State-sanctioned cruelty to greyhounds needs to stop

The fate of greyhounds in the racing industry reminds us yet again that this routine cruelty is morally unsustainable (“Greyhounds bombshell”, July 10). Greyhound rescue groups have known for decades about the cruelty in racing, yet the government encourages its existence. Thousands of dogs are killed each year on and off the tracks. So many greyhounds are bred that it is impossible to rehome them all once they are deemed no longer of use for breeding or racing. These rejected greyhounds, the sweetest of breeds, are either blithely euthanised or languish in miserable, barren cages for their entire lives. The state government is entirely culpable. It needs to stop this state-sanctioned cruelty, which it wouldn’t allow to happen to any other breed of dog. Judy Hungerford, Kew (Vic)

We must have very short memories to think that the description by a vet of the greyhound industry as a “morass of exploitation and suffering” could be a surprise to anyone; the recent inquiry recommended to the government that the industry be shut down, as in most jurisdictions worldwide. The Liberal government of the time caved into intense industry lobbying. Which politicians will now have the guts to act on the inquiry’s recommendations and stop this abominable exploitation of dogs? Barry Laing, Castle Cove

Thank you, Jordan Baker, for publicising the report on greyhound racing in NSW. Once again, we are shown that the best welfare for greyhounds is not compatible with racing and gambling. It’s time to shut down this vile industry. Mary Regan, Bowral

The brutality of the greyhound industry in NSW has been confirmed again. The former Greyhound Racing NSW vet describes the treatment of these dogs as “barbaric” and the industry as “unsustainable”. It now appears that there were 3384 greyhound deaths in 2023 compared to the 970 reported by the industry. C’mon, Premier Chris Minns, stop ploughing our taxpayer dollars into this industry. Shut it down now. Cheryl Zabow, Riverview

Just how many chances must an industry dogged by animal welfare issues be given? The greyhound racing industry continues to overbreed, injure and kill dogs at an alarming rate, yet the NSW government is attached to the wagering income it produces. The solution is simple – AI: virtual greyhound racing. No dogs will die, the wagering income will still pour into government coffers, and the greyhound tracks can be repurposed for “whole of community” use, including much-needed affordable housing. That’s a sure bet. Michele Nicholas, St Ives

Since the royal commission, which recommended shutting down the industry, we have had a succession of resignations among vets and chairpersons in the industry and widespread evidence of cruelty and corruption, but nothing much ever seems to change as far as the dogs are concerned.
There will likely be more complaints, more cruelty and more corruption over the decades to come because, at the heart of matters, greed, money, and politics trump animal welfare almost every time. Greyhounds are wonderful animals, they do not deserve the fate the industry hands them. James Walsh, Woronora

It is time to end this “industry”, Premier Minns. The majority of Australians no longer support it. NSW could lead the way. South Australia has greyhound racing on notice. It’s cruel and unsustainable. Philomena Spearritt, Mosman

Greens and independents hold key to real changes

Ross Gittins is correct that neither Labor nor Liberals are “game to make tough decisions,” especially on climate change, the existential issue of our times (“No ‘safe’ seats? That’s good news”, July 10). Gittins suggests that one answer is “more power to the crossbench”, which the Greens and independents are now starting to make manifest at state and federal levels. In NSW the Greens now have three MPs and four MLCs; all seven are strong, intelligent women. When NSW voters give the Greens more than the 10 per cent of the vote they are now getting, we will see more rapid and progressive legislative movement on climate change. Michael Davis, Balmain East

Like Gittins, I am buoyed by the news that there are no longer “safe seats”. The duopoly is not governing in the best interests of the Australian public, especially when it comes to climate change. When I sat in the gallery in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra last week, I noted that while many Coalition and Labor MPs appeared uninterested and checking their phones, independent MPs were engaged, asking pertinent questions and diligently taking notes. Why would we not want more of that? MPs who listen to the concerns of their community, seek expert advice and act accordingly help to hold the government to account. Our precious democracy could do with far more of that. Amy Hiller, Kew (Vic)

What an insightful and timely article from Gittins about the teals’ inroads into the two-party system. I totally agree that positive and proactive governance has been diminished by the ideological constraints of the two major parties. Forget a political shake-up of the Whitlamesque kind; forget either party putting conviction and courage to the fore instead of just wanting the keys to the Lodge. The teals, if they maintain their independent zeal and not morph into some quasi-party, will hopefully grow in number and force the established parties to focus on the people, not just the power. Barry Ffrench, Cronulla

Labor is likely to fall into minority government in 2025. The Gillard government was also in minority and mostly functioned very well. The teals, Greens and independents would force Labor to compromise and be more courageous and principled. Coalition governments are common in Europe and are useful in controlling the arrogance of major parties. As Don Chipp famously said, “the Democrats will keep the bastards honest”. Tony Simons, Balmain

Nuclear plan is a bum steer

The sad and sorry tale of “Nukey Poo” highlights flaws evident in the Coalition’s nuclear plan (“The dirty history of ‘Nukey Poo’: the reactor that tainted Antarctica”, July 10). Installed at McMurdo base in 1961 to great fanfare, it proved problematic and unreliable, caused a hydrogen fire, and took three years to decommission and decontaminate the site after only 11 years in operation. It also exposed workers there to long-term radiation and exposure. Now, more than 60 years later, despite advances in technology and engineering, no company is producing the commercial small nuclear reactors that the opposition claims to be a part of their fantasy nuclear mix, due to economies of scale and other similar issues that have still not been overcome. They certainly won’t be available in time to replace our ageing coal-fired power plants. Alan Marel, North Curl Curl

Think of the non-MAMILs

Former PM Tony Abbott is a noted cyclist, but not all cyclists are the same (CBD, July 10). Tony is a senior MAMIL; they generally use very lightweight gear and are the least inconvenienced by the current bikeway stairs. The long-awaited ramp will accommodate all other kinds of bicycle and trike users such as children, parents, the elderly, the less able, the occasional bike user, utility bikes, recumbent and hand-cycles. The former PM should not get involved in any eleventh-hour push to change the already approved design, which should have been built in the previous century. Tim Coen, Ashfield

Heating tips start at home

What a wonderful opportunity for local councils to offer a home sustainability service (“Cold snap reveals home insulation failure”, July 10). On deciding whether to buy an older home, purchasers could get a report on the cost of simple measures to make a home better insulated and reduce power bills. We recently attended an open house which had been retrofitted with double-glazed panels, window and door seals to stop drafts, solar-powered skylights, heat pumps and lagging for any exposed pipes. Of course, there were solar panels and a high-quality battery. These improvements are far cheaper than knock-down rebuilds and free up builders to build more new homes where they’re needed. We have done all the above to our 1958 house with the addition of thermal-backed curtains under the original timber pelmets. Snug as bugs but still in an older home resplendent in mid-century glory! Dorin Suciu, Eleebana

Unlimited limits

Martin Yeomans’ letter is cold comfort to me, but at least I know I am not an island (Letters, July 9). My 30km drive to work has 13 different speed limits along a major tourist track. European visitors find it weird! Gordon Laffan, Stockton

Regarding tailgating, I would like to see Australia introduce European autobahn constraints, which include trucks restricted to the right-hand lane and prevented from using the autobahns at weekends and public holidays. For passenger vehicles, the middle lane is occupied by the average drivers, and the left lane for the speedsters. Any one of these constraints would improve our driving experience and save lives. John Nelson, Mudgee

No payouts for private profligacy

Not surprisingly, the government announces another multibillion-dollar spending scheme, and the lobbyists are all over it like a badly fitting suit (“PM’s $22.7b spend a lobbyist honeypot”, July 10). Yet, many of the projects are already up and running using private capital, so why the need for a government handout? The lead time on these projects before they return a profit is long, yet there is nothing to suggest that under the “Made in Australia” scheme the government receives a return on its outlay. If these projects are struggling to get finance from the private sector, it should be a warning to the government not to get involved. Mike Kenneally, Manly

I would like to know what it means to smooth talks and cement deals with the government. Hiring a negotiator is one thing but buying influence is another. Yet another reason to follow South Australia’s example to ban political donations. Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls

Time for a fresh leader

In the September local government elections, voters in the City of Sydney face a somewhat similar dilemma to the US (“‘I want to keep going’: Clover Moore seeks sixth term as Sydney lord mayor”, May 28). Lord Mayor Clover Moore will be standing for her sixth successive four-year term, which certainly is an Australian record for a mayor.

In her time, Clover has done much which has been good for the city and its residents – I have voted for her a number of times but will not be doing so this time. This is partly because of her age; she will be 79 this year and nearly 83 at the end if re-elected. But most importantly, it’s time to elect a fresh leader with new ideas to keep up with this rapidly changing environment. It is so important that democracy allows younger generations to be given the opportunity to lead. Clover still has time to withdraw and make way for the future. Don Beresford, Surry Hills

RSL’s retail ban is half-cocked

It seems like the RSL requiring all forms of shopping or events to be banned on Anzac Day does not cover all bases (“Retail trading to be banned on Anzac Day”, July 10). It is puzzling that one cannot purchase food throughout the day but can quite easily walk into an RSL next to a shuttered supermarket and upend one’s entire pension or weekly wage into a poker machine, not to mention the blind eye turned to the regular two-up events all over the state.
Greg Vale, Kiama

The ban on most retail trading on Anzac Day looks a bit cockeyed when footy and other sports are permitted to draw in the crowds. It is not a holy day, contrary to Mr Minns’ apparent assumption. Cherylle Stone, Soldiers Point

Legal fix for drug money

In putting the responsibility for dealing with dirty money in the economy onto real estate agents, lawyers, accountants and the like, the federal government is once again attempting to avoid its responsibilities (“Real estate agents, lawyers in spotlight for money laundering crackdown”, July 9). The bulk of this dirty money must come from the drug trade, and the only way to really deal with it is to legalise it, tax it and bring it into the mainstream economy. We are regularly reminded of the failure of enforcement when it comes to the production and distribution of illicit drugs, and there is no reason to think that enforcement will be any more successful in dealing with the flow of drug profits into the economy.
John Croker, Woonona

Don’t be Maud-lin at the final curtain

When the film was first released, I attended a screening of Harold and Maude at the University of Southern California Film School, followed by a lecture by the director (Letters, July 10). There were a number of “messages” within the story, along with the older woman/much younger man scenario mentioned by Anne Ring. The most poignant for me was that Maude chose to end her life on a significant birthday, claiming that she’d lived a full life and it was now time to depart, which she achieved by taking a painless pill. I think of that scene every time the issue of voluntary assisted dying resurfaces.

Other threads that gradually appeared included that Maude was a survivor of the Holocaust but that she had chosen to celebrate life. Seemingly contradictory, Maude’s life centred on attending funerals of people she didn’t know, but it was to give them a happy send-off. At one of the funerals, she met the 20-year-old Harold, who had a morbid obsession with death. Their love led to Harold embracing life, albeit without Maude. So many lessons accompanied by the moving music and lyrics of Cat Stevens. Randi Svensen, Wyong

Free world needs Biden to put his country first

Everyone who has a family member or friend with a neurological disorder recognises the symptoms (“Should he stay or should he go?”, July 10). They also know that sufferers have “good” days and others which are not and that they do not fully understand the unpredictability of their actions. Sounds familiar? For the sake of the free world which includes Australia, Joe Biden must stand aside to prevent the re-ascent of the potentially despotic Trump.
Tony Re, Georges Hall

Biden has chosen love of himself over love of his country. Mustafa Erem, Terrigal

If Biden doesn’t step aside gracefully, he will be the most hated man in the world when Trump wins the election. Jennie Lindbergh, Darlington

Does anyone know the right age for retirement from anything? What’s next? A retirement age for Herald letter writers? Kevin Farrell, Beelbangera

Party time

Hadley’s 20 years in radio has been described as a “milestone” (“Hadley’s 20 years on top in Sydney”, July 10). My Sydney University Law School class of 1969 is about to celebrate its 55th graduation anniversary - definitely a milestone (not to be confused with millstone). Edward Loong, Milsons Point

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