AS a 92-year-old who realises that I am not far from needing full-time care, I would have stood and cheered, if I could have got out of my chair quick enough, when I heard that a Labor government would reform the aged care industry as recommended by the royal commission and stop the abuse and neglect it recorded.
The Morrison government had refused to put the welfare of the aged above those of the operators by putting through laws that would allow operators to continue to use the extra funds without being required to tell the government how they spent the taxpayers' money.
The promise to fund these reforms will mean that I will no longer have to contemplate joining the record number of over 85-year-old men who have been forced to take their lives rather than eke out their lives without care or dignity as was allowed under the Coalition government blind eye approach that was revealed by the royal commission
As I was taken into care as a two-year-old that inspired my siblings and I to serve our community - my sister being awarded two Orders of Australia, my brother becoming an obstetrician, and I being awarded an OAM - I now have the hope my last years may receive similar inspired care thanks to the action of Mr Albanese and his Labor government.
Frank Ward OAM, Shoal Bay
Hydrogen not for faint hearts
EXPRESSIONS of interest for $4 billion of hydrogen-related investment have been received, ("Port's energy vision gets a $100m boost", Herald, 31/3), and I wonder why so much enthusiasm?
In an international market, price and reliability of supply are key. So what price/cost advantage does Australia bring to bear over other "sun rich" seaside countries?
The electrolysis process was discovered by William Nicholson in the late 18th century and has now developed to the point where commercial electrolysers are readily available.
Key considerations are the efficiency of converting electricity to hydrogen at the electrolysing anodes and the extent of water treatment necessary to obtain this efficiency. Efficiency of power transmission from inland solar/wind farms to the coast is another important cost factor.
For "green" hydrogen, electricity needs to be generated by solar and wind. In both cases the essential components of photovoltaics and wind turbines are currently all imported from China and Europe; so no apparent advantage for Australia. Similarly the product has to be shipped to faraway markets in ships built in other countries.
Australia has always been a high wage/cost country and when coupled with low volumes, it underscores why we have lost our manufacturing industries. It is ironic the only international advantage we had in the '60s to '80s was a relatively low electricity price.
So, unless the proponents have proprietary superior electrolysing technology, they appear to have no outstanding advantage over other competitors and, unfortunately, a few handicaps.
They seem to be relying on exceptionally large scale investment to reduce the unit cost and enhance the possibility of becoming a supplier of choice. It isn't an investment for the faint-hearted but I do admire the forward thinking involved.
Ted Burns, Eleebana
Archie a hometown hero
WHAT a win by the Jets against Sydney FC thanks to Newcastle's very own local superstar Archie Goodwin.
It is now up to the Jets coach Mr Papas to realise Archie is a match-winner and a once-in-a-generation player.
Mr Papas, you stated in February that you were looking after Archie's future by not playing him due to injuries. Yes, he may have had some a few years ago in mainly growing pains but he didn't look too restricted when he scored two goals and won us the game.
While Archie has been held back, the Jets' overseas strikers have been unable to consistently hit the back of the net.
Archie is a product of the Jets academy program. The people of Newcastle sacrificed a lot of time and money investing in the Jets academy who now have a homegrown local hero for local kids to aspire to.
May I point out that many years ago there was a local kid who played for Lake Macquarie named Craig Johnston who was given an opportunity and look what he achieved.
Well, Mr Papas have a look in your front garden and you have an out-and-out matchwinner in Archie Goodwin.
The Jets' previous coach Mr Deans gave Archie a start last year and he became the youngest goalscorer in Newcastle Jets history. After last Friday night's double against Sydney FC, Archie is now the youngest player to do this in A-League history.
So I beg to ask you Mr Papas - if it wasn't for a COVID outbreak in your squad would you have played Archie against Sydney FC? I strongly doubt it and you would not have won the game.
Mr Papas, as a football lover and Jets tragic, I truly believe in what you're trying to do. But what you need to realise is once every now and then a local Newcastle superstar in all sporting codes is waiting for an opportunity to jump onto the world stage.
I now ask you Mr Papas are you going to continue looking after the future of Archie's career by wrapping him in cotton wool. Or are you going to give the people of Newcastle a home-grown hero who will not only win games for you and put bums on seats but also give the kids of Newcastle someone to idolise and aspire to?
Mr Papas the (foot)ball is in your court.
Groiden Schammell, Hamilton North
Thank you, David Shoebridge
FOR 11 years NSW Greens MLC David Shoebridge has worked to re-establish integrity and transparency in our state's political scene.
He has fought for a just transition away from fossil fuels and stood hand in hand with First Nations activists as they battled for dignity, respect, treaty and a future for their community.
I'll always remember the time he came to Newcastle for an event with the Newcastle Herald to speak with the survivors of sexual assault by the Catholic Church, and the need for justice for victims and how that advocacy for thousands and thousands of victims nationwide finally came to fruition with a royal commission taking place under then Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
David gave his valedictory address to the Legislative Council on March 31 where he said that after leaving that chamber his life could lead him one of two places.
Either to spend more time with his family, or to be successfully nominated the second Greens Senator for NSW in federal parliament - David called it a win-win situation for him.
But I know when it comes to the future of our country, a big win for NSW will be having David successfully elected to parliament.
I ask that readers of the Herald today join me in saying "Thank you, David Shoebridge", for working to help build a future for First Nations justice, a future for equality and social justice, and through your work into political integrity and transparency - keeping them honest.
Campbell Knox, Maitland
SHORT TAKES
EVERY day, I am always amused, and or bemused regarding the predictable mindset and ongoing repetition of political opinion. There's always, without failure the rusted-on Laborites in Newcastle hammering the PM, and to a lesser extent the Liberals on Albo, then there's the Green dynamic adding their two cents. Just a suggestion, would it be possible, occasionally to offer your opinions on a topic of interest rather than all the cynical political backstabbing.
Owen Keegan, Cooks Hill
WHEN asked a question by a journalist why there was no money allocated for rent assistance for low-income renters in the budget, the PM 's response was "tell them to go buy a house". This was an answer by a person who obviously has no idea about reality, which sums him up to a tee. Not only does he not know the price of a loaf of bread, his knowledge of house prices is non-existent. This man's vision for a better Australia goes no further than the next election. Once again he and the treasurer have attempted to bribe their way to election victory. Let's hope voters do not fall for that trick again.
Darryl Tuckwell, Eleebana
BY accident I was watching the Prime Minister on Question Time, when my wife turned the sound off to answer the telephone. Thus I watched his body language with no speech. I found it disconcerting to note he really does come across as hectoring when viewed this way.
John Brattan, Thornton
I FULLY agree with your sentiment that the aged pension should be treated as an entitlement for a working life paying our taxes Steve Busch, but don't hold your breath. Our Prime Minister has stated several times in his current position and when treasurer, that the aged pension is welfare and we know how the LNP treat people who they class as leaners. You have to wonder whether the rumours around the introduction of the cashless welfare debit card will materialise if they stay in power?
Chris Peters, Newcastle
WHAT a stupid, careless act by the Knights' best forward. I am totally at a loss when I see this kind of stupidity, particularly when it is obvious that the referee is favouring the reigning premiers. When will these, individuals learn that you win if you play to win and not throw the game away because of thuggery. If you are being paid to be a first-grade player, then act like one. If you don't, it costs your team and lets down your supporters, the people who support you week after week, because they have pride in their town and pride in their team. With 12 men, the Knights may as well have got on the bus and come home. Thanks again Mitch, you cost the team, lost the game and cost me $100 because I bet on you to beat the premiers.
