What you're saying...

Regarding under-aged drinking - an idea if I may. In situations where young people are drunk (or believed to be), still breath test to the 0.05 standard. If they are under 18yo and over 0.05, take away demerit points in advance of their gaining their licence. If they lose 12 points, they can't get their license for another 12 months. Even the most blokey young guys would think about it!

Michael Warner
Leongatha VIC
25 July 2008
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I work for a packaging company and for years I have been trying to push the paper bags through large supermarket chains. They are not interested as it is going to cost them at least 18-20 cents a bag, whereas a plastic bag is 1-3 cents a bag. However, if the government sponsored the paper bags and absorbed some of the cost of the paper bag manufacturing , then that might make it more attractive to Woolworths and Coles.

Silvio Iezzi
St Leonards NSW
24 July 2008
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Instead of purchasing a 4 or 6 pack of premixed drinks, my teenager (and many others) now purchases a bottle of alcohol and proceeds to mix it. The entire bottle may be consumed in one evening. As opposed to previously consuming 4-6 measured drinks, she now has unmeasured drinks until the "bottle is empty". The answer is not to increase the cost of alcohol because regardless teenagers now seem to have money for whatever they want. I believe curbing the opening hours of bottle shops and licensed premises, in particular hotels and clubs, may assist.

Glenys Maczkowiack
Adelaide SA
23 July 2008

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The big dry in the MDB? What will save the environment is reverting to a greenfield site to devise a truly national water management scheme - over the top of individual state rights. Let's become a real commonwealth and share the rivers!

Wayne Lodge
Adelaide SA
23 July 2008
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Well done Senator Penny Wong. At last we have something of significance to show our northern polluting neighbours. Let's hope they can follow our lead and together support the larger global plans to avert a global warming catastrophe.

Allan Kelly
Windsor Gardens SA
22 July 2008
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There is no looking back when it comes to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. Maintain this policy of the future - after all, it all boils down to the future. We can't change or avoid what comes in terms of short term future shock to the economy - it is to be expected.

Tamoi Sutton
Thornleigh NSW
22 July 2008

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The Coalition are running a grass roots fear campaign against the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. Most schools have environmental ambassadors, and they MUST be fully engaged in this important initiative. It's imperative that they are included in the community education program about the scheme.

Kane Willkins
Sussex Inlet NSW
21 July 2008
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It may be a pragmatic speech farewelling the Pope, but most Australians were not taken in (not even in squeaky-clean Toowoomba) by the costly (to Australian taxpayers), all clapping, all dancing, all singing, "Village People revival" propaganda party.

Michael Lockhar
Toowoomba QLD
21 July 2008

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I think the coal industry should be included in the emissions scheme, drop all the subsidies to it and instead put money into renewable energy sources. Wave power needs a lot of research support and would be ideal for desalination plants. Also we need to be looking at alternative methods of travel instead of oil-driven vehicles, plus campaign to eliminate cattle from farming in Australia. We need to push a new agenda that frightens people.

Dereka Ogden
Nobby Beach QLD
21 July 2008

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I am moved to express my support for the Labor government's position on emissions trading. The news reports tonight say industry doesn't like it. No surprise there, but it unequivocally has to be done and thank god we finally have a government with the guts and foresight to take the task in hand.

Liam Thompson
Roseville NSW
20 July 2008
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If the carbon trading system can be used to offset the costs of projects of environmental repair, then I think it will be better received by the general public. For example, the mining industry could offset its carbon tax by assisting in the building of a very large solar desalination, where the fresh water produced is used to restore environmental flows back into the River Murray.

Allan Kelly
Windsor Gardens SA
20 July 2008

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I continue to feel reassured that our country is taking a better direction in many ways. Australia positioning itself as an 'expert nation' in all matters climate change - new industries, jobs, training, technologies and transitioning from the old to the new - is an exciting prospect.

Helen Kinniburgh
Brisbane QLD
19 July 2008
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Excellent Green Paper on ETS, fuel & climate change. I would also like to see the environmental ministers travel overseas and see what is being done in renewable energy and efficient transportation and car production around the world.

Kevin Dixon
Runcorn QLD
18 July 2008
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Great work on climate change. Now, what would really impress me is if Australia were to lead the world in use of solar power. As one of the hottest countries of the world, we should be harness this inexpensive but tremendous source of power. Let's go on it!

Joanne Martin
Umina NSW
18 July 2008
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Diesel fueled cars are far more efficient, more economical and release far less carbon emissions compared with petrol cars. Why is the price of diesel not being brought down to favour diesel cars over petrol vehicles? Diesel is far more common place as a car fuel in Europe, where the costs are much less.

Peter Friswell
Lilydale VIC
17 July 2008
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Thank you for not including agriculture in emissions trading. My husband and I were so fearful that it would be included, even though no one knows how to properly measure it. You were wise to leave it out and I hope it isn't included until enough is known.

Rebecca McCormack
Grabben Gullen NSW
17 July 2008
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If an electrician in suburban Adelaide can convert a car to 100% electric for just $24,000, with fuel costing $1 for every 100 kms, what could the big car manufacturers do if they really wanted to. Is big vested interests the reason this is not happening?

Hal Crossing
Happy Valley SA
16 July 2008

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I am so pleased to see, at last, that someone is taking the initiative on such an important issue to everyone. We cannot sustain the status quo for much longer and, if the children of this world are to have a future, we must be the ones to lead the way.

Marilyn Marsden
Moree NSW
16 July 2008
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The tragic death of another brave Australian serviceman in Afghanistan must surely have Australians wondering why we sent our troops to Iraq and Afghanistan in the first place.

With Iraq, it is now obvious that President Bush and Vice President Chaney, with a push from Zionists, used the pretence that Sadam Hussein was harbouring weapons of mass destruction. It is now perfectly clear that the Halliburton company Chaney is closely associated with has made billions if dollars out of goods and armaments for the attack. Now the oil giants are getting control of the huge oil reserves and the Iraqis will lose control of that commodity.

Yes, the new Australian government is wisely withdrawing out troops. We will still have to leave troops to guard the Australian Embassy, which was not necessary under the previous regime.

Frank Crichlow
Carrara QLD
15 July 2008

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I agree that we should not export our problems but in the case of Alexander Downer, hopefully he will don his fishnets again, this time on the world stage, and we can stop hearing this garbage about him being a great Foreign Affairs minister. Mr Downer has been the beneficiary of his own propaganda for long enough - it's about time that he is seen as the ineffectual twit that he is.

Lorie Werner
Box Hill South VIC
15 July 2008

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Please focus much more on public transport; it's ridiculous to be spending huge amounts of money on roads and tunnels that just encourage more cars on to the roads. Where are our world class subways?

Tourists don't go home and talk about the great freeways and tunnels, but they are impressed by and talk about excellent public transport such as light rail and subways. This is where our petrol taxes should be going.

John Haberecht
Red Hill QLD
13 July 2008

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If Mr Downer does get to Cyprus, how soon can we expect announcements of imminent civil war? Since when did the UN begin sending cretins to engage in sensitive international diplomacy? This is just another example of Australia exporting its problems - like Howard's Pacific Solution.

Julie Deakin
Wallsend NSW
13 July 2008

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As well as the Murray Darling, shouldn't we also consider coastal rivers so they might be better value-added? About 98% of water flowing down them goes straight into the ocean - on the east coast particularly.

Allan Brown
Catalina NSW
12 July 2008

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I think cutting CO2 pollution is fantastic, but those countries that don't do their bit should be penalised. Any imports into Australia from countries not being responsible should attract higher import tariffs or import restrictions. Further, more any major new developments must commit to using renewable energy sources.

Darren Walters
Alexandria NSW
12 July 2008
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Congratulations on the announcement of additional $$$ for Murray Darling Basin. I only hope it is not too late to save areas at the southern end of the river system, especially around the Coorong.

Wendy Jones
Nyirrpi NT
11 July 2008

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The Government's CO2 emissions trading system can give clean industry and users incentives and rewards to encourage them to make climate change a profitable industry and business. We can create local climate change-related jobs and innovations, and set an example for the other big polluters and industry nations.

Jennie Rutter
Gladesville NSW
10 July 2008
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I would like to say thank you to the Rudd government for the utilities allowance.

I am 62 years old in November and have been on a disabled pension for over a decade. I have never received any of the utilities allowances in years past and, as with all younger pensioners, find it hard to afford these necessities. This $500 will go a long way to helping me overcome that.

Whilst on the subject of pensions, I know you can't overnight change things that the [abbot and costello] governments did to pensioners over the years, and i know that you are looking at how to increase pensions. I am in state housing accommodation and if we get an increase in our fortnightly payments, the housing department takes 7/8 of it in increased rental. What would be the best thing to do is give us lump sum payments, similar to the utilities allowance and carer's bonus, and that way the pensioners will benefit and not the state governments.

I would like to say how pleased myself, my families, neighbours and friends are so happy that Labor won at the last election. We hope that you will enjoy governing for decades. The Australian people under [abbott and costello] have suffered enough. They reversed everything and sent Australia back to the dark ages in relation to wages and their favourable treatment for business at the expense of the people.

Catherine Maley
Glenorchy TAS
9 Jul.y 2008

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As a blessed country which enjoys a high standard of living, education, freedom, resources and morals, it is incumbent upon us to lead the race to viable and sustainable energy production and consumption. I urge the government to continue the action and the promise demonstrated to date. Good on you.

Corinne Green
Bargara QLD
9 July 2008
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I recognise one of the first steps in any action is review and planning. However, in the case of water, we need action. The Murray river has badly over allocated for years. Reduced allocations and buy back should be proceeding at accelerated pace.

The states have accepted the need for lower cap and one management, yet are manipulating and delaying to get as much out of the system as they can for as long as they can - completely at odds with the intent of managing the system for the good of ALL Australians.

Richard Mason
Pooraka SA
8 July 2008

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Please stay strong in regard to climate change. We expect it to be difficult and we expect it to cost - but it must be done. No special exemptions from carbon trading and no lack of resolve in the face of inevitable opposition from the Opposition.

Barbara Dobinson
Terranora NSW
8 July 2008
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It is hard to understand the breakneck speed of reform being proposed by the Garnaut Report to address the supposed problem of global warming.

Contrary to the claims made in the Report, the issue of global warming is far from settled. There are divisions with the scientific community over this issue. US Senator James Inhofe, a ranking Member of the American Environment and Public Works Committee, said of the IPCC report, of the 539 total papers on climate change, only 38 (7%) gave an explicit endorsement of the consensus of global warming. If one considers 'implicit' endorsement (accepting the consensus without explicit statement), the figure rises to 45%. However, while only 32 papers (6%) reject the consensus outright, the largest category (48%) are neutral papers, refusing to either accept or reject the hypothesis. He is right to conclude this is "no consensus."

It is curious that we appoint just one man, and not an environmental scientist at that, to recommend vast sweeping changes, and if implemented, will negatively impact on so many Australians. Surely a panel of suitably qualified scientists should have been established to report back to the government after widespread community consultation. This would have been a better way to go.

The issue of global warming needs further investigation. We need to proceed with caution and due care. There is too much at stake simply to rush in and to act too hastily as the consequences of rash decision making could negatively impact on millions of people in this country - particularly pensioners and those on fixed incomes.

Alan Barron
Grovedale VIC
7 July 2008

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I think your push for a greener planet is to be commended !

Ian Trethowan
Nerang QLD
7 July 2008
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Let's get really serious about climate change and carbon trading. It's an opportunity not to be seen to be adding costs but solving the problem of under-pricing in the past by ignoring the real costs of energy. For too long we have used cheap energy as the basis for false economic growth.

Mike Wallis-Smith
Norwood SA
6 July 2008
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I have just read a few feedback statements on fuel, all of which agree with, except to say that FUEL IS NOT DEAR. I travel a lot in large mobile homes and know that, if I drive over 95 kph, my fuel usage goes up by at least 10%. So fuel must be still cheap or all those people who I see speeding would slow down. Believe me in Queensland it must be really cheap because those trucks are the fastest in Australia.

Darryl Whiteside
Toogoom NT
6 July 2008
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Global warming is exactly that - a global problem to be dealt with in a global way. We should not pay for a tonne of carbon any different to the global community, and the big emitters should naturally pay the most. Many countries have deforested themselves in fueling their past and present lifestyles. Stop all countries slashing the forests. Coal companies and emitters should replant massive areas.

Terry Osland
Singleton NSW
5 July 2008

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Do not exclude petrol/diesel from the green house emissions strategy. We have to look into the future, not at the short term pain we will all experience today. Just make sure the poorest of our community are cared for well - disabled, pensioners, single mothers.

Bruce Thompson
Long Jetty NSW
4 July 2008
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More water is needed to solve the Murray's problems. Take some of the excess which falls in north Queensland and pump it over the range into headwaters of the Darling. And use wind farms on the range to provide the power.

David GothardFairfield VIC
4 July 2008

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Please make climate change the government's focus, with a concerted program to replace our domestic use of fossil fuel and our dependence on fossil fuel exports with new-era energy sources and systems. The price of fuel is a diversion. Sure it affects 'working families', but not as much as the collapse of our economy will.

John Newman
Maldon VIC
3 July 2008
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On computers, the real problem is technical support in a school to assist teachers and students to be able to use the computers without any difficulties.
Part of the problem with younger binge drinkers, abuse and violence is that we are fed it daily on television. One just has to look at a night's viewing and see so much is violence, sex, drugs, language, abuse, drinking and so on. It was a good step to remove the amount of cigarettes seen in a night's viewing - as we know, this had a impact on the people since television - so why not make producers of programs to take out lots of violence, drinks, drugs and the likes.

Walter Christy
Shearwater TAS
3 July 2008

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I support anything that gets rid of Alexander Downer from the parliament and the country. I am heartily sick of seeing his sniveling, simpering and scowling face on my TV screen.

I'm quite sure that David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib will be glad to see the back of him too; every time he pops up on screen they must shake with rage at his complete abandonment of them, not to mention his deliberately inflammatory media comments regarding their "guilt". I say good riddance and don't come back.

Lorie Werner
Box Hill South VIC
2 July 2008

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Why do people keep whinging about petrol prices? Don't they know that we are running out of the stuff? Labor's direction should be to tax it at the rate that it is, but having the main objective of finding an alternative for petrol. Keep up the good work!

Sam Davis
Flagstaff Hill SA
2 July 2008
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This week's ABC 4 Corners program should be compulsory viewing for those who agreed with John Howard's decision to send our troops to Iraq. The program pointed out several reasons why we should not have participated in the illegal unjustified attack on that country that created many enemies for Australia.

Amongst other things, unscrupulous people are now ripping off the American taxpayers for billions of dollars. These include the Vice President, who is very closely associated with Halliburton - the company that is supplying goods and services to Iraq at hugely inflated prices and there is about 50 billion dollars unaccounted for.

Now it seems members of the Iraq puppet government arranged have now also got into the act. So much for weapons of mass destruction being the Bush reason for the attack on Iraq.

Frank Crichlow
Carrara QLD
2 July 2008

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I would like to express my distress at the restrictions being placed on freedom of protest surrounding the Pope's visit. There are many groups with a legitimate grievance concerning aspects of church policy and I can see no reason for the controls being placed on them.

The imposition of this event on NSW taxpayers is egregious enough without adding further grief through draconian restriction of freedom of protest. This is sectarian-based exclusionism and should be condemned.

Mark Thomson
Lyneham ACT
1 July 2008

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Australia's natural gas belongs to all Australians and should be nationalised and distributed by the government at a set low price. This type of socialism benefits all Australians.

Then it is only a matter of developing a natural gas turbine hybrid car and truck. Regular cars can also be converted to run on natural gas. We need a real alternative to using petrol.

William Joiner
Batemans Bay NSW
1 July 2008

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The so-called "debate" about rising petrol prices is astonishingly infantile. Petrol prices in Australia are by far the lowest or among the lowest in the industrialised world. Instead of whinging and whining about petrol prices we should be focusing on identifying and developing transport options that are less damaging to the environment and more sustainable long term. No Government has a magic wand.

Steve Schwarz
Pymble NSW
30 June 2008
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The Government's autism package should be for all autistic kids, not just those six and under. There was no assistance when my child was that age and now that he is 13 there is still none. He is aggressive and violent and I am unable to get help. I am unable to leave my 13 year old with his siblings as he hurts them. Time to look at the older autistic kids.

Charlene Buckle
Alton Downs QLD
30 June 2008

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Alcoholism is a disease - not something to feel shame about. Society needs to be educated in having an empathetic approach to alcoholism and addictions. Both diseases are related. Yes, crime is crime. But until the shame is removed, alcoholics and addicts only go back to the comfortable ways that are the addiction. See this as a disease like cancer or diabeties instead of a shameful thing.

Tony Potter
Geraldton WA
29 June 2008

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I think the Labor Government team can start initiatives that heal the earth and provide economic stability and growth.

For example: Nutrient seeding the Southern Oceans to create plankton growth that converts into more food for whales and the reduction of global warming carbon. Put that on the table in negotiations with the Japanese whale industry.

Another example : Use the carbon trading schemes promoting the arid land industrial crops investment from oil industries coupled to an inland solar desalination project that assists in the restoration of fresh water flows into the lakes and rivers of the lower Murray river.

Allan Kelly
Windsor Gardens SA
29 June 2008

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The government should forget about all the fools who are blaming it for the petrol prices and get on with governing the country. Do not allow public whining to determine policy. I am looking forward to new and innovative government under the PM's leadership.

Carole Aitken
Hursville NSW
28 June 2008
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For over three years I was employed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. During this time I had opportunities to read and understand various aspects of nuclear energy.

I believe the technology used in nuclear power station is the most safest than any other technology used for power generation, the nuclear power is clean and the best options for reducing the carbon emission, and the use of nuclear power is inevitable as demonstrated in most developed countries. The fact is in the past it was politically popular to denounce nuclear power. The time has changed and we need to act.

Philip Rahman
Weetangera ACT
27 June 2008

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Let's get really serious about climate change and carbon trading. It's an opportunity not to be seen to be adding costs but solving the problem of under-pricing in the past by ignoring the real costs of energy.

For too long we have used cheap energy as the basis for false economic growth.. We should face up to our responsibility to future generations - an investment of $50 per ton is not unrealistic. Lets show the way and meet the challenge!

Mike Wallis-Smith
Norwood SA
26 June 2008

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The economics of fuel prices is driven by consumer expectation, followed by producer price reaction - not demand and supply. If we were to place a ban on media “forecasting” fuel prices or reporting on future market expectations, we would let demand and supply prevail. If demand and supply run a market, greatest efficiency is achieved. If the media runs a market, then deadweight loss is incurred.

Andrew Bowler
Wilson WA
26 June 2008
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Compressed Natural Gas could become the the winner we need to help with our fuel woes. CNG is in vast abundance in Australia. All fuel injected vehicles can be converted to CNG for around the same price of LPG. The take up to this clean and long lasting fuel source in cities with the aid of government subsidies would become quicker as the benefits of natural gas are seen by all.

CNG can also be fitted to your home gas meter enabling the fill up of your car at home by pluging it into a compressor/filler overnight. Move forward now.

Jim McGoldrick
Wattle Grovet NSW
25 June 2008
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Compressed Natural Gas could become the the winner we need to help with our fuel woes. CNG is in vast abundance in Australia. All fuel injected vehicles can be converted to CNG for around the same price of LPG. The take up to this clean and long lasting fuel source in cities with the aid of government subsidies would become quicker as the benefits of natural gas are seen by all.

Jim McGoldrick
Wattle Grovet NSW
24 June 2008
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Climate change, and the associated economic and social disruptions if causes, is THE issue of the next decade. Please make it the government's focus, with a mobilisation of all Australians in a concerted program to replace both our domestic use of fossil fuel and our dependence on fossil fuel exports with new-era energy sources and systems.

John Newman
Maldon VIC
24 June 2008

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To power every domestic car in Australia solely on electricity, we would need to generate 3GW of power for 12 hours a day. Based on the construction cost of solar thermal power stations, it would cost around $8billion to build these power plants.

This means that the fuel cost of an average car would be halved or quartered. After build cost has been paid off, fuel costs would drop further, in contrast to petrol which is set to double in price in the very near future, then double again. And hybrid batteries are now available which use supercapacitors for charging in seconds or minutes.

The economics of renewable energy are now undeniable. The oil industry is a sinking ship. Green electricity is the cheapest form of power - the longer we stall its development the poorer we will get.

Benjamin Judd
Norman Park QLD
23 June 2008

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The Whitlam government of 1975 had the right idea to have an Australia-wide energy grid & a gas pipeline from the northwest gas fields of Western Australia to the large towns & cities of south-eastern Austrlia. Still not to late to build.

John Randles
Bicton WA
21 June 2008

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There is no greater threat to world peace than the price of oil. Whilst world oil prices keep rising so manically, there is only one possible outcome - more wars. We are like lemmings marching off a cliff.

The current market price model is a complete failure. The market has only two inputs to set prices and that is supply and demand. At the moment, supply is completely unknown and demand is hysterically driven by fear. These are two widely irrational inputs that are rendering the market mechanism almost useless in determining a meaningful price for a resource that is perhaps the most important to the world economies, not to mention lasting world peace.

The time has come for a world body such as the UN or an expanded OPEC to fix oil prices. The market is not a God; it was created to serve us, not us to serve it. OPEC should not just represent the suppliers; it should also have representatives from consumer countries.

The price fixing body should set a fair price for oil that reflects scientifically determined supply and support an overall transitional strategy to sustainable alternatives. There would be so many stabilising benefits to world economies as they would be able to scientifically manage the transition.

Sunirmalya Symons
Deepwater QLD
20 June 2008

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We will all have noticed that the oil companies have managed to reach a lot further into our pockets over the last few months than is bearable. This has created a knock on effect to include any company which can create higher prices by stealth and increased profits for their stockholders by increasing the price of their products which have to be transported over any distance, especially food prices.

I would like to suggest we assist farmers to alter their crop mix to enable the formation of an ethanol manufacturing industry which could assist us run our vehicles of transport on both vegetable oil and ethanol based fuels. This could help farmers with a local outlet for their products and also provide employment. This way we can lessen our dependency on outside influences affecting our economy.

William Colquhoun
Teesdale VIC
20 June 2008

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Given the Government has come out strongly against binge drinking and alcopop culture, what can be done to stop the insidious use of company branding such as Jim Beam, Bundaberg Rum and Jack Daniels on clothing items such as underpants and pyjamas, which constitute a large part of the range available in K_Mart for young people these days. I was apalled that this is what's on offer to my 13 yr-old son.

Suzy Carter
Leichhardt NSW
19 June 2008

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The price of fuel is a diversion. Sure it affects 'working families', but not as much as the collapse of our economy will. When can we purchase the Reva (London's Gwiz) in Australia? The Brit's have had them for years. I would also like to see a rebate for the Vectrix as an incentive to purchase, as they are expensive. It's these type of initiatives that will see Australia lead the management of commuting issues now.

Bay Pearson
Newton SA
19 June 2008
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I am not one of the supposed 80% of motorists demanding a cut in fuel prices. I am a motorist and I strongly believe that the days of fossil-fueled transport must end sooner than later. I suspect the so-called demand for fuel price cuts emanate from the likes of the transport and business - the usual lobbies beating the drums of self-interest and short term profit behind this scene.

Philip Hewett
East Gosford NSW
18 June 2008
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I was very pleased to hear Kevin Rudd announce Federal funding for public transport. Those of us who catch public transport everyday know that the system is in crisis and that the States can't fix public transport on their own. Any truly civilised country has a public transport system which is funded by all levels of Government.

Ray Manley
Lara VIC
18 June 2008

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I have just returned from living in Europe and the price of fuel there is in excess of 1.60 Euros and in the UK it can reach up to 1.50 Stirling. If we convert that to Australian dollars, we are not doing that bad. I would also like to add that CNN in Europe showed a senate enquiry where the heads of major fuel companies were called in to answer questions about fuel prices. They gave business-like response on the cost of production and they need to return a profit. As people have already said, this is an international concern that, for the most part, cannot be influenced by our government.

The Liberal Party have suggested a 'five cents off deal' but would this not be robing from 'Peter to pay Paul'. The government needs to look at other measures to reduce the impact on the working family and the working familles need to realise that we no longer live in the 1950's and fuel will increase even further, so we need to accept this change and change our lifestyle. That may mean driving smaller or hybrid cars, using public transport or riding a bike to work.

Mr Rudd, I welcome your calm easy going approach to this issue rather the arrogance displayed by the former government and say that, contrary to the media reports, the majority of Australians do understand the problem is an international issue.

Adam Griffiths
Sydney NSW
17 June 2008

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The news that over three quarters of Australians think the government should do something about fuel prices is dismaying. It suggests that many people (a) still do not understand that the oil price is largely determined by international factors and (b) don't seem to connect the dots between climate change and car dependency.This is an opportunity to accelerate the adjustment to more diversified forms of transport as well as energy sources. Cutting the excise would achieve very little.

Kate Johnston-Ata'ata
Ivanhoe VIC
17 June 2008
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I don't think that it is the government's responsibility to keep petrol prices low. An increase in petrol prices will make people realise what they are doing, and hopefully reconsider their options. Therefore, I don't think that petrol should be exempt from carbon tax; it should be included to make people more aware of just how much damage they are doing.

Philip Gehrmann
Bicton WA
16 June 2008
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Given the spiraling cost of living, the Government needs to look at how to reduce the costs of quality groceries (meat + vegetables + milk + bread etc). One idea would be to place a surcharge or tax on 'junk food' and to use that to subsidise healthier alternatives. This would encourage a healthier lifestyle, and potentially reduce health costs associated with obesity and other issues caused by poor dietary decisions.

Tim GurneyBerowra Heights NSW
16 June 2008
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I would like to just ask when can be get on with more important issues, such as health & infrastructure, instead of wasting time on the price of fuel. No government can do much about the price!

Coral Risley
Herberton QLD
15 June 2008
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I think the Government should introduce rebates to private veterinarian surgeries for desexing animals. This will not make the problem of irresponsible pet owners diminish, but it will have a huge impact in reducing unwanted animals, which will have a waterfall effect for years if everyone could just get their pet desexed as part of a government program.

Many people do not desex their animal because they simply cannot afford it, or are just plain irresponsible. At the very least you should be able to desex your animal if you have a pension card. It truly is heartbreaking going into an animal shelter, and then to know organisation like the RSPCA put down so many animals, and yet the pet shops just keep churning out cute puppies.

Scott Hammond
Redcliffe QLD
14 June 2008

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Petrol and interest rates are all very important but in the scheme of things it is not very important in life when you visit one of these shelters and see the sadness in the faces of defenceless animals. At the end of the day, it is life and deserves greater respect.

Given all the talk about excise on fuel, I agree with the government stance that its a cheap populist solution and would not help in the long term. However, given the cost of fuel is driving up prices of goods, I'd suggest susidising fuel for essential services so that the cost of food does not spiral out of control. It would be more cost effective than susidising the whole nation.

Sandra Robertson
Tempe NSW
14 June 2008
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I think it would not be a good idea for the Government to subsidise fuel, despite opinion polls showing that is what a majority of Australians want. Oil is becoming increasingly scarce and if we encourage more consumption through subsidies, we will run out of global oil supplies sooner rather than later. Furthermore, prices are increasing so quickly that any cut in fuel tax will be completely wasted.

The money used to subsidise fuel would be much better spent on health, public transport, infrastructure and the development of electric cars, as well as making existing cars more fuel efficient. Easing short-term pain through fuel subsidies will only lead to even larger crises later down the track. We need to start weening ourselves off petrol and the only way to do that is to provide Australians with alternative energy sources and alternative methods of transport.

Ray Manley
Lara VIC
13 June 2008

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The fuel price crisis is the international matter. If we take off 2 cents per litre, they would up 3 cents the next day. So we should look for other better ways to reduce the pressure for the working family.

Thin Tran
St. Albans VIC
13 June 2008
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Kevin Rudd has fulfilled all of his election promises and much more. He has used his power to do what he can to lower petrol prices and the rest is in the hands of the global market. It's not only Australia that has high petrol prices; most countries are suffering and it's ridiculous to expect the prime minister of one single country to be able to help that issue any further.

Shanthi Pillai
Aspendale Gardens VIC
12 June 2008
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Australia is finally changing for the better under the Labor Party. The Rudd government has plans that under the Howard government would be impossible. It's also refreshing and a great leap forward to consider having more ties with our Asian neighbours and not being strictly pro-US puppets that we were under Howard.

The cost of fuel is one thing - how to stop oil companies taking control of this debate is another. The opposition has said nothing about this and their argument that there are enough fuel watch groups operating already is spurious to say the least. Hold the line - we need a consumer watchdog like Fuelwatch that all people can access quickly and easily - for petrol and groceries.

Bruce Thompson
Long Jetty NSW
11 June 2008
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May I suggest that all places for doctors at uni be free if they sign a contract to be placed where they are most needed by the government on completion of their degree, for an agreed time - to recover part of the cost. The best way to have cheaper doctor cost is to over supply; they have been a protected species for far too long.

Darryl Whiteside
Toogoom QLD
10 June 2008

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The government should push a two-pronged attack. First, Fuelwatch to buffer the rapid increase in fuel price which is impacting families. And second, take pressure off families by reducing their need for oil in the future by building better public transport infrastructure. Also perhaps announce tax breaks for hybrid card and biofuels. We have been told about peak oil for years and most people know in their hearts that fuel prices are not going to come down.

Phillip Jobling
Newcastle NSW
10 June 2008
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Congratulations to Nicola Roxon for her announcement to direct primary health care responsibilities to nurses and other health care professionals. I speak from a nursing perspective, and find the AMA's words reported in the press that "nurses and other health providers are skilled and respected in their role in assisting patient care but in terms of comprehensive primary care, they are most effective for patients while under medical supervision" is an example of the 'turf war' waged by the doctors for more than a century.

Nurse Practitioners have undergone at least 5 years of tertiary education (B. Nursing and a Masters in most states) + having gained many years of clinical experience. It is widely recognised in the medical profession that junior or new doctors rely on nurses for advice and assessment of clinical issues. Nurses respect the medical profession for their specific expertise, and don't want a turf war! They just want recognition for their knowledge and skills which are particularly relevant in the area of primary health. Thank you Nicola for listening to nurses and allied health professionals.

Christine Ashley
Gundaroo NSW
9 June 2008

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Just a thought, why don't we look to other types of fuels instead of petrol? if we're concerned about the environment as well as the price of fuel, why not seek alternative fuels such as biodiesel or bioalcohols? It'd reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and it's likely to work out much cheaper because it's from a sustainable source. It'd be like hitting two birds with the one stone.

Emma Walton
Brisbane QLD
9 June 2008
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Kevin Rudd has fulfilled all of his election promises and much more. He has used his power to do what he can to lower petrol prices and the rest is in the hands of the global market. It's not only Australia that has high petrol prices; most countries are suffering and it's ridiculous to expect the prime minister of one single country to be able to help that issue any further.

Mr Rudd's first financial budget has addressed all matters that need to be addressed and has, in a short amount of time, made most Australians satisfied with his leadership than any other party could. I say that, even if you are not 100% happy with the prime minister's decisions, think about how things would have been if Australia was still governed by the party which was previously in power. Kevin Rudd is doing a brilliant job, keep up the great work.

Shanthi Pillai
Aspendale Gardens VIC
8 June 2008

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Great work with Fuelwatch! The only way to increase price consistency is to empower consumers on the demand side; justs like Fuelwatch willl do. The supply side is in monopoly control, so this is one great feat that all consumers big and small should embrace. Keep up the good work.

Fernando Abiraad
Belmore NSW
8 June 2008
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Over the past twenty years, I have watched our public education system fall apart because it has been starved of resources. The best teachers I know have either died from illness caused by overwork and stress, or have left teaching to avoid dying. We burn out new teachers constantly. This is because teachers are critically under-resourced.

It's not just about attracting the best teachers: we've had many of the best teachers already in the industry. It's also about supporting them. Please make it possible for us to do our job well.

Clytie Siddall
SA
7 June 2008

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With all the talk of the baby bonus lately, I have had an idea to put forward. Our country has the lowest rate of organ donation about. My idea is that when a family member passes away, funding could go towards funeral expenses (to be paid directly to the funeral home) in the event they wish the person's organs to be donated. I realise that this is a touchy subject, but I believe its one worth considering.

Dave Johnson
Ashcroft NSW
7 June 2008

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The answer to Australia's fuel price dilemma is to reduce our dependence on fuel. Bicycles are the world's cheapest and most efficient method of transport ever. Cycling saves you money (none of the fuel or register costs associated with cars), improves your health (thereby saving community health costs), and it is fun. Ride a bike to work today!

Tom Luckman
Bellerive TAS
7 June 2008
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The cost of fuel is one thing - how to stop oil companies taking control of this debate is another. The opposition has said nothing about this and their argument that there are enough fuel watch groups operating already is spurious to say the least. Hold the line - we need a consumer watchdog like Fuelwatch that all people can access quickly and easily - for petrol and groceries.

Bruce Thompson
Long Jetty NSW
6 June 2008

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Fuelwatch allows me to AVOID the average price ASKED and to to buy the CHEAPEST price available. And if folk don't want to bother to get cheaper fuel, they aren't hurting because of it. PS: I don't buy much petrol or LPG these days living so close to the wonderful new trains in Perth. Remember, it was the Liberal party that closed the Fremantle line "because it didn't make a profit"!

John Riley
Perth WA
6 June 2008
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Congratulations and thank you to Mr Rudd and all of the parliamentary party. You are doing what you said you would do when in office. You have pursued new policy with incredible energy. Thank you for your energy and keeping your election commitments. The opposition have no credibility. And while the press look for the next story, I believe the electorate are delighted with the Rudd Labor government and are confident that you are the team to lead Australia through the challenging years ahead.

Gerard Azar
Maroubra NSW
5 June 2008

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I would like to say that Kevin Rudd is not responsible for the price of petrol. The global market is responsible for the price of petrol, and as our supplies run out the price will increase. I think the public should be made more aware of this. The price of petrol would be the same no matter who was prime minister.

N Chapman
Penrith NSW
5 June 2008
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We are gas rich and oil poor, so why do we still rely on oil as our main fuel source for transport? A hybrid car such as the Prius powered by natural gas would be the perfect solution for the majority of urban family transport for the medium term, and can be implemented relatively easily until we can transition to electric cars.

Electric cars are the only real answer to the transport component of global warming. There will be only one point where pollution needs to be controlled - at the generation site! Let's use some of this huge surplus we have and reform our transport energy economy now.

Paul DeRooy
Brisbane QLD
4 June 2008
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The government should back up the fuel price setback with an announcement on upgrading and rolling out new public transport infrastructure to the suburbs.

Then you could push a two pronged attack. First, Fuelwatch to buffer the rapid increase in fuel price which is impacting families. And second, in realisation that world oil prices are unlikely to fall, we will take pressure off families by reducing their need for oil in the future. Also perhaps announce tax breaks for hybrid card and biofuels (keep the cane farmers and canola farmers happy). We have been told about peak oil for years and most people know in their hearts that fuel prices are not going to come down.

Phillip Jobling
Newcastle NSW
4 June 2008

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One would expect Mr Howard to "have no regrets" in regard to sending Australian soldiers to commit genocide in Iraq. It is not as if he enlisted his own children; perhaps it was just the thrill of riding 'shotgun' and being remembered as a 'wartime' Prime Minister. Mr Howard deceived Australian Defence personnel and their families by alleging that the intelligence he had received was credible. I would liked to have believed that the war in Iraq was about delivering 'democracy' and not crude oil. I would liked to have believed that the A-10 Thunderbolts were delivering food parcels to the displaced women and children of Iraq and not 'depleted uranium' fired through the barrel of a gun.

Now that the dust has settled and the blood that has been spilt, Mr. Howard can now only ever be regarded as 'Washington's Butler' knowing that the Vice President of the USA Dick Cheney's Halliburton stock options rose enormously. The cold hard fact of reality is that Mr Howard could never muster the courage to look George 'dubbya' Bush in the eye and just say no. As Machiavelli said: "...a Prince should never join in an aggressive alliance with someone more powerful than himself...this is because if you are the victors, you emerge as his prisoner".

For his obedience, Mr Howard will now more then likely be initiated by Her Majesty as a Knight into the 'Order of the Garter'.

Sean Ambrose
Helensburgh NSW
4 June 2008

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Could the government please divert some of the tax breaks and benefits given to big oil and the car manufactures into encouraging the development of a pure plug-in electric car. The majority of cars are driven less than 100 km a day and mum doing her shopping and picking up the kids would easily find a plug in electric car a better form of transport.

James O'Connell
Canning Vale WA
4 June 2008

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Surely people must realise that this 5c petrol price offer by Nelson is a desperate attempt to improve his rating in the polls.The Libs also know that he is stop-gap leader with his record of telling his medical clients he voted labor and stating he had never voted Liberal when he headed the AMA.

Then after receiving a free medical education from the Whitlam Government, he made it impossible for low income earners to enter the medical profession. And after making a mess of the Education portfolio, he was promoted to Minister of the Army and we all know the mess he made of that.

Hal Crossing
Happy Valley SA
3 June 2008
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In the late 1990s, General Motors began commercial sales of the EV1, successfully demonstrating that a battery powered, zero emission car was possible. The EV1 was quieter, cleaner and cheaper to run than cars powered by fossil fuels. However, the project was shut own because of pressure by fuel companies.

Why can't Australia begin production of vehicles like these? Combating rising fuel prices by cutting fuel taxes is only going to delay the problem, and hybrid cars still rely on fossil fuels. The only long term answer is to develop a REAL alternative. As a nation, we have the money, skills and resources to do this, and current petrol prices and environmental concerns make it a highly commercially viable project.

Nathaniel Buchanan
Mudgeeraba QLD
3 June 2008
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Good on you Kevin Rudd and Labor for fulfilling your promise to bring the soldiers back from Iraq. Make Afghanistan the next. Mr Howard would not bring them back; they'd be left to come back in wooden boxes after they are killed by rebels. I'm an Oz pensioner, so thanks also for the pension increase that was given me from the Centrelink for the past two months. It makes life more bearable with increasing food prices everywhere.

Miron Lovric
Tagbilaran, Philippines
2 June 2008

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Thank you for the extra $500 in the budget. I thought the $125 paid quarterly was all we were getting along with the usual cpi increases so was pleasantly surprised. I am ashamed of those who are making such a fuss. As a pensioner, I can always use more money as anyone can but I do not want inflation to increase and eat up the amount I get now.

If in the future you see fit to increase the pension as a % of average national wages I wont knock it back but in the meantime, keep up the good work and thanks for the extra $500 surprise.

Dell Aylett
Barcaldine QLD
2 June 2008

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The war in Iraq was rushed into using misleading reasons; thanks for pulling our combat troops out. I'm right there with you Kev! I extremely commend your actions to put Australia back on the right moral footing and make it more difficult to go to war again. Thank you deeply.

William Bay
Wishart QLD
2 June 2008

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We are gas rich and oil poor, so why do we still rely on oil as our main fuel source for transport? A hybrid car such as the Prius powered by natural gas would be the perfect solution for the majority of urban family transport for the medium term, and can be implemented relatively easily until we can transition to electric cars.

Electric cars are the only real answer to the transport component of global warming. There will be only one point where polution needs to be controlled - at the generation site! The benefits of being able to optimize electricity generation at one site are evident and if this generation facility uses renewable sources even better. Let's use some of this huge surplus we have and reform our transport energy economy now.

Paul DeRooy
Brisbane QLD
2 June 2008

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It would be useful to monitor and report the engine size of cars sold each month. I feel it is irresponsible of people to complain about fuel prices when they choose to drive a car above 2lt when most live in the suburbs and only use the car for work, school and shopping. Start promoting smaller car engines sizes! A 1.6lt car uses far less petrol than a 3lt people carrier each month, and it's better for the environment.

Estell Page
Perth WA
2 June 2008
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Regards the kerfuffle over petrol prices, it is not going to get any better; in fact a whole lot worse is to come. To guarantee the future prosperity, we should nationalise our vast gas resources, build the gas grid Rex Connors envisaged, order all cars to be gas enabled within 5 years, and cease all gas exports within the next 25 years.

Michael Pettigrew
Fingal Head NSW
1 June 2008
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I refer to accusations of ABC bias against the ALP. Maybe the ABC is still a little nervous of government after 12 long years of the board stackers and anti-ABC commentary meted out by Howard's henchmen. Rather than accuse the ABC of bias, we should assure them that they can now put their shows to air without fear that a commission of enquiry will be set up at the ABA. It takes time to overcome the affect of oppression.

Lorie Werner
Box Hill South VIC
1 June 2008
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I recently attended the Sorry Day forum, held on 26th May at the Sunshine Coast University. One of the more important issues discussed was the need for a treaty for the First Australians, along with instructions in Indigenous culture and history, beginning in early childhood education and continuing through to tertiary level. At tertiary level, this subject should be a core (compulsory) course. I strongly urge the government to make an Indigenous Treaty a priority... with all haste.

Christine Bennett
Nambour QLD
1 June 2008

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Regarding the Medicare Levy, I am one of those who earn about $50,000 and was slugged by the previous government with the Medicare levy. I never take up private health insurance; I use public hospitals. I am glad that the Government removed the medicare levy. Thank you very much, for acknowleding that those who are earning $50,000 cannot afford private health insurance, and thefore should not be unfairly slugged with medicare levy.

A. Crossan
Strathfield NSW
1 June 2008

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I am a 56 year-old disability pensioner who has had an illness for 25 years. Tax cuts will never benefit me as I haven't the income to pay tax. An increase in the assets test will never benefit me; my only assets are my personal effects. I have been ill too long.

A single disability pensioner with high medical costs is the poorest person in our nation and I believe the pension bonus should be given to anyone on any kind of full pension. The utilities allowance now being given to us too is a marvellous help and step in the right direction. Please consider the pension bonus for disability pensioners too.

Jenny Thorp
Hobart TAS
31 May 2008

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While it is terribly upsetting to hear about the plight of old age pensioners, I think everyone should spare a thought for the sole parent pensioners who also live on less than $300 a week and are raising kids. The sole parents, while having much the same income as the elderly, have much less in terms of wealth with most of them not owning their own homes and being at the mercy of the rental market. Let's hope some of the compassion rubs off on sole parents and their kids as well.

L. Docker
Coopers Plains QLD
31 May 2008

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More could be done regarding the price of petrol to the motorist by removing all govrernment taxes which apply to it. Alternatively, encourage people to manufacture and purchase cars powered by LPG or CNG and by subsidising conversions to encourage changeover to this source of power.

John Morgan
Nanango QLD
31 May 2008
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A couple of suggestions for your environment policy. Instead of giving rebates for certain products (eg solar panels), how about establishing a range of approved environmental products and services and allowing a certain amount (per annum) to be tax deductible. This would be more flexible for consumers as they can pick and choose what is appropriate for them.

Second, how about a "green tax" to help pay for the idea above. A list of environmentally unfriendly items could have an additional tax imposed. The desired outcome would be to change consumer & manufacturer or, if not, to raise revenue to offset the tax credits above.

Ciaran Duff
Pennant Hills NSW
30 May 2008

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The debate on the federal opposition's proposed 5c a litre cut in fuel excise misses the bigger picture. We have reached peak oil and oil will become far more expensive than it currently is. We have cheap fuel by world standards.

Geoff Hutchins
Cook ACT
30 May 2008
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In recent years, the need for environmental care and action to become more socially responsible has become an increasingly pressing issue. By signing the Kyoto agreement, the Labor government has taken the first steps in restoring our world.

However, more needs to be done - here are four examples. Use a car rating scale - the more fuel economic the car, the less it costs to register each year; use alternative fuels; grow sugar cane in the NT to make ethanol; stop fossil fuel powered power stations and replace them with solar, wind and water power; and use recycled water in gardens, and a recirculating system for long showers.

Nicholas Lancaster
Frankston South VIC
29 May 2008

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In recent years, the need for environmental care and action to become more socially responsible has become an increasingly pressing issue. By signing the Kyoto agreement, the Labor government has taken the first steps in restoring our world.

However, more needs to be done - here are four examples. Use a car rating scale - the more fuel economic the car, the less it costs to register each year; use alternative fuels; grow sugar cane in the NT to make ethanol; stop fossil fuel powered power stations and replace them with solar, wind and water power; and use recycled water in gardens, and a recirculating system for long showers.

Nicholas Lancaster
Frankston South VIC
29 May 2008

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I think that purchase of bicycles should be made an FBT exempt item if purchased for transportation to work. The cost to the government would be negligible and the benefits to the community would be great. It would encourage so many people to have a more active lifestyle and more importantly ease the strain on public transport.

Kevin Vo
Melbourne VIC
29 May 2008

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Why is it that ABC Radio in particular seems to me to be fully co-operating with a Liberal Party agenda to cast itself as the Government 'in waiting'? Every single action by the Government seems to require a critique from the Opposition, a privilege not extended nearly as generously to the Labor Party when it was in Opposition.

England and Europe have been saving fuel and the environment for the last 10 years by embracing the latest diesel technology. A diesel car can be as fuel efficient as a hybrid vehicle. All the government has to do to assist people to take up this option is to make the petrol and diesel prices the same, as it was at one time, and this could be done immediately.

Let's start saving the planet. The cost of diesel is holding back this green revolution in Australia.

Jack Sheppard
Phillip Island VIC
28 May 2008

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With fuel prices going through the roof never to return to reasonable figures isn't this a good time to encourage motorists away from dependency on fossil fuels & in the direction of fuel cell vehicles like the Honda FCX. They are 100% non polluting the only by-product being water. They use hydrogen in the fuel cell &, if this is made by solar means, then it's completely renewable & eco-friendly. Then we could all blissfully ignore the bowser barons forever more. Australia's power stations should be solar thermal also & our greenhouse gas output would be halved!

Wayne Smeaton
Morningside QLD
27 May 2008

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The biggest single gift our federal government could give Australians now and for the future is a truly sustainable fuel supply. That is where our tax dollars should go and they should go in huge amounts.

Instead of talking diminishing the tax take on fuel, we should increase the tax on fuel and invest in a transition to the sustainable alternative. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to the collapse of our civilisation as we know it. This sounds dramatic but if you ponder trying to live with fuel prices at $5 and $10 per litre, the flow on effects will be devastating.

Peter Marsh
Littlehampton SA
26 May 2008

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With the recent hike in fuel costs and the ongoing problems with pollution, is there any reason that Australia could not talk to Honda Motor Company and try to become a part of the launch of the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle which goes into production as at June 16th and will be available to selected areas of the US.

Peter Friswell
Lilydale VIC
25 May 2008
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I am so glad a federal governement is finally recognising the need for specialist autism centres to assist in the early schooling years of children with autism. As a special education teacher, and assistant principal of support, I cannot express deeply enough how much this is going to help, not only the children, but also their families.

Carolyn Richards
Bossley Park NSW
25 May 2008

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Congratulations. The Labor Government's first budget is a success, and the Treasurer Mr. Swan deserve a kiss from the Deputy PM. The budget gives the middle income families some relief f