ECONOMICS 
Dear editor,

In the same week, global ratings agency Fitch confirmed Australia’s triple-A credit rating, the LNP Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien, questioned the Treasurer on the latest inflation rate in Parliament, looking for a gotcha moment.

Dr Jim Chalmers reminded those opposite that in 2022, when the Liberal National Coalition left office, inflation was 6.1% and rising, as were interest rates.

The national debt was about one trillion dollars, mostly accrued prior to COVID.

Wages were stagnating, and living standards were falling.

Currently, unemployment at 3.9% is the lowest in 50 years; under the Coalition, it was 5.6%.

Fitch noted that the Albanese Government’s budget is among the strongest in the G20, as it addresses the inherited Liberal debt while Australia’s productivity and private sector recover.

Australia is one of only nine countries rated AAA by all three major credit ratings agencies.

Amid global uncertainty, the Treasurer acknowledges that structural pressures are growing. He is taking decisive steps to tackle major budget spending issues while paying down the Liberal debt and making our economy more productive and resilient, and to meet challenges from a position of genuine economic strength.

Ted, how about congratulations for a job well done?

Robyn Deane,
Nambour.
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RARE EARTH DEAL
Dear editor,

Our own PM, Mr Albanese, on his first “face to face” contact with the U.S President, Donald Trump, has sold our rare earth minerals to the U.S for $13.5 billion. This in the face of world demand for the product, Trump has been desperate to score for his own manufacturing industries, which he hopes will lead the U.S in their manufacturing of rare parts for lithium batteries, thus enriching himself.

Albanese has been tricked again by a fraudulent deal, where the U.S economy wins, and Australia has been sold out. We could use these same rare earth minerals to set up our own manufacturing industry to prosper the Australian economy. Trump has vested interests only in “America First”, as he advertises repeatedly, using his false sense of charm and political persuasion to covet our natural resources.

As our own PM appeared to revel in the presence of greatness, he failed to recognise he was being played, to make Trump’s deals of hunting and gathering from the willing, such as Albanese. Our P.M needed Trump to continue with his commitment to the AUKUS agreement, so was vulnerable. Australia in the hands of the naive, selling our soul to this infamous devotee of reshaping the world in his misguided image.

But more disturbing, already displayed in the past six months, Trump has fired a torrent of vitriol at the growing line of his imagined adversaries, namely anyone who dares to criticise him. And as it would happen, our own Labor-appointed U.S ambassador, Kevin Rudd, a former critic of Trump, sat opposite the regal couple as they negotiated the deal. In front of the world, Rudd felt the full force of Trump’s wrath from his past derogatory criticism of Trump. An elephant never forgets!

While Albanese sat uncomfortably stunned, Trump, the most undiplomatic, uncouth world leader and a convicted felon, used the occasion to embarrass our nation. The cult of personality of a bitter 79-year-old, deprived of royal status among his global peers, is reflected in his personal attacks on any of his opponents. You are judged by the company you keep.

E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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DOGS IN FLAGS 
Dear editor,

Why do people think it is okay to let their dogs swim between the flags? I have seen this on numerous occasions at Coolum both in front of the caravan park as well as in front of the surf club. Are the lifeguards oblivious to this? The owners are not swimming but are letting their dogs free amongst children and other swimmers who just want to swim in peace. As a long-term resident of Coolum I swim, walk and ride my old-fashioned pedal bicycle most days, also wearing a helmet and shoes. I consider myself responsible. I do wonder if these people have any common sense at all.

Louise K,
Coolum Beach.
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THORPE RETORT 
Dear editor,

I note that a letter writer in the 22/10/2025 edition has issue with “colliding with the economy of power!”  Well, letter writer you may or may not be aware that collisions with the said, “economy of power” are the reason we have democracy and the society that we enjoy today!

Examples include the American Revolution and Civil War. The parliamentary revolution of England, the Civil Rights movement, Soviet defeat of Nazism, universal suffrage, Mabo and the creation of Medicare.

I’m not sure if this particular letter writer has any idea what on earth they’re talking about? Aunty Lydia is a wonderful Aussie and an absolute champion of Aussie battler and tell-it-like-it-is values.

Dylan White,
Coolum Beach.
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CASH  
Dear editor,

Community observations reflect a widely held concern about the broader implications of the ALP Albanese/Chalmers cash acceptance legislation. The current legislation proposed does appear as a two-handed gesture: on one hand, it assures cash users that they can continue to use cash at major retailers like Coles, Woolworths, and service stations, thereby providing an appearance of protection for cash payments. On the other hand, the limited scope and future review clause suggest the possibility of tighter restrictions or even a full phase-out of cash acceptance in three years.

In practice, the legislation mainly shields government institutions from the obligation to accept cash for registration, fines and water bills while many seniors—who often rely on debit cards due to an inability to obtain a credit card once they turn 65. Seniors face ongoing fees and no interest on their debit card accounts as they use these for daily needs. This creates financial disadvantages for vulnerable populations and pushes them further into reliance on digital payment systems.

Overall, this framework seems aligned with a strategic transition toward a digital currency future, effectively setting the stage for society’s gradual exit from cash in three years’ time.  While framed as consumer protection, the law facilitates reduced cash use in the economy and consolidates monetary control through digital payments, with implications for privacy, inclusion, and financial autonomy.

Colin Caudell,
Coolum Beach.
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ADVERTISER PRAISE
Dear editor,

It is heartening to see local newspapers like the Advertiser taking an ethical stance in promoting good news to the community, even on bad news days. Large city newspapers often succumb to the temptation to see a bad day as a good story and promote it with sensationalist gotcha headlines and clickbait social media.

On October 9, in a private audience with members of the media, Pope Leo XIV condemned the widespread use of clickbait, emphasising the importance of transparency, objectivity, and the high quality of reporting.

Known to be an avid supporter of ethical journalism, the pontiff urged media organisations to take greater accountability and ownership of their work. Some media moguls produce publications that thrive on depressing tales of corruption and incompetence, exploiting readers’ vulnerability to heightened threats exaggerated by politicians appealing to the lowest common denominator.

On the other hand, local papers offer local politicians the opportunity to report back to their electors on what they are doing in an authentic, transparent way to maintain accountability to their community.

Papers like the Advertiser are an avenue for local councillors and parliamentary members to provide a detailed, nuanced explanation of what they are thinking about.

It is an opportunity frequently ignored by the large papers chasing circulation, circulation, circulation, with broad-brush sensationalism and cynicism.

Local newspapers feature articles are the first rough draft of local history, preserving the stories of the struggles and triumphs of the current generation in passing the baton to succeeding ones.

Invariably, editors write opinion pieces that reinforce community values and highlight the vibrancy of the local people. They encourage readers to submit their own good news, whether it’s through letters to the editor, photographs, or tip-offs about achievements and upcoming events. This participatory approach ensures coverage reflects the community’s grassroots spirit and priorities.

With supportive community readership and contributions, the Advertiser’s coverage of good news informs and uplifts, helping to create a more optimistic and engaged local community now and for the future.

Garry Reynolds,
Peregian Springs.
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