The climate challenge.Credit: Alan Moir
What a load of tosh ("Final farewell to stadium that has to go", October 5). The west stand of Hillsborough Stadium that was the scene of the disaster was a 100-year-old stadium rebuilt sometime before 1966. Allianz was built in 1988.
If every building disaster in the world required the demolition and rebuilding of all later buildings, we'd all be living in tents. Sure, rebuild it if it suits you, but by private means only: not the public purse. - Brenton White, Mosman
Crowd safety has never been an issue at the Sydney Football Stadium because, by Anthony Shepherd's own admission, there is rarely a crowd. The biggest danger is feeling lonely in an almost empty venue. So to use the Hillsborough Stadium disaster of 1989 as a reason for wanting his new playground in place of the SFS is disingenuous.
The truth of Hillsborough is that a second inquest in 2016 found the cause was the "grossly negligent failure" of police.
Insufficient toilets and poor fast-food outlets were not a contributing factor. As for "democracy at work" – Shepherd's description of the process that's going to cost the public billions – it is also disingenuous.
The vested interests he represents are hand-in-glove with this state government and the combination is deaf to the people. - Diana Simmonds, Paddington
The Sydney Football Stadium: soon to be demolished.Credit: Fairfax Media
Shepherd can't have it both ways. Either the Allianz Stadium is safe to use for the Michael Buble concert or it is not.
The SCG Trust is responsible for the proper maintenance of the facility and the fact "safety and security concerns required immediate attention" suggests the trust was not looking after the facility properly.
If, as he says, "we will do everything we can to ensure that tens of thousands of concert goers are safe", he and the trust should have maintained the building properly, widened the aisles, raised the balustrades, provided good facilities and improved the access. - Peter Fuller, Narrabeen
Shepherd's requiem for the Sydney Football Stadium cuts no ice. He complains of site congestion, but who was responsible for hemming in the venue with office buildings for the NRL and ARU?
As for hand-railings being too low, that risk should have been eliminated years ago had the SCG Trust taken public safety seriously. - Ian Ferrier, Paddington
I was amazed to read that the SCG Trust has been happy to operate a facility which it considers so dangerous that it can be compared in design to Hillsborough.
They have, by Sheperd's own admission, put at risk the lives of hundreds of thousands of people over the years as well as tonight's concert goers. Game over indeed. - David Farrell, Erskineville
Better internet plan needed
While we can't be sure what Stuart Robert is looking at with his excessive internet data, his confusion over Australia's debt and the budget deficit makes it pretty certain he's not researching on the finer facets of his treasury duties ("Assistant Treasurer has $500-a-week bill for home data use", October 5). - Mark Pearce, Richmond
How many Netflix movies can you watch in a month for $2832? - David Greatorex, Sydney
I am surprised that someone of the Assistant Treasurer's position doesn't seem to know that there are plans available on the market for $69.99 unlimited for internet data. - Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill
The Assistant Treasurer's internet habits beg justification. Either he has a serious Fortnite addiction (but where does he find the time?), or there is a teenager with the same bent lurking in his house. - Judy Finch, Cedar Party
I can get unlimited internet on my portable home wi-fi dongle for $60 a month. I am glad that Robert isn't looking after my finances. - Riley Brown, Bondi Beach
And Robert's extraordinary internet bill will be paid by ... ? The taxpayer, of course. - Tony Re, Georges Hall
Do they also serve popcorn and choc tops at the Assistant Treasurer's home when they have movie nights seven days a week? Who uses it at home when he's supposed to be in Canberra, serving the nation? - Peter Skrzynecki, Eastwood
It's no wonder Australia is in a mess and can't find money for climate change and humane treatment of refugees if the Assistant Treasurer does not seem to know how to get cheap internet coverage. - Peta Colebatch, Pretty Beach
Federal ICAC now. - Lee-Ann Groblicka, Turramurra
A race to the rocks
Racing NSW could project text onto Alan Jones' apartment that overlooks the Opera House ("'Who do you think you are?': Alan Jones unleashes on Opera House CEO", October 5). I'm sure Jones would be happy with that. - Philip Myers, Petersham
What will it take for this country to stop listening to Jones, Hadley and co? Today, Jones slams the Opera House for not advertising what is essentially a gambling product on its iconic, publicly-owned sails. Surely gambling remains a chronic problem for us? These people are like modern day sirens making all the right noises to guide this country onto the rocks. - Martyn Frappell, Bulli
If governments sacked everyone that Jones calls to be sacked, there would be no one left but the HR Department. - Stephen Manns, Woollahra
Mass exodus
It seems even Jacinta Ardern can't halt the exodus from the teaching profession ("Scores of teachers wanted for Kiwi schools", October 5). - Debra Miniutti, Ashbury
Driving mad
As a regular pedestrian and cyclist, and even driver on occasion, the motorist-centric view of your letter writer is chilling (Letters, October 5). My repeated observation is our roads are plagued with really stupid and frighteningly self-entitled drivers. - Chris Downs, Stanwell Park
Honesty policy
Surely, we are aware the biggest oxymoron of them all is "an honest politician" (Letters, October 5)? - Rae Morris, Marrickville
Bathurst bravery
Please, Keith Thompson (Letters, October 5). The risks taken by Cooper Cronk in the grand final are nothing compared to the ones taken by those engaging in the car races at Bathurst this weekend. Can we get over this please? - John Lees, Castlecrag
Trickle-down theory
Rain. You get it for free, but it's priceless ("Sydney's just been drenched in a month's worth of rain", smh.com.au, October 5). With thanks to a former Bathurst resident, Arthur Bowie. - Michael Burleigh, Bathurst
Kiama, as usual, has received the lion's share of the rain. I wonder if the generous rainfall is due to the extensive tree cover in the area or is it just the school holidays?
Has anyone ever done a mathematical investigation into holidays and annual rainfall? Might be a good subject for a thesis. - Nola Tucker, Kiama
The current rain has resulted in a much needed benefit to a city problem. Driving through Sydney I noticed that, with their spare hand carrying umbrellas, none of the pedestrians were glued to their mobile phones while crossing the road. Long may it rain. - Paul Ballesty, Cabarita
Change law to relax legal loophole
Here are some ideas for the attorney-general to consider to reduce delays in the District Court ("Judge says workload will lead to tragedy", October 5). Rename the "Police Force" the "Police Service" as it once was, and mandate police and community liaison.
Start decriminalising drug possession for personal use and a range of antisocial conduct. And expand justice reinvestment programs that target the causes of offending in disadvantaged communities more than the consequences. - Kate Lumley, Hurlstone Park
As the public are called on for jury duty, why not call upon suitably qualified members of the legal profession for judicial duties? - Bill McMahon, Lennox Head
Judge Tupman has asked for more resources for the judicial system. There is one quick way to increase productivity by 40 per cent; open the courts on the weekend. - Phil Morey, Kalaru
Brexit lessons
Britain's Brexit catastrophe highlights the issue of leaving it to politicians to provide input into any referendum ("Brawl thwarts republican cause", October 5).
Any push for a republic must provide full and comprehensive detail on just how it will work; how it will impact any and every mechanism of our government.
The tiniest detail should not be overlooked. If anything is to be learnt from Brexit, it is the importance of detail. - Michael Webb, Cromer
Keep past PMs quiet
I was horrified to read your editorial ("Former PMs have much to offer nation", October 5).
This ragtag, egotistical bunch are always offering inflammatory and often negative opinions. In fact they just can't shut up.
I beg you to think carefully before encouraging them again please. - Robyn Park, Balgowlah
Costs go off rails
What a truly sad debacle Sydney's light-rail project has become ("Costs balloon again as rail opening date set for 2020", October 5).
With the Spanish construction company Acciona yet again setting a new completion date, demanding huge increases in cost payments and taking the government to court over contractual matters, the whole fiasco appears to have become a classic example of the tail wagging the dog. - Stewart Smith, Tea Gardens
Is the state government seriously considering relaxing the city's lockout laws just to quell anger over the light-rail debacle? The lockouts have civilised this city, especially Kings Cross, and I'm sure most people don't want to return to the nightly violence we got used to seeing. - Patrick McGrath, Potts Point
Supreme mistake
The pushing ahead by US Senate Republicans towards a critical vote on Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination will go down in US history as a most flagrant breach of the democratic rights and dignity of all women ("Incomplete': FBI finishes report into sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh", October 5).
Never did the FBI's supplemental investigation into sexual assault allegations against Judge Kavanaugh have the intention of arriving at the truth.
Their intention was to serve their political masters, instead of making this one of the greatest strides towards furthering US democracy since the abolition of slavery. - Vincent Zankin, Rivett (ACT)
Your correspondent totally missed the point with his assertion that only saints would be able to apply for high office considering the scrutiny on the high school behaviour of Judge Kavanaugh (Letters, October 5).
No one is saying youth indiscretions necessarily disqualify a candidate. The only reason they were brought up is because the judge issued a blanket denial of any wrongdoing during his Senate confirmation hearing, contrary to testimonies from his many school friends.
I am old enough to remember that lying under oath was a big no for conservatives, when Bill Clinton was impeached by Congress not for having an extramarital affair, but for perjury when questioned about it. Ironically, Judge Kavanaugh was a vocal member of the independent counsel team that prosecuted Clinton. - Han Yang, North Turramurra
I could name you pretty much every man I know, as someone who didn't sexually assault a girl in high school.
Every right-thinking person would acknowledge that people make errors, often grievous. The essence of maturity is to recognise the errors, apologise to the offended parties, and make restitution if necessary; this leads to growth in maturity. - Melissa Franks, Bowral
Unfortunately, when it comes to the US Supreme Court, there's a big difference between demanding saint-like behaviour of nominees and an expectation that they haven't sexually molested women (allegedly) during their student years.
Sadly, the example set by the leader of the free world appears to be causing a trickle-down effect. - Bruce Hulbert, Lilyfield
Federal MP Craig Kelly.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
Inform Kelly on climate
Can someone please tell Liberal MP Craig ("we should not worry about climate change") Kelly that there are about 190 scientific academies and organisations that publicly endorse the warnings about human-induced levels of global warming (Letters, October 5). - David Rose, Hamilton
Your letter writer opines that "here in NSW, the current drought has been described as the worst in 400 years". Given that European colonisation began 230 years ago, and that rainfall records generally only exist back to the mid-1800s, from where does he get the empirical and statistical evidence to support that assertion? - Greg Partington, Quakers Hill
Balance at ABC
Unlike your correspondent, the ABC I watch does not have an enduring left-wing tone (Letters, October 5). One only needs to look at the board of the ABC to realise that fact.
There are "egotistical" performers who want to both put on and run the show from all walks of life. A Senate inquiry is required. - Wendy Kelly, Sanctuary Point
Those "egotistical'' performers who want to put on the show and run it in the midst of chaos are doing just that, brilliantly. All power to them. - Vicky Marquis, Glebe
From one ego to another, may I also point out that apart from procreation there is nothing more egotistical than writing a letter to the editor. - John Grinter, Katoomba
Postscript
"Gotta love Herald letter writers," enthused Robyn Newton of Faulconbridge. "Top marks to Stephen Driscoll for ABC 'bored room' and Garth Clarke for 'a classic case of budgie smuggling," she wrote. And we agree.
David Baird of Burradoo was more concerned about Justin Milne's use of a particular word, than the word-use of letter writers.
"Justin Milne surely knows it's not all cool to use the word 'cool' when one is past a certain age. Nor is it a gas, far out, grouse, rickapoody or fandoogly," he wrote.
We will add the latter-day "awesome" and "excellent" to his list of uncool words.
The humble goat was reinterpreted, or deconstructed (not literally), by many. But Joy Cooksey of Harrington had a different point of view: "In the goat/PM debate, it is six of one and half a dozen of the other. No kidding. PMs, as well as goats, have been known to consume vast amounts of unpalatable trash, and to head-butt anything in their way."
Peter Scott of Killcare added: "While being called a goat may be fine for some, those of us who have achieved such status do have doubts. Years ago, Judy Prisk, who was acting Letters editor at the time, sent my Better Half an email. Beginning 'Dear Silly Old Goat's Wife', it is now framed in a prominent position and is frequently referred to."
Sue Benham of Woonona was concerned with more practical matters this week: how to avoid using plastic bags in kitchen bins. "I recommend lining indoor rubbish bins with the Herald. Overlap pages in a circular direction, place one folded sheet in the middle of the circular overlays, then firmly push it into the bin – voila. Sayonara, plastic liners."
Today's news, tomorrow's trash.
Pat Stringa, Letters co-editor
To submit a letter to The Sydney Morning Herald, email letters@smh.com.au