Injection of common sense needed to fix jab shambles

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Injection of common sense needed to fix jab shambles

Illustration: Cathy Wilcox

Illustration: Cathy WilcoxCredit:

Your story identifies another major flaw in the already shambolic vaccine rollout scheme (“Clinics say sorry after patients told they could forfeit doses”, April 8). It is all very well for GPs to be texting their own patients and placing them on waitlists but where does that leave people whose GPs are not COVID vaccination hubs? There is no clinic in my area offering vaccines to the general public. Calls to out-of-area clinics have proved fruitless.

It would have been better if the Commonwealth had co-ordinated with states to set up mass vaccination clinics attached to hospitals, instructed GPs to advise them which patients were eligible and attach health summaries so authorities could text people their vaccination time and date. Alison Stewart, Riverview

The government’s list of medical practitioners who are to vaccinate us is unacceptably chaotic and unhelpful. It should have been organised either alphabetically by suburb/town and postcode order. That way, a person wouldn’t have to wade through a whole state list to find a suitable practice. Talk about clots. Peter Cox, Gerringong

The federal government has blamed the EU for blocking exports to Australia of the AstraZeneca vaccine but why are we so determinedly Euro-centric (“Global vaccine shortages stymies rollout plan”, April 8)? China has produced a successful vaccine and is tackling the task of inoculating its citizens; could we talk to them about sourcing material from them? I know we are in the midst of trade disputes with China but a discussion like this could help ease tensions and result in Australia getting earlier vaccination. James Archibald, Enmore

Illustration: Matt Golding

Illustration: Matt GoldingCredit:

NSW will set up a mass vaccination clinic at Sydney Olympic Park even though the federal government says such sites are not needed (“Sydney Olympic Park to host mass vaccination clinic”, April 8). The disconnect between the federal government and the states is staggering and provides another example of appalling communication between our elected representatives.

Stop blaming overseas shortages, sort out the production line issues and get supplies moving. The only thing saving us at the moment is no community transmission. Michael Blissenden, Dural

It is quite clear that the Morrison government cannot be trusted to obtain and provide a reliable supply of vaccine. The government exacerbates the problem by overpromising and then taking no responsibility for the so-called teething problems. The states might do better to go it alone, independently negotiating their own supply. At least they could avoid the mistake of setting up unrealistic expectations that make planning impossible. Mark Porter, New Lambton

It’s time for some vaccine rollout good news. Together with some 6 million others, I am in group 1b. Deterred by all the negative reports, I decided to wait out the initial rush to try and get a vaccination appointment. Yesterday, with some time to spare, I checked out the eligibility process on the Department of Health COVID site. To my surprise I was offered a choice of appointments in the next two days at a medical centre some 200 metres from home. Within minutes I had a confirmed appointment. Too easy. Vicki Tennant, Surry Hills

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Saint Tommy was a gun and Sister always knew

Vale, Tommy Raudonikis. The late Mother Scholastica, Sister Christine Cullen, must have welcomed him into eternity (“The paradox of Saint Tommy”, April 8). She loved seeing “her boys” who had done well. “Mother Schol” was Tommy’s first rugby coach at St Raphael’s Catholic School, Cowra. Her speciality was driving the team out along the Edgell’s farm road and making them run back. She and the assistant coach would cruise behind them in his ute, picking up stragglers, driving them further out and making them run back. Myree Harris, Petersham

The redoubtable Brigidine sister, Mother Scholastica Cullen, used to laugh at her recollection of giving Tommy a swift cut of the cane when at school in Cowra (can’t remember the “crime” – probably smoking in the toilets) and of their mutual regard for each other. He had great affection for her as she did for him. She was a highly intelligent woman of broad interests who could see the goodness in the larrikin. Both of them were, in their own ways, one of a kind. Anne Garvan, Chatswood West

I can proudly claim to have been Tommy’s first captain in a rugby league side. I was accorded this privilege due to my superiority in age (10 years to 9) rather than any inate footballing ability, and perhaps as a result of my rather more moderate temperament. Even at that age, Tommy was a fearsome, no-quarter-asked-or-given combatant. I believe there were two reasons we Cowra boys loved Wests from 200 miles away: Cowra’s Group 10 team played in the same colours, and our idol Keith Holman was a lifelong Westie. Vale, Tom – what a life. Grahame Lister, Rochford (UK)

Like many I have memories of Tommy Raudonikis and his family in Cowra in the 1950s and 1960s. Tommy was a cub when in primary school. On father’s night, my dad beat Tommy in a game of billy lids. My father, an ardent rugby league supporter, always said this was his claim to fame. Robyn Lewis, Raglan

It was a Sunday afternoon in winter and the Magpies had just suffered a narrow loss at Lidcombe Oval. The ABC commentator buttonholed the captain and asked him if he was disappointed. “Disappointed?” rasped Tommy. “It’s like going to bed and dreamin’ you won a car in the lottery, but when you wake up all you’ve got is a horn”. Michael Costello, Ashfield

The character and commitment of Tommy Raudonikis on the footy field is best summed up by Ernie Hammerton, the Chairman of the Australian Selectors during his playing days: “we try to pick 13 Tommy Raudonikises”. Tony Nicod, Collaroy

Shame on system that failed

Just imagine if the first woman who raised concerns about John Edwards’ behaviour had felt confident she would be believed and supported by the authorities (“‘Multiple agencies’ failed to prevent John Edwards from killing his children, inquest finds”, April 8) . Gina Hay, Bayview

The history of John Edwards was glaringly obvious to anyone who bothered to do their job. There should be many heads hanging in shame. Genevieve Milton, Newtown

TAFE travesty

Why has the state government not learned that decimating TAFE is a no-win situation, especially as alternate paths to university are needed to ensure opportunity and employability for those completing high school (“Hundreds of TAFE workers to lose jobs”, April 8). There have been failed if not fraudulent colleges going bust while skilled TAFE staff have been let go, campuses sold off and others reduced: what are they hoping will result? Gordana Martinovich, Dulwich Hill

Free childcare

The educational and social benefits to children in childcare facilities with qualified staff and programs have proven to be a definite win, so must also be considered in this discussion (“Fixing childcare a win-win-win”, April 8). Assisting women in maintaining their career foothold, while enabling others to enter the workforce, must be viewed as a right, not a choice. Increasing access to childcare by making it free, allows this right. Sharon McGuinness, Thirroul

Lack of vision

Firstly, we learn that the leading minds in the Coalition foresaw no difficulties nor had any deeper insight to challenge Matt Kean’s proposal to appoint Malcolm Turnbull (“How skittish MPs scuttled Turnbull gig”, April 8). Even with a byelection looking the same individuals appeared to be comfortable, perhaps with some minor reservations, for Turnbull’s retention. Then, with no further ability to think further than the next election nor with any real concern for the need to commence workforce transformation in the Hunter, a small number of “skittish”, relatively unknown MP’s were able to convince Kean and Berejiklian that Turnbull had to go.

Regularly, we are presented with examples of the limited capabilities of the Premier and her Ministers, and here is further evidence of their inability to sustain principle over political expediency and of their complete lack of any vision for the state. Ross Butler, Rodd Point

Barilaro’s agenda

Nationals MP John Barilaro has claimed pollution figures in the Upper Hunter “have been misinterpreted by anti-mining propagandists who are cherrypicking one-off measurements to suit their agenda” (“Green Groups blast Barilaro’s Hunter pollution claim”, April 8). In fact, the data is taken from the government’s own research findings following community concerns over a number of years. Surely people’s health and well-being should be of paramount importance to anyone who claims to represent that community. Perhaps Barilaro needs to check his own political agenda? Anne O’Hara, Wanniassa (ACT)

I’m sure the coal industry and its lobbyists hand out rose-coloured glasses to the Coalition so they don’t see the vision of Mordor that the rest of us see in the mined landscape (Letters, April 8). Helen Lewin, Tumbi Umbi

Uighur oppression

This Chinese propaganda film is a sick joke (“Xinjiang musical ‘lying’ through song”, April 7).
There are several thousand Uighur people living in Australia who know the truth about what’s really happening in China. We know the truth because we have family members and friends who have disappeared into the regime’s camps and are no longer contactable. It is heartbreaking to us that China would use a lavish feature film to pretend that people in our homeland are so happy that they are singing and dancing in the streets. The reality is far more disturbing. Bahtiyar Bora, Australian Uyghur Association

Heritage threat

The announcement by Arts Minister Don Harwin to review NSW Heritage Laws should strike fear into those interested in preserving our constantly threatened heritage (“Heritage Laws ‘out of step’ with land use trends: review”, April 8). What is the intention of this review? Based on many decades of fighting to preserve heritage sites, both natural and built environment, in inner south-west Sydney’s Wolli Creek Valley, I have no doubt that this review is to assist rapacious developers regardless of the wishes of the people of NSW. My involvement in the successful, twenty-year community campaign to prevent the construction of a motorway through the Wolli Creek Valley taught me a lot, importantly, constant vigilance. Judy Finlason, Undercliffe

Prevent concussion

Yet another story about concussion on the football field, this time about Jake Friend who plays for the Roosters (“Concussions force ‘warrior’ Friend to call time on career”, April 8). Every week footballers in rugby, rugby league and AFL are being concussed. There has been a raging debate for some time about what to do. A sprinkling of smart players do wear head gear. Why are the powers that be not making it compulsory? Perhaps not the perfect solution, but it would certainly be heading in the right direction. Nicholas Beauman, Neutral Bay

Super folly

Conservative ideology and stupidity all wrapped into one neat package (“Senator proposes regulation to shut down superannuation lobby groups to save fees”, April 8). On one hand steadfast refusal to regulate areas of the economy and markets that are harmful or dangerous to Australians or our economy. On the other, regulation for spectacularly successful industry super funds because the Coalition does not like their lobby groups or investment decisions. Beggars belief does it not?
Tony Heathwood, Kiama Downs

Head of state

Correspondents misunderstand the role of head of state (Letters, April 8). It’s not just simply ceremonial. The head of state plays the role of a fuse-breaker in the case of a political stalemate, as in 1972. Think carefully how that person is elected. Peter Pitt, Potts Point

A group of elders elected to carry out duties of head of state? Cynics might predict the usual power bunfight within the chosen few, plus extra expenses to be paid by the Australian taxpayer. Wendy Crew, Lane Cove North

Great southern tablelands

Richard Stewart eulogises The Paragon’s milkshakes (Letters, April 8). Last time our family visited Goulburn our teenage daughter insisted on three consecutive meals there, each of hers consisting of banana fritters. We have occasionally considered driving from Sydney to Goulburn just for lunch. Eva Elbourne, Pennant Hills

The Paragon in Goulburn was too flash for the local high school kids. We went to the Blue and White in the next block where the steam tube on the new espresso machine was put to use making hot milkshakes. David Booth, Way Way

Joining the nostalgia for trips through Goulburn, we would always buy Bryants Pies to take home for a later meal, after visiting the Paragon. Bryants Pies was on the opposite side of the road, early on left, driving from Sydney. Is it still there? Alison Stewart, Waitara

Mention of the Olympia milk bar at Martin Place brought back a smile (Letters, April 6). My first paid job was there in my teens. I only lasted two days as I couldn’t remember what the customers’ orders were as I walked from their tables to behind the counter. Beth Hansen, Alstonville

There has always been the well taken stops at the Paragon milk bar. One in Goulburn, the other in Katoomba. Ron Field, Bermagui

The digital view

Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au
More than 700,000 AstraZeneca doses secretly flown to Australia from Britain

From Why: “Wow, saved by Brexit. I’ll admit I didn’t see that coming.“: “Wow, saved by Brexit. I’ll admit I didn’t see that coming.”

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