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Anthony Albanese promised that his government would listen, and in restoring payments for sick leave for casual workers he has fulfilled that promise (″⁣Albanese signs off on restoring the $750 pandemic isolation payment in policy reversal″⁣, smh.com.au, July 16). I’m still picking myself up from the floor that a government would listen to sense and not be frightened of the word ″⁣backflip″⁣. It was the correct thing to do. Of course, it can’t last forever, but at least until COVID and flu numbers are diminishing rather than rising. Genevieve Milton, Newtown

After months of supporting the cause of casual workers, it is heartening to see the prime minister prepared to backtrack and help them to financially survive isolation. It also helps keep the rest of us safe and, for that, we can all be grateful. Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls

Now that the Albanese government is reintroducing pandemic leave pay, it should be on a quid pro quo basis: the payments to resume, but the states must reintroduce mandatory and enforceable mask-wearing on public transport and in shops and crowded places – no ifs or buts, and not just the current useless pleas ignored by half the population. Dominic Perrottet has said, “We tailor the [COVID] policies to the circumstances that we find ourselves in”; well, no better time to do that than right now, during this resurgence. Patrick McGrath, Potts Point

It feels so reassuring to have a leader who is conciliatory, a listener and takes action in a crisis. Now for stronger climate change initiatives. Kate Prosser, Armidale

Why has the Labor government ignored the big business COVID payments by the previous coalition government? The $18 billion would be a start, money retrieved would help COVID payments for mandatory isolation. David McKenzie, Beaconsfield (Vic)

For years, conservative politicians, business groups and employers generally have urged that there is no place for government intervention in the casualisation of the workforce. That, of course, is a natural consequence of the small government, low taxation mantras we regularly hear from these same groups. When, as an inevitable consequence of these policies, casual staff/employees suffer, these same companies scream that it is the job of the government to look after these disadvantaged casual employees. The irony that the issue arises in the week that CEOs of major companies provide eye-watering salaries and bonuses for themselves highlights the contradictions implicit in the current employment arrangements. The COVID crisis should trigger a complete review of Australia’s labour laws. Roll back of the casualisation of employment with its concomitant unfairness, and adding union representation on company boards to oversee employee conditions should be high on the agenda. Terence Golding, Bolwarra

The state government wants federal government payments for workers who catch COVID-19, but refuses to take actions such as mandating mask-wearing, which would reduce the chance of said workers catching COVID. Can it get any crazier? Robert Hodge, Arncliffe

With foot and mouth disease now in Bali and hundreds of thousands of Australians visiting the island each year, it is not a question of “if” but “when” the bovine infecting scourge begins to ravage Australian cattle (“Minister rejects call to close border”, July 16). If our government wants to keep Australian cattle disease free, then they have to either ban travel to Indonesia or impose a period of quarantine for returning travellers. Matt Kaarma, North Nowra

While recent public health announcements have concentrated on Indonesia, especially Bali, the disease is present in Asia (especially South-East Asia), Africa, the Middle East and South America. One hopes Australian quarantine authorities pay just as much attention to Australians returning and visitors from these regions. Michael Ross, Bankstown

Anyone returning from any foot and mouth infected area should be required to leave all footwear behind there. Provide them with slippers for the flight and travelling home from the airport. Small price to pay. Susan Margan, Epping

Foot and mouth disease would be devastating if it were to get into Australia. It would be nice, though, if the economic loss of billions of dollars talked about every day would also recognise the suffering and cruel death of millions of hoofed animals if it were to happen. They deserve recognition. Ina Blasche, Gwandalan

I travelled with a friend from England to Ireland via the ferry from Wales during an English outbreak of foot and mouth. We had to walk through a container of disinfectant and any food had to be disposed of. They were small annoying measures but necessary to protect Ireland from the same awful problems England was experiencing. Sadly, I suspect not all passengers arriving in Australia would declare they had been anywhere near farms, or give their footwear to be examined or cleaned by Australian biosecurity officers; just tick the box without fully understanding the ramifications their “just a bit of dirt” could have for Australian farmers. Eira Battaglia, Seaforth

Some years ago, about the time of the foot and mouth outbreak in Europe, we took a large group of students for a week-long hike in New Zealand. When we arrived in Auckland, customs took every piece of equipment we were carrying and checked it for traces of dirt. It took a long time but if it protected them from the disease, we didn’t mind the wait. It might be costly, but wouldn’t it be worthwhile if it prevents that awful curse arriving here? Mary Billing, Allambie Heights

What price ideal acoustics? (“Opera House architect’s family upset at concert hall changes”, July 16.) In early 1966, the impasse over the battle between design and acoustics in the main hall of the Opera House was the tipping point that led to Jørn Utzon’s dramatic resignation. Peter Hall and his team subsequently struggled for three years with this inherited conundrum. To their credit, the final concert hall fused elegant design with acoustics considered good at the time. Hall’s interior was designated of “exceptional” significance in the 2017 Sydney Opera House Conservation Management Plan, which noted that “any changes must retain and respect ... the form, quality and character” of Hall’s design. The new changes may meet modern requirements for acoustic flexibility, but I feel they have been at the expense of the integrity, elegance and heritage significance of the original interior. The alterations to Hall’s most significant performance space lend even more weight to the call for recognition of his contribution to the Opera House in the renaming of the current Playhouse, one of Hall’s favourite small theatres, to the Peter Hall Playhouse. Anne Watson, Palm Beach

The refurbished Sydney Opera House concert hall. Credit: Nick Moir

In just two generations we have turned from collectively fighting World War II as a nation, to valuing personal freedoms above all else. We complained about COVID mandates affecting our freedom. Sure, it was hard, but go back to the 1940s when our menfolk entered the armed forces and our womenfolk stayed on the home front. Once the men entered the forces, their families didn’t know where they were, some for six years, and yet we complain about lockdowns, mask wearing and many other small irritating things. Heavily censored letters took forever to reach their recipient. Now, with the latest wave hitting with influenza, we walk around without masks. Daily on TV we see coffee shop and restaurant owners complaining about a lack of staff, without any self-reflection on their vigorous campaigning for the abolition of penalty rates. We have turned from a collective community to a selfish collection of individuals. Bill White, South Grafton

Policies based on banks’ interest rates have not solved past recessions, and they will not prevent the next one (“Reserve Judgment”, July 16). The reason is that they only address its effects, not its cause. Within everything, including economics and societies, there are contradictions. Science has evolved by recognising and solving contradictions. The contradiction within the society that causes recessions must be addressed. The alternative is more recessions. Reg Wilding, Wollongong

The extravagant salaries paid to CEOs have been widely reported. With the government needing an increase in tax receipts, it is time to stop this largesse. All salaries need to be paid in cash to the individual’s bank account and taxed accordingly. No more salary sacrifice, payment by way of shares, trusts, etc. Further control needs to be given back to individual shareholders regarding company remuneration. Reports need be presented to those shareholders for a majority approval before implementation. Companies need to be banned from voting on this issue. Also, all companies need to have at least 50 per cent independent directors to stop principals treating the company as a source of funds on top of salaries paid. Barry O’Connell, Old Toongabbie

China’s GDP already far exceeds that of the US, while its economy continues to grow at a rate that is leaving the US even further behind (“From ‘magic’ grass to roads and schools, China is everywhere in Fiji”, July 16). The Trump administration’s trade war with China ended up damaging US businesses more than China’s. The Morrison government refused to grasp the waning influence of the US and resorted to clumsy, inflammatory Cold War politics. Whether we like it or not, Australia needs to treat China’s growing Pacific influence with care, rather than inflame Pacific superpower tensions. Bruce Spence, Balmain

When you read an article that makes reference to a school’s new sporting facilities, an aquatic fitness centre and complaints from an international diplomat about noise pollution and disturbance of the quiet enjoyment of the Sabbath (“Exclusive private school’s new sporting facilities cause diplomatic row”, smh.com.au, July 16), there can be only one conclusion: the school is not a public school. Lyn Savage, Coogee

Your correspondent (Letters, July 16) suggested compulsory maths for HSC. At almost 80 years old, I cannot remember ever passing a maths test, despite attending a selective high school. However, I went on to work as a teacher’s aide special, a diversional therapist, 40 years as a registered nurse, and 20 years of presenting at conferences on mental health and hoarding disorder, including newspaper, magazine and television appearances. My meagre maths skills did not hold me back. Judy Nicholas, Denistone East

I have one question for the handful of conservative bishops who voted NO to all versions of the motion to allow women equal status in the Catholic Church’s recent plenary council (“Burning Question: how far will the Pope go to elevate women?” July 16): why? Jo-Ann Brown, Huntley’s Cove

Could it be that the reign of the All Blacks has come to an end? (″⁣Ireland stun All Blacks to clinch historic series victory″⁣, smh.com.au, July 16). How proud the Irish team must be to have secured their first Test series victory over the mighty All Blacks. Eric Palm, Gympie (Qld)

Ian Aird Credit: Peter Stoop

Thanks, Peter FitzSimons (The Fitz Files, July 16), for indirectly highlighting the deficiencies with our nation’s honours and awards system. While Mr Aird might not seek an award, he and countless others are our fair dinkum, down-to-earth silent Aussies who deserve our respect and should receive those awards. Col Shephard, Yamba

I think your correspondent (Letters, July 16) might find that if he did a survey of female teachers in co-ed schools, he would find out why boys get more of a teacher’s attention. Put simply, it’s because the boys demand it, and in doing so, it comes their way. Mary Lawson, Marrickville

I, too, failed to finish On the Road by Jack Kerouac (″⁣On the Road to nowhere″⁣, July 16). I could only confirm Norman Mailer’s comment on this book: ″⁣That is not writing, that is typing″⁣. Ian McNeilly, Darlinghurst

The digital view Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au ‘Highly infectious’ COVID strains worry leaders as pandemic leave pay returns From astonmartinv8: Good decision, well made after due consideration. He hasn’t backed down, he adapted after advice and discussion. That’s good government and better than the kind of dogmatic arrogance and distorted decision making based on pride we saw from Morrison. Good for Albo.