the ongoing shame of our falling aid budget as one possible reason the Solomon Islands’ government is not listening to us (“Solomons failure began with Abbott in 2014”, April 21). Our aid ranking among the OECD’s top 22 economies has dropped from eighth in 2012 to nineteenth. The federal government’s weak 2030 emissions reductions targets also sits at odds with the existential threat being faced by many Pacific Island nations. It looks like a case of “reap what you sow”. Maree Nutt, Newport

It is sickening to hear the PM talk about “our Pacific family”. He and his party have continually cut our foreign aid to the Pacific, so why would they want to be part of a family that shows them so little care, especially when China comes along to attend to their needs and fills the gaps that Australia has created? The Liberals’ claim to be better on defence and keeping us safe has gone right out the window. Ruth Holmes, Crows Nest

Readers were quick to criticise the government for failing to act sooner in the Solomons crisis (Letters, April 22). We weren’t the only ones who were caught flat-footed. New Zealand also has a considerable interest in the islands, and even the usually infallable Jacinta Arden was caught unawares Ross MacPherson, Seaforth

The opprobrium being heaped on Scott Morrison is misdirected. We all know that when the Solomon Islands are overrun and terrorised by the Chinese regime, as they will be, to whom will they turn? The Americans, the British and the Australians, of course. George Fishman, Vaucluse

While Morrison was stopping leaky fishing boats the Chinese navy sailed past him. Says it all really. Michael Britt, MacMasters Beach

Pay fair

A small business in Bathurst had no problems finding a worker to fill its casual position of 25 hours at $27.95 per hour (“Eateries want staff flown in cheaply”, April 22). Perhaps some businesses want overseas workers, international students and backpackers because they may be willing to work for less. Skilled migration may be one solution, but paying an award rate under regulated and fair working conditions is another. A business that relies on cheating its workers is akin to a sweatshop and probably not viable. Michael Wheatley, Rock Forest

Priced out

It’s insulting to young people to be told their discretionary spending is to blame for housing unaffordability (Letters, April 22). The ratio of the average Sydney house price to the average Sydney salary has grown from 6 to 15 since 1970. Responsible lenders believe borrowers shouldn’t exceed a ratio of 2.5. Cutting smashed avocado and streaming isn’t the solution. However, cutting negative gearing is. Anne Matheson, Gordon

Anzac lesson

Anzac Day is a time to reflect. When we look at the reasons for past and present wars, inevitably, they could all have been resolved in a thousand peaceful ways (“Anzac Day 2022: Everything you need to know”, smh.com.au, April 22). No destruction, no innocent civilians or children killed, no expensive weapons deployed and no need for brave soldiers to die or be traumatised.

Killing is the first resort of fools and the last resort of the wise. Wars are based on the simplistic logic of killing; that killing more of “the enemy” than they kill, will solve a problem. However, that logic is flawed. Killing only creates more hatred, which leads to a never-ending cycle of killing and more killing.

All that is necessary to prevent all future wars is for politicians to abandon the logic of killing and to embrace the logic of reason. If only Vladimir Putin had done so. Tom Orren, Wamberal Heights

Having four days of legal two-up debases Anzac Day and insults the lives, deaths and memories of the diggers. Instead of Anzac Day being a reunion, sharing stories and memories of fallen comrades, a few drinks and a game of two up, it has now evolved into a four-day gambling event. John Cregan, Mona Vale

Million dollar baby

Is this what is meant by value added exports (“Australia spent a million dollars training me – and now I’m leaving”, April 21)? Well done us. Franz Weiss, Maroubra

Ad shock

Even though I know it’s coming when I see the first flash of bold yellow, it is still a shock to my morning system to come face-to-face with an almost life-size picture of a politician of dubious repute (Advertisement, April 22). Is there any chance this ad could be placed in a sealed section with a warning label? Richard Keyes, Enfield

Poplar choice

Travel southwest to Tumut, where the town celebrates its poplars’ autumnal display in the appropriately named Festival of the Falling Leaf (“Leaves something to be desired”, April 22). Lyn Langtry, East Ryde

Word nerds unite

I can cope with most new uses, incorrect uses and creative uses of words, and even most newly minted mashups (Letters, April 22). But please, let’s have fewer instances of “less” and more sightings of “fewer” when we’re discussing numbers, and fewer sightings of “fewer” and more sightings of “less” when we’re discussing volume. The constant misuse of these words is very affecting, or should I say impacting? Prue Nelson, Cremorne Point

Postscript

“The choice is now much simpler: the one who can’t recall statistics or the one who is sensitivity bereft,” according to Trevor Somerville of Illawong.

Letter writers this week moved on from commenting about Anthony Albanese’s first-week campaign trail gaffes to criticising Scott Morrison’s continued support of his captain’s pick in the seat of Warringah. Katherine Deves’ views were deemed to be “offensive” and “divisive” by correspondents, some marvelling at her naivety at finding “herself to be the latest weapon in the Morrison culture arsenal”.

The PM was deep in hot water with his “insensitive”, “obnoxious” and “patronising” comments to an audience member during the televised leaders’ debate. “The comments reveal a man incapable of wrestling with the realities of people’s lives and of learning no more than what works for the camera,” wrote Anne Garvan of Chatswood West, reflecting the views of many.

Letter writers were not impressed by the government’s inability to foresee China’s strategic shift into Solomon Islands. “China makes its moves like a well-planned chess game while we sit back deliberating where to move a pawn. Ministers Peter Dutton and Marise Payne should be held to account for what is a gross lack of judgment,” wrote Frank Tweedie of Morpeth.

When the news broke of the opposition leader’s Covid-positive result, many wrote to wish him well. Others, like Jane Morrison of Ingleburn, saw a silver-lining: “With Albanese isolating at home, we may now have the election campaign that we need. The slanging match between leaders was so unedifying, and now we will be able to hear some decent debate from other politicians. This campaign has just improved no end.” Correspondents, tighten your seatbelts as the ALP “unleashes the team” in week three of the election campaign. Pat Stringa, letters editor

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