Follow the money, not the lead of other countries

Tim Stephens writes:  Re. “The Coalition’s war on renewables: follow the money” (yesterday). One has to wonder why our current federal government is ignoring what is happening with power generation in other modern countries. It is obvious, as your article alludes, that the conservative parties are heavily financed by vested coal industries interests. But I find it hard to believe that as individuals our conservative pollies are making decisions that are contrary to the best interests of our country. They are ignoring current science and the ongoing success of other countries with cheap, clean renewable energy. Look at Denmark and Germany as outstanding examples. The fact that they make themselves look so out of touch with reality that thinking persons would have difficulty voting for them in the future. Why are they doing this? I can only guess that the coal industry vested interests are lining the pockets of more than just the political parties.Oh, by the way, this was written by the Tim Stephens that is Tim Stephens … not the Tim Stephens that denies being Tim Stephens!

Roberta Murphy writes: Let us find two well-respected people to stand against Tony Abbott in his seat and the other to stand against Bill Shorten, both people as independents. Nobody likes or respects Bill and everyone hates Tony.

Jeff Ash writes: It amazes me how little money it costs to buy a political party to ensure a commercial outcome.

Long memories

Geoffrey Briot writes: Re. “How the ABC made the Q&A saga so much worse” (yesterday).  David Salter suggests ABC Chairman Jim Spigelman lacks knowledge of ABC corporate history. He refers to a 1969 Four Corners forum program to discuss election issues with first time voters where federal minister W C Wentworth had refused to participate on the panel unless he could be assured the audience who asked the questions were evenly divided by political allegiance. Salter says as the ABC then didn’t do deals, the program went ahead without both the audience and Wentworth. However, Spigelman was no stranger to Four Corners at that time. On 19 April 1969 as President of Sydney University SRC, Spigelman appeared on the program as one three student leaders to discuss “Is there sufficient freedom of expression in Australia? Should there be more or less?”. On the other side were Liberals Malcolm Mackay MHR (subsequently Navy Minister) and Douglas Darby MLA for Manly. My accurate recollection of this event is aided by the fact that as one of the other student leaders, the transcript of the program found its way into my ASIO file.

Enough already

Alister Air writes: Re. “Mayne: the trouble with transparency” (yesterday). There’s a limit to how much of Stephen Mayne’s relentless self-promoting I need to read in Crikey. I appreciate he’s the founder and all, but why should he get a free kick? Can I look forward to regular features by Councillors Oke and Leppert, who I voted for and who actually do us the courtesy of living in the City of Melbourne?