Menzies Research Centre - WISH - Liberal Party Australia, Research Policies Issues, Liberty, Free Speech, Competitive Enterprise, Limited Government and Democracy

The Menzies Research Centre would like to hear what ideas you wish governments: federal, state and local would pursue. We want to know what policy decisions annoy you and how you would like to change things. To post your wish on this page, click on POST YOUR COMMENTS to your right and enter your details.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I would like to refer readers to Henry Ergas' speech entitled, "State Performance and the Future of Commonwealth State Relations." Specific attention needs to be brought to "state government mis-spending." Mr.

Ergas points out that in 2005/06 state governments nationally received

$47.4 billion more revenue than they received in 1999/2000. Of that

$47.4 billion only $2.1 billion was devoted to the net acquisition of non-financial assets. Here is a significant problem. State governments had $47.4 billion more revenue and only $2.1 billion was allocated to infrastructure.

This was at a time when the Howard government had the economy booming and interest rates were low. Nationally, cities were experiencing rapid growth at this time and infrastructure was critically needed.

Spending on infrastructure is the best investment a government can make. It puts wealth back into our nation and creates more wealth over time.

State governments nationally have been 'Labor' dominated for many years and continue to be. Regardless of 'political persuasion' or 'party background', MP's are serving the people first. Individual MP's must remember they have a "duty of care" towards those they serve. I consider rivalry between political parties as a very healthy thing, though I do believe that 'party rivalry' and the 'ego' need to stay out of parliament. Especially when allocating public funds, MP's need to ask themselves, "How can we best allocate these funds for the benefit of our country, our state or our community."

There may be a need for a mechanism at the federal level which stipulates what percentage of funds must be allocated for infrastructure at the state level. This will also need state input and participation.

Thankyou Henry Ergas for your professional perspective.

Faithfully

Matt Rackemann

I wish the government would lower taxes and reform our taxation system. 45% top tax bracket is disgusting. It's pure robbery.

I would like a flat rate of income tax at a low rate of 15%, or a flat rate consumption tax at 20% or 30% on all goods and service.

A consumption tax will allow for greater savings in the economy and really help out working families.

We are all way too highly taxed. Chris

I wish the federal government would lower the age of being tried as an adult. 18 years is far too old and it should be more like 16, if you can consent to having sex and in some cases marriage at 16, then you should also know by this age what the difference between right and wrong is. Virginia Platt

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am disappointed at the recent behaviour of the U.S. congress towards Russia. I can fully appreciate Russia's concern towards U.S.

anti-missile bases in Eastern Europe. It is very close to home for them.

If the situation were reversed, I'm sure the U.S. would retaliate very swiftly towards Russia. The Russian government also has to protect their people just the same as any other country. Russians also have the right to live without fear or repression from the U.S.

Russia has come a long way since the Cold War and I'm sure it will continue to progress. In my opinion, Vladimir Putin and his government honored the agreements they had with the U.S. and the U.S. needs to remember what was agreed to in good faith. The U.S. also needs to honor their agreements with Russia.

Faithfully

Matt Rackemann

I would like the liberal party in opposition to support a true alternative to the ALP ETS nonsense. The ETS will have no impact on carbon output in our society (companies will simply export jobs or transfer the carbon load to small companies below the 1000 or simply not comply). I would like the party to embracing a true carbon tax at the source (oil imports/production, LNG/LPG, Coal and possibly others) energy imports should attract a 10% increase over the tax to compensate for the additional transport carbon out put. The Liberals would then guarantee to return 100% of the tax to the Australian people equally ie split the same irrespective of income so its not regressive and stop the ALP position of simply increasing tax and using it to move towards a socialist welfare state. The tax charge can be increased to accelerate transition in the economy.

Consumers will demand cheaper products produced in part from lower cost energy sources ie lower tax renewables. The true capitalist market would then work out the winners and losers by allowing companies to pick energy sources that are cheaper. The carbon output will be driven down by market forces both at production and end users.

People will be encouraged through price signals to utilise more energy efficient products and services. In cooperation of the tax the Liberals would mandate progressive energy efficiency standards like improved MPG minimum say 40% in 7years for a car company (the car company then chooses the technology ie diesel, hybrid etc in the mix) this should be applied to all transport ie Trucks etc. Agriculture needs to be left out as measuring methane from cows and describing living creatures as pollution is ridiculous. Craig Bell

It is time for the Liberal party to remember that it is founded on the principles of individual responsibility and free enterprise. That means small government and low taxation!

Please, the Party must totally oppose the Labor/Greens carbon tax. It is a dangerous move towards totalitarian control and increased social engineering. Labor/Greens have moved on from discredited communist/socialist themes and now use ludicrous threats of climate catastrophe to impose taxation and control.

It is also economic vandalism. History shows that excessive government control leads to inefficiency and increased industrial pollution, while destroying prosperity. Brian Fergusson

Oppose this ETS madness ! Liberal Party policy must be to protect the Australian economy, not assist the labour party to destroy it. The science is NOT settled, the costs are unknown and the idiocy of the Rudd government must be resisted. akot

I wish the debate on global warming was more open and the facts presented properly. There is very little knowledge or discussion of the rejection of the warmists; few people know about the position of the Czech president Vaclav Klaus on global warming. Unless we get all the information we will suffer.

I also wish that the media could be purged of its blatant bias.

Democracy is dependent upon the facts being properly reported at the moment we get opinion being reported. GFSmart

I would like the government to consider lowering the drinking age. Not to a young age, but so that your allowed to drink the year you turn 18 rather than the day you turn 18, much like how a horses birthday works. This would cut down on things like people trying to sneak into nightclubs without IDs (or with fake IDs), and underage drinking. It will also have social benefits because it means that groups of friends can do the same things at the same time. I know that this year has been a difficult one for me because i have a late birthday, and so all of my friends are able to go out, and i am unable to go.

We are expected to behave in pretty much the same way. We start university and school at the same time although some people may be almost a year younger than others in the same year, and yet are expected to act in the same manner. So why shouldnt we receive the same benefits at the same time?

I know that this is also supported by the ALSF as i was just at the conference in Canberra last week, and a similar motion was debated and passed.

Thank you.

Sarah Ozanne

Over the last few weeks I have seen several comments in the forum about cutting out state and local governments and also cutting at the federal level. I respect the opinions of others and I think it's great that people are sharing their ideas. That's the fabric which makes Australia great. I do think we need a balance though. I believe that all three levels of government have a very crucial role. I believe that the three levels need to operate efficiently and effectively for the benefit of their community, state and country. "Cutting" need not be made just for the sake of cutting. "Cutting" doesn't always mean "saving money". It may be on the contrary. I think that the focus needs to be on "efficiency", "productivity" and "high work ethics".

When this happens, naturally there may be some positions no longer needed. I would like to direct people to John Howard's speach entitled, "Reflections of Australian Federalism" which is a balanced perspective.

Faithfully

Matt Rackemann

Strengthen every level of government's FEEDBACK pathways and establish strong, ethical checks and balances needed to stop all forms of corruption. Social as well as criminal.

Return to preventative measures within government policy. Crisis management is prohibitatively expensive and only 'band-aid' treatment.

It repairs surface damage but leaves the deep scars to fester again.

Retain innovation, entrepeneurship, economical and enterprising actions in policy.

That is all for now. Anna from Central Victoria

Do something about the divorce rate,eg

1 suport marriage strenthening programs [marrage encounter]

2 reverse Lionel Murphys no fault clause in divorce cases

3 make intrest paid on the family homeloan tax deductable. Nick Rijs

The Speaker of the House.

Why is it that when the Opposition asks a question during Parliamentary Question Time, the Speaker of the house does not insist upon the Government answering the question put to it. Instead the Speaker resides over a circus at best when the Government denigrates the Opposition instead of answering the question. The Speaker deserves to be censured at times for his limp insistence on gaining a proper answer, particularly from the Prime Minister. I would like to know what can be done about the Speaker's performance in the House during Question Time.

Thank you. Frank Kovacs

As I understand it, small business is defined as businesses with less than 100 employees. I wish there was a classification of businesses with less than 50 employees and another for less than 10 employees. The current classification ignores the many "Mum & Dad" businesses and the family bussinesses that contribute to the economy. Jon Lucas

Isn't it time Australia had a very fast train (VFT) service? This would link Melbourne to Brisbane via Canberra and Sydney and so on, and limit population density around urban centres and satellite cities. It would also remove traffic from our roads, allow rural areas to remain viable and expand, ease the upkeep burden for our highways, reduce road accidents, address environmental concerns and positively impact housing affordability and so on. It would also address issues surrounding labour shortages in areas like Canberra etc. and provide some overdue competition to the airline industry not to mention employment opportunities as a result of construction etc.

Obviously, a long-term project but a necessary investment for the future and a 'real winner' for the Opposition at the next election, I should think.

It works in Europe. Catherine Abbey

Dear sir/madam,

As a veteran receiving the TPI pension I wish for the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase the Veterans Children Education Scheme

(VCES) payment for primary school children from it's current $4.12 per week to something more in touch with today's cost of living.The current payment does not meet the cost for one school lunch for my son let alone assist with fees,books,excursions,transport and so on.

I was informed by DVA that their are some 4000 students throughout Australia and only a small portion are in the primary age student group, therefore it suggests that a increase in the primary student allowance would not be a major cost increase to government but it would certainly enhance our children's living conditions.

Kind Regards. David Sumner

I wish the government would consider a carbon tax, instead of an elaborate emissions trading system. I have been to several seminars on climate change and emissions trading systems. Each time, I come away with the feeling that a carbon tax would be simpler to administer and less damaging to the economy. Chris Winslow

The blind allegiance to an ETS is sickening.

We should be considering alternatives policy to an ETS for dealing with carbon.

Not sure how raising the prices of goods and services with a high carbon content will encourage a consumer exercising choice to move to a low carbon product as they don't exist!

These things are inelastic in today's marketplace as we have no choice.

We still need fuel for our vehicles. Look at the price rise of fuel at the moment. Pretty sure I haven't seen a surge in people riding bikes to work instead of the car.

I could move to hybrid, but it isn't all that great looking at recent reports.

If I had an electric car or hydrogen, then I could make the move. But it needs to be affordable, not at the ridiculous premiums that presently exist.

I cannot really do much in an affordable sense with my home energy costs either.

I could install Solar Power at a massive upfront cost that will only repay itself in a generation.

Or I could choose 'green power' with my electricity company and buy renewable energy - again at a massive premium!

For me to change my consumption, the price rises need to be VERY significant. Which is not going to happen anyway with the 'rebates'

being proposed. So what the hell are we doing it for?

Maybe there is an alternative.

Surely Govt could just simply regulate this stuff (such as california with car emissions levels) or get industry to set some deadlines (such as Wool growers who have set a target to remove mulesing practices and are working hammer and tongs on viable alternatives in just 3 years).

We know the technology exists to replace fossil fuels. Or we are smart enough to develop it. Industry needs to stimulus to move in that direction.

Give a bucket of money to the coal industry to develop 'clean coal' by a certain deadline. If they can't do it, then shut them down (with

compensation) at the same time you invest money in our work on solar and geothermal, etc, to replace it.

Sure, this will upset the hell out of the oil companies, but imagine the benefits to Australia if it holds IP on these technologies? We can make an absolute fortune if we led the world in renewable energy innovation. This could set us up in a way that would leave the present mining boom for dust.

We have already invented the best solar cell. Lets not see another country make a fortune out of it. Andrew Wilsmore

Sir/Madam

Whilst we are undoubtedly in the longest running mining boom ever, we should be harnessing the wealth created to ensure the progression of infrastructure projects to aid mineral export but also development of local industries that can capitalize on the close proximity of resources. Instead of looking to China and saying "We can't compete with low wages!" We should be looking at the European nations that are succeeding IE: Germany, France. How are they doing it? Maybe have a look at their numbers of University Engineering graduates, we sit I believe on a measly 3% of all graduates are following engineering disciples.

Education, Massive farsighted Infrastructure projects, High tech engineering industry development, connect the last Four remaining piplines to have a Nation-wide Gas Network. Pipe water from the Thompson in to Lake Eildon, Pipe water from The Clarence River in to the Murray-Darling System, Top-end Transcontinental Railway & Highway.

90% of the Ord River Water will always flow to the ocean, pipe it in land using nearby plentiful gas to power the pumps etc,

Visionary projects is what Australia needs NOW. Russell Wattie

I am a small business owner in the construction industry.

I build new homes and turned over 1.9 mill last financial year.We are currently suing 2 people for non payment and I am trying to not go bankrupt as I will not be able to pursue the people that have put me in this situation.

My wish is a change to the bankruptcy laws so that if I did go bankrupt over this, the people responsible are still held accountable and don't walk away with me holding the bag. Matthew

My wish is that both state and federal governments would cut there spending on bureacrats. Lean and mean should be the theme.

If they could cut there costs by 15% in this area and that could offset the next round of tax cuts. Leave defence, health and education alone. But cut the size of the governments back. I also think that we could do away with the state government or local government as they are a waste of my tax dollars. Matthew

Establish the costs of Rudd's proposed Emission Trading System, his method of so called "rebates" for the less well off, and the outcomes of such a proposal.

In my opinion Howard handled the Kyoto Protocol in a professional manner and was always aware of the high cost to Australian business and taxpayers. Grant Watt

MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES I wish that the Federal Government would take true leadership in the management of water resources throughout this country. This may require more detailed legislation to take all associated powers from the States. At present, it is clear that the States are incapable of managing this resource on their own, or as a group, and that a comprehensive and national approach is required. Graham Smith

I wish the Government would stop with all the spin and just admit that John Howard left them a country which was in the best shape it has ever been in! Guy

It is becoming, increasingly, evident that Australia is over governed. New technoligies and innovations is bringing Government closer to us all and as a result there is a lot of unnecessary duplication in the three levels of Government. Whilst the Federal system of Government may have worked well some years ago it is now too cumbersome and overlapping. Personally I would like to see a referendum on decreasing the three levels to two, Local Government and Federal Government. My view is that there would be a large majority of people totally dissatisfied with the present State Governments in all states and the savings involved would amount to billions of dollars.

It would also speed up and simplify the processes within the public service making it more efficient and accountable to both the Federal Government and the public. Pieter Kleynjan

It would be more appropriate for the Federal Government to assist the wives of veterans who have 1. Been left for another woman 2. Had to leave their family home due to the violence caused by the husband suffering from PTSD for their own safety 3. Or any other reason connected to their war service.

Many of these women have suffered for many years and saved the governments of this country many millions of dollars by looking after these veterans and now the Federal Government has turned on them like they are nothing and told them, many in the 60's to either live on Job Start or get themselves a job. Rod and Jacquie

I would like the abolition of the yearly interest charged on university HECS fees. I am aware of the need to charge HECS to help fund the university sector, however, I believe that the yearly interest is purely a money-making venture.

Consider a university graduate who subsequently becomes pregnant after completing their degree. Why should she continue to accrue interest on her HECS debt just because she chooses to look after her child, rather than going straight back to work.

Another unfair example is that of my sister. Last year she pay $960 off her HECS debt, but her overall debt actually INCREASED by $1000.

I believe this is an unfair burden to place on university graduates at a time when they are struggling to save for house deposits or paying off their mortages. Rex Skiba

I wish this government would start leading and start managing this countries issues which are affecting society and business. The Rudd government presented itself as an "alternative and better government" with ideas for the future and fresh because Australia needed Change, but instead the public was subjected under false pretensions.

Secondly the government's Health policy is a disgrace placing more pressure on a system which is already in crisis mode. I wish the government starts acting soon and not watch everyday people and a system suffer any further.

Thirdly this government says it would lower costs or put in place policy which would fight petrol hikes, grocery prices and inflation - preventing interest rates increasing. Instead they are once again watching and doing nothing about it... this government should be called RUDD/Labor Watch.

As we are aware petrol hikes are a global concern there is nothing the government can do... grocery prices are also in the same category but there is that unitary system... and increases in interest rates will continue to go upwards if the government stop watching interests and start acting now. Warren

Governments are really slack in relation to climate change.

I think we should.

1. Limit use of lighting in all cities - why have buildings lit constantly. Could be cut by two -thirds.

2. Install solar collectors now -across all of Australia on every available space.Paid for by government.

3. Increase public transport availablility -in the next few months- more services and new services.

4. Make parking available outside the cities free to encourage use of public transport and lower emissions.

5. Restrict entry to CBD by private cars.

6. Return to paper bags and cardboard as packaging. Just say -no more plastic in six months.

7. Plant hundreds of more trees-not just a token amount as now - give farmers the incentive.

8.Discourage the imports of food- we should eat local produce- support our farmers.

We just have to say "Stop" now and make some progress. We have to make changes today -not in ten years maybe!

We need action not more committee's and forums- lets get going. Helen Powis

I wish that a review of our federal system could be undertaken.

Having had a look at how the States spend money, it seems that huge outlays are made to employees on service delivery - service delivery which seems not to happen, or at least, not well.

Why we need states in the modern world is a puzzle to me. If the Fathers of Federation could come up with a system that served us well for a century, why is it not possible to come up with a new system to take us into the future?

We have far to many politicians. We have far too many public servants.

We have for too many regulations that are contradictory. We have far too much politicing - as in the states against the Howard Government - which held the Country back.

On a related subject - why does a democracy like ours have compulsory voting? It is a nonsense. By-and-large, most people are not interested in, or informed about politics. I have handed out at elections - local, state and federal for many years and am well aware of the lack of interest in voting other than the wish not to be fined.

If a review of compulsoty voting is a no no - why not institute the teaching of civics from say - 4th grade to HSC? The rub, of course, is that it would need to be bias free in order not to be like much of the leftist opinion taught in schools as well as universities today. Elizabeth Alves

I am becoming more and more disturbed with the impact that this government will have on the economy with its intention regarding emissions trading.

In the first instance I am not against some insurance on the matter but not to anything like the degree of what is envisaged. Further what ever we do here in Australia in the global scheme of these matters is minute,and therefore pointless unless the major emitting nations develope significant outcomes in their own countries.

Why is it that the advocates on this issue always fail to accept and acknowledge that the way forward must embrace the delivery of a Nuclear Energy power production system?

Our politicians on this side of the divide must now decide that the time is now to build this issue into policy and sell the environmental and wider economic benefits to the Australian Community. The scare tactics of past decades is now broadly regarded as spurious with many countries now reaping the benefits of the advanced and safer technologies that now exist.

It should be remembered that to build this type of power infra structure takes in excess of 4-5 years to build and further procrastination on the issue is an exercise in futility.

Ancilliary to this point is that our tertiary Education system has done little to develope programmes for Nuclear Physics and Research.

This situation should be changed, and should the matter proceed we in the short term would by necessity have to import these suitably qualified people. But failure to resource this sector in the long term is very short sighted.

Whilst most pundits acknowledge that our very cheap Coal provides us with very inexpensive electrcity, the fact that the production of this form of energy is a significant CO2 omitter is the downside.

Australians are not generally in favour of expansion in this form of energy production although we do have an abundance of resources in both forms.The fact that our major cities are experiencing black outs in high demand times would indicate that the issue now needs to be addressed,and that Nuclear Energy should be moved forward in not only the debate but a platform for sound policy progression. Colin Gourley

Another unfair example is that of my sister. Last year she pay $960 off her HECS debt, but her overall debt actually INCREASED by $1000.

I believe this is an unfair burden to place on university graduates at a time when they are struggling to save for house deposits or paying off their mortages. Rex Skiba

While our alliance with the U.S. is important and necessary, we need not alienate ourselves politically and economically from Europe. The EU is a strong and diverse economy which can provide Australia with valuable trading partnerships. In a modern world, Europe is no longer a far away shore. We can build better partnerships with Europe and seek the opportunities it provides. This may also be a pro-active way to shield Australia from the volatile U.S. economy. It is certainly worth detailed discussion. Matthew

I WISH THE GOVERNMENT COULD REALLY SEE THE EFFECTS OF OPENING IMMIGRATION UP. WITH THE RUDD GOVERNMENT SAYING THEY WANT TO LET MORE SKILLED MIGRANTS INTO THIS COUNTRY. IT REALLY IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN. THE INFRASTRUCTURE THE STATE GOVERNMENTS CANT EVEN PROVIDE TO CURRENT RESIDENTS AND CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY IS A JOKE. I LIVED IN LONDON FOR 3 YEARS AND WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE BECAUSE OF THE SESSPOOL IT HAS BECOME, TRUE CITIZENS OF BRITIAN ARE TREATED LIKE 2ND CLASS CITIZENS IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY, ITS STARTING TO HAPPEN HERE.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT NEW MIGRANTS TO AUSTRALIA ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY RECOURSE OF PUBLIC FUNDS, FROM MEDICARE TO THE DOLE AND SO FORTH.

WE ALREADY HAVE SO MANY TAXI DRIVERS IN THIS COUNTRY WHO ARE HIGHLY SKILLED IN ENGINEERING, MEDICAL ETC. BUT THEY SAY THEY CANT GET THE JOBS. SO IF THEY ARE GOING TO ALLOW MORE SKILLED MIGRANTS THEN THEY SHOULD HAVE A MANDATE THAT THEY CAN ONLY WORK IN THIS FIELD UNTIL THEY BECOME RESIDENTS AT LEAST OR IN THE CASE OF DOCTORS OR NURSES AND TEACHERS THEY ARE PLACED IN AREAS OF GREATER NEED AND MADE TO WORK FOR

2 YEARS. JUST LIKE WHEN COMPANIES SPONSOR PEOPLE TO COME TO AUSTRALIA, THEY NEED TO STAY IN THE JOB UNTIL THEY BECOME RESIDENTS.

OBVIOUSLY THEY WOULD NOT GET A CHOICE IN STATES, UNLESS THEY HAVE RELATIVES IN AUSTRALIA AND WANT TO LIVE NEAR THEM.

IF THEY DO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SKILLED MIGRANTS THEN IT SHOULD BE FOR PEOPLE THAT WANT TO LIVE IN A WESTERN CIVILIZED COUNTRY. THIS SHOULD BE A PRE REQUISITE TO ANY MIGRANT WANTING TO BECOME AN AUSTRALIAN. THE TEST OF WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT AUSTRALIA IS STUPID, WE SHOULD BE TESTING PEOPLE ON WHAT THEIR UNDERSTANDINGS ARE OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAY OF LIFE AND THE LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY. IF THEY CAN ABIDE BY THEM THEN THEY CANT TURN AROUND LATER SAYING ITS AGAINST THEIR RELIGION OR CUSTOMS. THIS WAY THEY NOW THE RULES AND HAVE TO ABIDE BY THEM LIKE ALL OTHER AUSTRALIANS.

SORRY FOR THE RAMBLE BUT THIS IS MY MOST BIGGEST CONCERN IN THIS COUNTRY. THE 2ND MOST IMPORTANT IS THAT WE NEED TO GO NUCLEAR FOR ENERGY, ITS THE ONLY WAY OF REALLY MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT.

DEFINITELY THINK IT IS WORTH MERGING WITH THE NATIONALS TOO. GREAT OPPORTUNITY NEEDS TO BE SEIZED. BY THE WAY I THINK NELSON IS BRILLIANT, BUT NEEDS TO KEEP PUSHING AWAY AT RUDD. WE NEED TO BRING RUDD DOWN AND FAST ! LIBS FOR 2010!!! Virginia Platt

For most people the capital outlay to convert existing homes to take advantage of all solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy is prohibitive.

Perhaps, a Coalition government could consider a HECS-style loan repayment plan for households to augment existing energy supplies with renewable energy. The repayment would be payable by the taxpayers of the household and would exist as a 'priority debt'. The loan amount remaining unpaid at the time the house is sold would be repaid in full to the government so that further loans can then be paid.

This scheme should be in association with other policies in which new housing construction is required to be in line with 'greener housing initiatives. The construction industry should be able to access the loan scheme as well.

The coal industry should be assisted in the conversion of their technologies to cleaner usage and the provision of renewable energy in the sector. This seems a more pro-active response to the issue of climate change than current proposals which revolve around punitive measures. Catherine Abbey

Dear Sir/ Madam,

In my opinion, Australia needs to have an alternative to OPEC/ Arabian controlled oil. Australia has an abundance of natural gas which burns 50% cleaner that petrol. It may be beneficial both to the Australian people and to the Australian government to supply natural gas for automotive use. The people will have access to a low cost fuel and the government will have a viable income stream for spending on infrastructure, city planning, roads etc. This will also help preserve Australia's oil reserves for future generations. This subject is worth serious discussion.

I thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I feel positive that it can benefit both Australians and our government.

Faithfully, Matt Rackemann

Although I personally think that climate change is a load of rubbish espoused by scientists to generate grants and adopted by socialists as a means of further controlling people by increasing taxes, as a token gesture why not make new car carry an efficiency rating (similar to electrical appliances)?

I guess the only clear loser will be Australian-manufactured V8s but it would appear from the fear-mongering rhetoric spewing forth from Garnaut and Rudd that manufacturing in Australia should be a thing of the past anyway. Rudd seems pretty content in handing the Chinese and Indians a comparative advantage in this respect and if we wait, even a year, we will all die gruesome deaths... John Whitehill

I wish an independent body (such as MRC) would expose Landcare Victoria and Trust For Nature as the rabid , anti private ownership ,groups they are. Landcare and Trust for Nature are simply a honeypot for the extreme environmental Left in this country . With regard to conservation issues they serve no purpose - yet they continue to receive government funding, Why? Land Owner

I support Pieter Klujnjan's comment in relation to changing the system of Government in Australia. Australian taxpayers cannot afford three tiers of Government. Additional to his comments I would like to point to the outrageous cost shifting from the Victorian

state governments to the Victorian local councils. Council rates are

forever on the increase without even fundamental requirements being

met: water, roads etc.

The big issues in Australia should always be considered nationally.

Australia needs a National Government with some type of county/district system that handles the local issues.

Do not tell me that the Sates will never agree. That was said before

Federation. We the people are the States and the Nation. Ask the

people!

I think that dismantling of the Federal system should be part of Liberal Party policy: the idea is much talked about and more popular than we Libs might think! Noni Bartlett

I propose that there needs to be an open, transparent emissions measurement scheme (EMS) implemented immediately and several years before an emissions trading scheme (ETS).

The benefits are many:

- immediately start real debate in the community about how to measure emissions in accurate and fair ways

- allow robust and trusted emissions measurement standards to be developed and foster widespread agreement of their efficacy over time (but rapidly !)

- provide the opportunity to create widespread understanding of where emissions are actually coming from

- allow immediate and effective personal action to reduce

- allow individuals, organisations and business the time they need to embrace the changes that are coming

- allow the lessons learned to inform the tough decision-making processes that will need to take place about an emissions trading scheme, carbon cost and revenue redistribution

In short, an EMS will provide the pathway and ideal platform for the successful introduction of an efficient ETS, and avoid the many mistakes that have occured elsewhere in the world where ETS implementations have been plagued with problems and inefficiencies.

The ideological rush to introduce an ETS in its current form, devoid of vital transformation process detail, is sadly not unexpected. It is such obvious absence of substance that we have unfortunately come to expect from the current government, and highlights the lack of experience Labour has in implementing substantive change to our society (even the simplistic fuel watch was a debacle from a change implementation perspective). An ETS represents a major new revenue stream for the Commonwealth, at least $10 Billion per year before it starts having any real affect. The lack of detail about accountability for outcomes smacks of it becoming yet another wad of cash for the Rudd government to continue pork barrelling its way to future election victories with.

There are key elements missing from the Labour government rhetoric that are needed to get widespread community support for an ETS - trust, efficiency, flexibility. I believe only a coalition government can provide these elements. Steve Ryan


	New Website Read more
	Robert Menzies a life of liberalism Read more
	Alan Dupont lecture Read more
	Ian Hancock lecture Read more