As a society, we’re sitting on a timebomb. How long will people put up with not being able to find an affordable place to live, whether to buy or rent?
Labor needs a tougher voice on national security
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April 29, 2021 â 12.05am
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Penny Wong cannot be faulted for saying that the language used on national security matters should be sober and cautious (âLabor lambasts Home Affairs chiefâs âdrums of warâ talkâ, April 28). Yes, when skies are clear, but when storm clouds are gathering an offensive strategy might be more effective in preventing the outbreak of war. Unfortunately, her criticism of Michael Pezzullo tends to reinforce a perception that Labor, if it wins office, might be too soft on nations whose objectives are not always in Australiaâs interests.
Consent classes must be carefully constructed
March 18, 2021 12.03am
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Great suggestions from Fiona Martin for teaching protective behaviours at preschool age and consent education in Year 7 (“Start consent classes by year 7: Liberal MP”, March 17). It will take more than inserts into the existing curriculum, however. Barriers such as funding for teacher training (not synthetic online courses), education of resistant elements in the community and a general acceptance of gender role education need to happen before all teachers feel confident to teach such necessary but controversial issues.
Vanessa Tennent, Oatley
As a former teacher, I can assure Martin that lessons taught at school cannot override lessons learnt at home, which begin long before formal schooling starts. Without appropriate role models and environment in the home, the effectiveness of lessons at school about consent, or bullying for that matter, will not overcome the serious socia