Your editorial regarding the need to speed up the electric car revolution (The Age, 18/1) is to be applauded, but it does not go far enough. Sure, electric cars reduce emissions of pollutants into our urban air, and also global carbon dioxide emissions, if the electricity is from renewable sources and there is adequate storage in the grid and in the car batteries. But the key is really to reduce the number of cars on the road by improving public transport accessibility by the use of electric buses on all key routes. This would be most efficient if the buses were express, only stopping at key intersections to connect with feeder electric buses in the suburbs.
This would encourage people to keep their cars out of the cities, unclog the main roads and reduce the need for massive parking areas. It would also enable more feeder bicycle and walking paths to be built to electric bus stops. And let us have large parking facilities for electric bikes at bus stops, with overhead solar panels on the stops' shelters for recharging both bikes and buses. Increasingly, the technology and economic advantages are stacking up. Let us get on with it.
Illustration: Jim Pavlidis
Barrie Pittock, Brighton East
The move to an all-electric fleet is essential
I agree with your editorial except for the comment, "... as long as they (electric cars) are plugged into a grid that isn't burning coal or gas to generate the electricity they run on". Even with our very "dirty" brown coal stations, the power generated is, at most, half as "dirty" as that from the best petrol or diesel cars. These have energy efficiencies of the order of 15 to 25per cent (depending on whether you include all the energy losses in the fuel extraction, refining and delivery processes).
The current S-model Tesla car uses the equivalent amount of energy as two litres of petrol per 100kilometres. In contrast, a car that is equal in size and performance, such as a mid-range Mercedes, would be lucky to get seven litres per 100kilometres on city driving. The new Tesla, just announced, and the range of smaller vehicles are even better. For the sake of the climate and the economy, the move to an all-electric fleet is essential. It should happen now, not when the last coal power station is closed.
Rod Cripps, Parkdale
How governments can boost the sales of cars
The Electric Vehicle Council of Australia – "Scrap taxes and fees on electric cars: industry" (The Age, 16/1) – has a point. Incentives designed to boost the uptake of electric vehicles need only be offered on a time-limited basis. Once this has reached about 5per cent, you would expect increased investment in new battery charging infrastructure and the availability of lower-cost models of electric cars to generate a momentum of its own.
Announcements by the Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg, are positive. Meanwhile, there are plenty of opportunities for state and local governments to start pulling their weight in this much needed development: for example, government car fleet conversion to electric vehicles, registration and stamp duty concessions, preferential parking, and access to bus lanes.
John Gare, Kew East
There are still many questions about electric cars
May I add a couple more reasons why sales of electric cars will be slow (Letters, 17/1). Where and how will drivers charge them if they are not near a charging station or do not have a garage (ie for an installed battery recharger)? Anyone who parks their car in the street and is lucky enough to park in front of their own house will need a long extension cord. This will create a hazard to all those people who are using the footpath. Also, another driver might add a double adaptor at the end of the lead so that he or she can charge their own car. And imagine the number of extension leads that will be required from an apartment block. Finally, there is the resale value of an electric car, plus the cost of replacing the batteries. Maybe someone has an answer for this.
Bruce Cormack, Kilsyth
THE FORUM
Integrity questioned
The sentiments expressed by Wilma Hills (Letters, 12/1) and Steven Katsineris (Letters, 17/1) are regularly received by my office from the public. Vast numbers of drivers have experienced tailgating and entitled behaviour by speeding drivers.
Ms Hills' support for point-to-point cameras is sensible and fair. The cameras are stationary and the time is measured using GPS time to the millisecond. However, some infringers still want to deny the accuracy of the cameras. Worse, they form social media groups and question the integrity of the system and those who work for road safety.
My office recently responded to a group regarding the Hume Freeway. The infringers declined to permit their individual data to be made public. One thing we found on a sample of infringing was that the infringers overtook more than 130 other vehicles, but we could not find a single case of an infringer being overtaken. Ms Hills' and Mr Katsineris' call for patience, and a change of culture, deserves support.
John Voyage, Road safety camera commissioner
Total focus, all the time
It seems we are all "very good" to "excellent" when we rate ourselves as drivers, and this is why Steven Katsineris and the rest of us see many drivers illegally multi-tasking. Simply getting two tonnes of metal from A to B might be relatively easy, but to do it in a way that is legal, safe and does not scare the daylights out of other road users takes skill.
I see many cars weaving within lanes – "is he/she drunk or on the phone?" – with the latter always being the answer. When I taught my sons, I emphasised that learning the skills to drive is difficult and takes 100per cent concentration, 100per cent of the time. We need a big change in our attitude on the road. My sincere condolences to Steven and his family.
Peter McGill, Lancefield
Yet more evidence...
The perfidy of "our" banks seems unending. Now we learn the big four have surreptitiously slashed the interest income of their most loyal customers during the vacation, when our vigilance is relaxed (The Age, 17/1).
We only learnt of it by accident when we rang (our bank) on another matter and casually inquired about our online account. No notification whatsoever.
Your report confirms that it is indeed a deliberate policy aimed perversely at the banks' staunchest customers. With that "business model", most firms would go broke. Further proof that a royal commission is much needed. It is time for banks to face the music and dance to their customers' tune for a change.
Victoria Freckleton, Hampton
...of our banks' greed
I regularly purchase digital products online from an Australian company based in Brisbane. For technical reasons, it recently changed its website and the currency used is now American dollars, rather than Australian dollars.
The banks here charge a transaction fee for a product that is sold in Australia, to Australian customers, who are using Australian dollars. This is morally wrong. A banking royal commission is needed. When you are retired and trying to pursue a hobby, these small amounts add up.
Joan Stewart, Drouin
How is this 'democratic'?
So One Nation campaigner Kate McCulloch, who only gained 141 first preference votes at the 2016 election, stands a high chance of sitting in the national parliament – "'Next Hanson' fights for Lambie seat" (17/1). It is high time preferential voting was abolished and replaced by a first-past-the-post system. It would seem to have outlived its usefulness in contributing to our democratic system.
Ian Gray, Benalla
The forgotten voter
The Minerals Council of Australia says it makes political donations "because they provide additional opportunities for the MCA to meet with members of Parliament" (The Age, 18/1). Is anybody surprised? Do politicians ever consider the ordinary taxpayers who they are paid to represent?
Peter Carlin, Frankston South
Importance of mentors
It is commendable that the bar has been raised for entry to teacher training courses (The Age, 17/1). However, even the best and brightest will be ill-equipped to handle the realities of the modern classroom: unruly students; lack of resources; inadequate classrooms; and the constant pressure to perform well and produce results. One way of alleviating problems is to make sure young teachers have the support of experienced teachers while they find their feet and discover the essential elements of good teaching.
Helen Scheller, Benalla
Time for a federal ICAC
Those who introduce into our lives ever stricter monitoring and surveillance reassure us that "you have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide". How is it, then, that they themselves are not comforted by this? Why did Victorian MPs resist the establishment of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission for years, and why are they so keen to limit its powers?
And why is there no federal Independent Commission Against Corruption? The arguments our national leaders advance against it are self-serving. In the light of reported cronyism and nepotism in the public service, whistleblowers' fears for their futures, and MPs dipping into the public purse to fund personal activities, it is obvious that we need a strong, well-funded ICAC in Canberra.
Bob Morrow, Clifton Hill
Sick of your 'glory days'
As Australia has such high quality tennis commentators, it is unfortunate that organisers feel it is necessary to import them from overseas. Fundamental to the art of commentary is the understanding that to talk too much is often annoying and disruptive for the listener. Most essentially, it is about the game being played, not the commentator's recollections of his own glory days. Something that our visiting commentators evidently have yet to learn. Sadly, it seems that in this respect, the cultural cringe is alive and well.
Jennifer Joseph, South Yarra
Courier, almost perfect
Rather than mocking Jim Courier's pronunciation (Letters, 18/1), I am grateful for his lucid commentary. He sets an enviable standard, unmatched by his fellow commentators. However, if he says "off of" again, I shall scream.
Jenifer Nicholls, Armadale
Ban the shrieking and...
Grunting and constant shrieking at the Australian Open are very different. Why doesn't the Women's Tennis Association ban the latter? Spectators and most players oblige by staying silent during rallies, only to be assaulted by one person screeching. Only a handful of players do it (although not when they practise).
Patrick Walsh, Northcote
...clamp down on idiots
What are the prerequisites for joining the moronic cheer squads? I would suggest having no life would be No.1, closely followed by ignorance of the skills and dedication involved in playing tennis at this level. It is insulting and distracting to the players, and the audience, especially when the biggest moron yells just as a player is serving. Why does Tennis Australia tolerate these squads?
Julie Conquest, Brighton
Please, a simple request
Australian Open director Craig Tiley: before considering an increase in prize money for pampered players, you might wish to consider a more reasonable demand from those who pay for their remuneration. The ones who pay through the nose for every aspect of your AO experience. How about putting up some shade cloth and making sure the water taps work?
Tony Robb, Weetangera, ACT
Better, faster, higher
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield's article (Opinion, 18/1) shows exactly why the Coalition does not get it when it comes to broadband. He talks about today's household internet needs, with no consideration of future needs. As new technologies and products are developed, we increasingly need faster broadband and higher download limits.
Mr Fifield also fails to consider that many of us run businesses from home, and from suburban locations. There will come a time when inadequate broadband becomes a drag on productivity. Skimping on the up-front cost of infrastructure nearly always proves to be a false economy. We need governments that realise this fact.
Jason Colebrook, Alfredton
Joy of cooking for one
To everyone who thinks cooking for one is a sad activity, take heart. I have been doing it for 30years now, and I still enjoy cooking and eating the results. My secret is to collect and try out new recipes, look for unfamiliar ingredients and watch the odd cooking show. That way cooking remains a challenge and an ever-renewing experience. My only beef is with the failure of manufacturers to offer smaller packages and cans to suit the pantries of solo dwellers, who are now one of the fastest growing segments of the population.
Kaye Cole, Princes Hill
A question of priorities
I support changing the date of Australia Day. However, compared with climate change, the enormous and growing gap in wealth, wage decline and domestic violence, it is a tenth order issue. Can we please focus on priorities which change lives and not waste our limited resources on symbols?
Max Ogden, Fitzroy North
A win-win day for China
China loves Australia Day. Try buying Australia Day merchandise that is not made there.
Greg Cyster, Mount Taylor
Safe from drunken drones
The Odd Spot advises of a New Jersey law which "prohibits flying a drone with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher" (The Age, 17/1). Local residents must be relieved to know there are no drunken drones flying above their heads.
Doug Shapiro, Doncaster East
AND ANOTHER THING
Politics
Trump's health report could be labelled "fake news".
Pam McDonald, Berwick
If the top White House doctor says Trump's heart is in the right place, he should be struck off.
David Price, Camberwell
It will be exciting to see Keneally join Wong in the Senate. Look out, complacent conservatives. Game on.
Glenda Johnston, Queenscliff
Having failed Victoria on law and order, Merlino has the temerity to continue the blame game with barbs at Turnbull.
Mal Alexander, Vermont
If Guy gets into power, we'll have government by "thought bubble".
Reg Murray, Glen Iris
Tennis
Could Seven's commentators please pronounce players' names correctly. The mispronunciations are annoying and embarrassing.
Deirdre Lloyd, Mount Martha.
I'm going to grunt and scream when I play golf. It should improve my game and put off my opponents.
Stephen Dinham, Surrey Hills
Kyrgios is Big Bash, very different to Test cricket. Don't try to make them the same.
Belinda Burke, Hawthorn
If we must have screechers, make it compulsory for all players. Then we'll see how many fans watch the action on TV, with the sound on mute.
Judith Caine, Donvale
Australia
I'm an 80-year-old, fifth generation Australian and I'm proud my forebears came to this great country. Let Di Natale have his own national day. Don't meddle with ours.
Anne Box, Tarwin Lower
When we become a republic, the date of its proclamation would be a unifying one for future Australia Days.
Andrew Farran, Edenhope
If only Captain Phillip had landed a few days earlier. Problem solved.
John Sherlock, Bonbeach
When will Australia have its first Indigenous prime minister?
Stan Marks, Caulfield