Business leaders do not want to rock the boat

It is immoral for Australia's "corporate leaders" to try to get our government to back down on pursuing China's role in the coronavirus. The entire world has suffered deaths, illness, unemployment and upheaval. The "Twiggys" of this world are nicely cushioned in their private jets and privileged lifestyles. Our government needs to be proactive in making sure all countries close their wet markets where these viruses originate to prevent the unleashing of yet more deadly and disruptive diseases.

Jan Kendall, Mount Martha

Australia has tied itself too closely to China

When investing for the future, we are advised to diversify. Chinese ambassador Cheng Jingye's veiled threats (The Age, 28/4) should be a wake-up call to both government and business. We are far too dependent on China economically and, hence, vulnerable to covert and overt influence of the Chinese Communist Party.

Peter Hartcher is to be commended for calling out the party for its ongoing infiltration of our domestic and international operations (Comment, 28/4). It is high time government and business leaders become more creative when seeking business partners and markets. We should not tie ourselves to any country to the extent we have to China.

Henry Gaughan, Richmond

Let's be generous and cut China some slack

Former Australian ambassador to China, Stephen Fitzgerald, is right (The Age, 30/4). Diplomatic back channels should have been used to encourage Beijing to take the lead in setting up an independent global inquiry into the evolution of the pandemic.

But if, as Fitzgerald says, "there is no one in Canberra who can pick up the phone and talk to someone at the most senior level in Beijing", we have a problem. It is up to our politicians and diplomats to resist posturing and, especially, distance Australia from Donald Trump's rhetoric. Can we not cut China some slack for making a few missteps at the beginning when our great allies, the United States and Britain, have so mismanaged their responses to COVID-19?

Patrice McCarthy, Bendigo

Focus on finding out where COVID-19 originated

Never mind bullying and pontificating, we need to know where this virus originated and the approximate date it first began.

Val James, Healesville

It is time for a cohesive approach to China

It is interesting that "Twiggy" Forest can "ambush" (The Age, 30/4) a government that he supported. If Scott Morrison does not have the mettle to either deal with the Australian workers or the tenacity to negotiate with the Chinese government and therefore business, we need a different approach. Take the brains from all the parties and develop a cohesive government.

Sharyn Bhalla, Ferntree Gully

THE FORUM

Strength with respect

It is inevitable that big business shamelessly seeks to downplay the desirability of establishing the original cause of the virus (The Age, 30/4), which will lead to knowledge as to the handling of future viral pandemics. If China were an open society, it would welcome a judicious examination. But it is not.

I support our government's approach, believing it to be ethical, nuanced and sensible. I, and most Australians, do not want our leaders to adopt a servile attitude to any country, no matter how important to trade it might be. It should be possible to raise contentious issues in a firm but respectful manner, thus retaining credibility and dignity.

Noel North, Malvern East

A tale of two countries

Chris Uhlmann (Comment, 29/4), let us look a little more dispassionately at China and America. One country offers a government that appears to be striving to improve the quality of life for all its citizens but is, admittedly, extremely touchy about any criticism. The other governs in the interests of its richest citizens but everyone is free to complain.

In one country, they might put you in jail if you complain about the government too much but, if you have a terrible drug addiction, they will treat you as a medical problem and help you to recover. In the other, you can be as abusive as you like about the government, but if you fall into drug dependency, you will probably end up in jail (especially if you're black).

Since 1945, one country has interfered by armed force (or covert subversion) in the internal affairs of other countries three or four times. The other has interfered at least 11 times that I can think of – without trying. Which would you choose?

Bernie Green, Gisborne

Stick to federal issues, PM

Scott Morrison received my grudging admiration, then my support, for his actions to minimise the impact of COVID-19. I look around the world at similarly developed countries with horror and thanks that we are not there.

Then, this week, he interfered in a state issue and used wedge politics to get private schools to have at least half their students in classrooms by June 1. He demeans and belittles the position of prime minister by his actions. Daniel Andrews has stated that he will wait to see the result of increased testing over the next two weeks before making a decision. Prime Minister, butt out of state arenas.

Earle Orenstein, Caulfield South

Pawns in a stand-off

Well, that did not last long – the much vaunted spirit of co-operation and collegiality that underpinned the national cabinet.

Now Scott Morrison, in his funding ultimatum to Victorian independent schools, has reverted to coercion and bribery to get his way. This will not be so problematic for the wealthiest schools, but the many low and medium-fee schools, already suffering from the loss of international students on whose fees they rely to balance their books, are being used as pawns in a political stand-off. Is this really the way to ensure the wellbeing of their students and staff?

Mike Smith, Croydon

Let the year 12s return

Year 12 students have probably been impacted by the lockdown more than any other school student. Let us get every one who is completing a year 12 unit (including those in year 11) tested for coronavirus, as well as the teaching staff, on a weekly basis and send them back to school now, with social distancing in place.

Online learning does not suit all students. Those with limited technology and poor internet access, and those with a disability, are the most at risk of becoming disengaged. Pushing exams into December will impact on students' ability to get summer jobs and celebrate schoolies. Let us get our year 12 students back in the classroom and then extend this to other year levels.

Michelle Woods, Carnegie

Young adults, not kids

In the government's recommendations, and the ensuing discussions about children returning to schools, little if any distinction has been made between primary and secondary schools. Also, the report being used to guide future planning, including reduced social distancing in the classrooms, refers to limited transmission in children under 16.

However students in their final years range from 16 to 19 years. They are not "children" from the point of view of transmission and should be protected by the same social distancing rules as teachers and the public. For everyone's protection, I hope this is on the government's radar and that schools are well enough resourced to take the appropriate measures.

Claire Merry, Wantirna

Elaborate, please, Premier

The Premier is waiting on evidence before he will change the policy settings on schools reopening (The Age, 29/4). At the moment, the opening date is a rather arbitrary criteria of somewhere beyond the end of term two. A more scientific approach is required. The Premier needs to state the criteria to be used – for example, the number of sequential days of zero additional cases or the availability of a vaccine or something else.

John Bell, Ashwood

No to new phone for app

I tried to load the coronavirus tracking app onto my android phone, which works for everything else I need, but received the message: "Your device isn't compatible with this version". I am not buying a new phone just for this one app. I doubt that I am the only one. Over to you, gov.au.

Marian Gedye, Killawarra

A shady type of fellow

Looking at the photo for John Silvester's new Naked City podcast – "The Gatto story: blow by blow" (The Age, 29/4) – I thought: "I will have to check out the story about this mean-looking character". I then realised the photo was actually of the host himself recording the podcast.

Mark Weymouth, Moe

Drivers, the law matters

I have been on the Eastern Freeway several times when I have observed distant, flashing lights on the left. Believing the law was to pass these lights at 40km/h, I lightly tapped the brake to disengage cruise control and indicate to the driver behind me that I was slowing. Then I was constantly passed by cars changing lanes to get out from behind me, cutting me off with very little stopping distance.

Either these drivers did not know they needed to slow down or they took the words on the VicRoads' website, "if it is safe to do so", to mean they could travel at 100 km/h right up to the vehicle with flashing lights – and because slamming on the brakes two metres before the flashing lights is not safe, they can continue to travel at 100km/h. We do not need graduated speeds, we just need drivers to obey the law.

Heather Murtagh, Croydon Hills

Targeting that 80 per cent

I work in the heavy vehicle safety and compliance area, and previously was a heavy vehicle enforcement officer for 10 years. Suggestions of improved training, alcohol/drug testing before every shift, increased medical testing etc will probably decrease the occurrences of crashes involving heavy vehicles.

However, statistics from government sources such as the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, data.gov.au and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator regularly suggest crashes involving heavy vehicles that result in fatalities are caused by light vehicle drivers in more than 80per cent of cases, although that figure has been trending down slightly over the past five years or so. None of these suggestions will make much difference to that figure. We require changes to car driver behaviour to make inroads into that 80per cent.

Peter Harbridge, Rosedale

Our youth in need

I accept that the government cannot provide financial assistance to everyone as a result of COVID-19. However, there is a group of young Australian adults who appear to have missed the safety net completely.

I am talking about a 21-year-old who has lost her three-month-old casual job and lives in NSW independently outside the family home. To qualify for JobSeeker you must be 22, so no help there.

How about JobKeeper? No, because she has been in the job for less than 12 months. What about Youth Allowance? No, as she is "dependent" on her parents because she has been a student for two out of the last three years and is not working full-time. Finally, she cannot live at home in Melbourne because she is trying to forge a career in NSW.

If we are going to start handouts for international students and private schools, surely some financial assistance can be extended to this group of young Australians. I have written to the federal Treasurer but have received no reply.

Andrea Marmilic, Northcote

Lessons from history

Oh, the irony of cancelling Captain James Cook's 250th anniversary celebrations due to the current pandemic: his visit presaged the deadly spread of previously unknown diseases throughout the First Nation peoples.

Wendy Knight, Little River

Historical dangers

Indeed, dear Editor – "Cook events should carry Indigenous voice" (Editorial, 30/4). Any re-enactments of historic events, such as Captain Cook's voyage and landing at Botany Bay, is fraught with danger of re-writing history. As the axiom goes, the victors write the history books.

Henry Herzog, St Kilda East

His own private green

My husband is missing his twice-weekly game of golf. In desperation he has set up a miniature putting green on the living room carpet. My only stipulation is that it is all tidied up and put away at five o'clock before he goes into clubhouse/kitchen for a beer.

Christine Hurwood, Newport

AND ANOTHER THING

Life matters

Another innocent coronavirus victim is the pedestrian traffic light button, now subjected to elbow bashing and kickboxing.

Alan Barford, Northcote

An acceptable herd immunity would see voters culling narcissistic politicians and their divisive philosophies.

Brian Rock, Beechworth

Thanks, Ben Groundwater (30/4), you've reinforced why I'm not a traveller.

Fiona Pettigrew, Spotswood

Schools

Victoria overwhelmingly rejected Morrison at the federal election. What makes the Coalition think it can bully us into submission now?

George Reed, Wheelers Hill

Morrison is an expert at political bribery and bullying.

Mary Fenelon, Doncaster East

The old "divide and conquer" tactic. Trump has perfected it. Stick to your guns, Dan. You're doing an amazing job.

Margaret McKenna, Doreen

Bribery at a time like this? Andrews is to be commended for standing firm.

Joy Hayman, Blackburn North

The supposed era of political co-operation destroyed by Morrison's back-to-school bribes.

Richard Wilson, Croydon

May Tehan's sudden concern for students from low socio-economic backgrounds continue long after COVID-19.

Arthur Pritchard, Ascot Vale

What would those proposing schools reopen consider "acceptable levels of collateral damage" among students and staff?

Edmond Tame, Aireys Inlet

China

China threatens to boycott our products. Pity we couldn't have boycotted its product, COVID-19 .

Andrea Plantinga, Point Lonsdale

China needs an opposition party.

Rod Matthews, Fairfield

Is this the spat with China we had to have?

Lindsay Zoch, East Melbourne

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