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How wonderful to read of the legendary Barry Jones and his readings and insights into past and contemporary politics (“Man of science still has some regrets”, April 5). His life has been one of self-lift with joyous study and responsible and knowledgeable guiding of politicians at many levels. As he highlights the essence of Trump’s terms in office with one of Trump’s own statements – “Empathy means ‘weakness’” – Jones remains relevant even at 93. Barry, you will long remain in our hearts. Janice Creenaune, Austinmer
He was an all-pervasive character; even my grandmother would calmly and unknowingly call me “Barry”. In his first guise of fame, as a quiz show genius, he displayed his endless knowledge in a clear, matter-of-fact, genuine manner and always stayed above commercial theatrics, which then provided a solid platform for a career in public service. Well done, Barry. If only my grandmother could have channelled more of your sagacity and achievement into me. Brian Jones, Leura
The article about Barry Jones brought back childhood memories of faithfully following him and his eight-year dominance on Pick-a-Box. His career in federal politics where he became Bob Hawke’s science minister, his advocacy for numerous human rights issues and his early recognition of the importance of climate change, enhanced his profile as a Labor legend. His response on winning a Victa lawn mower on Pick-a-Box has remained entrenched in my mind all these years later: “Lo the morn – mow the lawn”. What a man, what a mind. Bob Nicoll, Hat Head
A country practice
Medicine is one of the most popular, as well as the most difficult, faculties to enter at university. The community can use this carrot to encourage doctors to serve in regional Australia (“Years-long wait for 15-minute procedure”, April 5). Candidates for medicine could be advised that sometime during their career, they will be asked to serve three years in the country. Those who refuse to do this could have their candidature delayed. By doing this, we will get the committed applicants our country needs. Then there will be a constant interflow of practitioners, as those who have completed their three years are replaced by those who are taking up their new positions. This will relate to specialists as well, so that regional centres do not just receive beginning practitioners. Teachers after graduation used to have to serve three years’ country service. Ray Armstrong, Tweed Heads South
Crisis management
Parnell Palme McGuinness was astutely able to decipher the code in Albo’s address to the nation (“Crisis is prime time for Albonomics”, April 5). However, the simple message that I received was that we should all take a Bex and have a good lie down, keep calm and carry on. I braced for an announcement from the PM for an apocalypse such as the arrival of a new pandemic, Trump’s official diagnoses of schizophrenia and refusing to hand over the nuclear button, or even diggers en route to Iran, and was heartily relieved that it was just a wee bit more politicking in the lead up to the “reform” budget next month. Bruce Hall, Avalon
Parnell Palme McGuinness parrots the Liberal Party with her policy-free, cliched opprobrium – from her “never waste a good crisis, comrade” to her critique of government support for vital industry and our future renewable energy infrastructure. All while giving the Coalition a pass mark; even Scotty only “squibbed an opportunity”. This country has given Neoliberalism the majority of the 21st century to prove its worth, and it has patently failed through lazy, self-serving political inertia. CGT and negative gearing from Howard/Costello are major causes of our housing problem, the duplicitous, severe Abbott/Hockey budget, a decade of climate change apathy with no support for our discovery of the photovoltaic cell or a renewable industry, failure to secure local LPG supplies (unlike the Labor WA government), failure to support local refineries or adequate oil reserves, ludicrous financial and political support for the doomed fossil fuel industry, and the emasculation of the public service with decades of knowledge discarded, replaced with consultancies. The principles of Neoliberalism – letting the market dictate and self regulate, deregulation and reduced government spending – have failed. It has given us reduced competition and duopolies, outlandish corporate profits, eye-watering executive salaries, robo-debt (dole bludgers), rudderless government, a politicised public service, huge financial inequality and a country without resilience. And Parnell, if there is a time for change and a reset, it is in a crisis, but this could have happened in 2019. Rowan Godwin, Rozelle
Women advance the line
Licia Heath (“If women are driven from public life, we all suffer”, April 5) warns of the risk of women being driven from public life. This is not a new problem. From time immemorial, women have had to deal with social and religious systems intended to “keep them in their place”. All the way back to the tale of Adam and Eve, where the wicked temptress was responsible for driving humans from the Garden of Eden, right up to today when alumni from a faith-based private school fought strenuously to prevent girls from attending their old school. Mostly, however, times have changed due to brave women (and men) who fought against the prejudices of society and maybe, living in Australia, we have a more benign view of life. Perhaps, also, it is where one lives. In our area, federal and state MPs are both strong and admired women; we have good coeducational schools (some, admittedly, private) and plenty of sporting and social activities where boys and girls are given equal encouragement. So, don’t despair, Licia, we are better off than our recent ancestors. And as long as we all understand that co-operation is better than confrontation, we should continue to improve and make the world a better place. Nola Tucker, Kiama
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