COULD Labor and Liberal please drop the fiction that refugee policies are aimed at saving people from drowning, and admit that their motivation is to appease rednecks in the outer-suburban marginals.
Mike Puleston, Brunswick
Asylum seekers
WHATEVER happened to the human face of Labor? Its shameful policy on refugees is worse than that of the Coalition.
Louis Roller, Fitzroy North
HOW can Australia lock up children whose only "crime" was to have parents who sought a better life for them?
Evert de Graauw, Wantirna
"TOUGH" is acceptable if it prevents the drownings but "cruel" is not. Why must we use only the stick and not the carrot? Couldn't the bridging visa be amended to allow for community service and demonstrated citizenship qualities to lead to accelerated processing?
Ken Baxter, Mitcham
HERE we go again. Someone should again tell Tony Abbott it is not illegal to seek asylum in Australia ("Abbott called on 'illegal' slur", The Age, 22/11). Or is it that he just can't get it?
Bruce Rogers, Seaford
MR ABBOTT, is it illegal to be a refugee, or are dictionary meanings, and the law, slipping into comprehension difficulties again?
Keith Hallett, Gisborne
TONY Abbott: there is a massive difference between the housing on Nauru and a "four-star or a five-star hotel" ("New crackdown on refugees", The Age, 22/11).
Avery Poole, Southbank
Victoria
THAT'S all we need, more drop-kicks going viral ("Rabid rant goes viral", The Age, 22/11). The world already thinks Australians are dumb, drunk, racist and violent. So much for the "clever country". Time to turn it around. Racism is so yesterday.
Marisa Spiller, West Essendon
WOW, free tickets to the F1 ("No need for night grand prix: Jones", Sport, 22/11). I'll take 100,000, thanks. That will really fix the crowd numbers at Albert Park.
Clive Davies, Brighton
THE redevelopment of Fishermans Bend - now I understand why Ted Baillieu switched from being an architect to a politician.
Bernadette Earl, Parkville
I CANNOT believe a new three-kilometre runway, effectively a bitumen road, at Melbourne Airport would cost $500 million ("Avalon boss rails against Tullamarine plans", theage. com.au, 21/11). Will it be paved with gold?
Ed Veber, Malvern East
Finally
THE Pope declaring there was no donkey at the Nativity ("Animals out of manger", The Age, 22/11) is a bit like arguing whether Dr Who's sonic screwdriver is plastic or metallic. Doesn't the Pope have bigger things to worry about?
Richard Aspland, Rosanna
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
How can heated public debate on refugee policy affect investment sentiment and political risk?
The article shows strong public debate and polarized views on refugee policy. For everyday investors, such heated social issues can translate into political risk — influencing government priorities, election outcomes, and regulatory focus. That can affect sectors tied to government spending or public sentiment (for example, property, social services or tourism). It’s smart to monitor public sentiment and policy shifts so you can assess potential impacts on your portfolio.
Does negative international perception of Australia, such as accusations of racism, matter for investors?
Yes. The article highlights concerns that viral incidents and rhetoric can damage Australia’s reputation. A tarnished national image can influence tourism, foreign investment and brand strength for companies that rely on international customers. Investors should factor reputational and country-risk considerations into investments exposed to international markets.
What should investors make of the debate over a new three-kilometre runway at Melbourne Airport and its reported $500 million cost?
The article references public skepticism about the reported $500 million cost for a new runway. For investors, airport expansion proposals can signal opportunities and risks for infrastructure, construction and transport-related businesses. Scrutinise project details, cost estimates and planning approvals — delays or cost overruns can affect revenues and local property values, while approved projects can boost related industries.
How might the Fishermans Bend redevelopment mentioned in the article influence property and construction investment opportunities?
The article notes public interest in the Fishermans Bend redevelopment. Large urban redevelopment projects can create demand for construction, apartments, retail and infrastructure services. Everyday investors should watch planning approvals, local government commitment and timelines, because those factors determine how and when developers, builders and property markets may benefit.
Are viral social-media incidents and ‘rabid rants’ relevant to short-term market behavior?
The article cites a viral rant as an example of how public incidents can spread quickly. While a single viral incident won’t typically move broad markets long-term, it can create short-term volatility for companies directly implicated (media, social platforms, hospitality or tourism businesses). Investors should separate noise from fundamentals but remain aware of reputational shocks that can have real financial impacts.
Could controversy over asylum seeker detention and child welfare have implications for government policy and public spending?
Letters in the article express concern about detention of asylum seekers and children. Such controversy can pressure governments to review policies, potentially affecting spending on detention centres, legal services or community support programs. Investors with exposure to sectors linked to government social policy should monitor political responses and potential legislative changes.
What does discussion about free F1 tickets and major events tell investors about local tourism and event-driven demand?
The article’s light-hearted comment about free F1 tickets points to public interest in major events. Events like a Formula 1 Grand Prix can boost hotel occupancy, food and beverage sales and transport usage. Investors in tourism, hospitality and local retail can consider event calendars as part of demand forecasting, but should also factor in costs, sponsorship dynamics and crowd management risks.
How should investors interpret politicians’ public comments (for example, about refugee policy or Nauru housing) when assessing policy risk?
The article quotes politicians and public reactions on topics like refugee policy and Nauru housing. Politicians’ statements can signal policy direction or electoral positioning. Investors should track consistent policy signals, party platforms and legislative moves rather than single comments. Use those signals to gauge regulatory or reputational risks to sectors likely affected by government action.