Credit:Vintage Cathy Wilcox
Empty shops are nothing new and are not part of an evil scheme by building owners (“Empty streets ‘don’t need extra tax’”, December 27). More often, they are the end product of a long decline that started decades ago. Moreover, they represent a decline largely caused by the disappearance of bigger players. What used to bring people to the local shopping strip was a trip to the bank or the post office, now both closed. The state government staffed the baby health centre and the council provided library branches and space for the playgroup meeting, also now closed. While you were picking up that parcel it was just too tempting to nip into the cake shop for a vanilla slice or the newsagent for a birthday card. To those small shopkeepers still hanging in there, thank you from all of us locals for sticking around for so long. We’d miss you if you were gone. Belinda Keir, Hurlstone Park
The idea of filling vacant premises along high traffic areas has a lot of value to the surrounding businesses, council and the public (“The complex issue of empty high street shops”, December 28). Incentivising property owners and evaluating rent levels, managed by councils or the state government, would be a start. This would eliminate landlords who own multiple premises setting rent levels beyond reasonable market rates and driving businesses out of high traffic areas. Commercial landlords have indeed taken the brunt of the COVID pandemic and surely would welcome a thriving business, rather than a vacant property. Daniela Catalano, Haberfield
Instead of a knee-jerk response against a “zombie tax” from politicians facing an election, why not look at encouraging landlords to improve the high street and the benefits that would bring to many? In addition, why not apply such encouragement to owners of homes and units across Sydney that sit empty. What an excellent way to bring more accommodation to market and ease the difficulties people are having finding somewhere to live. We keep being told more accommodation needs to be built, but maybe part of the solution is under our noses. Higher local charges apply in the United Kingdom to owners of properties left vacant for more than 12 months, so it’s working elsewhere. Stephen Ramshaw, Turramurra
Decades ago when I moved into my home, the Canterbury road shopping street, though far from picturesque, included two banks, a butcher, green grocer, baker, bottle shop, chemist and post office. Nearly all of them are gone now. Because of the heavy traffic there is no parking and the footpaths are dirty and uneven. The whole street could be a post-apocalyptic setting for a Mad Max movie. This despite the thousands of units that have been built in the surrounding streets. I’d happily support a vacancy tax, and a little town planning thrown in wouldn’t go astray. John Bailey, Canterbury
It’s simple, city dwellers. If we want thriving, vibrant local shops, go out and spend our money in them. That includes our local pubs, bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Especially the ones with loud live music until 2am. Jack Robertson, Birchgrove
Ditch the monarchy and fix our broken system
I also frequently encounter the argument: if it ain’t broke don’t fix it (Letters, December 28).
My response is that the system is broken, extremely so. A monarch is anathema to a modern, democratic nation. The idea that one particular family has qualities above all others that ordain them and their descendants for all time as head of state of any one country is too ludicrous to be accepted as part of the political system. The fact is that a mature nation of 25 million should surely have one of its own citizens as head of state. What does it say about our view of ourselves otherwise? What say do the Australian people or their parliament have in the appointment of the governor-general, the king’s representative? None. If that is not a blatant example of a system that’s broke, I don’t know what is. Martyn Yeomans, Sapphire Beach
Credit:John Shakespeare
I don’t need a “charismatic larrikin” to cajole me that Australia should become a republic. I also don’t need to be told my Australian identity is lesser because of “apron strings”. I feel quite comfortable and “grown up” already. Assertions about what might or might not change are not enough. I need information about how the Australian republic would work. For example, who nominates candidates and how are they elected, what are the head of state’s powers, how long do they remain in office, what oversight is there on the head of state and how can they be removed? No doubt there are other questions to answer. Years after the failed 1999 referendum on the Australian republic question I, for one, am still seeking answers to the fundamentals above. Marie Del Monte, Ashfield
I’m committed to a republic,- especially after we visited the Tower in London and saw the opulence of the crown jewels, but I could never support the names your correspondent mentioned as our head of state. Larrikinism is one thing, but character is another. Mary Grocott, Barraba
Nick Bryant has erred in some assumptions about Australians (“We’re not adolescents, Australia”, December 27). First, that we all “go bananas” when Aussie cricketers trash “the Poms”, and second, that our population retains much “Britishness”. The first ignores those millions who are not cricket fans. The second, ignores multicultural Australia. Jennifer Fergus, Croydon
After passing the Voice, the most powerful act of reconciliation we, the descendants of early British settlers, can make will be to sever our final link to the institution under which violent dispossession began. Jeffrey Mellefont, Coogee
Government urged to scrap nuclear subs plan
Thank you, Clinton Fernandes (“Buying US nuclear subs is our defence booby trap”, December 28). It is hoped the PM and foreign minister read your logically argued piece. Australia should avoid, at all costs, a perilous and unnecessary role as part of the USA’s nuclear arsenal.
A re-think is urgently needed. We must value our sovereignty, and question the initial decision made by Scott Morrison, a man whose judgment regarding the welfare of this country has been found wanting. Along with the unfair Stage 3 tax cuts, the dangerous nuclear submarine plan needs to be scrapped. Pam Timms, Suffolk Park
The irony of Bronte litterers being environmentalists
No doubt a fair proportion of Christmas Day revellers who polluted Bronte Beach were young people, who also passionately believe more needs to be done to protect the environment and their futures on this planet. (“‘Draconian’ measures on table as mayor condemns Bronte Beach rubbish”, December 28). Ross Duncan Potts Point
Affordable housing linked to reducing domestic violence
The NSW Government could drive down domestic violence recidivism rates by providing secure, affordable housing for women and children fleeing violence with nowhere to go (“Key promises end in failure”, December 28).
Our state’s housing crisis means that, for too many, the choice is either homelessness or returning to live with the perpetrator. Like pouring fuel on a fire, it’s a scenario that places them in harm’s way and drives up offending rates.
Rather than expanding jails to house more re-offenders, let’s expand social housing to enable these women and children to leave violence and rebuild their lives. Joanna Quilty, NSW Council of Social Service
Building standards the key to reducing energy use
If the federal government wants to show that it is serious about environmental responsibility, it must accept that the only way to control the energy market is by setting mandatory building and operational standards (“Landlords and Canberra set to clash on lean energy”, December 28). Allowing the market to make the choice and determine the standards will always minimise costs to maximise profits: the time for the luxury of laissez faire is past. ACOSS is correct: the playing field must be levelled, for developers and consumers alike. The government needs to demonstrate that it can be done. Jenifer Nicholls, Armadale (Vic)
Simple competence proves popular
This honeymoon between the Labor Party and the Australian people isn’t based on bells and whistles or smoke and mirrors, but good old-fashioned hard work, honesty and the building of trust (“Labor gains support in key battleground”, December 28). We aren’t getting chocolates and flowers every week. We’re getting what we were promised. Government 101 in practice. Lyn Savage, Coogee
Population growth leads to sales growth
Your correspondent pleads for an end to population growth (Letters, December 28). Australia is one of many societies that have embraced consumerism and materialism. Consumerism relies on an increasing population - and so does the economy. How will the manufacturers survive if there’s no-one to buy their products? There’s no doubt that we could (and should) use our resources more wisely and sparingly to produce what people need, not what they want - but who decides what’s a need, and when a need becomes a want? That runs counter to the free market concept so beloved by those in power. David Gordon, Cranebrook
Petrol-driving pollies should have EVs instead
I was surprised to see the low number of EVs chosen by politicians as their taxpayer funded car (“EV revolution lost on Australia’s politicians as they cling to petrol cars”, December 27). I think EVs should be mandatory for all politicians and doing so would very quickly improve the number and location of recharging stations. Besides, the reaction to this by National Party members would be priceless. Denis Goodwin, Dee Why
Bring back the DJs ladies in black
Almost 50 years ago, early in our cohabitation, I accompanied my future wife to David Jones in search of some less than sensible underwear (Letters, December 28). The items on display did little for our imagination. Then we were approached by a silver-haired lady-in-black, who, upon being informed of our mission, proceeded in a delightfully respectful, but unabashed manner to regale us with her tantalising under-the counter range of unmentionables. Peter Craig, Dulwich Hill
The joy of summer
It is interesting how often Dad and surfing are mentioned in Your Summer in Sydney series (“Surf, southerlies, mozzies and missing Dad”, December 28). Thirroul was home and my Dad grew up in Woonona so surfing and summer was a must. My first surf came after a walk up the hill to Austinmer. The sea was brilliant blue, the sky burning bright, the foam white froth. Terrified - I did not drown. Harbord came later with my kids in the seventies and now back living in Woonona, a surf each day. Thanks Dad. Patricia Slidziunas, Woonona
Your writers extolling the joys of Sydney summer might add the ubiquitous frangipani and the delectable sweetness of its pink or white flowers, their perfume lingering when they carpet city pavements and are crushed underfoot, or fashioned by children into garlands. Gillian Appleton, Paddington
War of words
At the eleventh hour, it appears that the cricket commentators have banded together to promote two late entries into the “Most-Over-Used-Word-of-the-Year” competition: the batters are constantly playing with “intent” (to score runs, or not get out?), while the bowlers are always trying to “change-up” (obviously to “change” or “vary” their deliveries will no longer suffice?). The language competition remains wide open (Letters, December 28). Rob Phillips, North Epping
Oh no, please don’t ban these words – amazing, incredible, awesome. How else can I describe my wife of 71 years. Bill Dougherty, Grafton
Now that “amazing” has been consigned to the dustbin of death, how do we describe becoming lost and disoriented inside a maze? Justin Fleming, North Sydney
To “amazing” and “incredible”, I’d add the phrase “rearly impordant”. Brett Jack, Bonnyrigg Heights
No matter how clumsy “Thanks for having me” is, the response to good manners should not be met with a rude and uncaring remark. A simple “I enjoyed your company”, or similar, would have sufficed. Jill Phillips, Newstead (Qld)
“That’s a really good question” is common, yet those interviewed rarely retort with “that’s a stupid question” . Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
Your correspondents suggest we ban “awesome” for the next 10 years. A hundred per cent.
Nick Andrews, Bellevue Hill
Your correspondents have made fantastic suggestions to rid our speech of over-used words. Legends. Hendry Wan, Rosebery
The digital view
Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au
Morrison’s booby trap: Buying US nuclear submarines is a huge mistake
From robertk: ″AUKUS was a terrible idea when it was floated. It will get worse as the cost and strategic implications begin to unfold. It effectively means we are giving away a substantial part of our defence budget and surrendering any autonomy we might have enjoyed with respect to our strategic priorities.″
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