Your Say: week beginning June 9

Monday June 9

US relationship

“Your Friday Essay by Emma Shortis is an unflinching analysis of our changed relationship with the US. Shortis also sets out a pathway to move forward with dignity, including a future without the baggage of AUKUS. A word of caution: any changes that weaken biosecurity will be a backwards step and flag a concerning deterioration in our independence and security.”

Melanie Carter, Largs Bay SA

Support in the home

“I read your piece on children missing school due to family violence. As the CEO of the peak body for providers delivering services to children with disabilities, I hear this story as well. Best practice early childhood intervention is delivered in homes. Workers often support a child and family over a number of years, and see family changes, violence and breakdown first hand. They’re often the trusted person that a mother discloses violence to. Children with disabilities are often a group that is missed in this discussion, yet it effects them significantly. The added overlay of their disability can mean they have no way to communicate what’s happening at home or ability to understand that what’s happening is wrong.”

Sally Moore, CEO Early Childhood Intervention Australia

Tuesday June 10

Never buying a Tesla

“Your reporting on Elon Musk reminds me of a book I once read describing his behaviour after taking over Twitter. I decided then that I would never buy a Tesla because I believed he would be unlikely to ever accept being told he was wrong, even if he made a mistake in design.”

Gary Barnes

A big idea

“We should establish an Australian community-owned Social Media Mutual Society that could compete with the likes of Facebook and X, to address people’s need for information, communication, social cohesion and advocacy in a more ethical and meaningful manner.”

Neil Frazer

Your wish is our command

“Thank you for your ongoing coverage of the situation in Ukraine and Gaza, from a variety of sources. Could we have more input from Matthew Sussex please? I have long appreciated his depth of understanding, analysis and explanation.” Ilona Gibson

Ed: Here you go Ilona!