Letter writers this week discuss the AUKUS subs deal, unnecessary Voice, Paul Keating’s defence of China, Nazis in Melbourne and a reduction in domestic violence.

Subs deal is stupid

Bill Stefaniak is wrong (CW, 16 March 2023, p12). The subs deal is the dumbest decision that an Australian government has ever made – because it foolishly and needlessly antagonises a nuclear power and ties us irrevocably to US decisions for war. By the time we see the disastrous consequences of this folly, Stefaniak will probably be dead. The rest of us may soon follow.

Tell your MPs how stupid this deal is!

• P Stanley, Dickson ACT

The Voice already exists

It is such a slap in the face to hard working people when the government (at any level) decides to spend a huge amount of public/taxpayer money on something that is not necessary.

After finding out about the National Indigenous Australian Agency (NIAA), it certainly appears to be the case with the current push for the “Voice”. This NIAA has been in existence since May 2019 and already sits inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. I urge you to have a look at its website. The first thing noted there is the NIAA’s “Vision” which states that “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered”. Sounds a bit familiar, doesn’t it? It would appear to be a huge chunk of public money to establish something that already exists. In 2021-22, this Agency received Government funding of over $268 million. The hypocrisy is magnified in times when everyday Australians are struggling to pay their bills and keep food on the table.

There is already a plethora of organisations specifically to look out for the Indigenous peoples of Australia. According to the Indigenous Voices Co-Design Process July 2021 document, it is highly likely there will be many more organisations, boards, groups, etc., – bureaucracy gone mad at ever-increasing expense to the public. Maybe it’s just a case of “what will a few more $million (or $billion) matter?” It’s not like more spending will increase inflation, is it?

• J Wholohan, Tinderry NSW

Keating wrong to defend China

Former PM Paul Keating believes that instead of purchasing several nuclear subs for our defence, not offence, as he risibly suggested at his recent appearance at the National Press Club, that more of the archaic submersible white elephants otherwise known as the Collins class subs would have sufficed to defend our coastline and “provide a stronger defence”. Really, in what way? The home-grown subs were poorly designed and constructed, they were too noisy in operation making them very easily detectable, additionally they were plagued with operational problems from inception resulting in some of them being out of action for considerable periods of time of up to a whole year. His speech at the National Press Club was vintage Keating, full of invectives against anyone that disagreed with his own views. He also advocated that China does not intend to threaten Australia; does he possess psychic powers or a crystal ball? China’s massive ongoing increase in its military, coupled with its actions in the South Pacific region are a cause for concern to everyone. Surely the current size of its military and its “wall of steel” is more than enough for defence purposes and is now rapidly accelerating towards the offensive side? Under the circumstances, it would be very unwise for Australia to trust China as it has proven to be very untrustworthy in the past. Better to be safe than sorry and tread with extreme caution where China is involved.

• M Stivala, Belconnen ACT

Nazi supporters belong in jail

After today’s (Saturday 18 March 2023) disgusting display of fascism and Nazi symbolism on the streets of Melbourne I would just like to say: My family shot and bombed Nazis and fascists. They killed heaps of the murderous scum. My family were ANTIFA and I’m proud to be ANTIFA too!
Anyone who supports those who murdered brave Australians has no place in Australia, other than in jail.

– D Steley, Heyfield VIC

Has domestic violence decreased?

Expert advocacy was that during the pandemic, partner/domestic violence would increase owing to more exposure in a home environment. Instead, it has decreased by a massive amount close to 50%. Why? It would be highly beneficial to find out the cause, so that we can continue with this very welcomed trend.

– M Stivala, Belconnen ACT

Want to share your opinion?

Email [email protected] with ‘To the editor’ in the subject field; include your full name, phone number, street address (NFP) and suburb. Keep letters to 250 words maximum. Note, letters may be shortened if space dictate.