I CAN'T think of anything worse than the Swiss education system, Chris Taylor ('Big tick for showing students firm career path', Letters, 24/7). Categorising children at the primary education level could be described as an abuse of human rights. Many children do not bloom in technical trade or academic interest until mid-secondary school or even later. I can't imagine the horror experienced by some young people trapped in a stream they are either unsuited for, or lack interest in, whether low skill, skilled, or academic. One example known to me involved a young girl in Switzerland who was placed in a low skill apprenticeship stream when her interest, and possibly ability, was in academia.
I am afraid this system of education has more to do with a low migration, planned economy ensuring the employment bases are covered rather than the interests of the individual. A comprehensive education for all, giving young people the time to develop abilities, skills and interests and importantly providing choice, seems to be a fairer, mentally healthier way for a society to progress.
Marvyn Smith, Heddon Greta
Where will future Newcastle clubs call home?
RESIDENTS really have to consider the ramifications of losing three ovals in New Lambton, which council recommended for the new basketball stadium (the lord mayor publicly announced in March 2023 that the basketball stadium "will be built on these ovals").
If Jaffas soccer and Wests cricket have to relocate to Tarro and Beresfield, where will future Newcastle clubs and teams have their home grounds? Raymond Terrace? Maitland? Lake Macquarie? Are the Tarro and Berro clubs to be displaced now or have home games taken from them?
Loss of the ovals will also be to the great detriment of Lambton High students and local residents. As Cr Callum Pull stated, dropping support for multiple sports and students in favour of another sport is a horrifying proposition.
I believe Tuesday night's vote to write to the state government to enquire about purchase of the old gasworks site is nothing but a smokescreen to deflect attention from the ovals prior to the election. Residents aren't idiots, and their vote in September will show their frustration that Labor councillors still haven't consulted them or accepted invitations to meet with them.
A new basketball stadium should have been a priority for council years ago. Instead, they've let the current one deteriorate to an appalling condition. Council should be pushing for it to be built in the new Hunter Park - or move council's works depot out of its valuable space and build the new stadium there. Green space in growing cities must be preserved for all time, for everyone.
Jan Thompson, Lambton
Glendale 'obvious' choice
GORDON Geise ('Glendale prime spot for stadium', Letters, 29/8) has got it right. There is an abandoned playing field near the Crossroads at Glendale that was, for many years, used for Australian Rules football. Nothing has happened on this site for more than 10 years. Some years ago, Lake Macquarie City Council had grandiose ideas of moving their council chambers to this Glendale area. This site is ideal because there are plenty of extra adjoining areas to build whatever is needed for a basketball stadium, including as much parking as is warranted. I would think that the proposed Glendale interchange will precede the proposed Broadmeadow sporting complex by many years, and acquisition of this Glendale site should be a mere formality. Glendale is both obvious and readily achievable.
Richard Devon, Fishing Point
Think of the children
PETER Dutton and his LNP federal members continue to assert that no Palestinians should be offered asylum from the disastrous war being waged by Israel on their homeland in Gaza. This is a reversal of past policies of the LNP to offer refuge from war to Afghans, Syrians and Ukranians. The care and protection of children is arguably the greatest responsibility of every human being. It cuts across every divide. It applies in times of war, peace, and everything in between. Tragically, the world needs reminding of this, as destruction in Gaza continues, inflicting an unimaginable toll on the children trapped there - a plight that is appalling even in comparison with other recent conflicts.
When a Russian missile struck a children's hospital in Kyiv and other Ukrainian targets in early July, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong did not hesitate to label the attacks "abhorrent", reminding us of Russia's "illegal, immoral invasion". However, we have heard none of these words in response to the attacks by Israel on every children's hospital in Gaza, the finding of mass graves at hospitals with hundreds of bodies, including those of children, the stringent restrictions on evacuating children who are in dire need of medical care, and the multiple other wartime atrocities inflicted.
Children's lives should not be collateral in the pursuit of partisan political goals, with different standards applied according to their ethnic origin or nationality. As one placard at a recent rally asked: Why is it so "complicated" when the children happen to be Palestinian?
Doug Hewitt, Hamilton
Rally support was misplaced solidarity
IT was shocking to see the Greens and Rising Tide turn-out for the rally in support of the CFMEU ('Union rallies against takeover', Newcastle Herald, 28/8). This support sends a message to women that malice and criminal behaviour are OK and gives "union power" a whole new meaning. I expect such misplaced solidarity will have many unintended consequences.
Judy Wells, Carrington
Labor not controlled by unions
AS a former trade unionist, I am not in full support of the actions of the current federal government regarding the CFMEU. However, I think it flies in the face of the claims by the federal opposition that the Albanese government is controlled by the unions.
Fred McInerney, Karuah
Who's to blame for power prices?
WHILE the cost of electricity continues to rise, it may be of interest to consumers that the CEOs of major suppliers have just received huge bonuses. Now, if you are searching for someone to blame for this, look no further than previous Liberal governments at state level who sold off the power generation to the highest bidder. The notion privatisation results in lower prices is a myth.
Darryl Tuckwell, Eleebana
Kindness, justice, good will
IN response to Steve Barnett ('Root of the problem', letters, 27/8): with the greatest respect, he has probably succeeded in life by creating good will. One of the best ways of doing this is to practise kindness, justice and love of neighbours. These qualities can be found in both non religious and religious people. Wars break out because the political leaders involved have abandoned these qualities in pursuit of selfish aims or out of a desire for revenge for injustice.
George Garnsey, Morpeth
Greatest cause of division
YES, Peter Dutton is divisive. Why? Because Dutton plays the race game. The greatest cause of human division throughout history.
