The drive along the ‘wonderful’ Oxford Street is good for shopkeepers
Paddington Society President Will Mrongovius and corporations are squarely opposed to a proposed cycle path because it “will create a cycle freeway along Oxford Street” (Sydney’s Cycling Wars Head to Oxford St, April 9). As everyone knows, we don’t need bike highways, but more highways for cars and their “obvious” benefits.
Having grown up in Paddington I would like to see a return to the days of 60mph dual carriageways so that, unlike a cyclist, I am not distracted by one of those wonderful Oxford Street shops, let alone thinking about it, shopping there On the way home I whiz past. Paul Fraser, Coogee
Female leaders are in demand
Jacqueline Maley rightly points to the global shortage of female leaders (“Strong, Successful Female Leaders: Just Look at Them Go,” April 9). This injustice is deeply concerning to our collective ability to tackle big issues, especially the climate crisis. Women are severely underrepresented in environmental decisions at all levels. For example, only 27 percent of national delegates to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are women. Ambitious, equitable, practical and creative solutions to the most pressing environmental problems are arguably stifled by this lack of inclusion. That has to change globally. The leadership of pro-climate, blue-green Independents and Australia’s Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek give Australia an opportunity to lead the way. Amy Hiller, Kew (VIC)
Maley asks why there are so few female leaders to serve as role models for your daughter. Who, man or woman, wants to be a politician, especially the federal politician? You are constantly ridiculed by the press and cartoonists, you have to spend a lot of time away from your home and family, and at the end of the day, the salary is nothing special. On top of that you have as much job security as a candle in the wind. I think a lot of women look at this and rightly think – no thanks. Ross MacPherson, Seaforth
No cellphone? Simple life
I congratulate the members of the Heads up Alliance on their efforts to keep children off social media until they are 14 (“Phone-Free Families: The Parents Who Keep Their Children Off Social Media,” April 9). My kids didn’t have cell phones until they could pay for the phone and the running costs. In a time of mortgage stress, rent stress, soaring groceries and fuel prices, the phones must be putting an even greater strain on the family budget. Life was so much easier and cheaper without the screen addiction.Robyn Lewis, Raglan
Cash is for savers
Michael Ruffles has found what might be the best way to control and minimize his discretionary spending (“Cash is King for Spend Consciousness,” April 9). There is no better way to be aware of expenses than to deposit hard-earned coins or bills. I highly recommend it. Suddenly your wallet is lighter and thinner and you are obviously poorer. The waiver of the not uncommon two or even three percent surcharge for using the card saves significantly over the course of the year. For those desperate to control their betting habits, the best solution is to quit the apps and go to a pub or tavern and watch a machine greedily consume your banknotes without any thanks whatsoever. After a debit card has been scammed by the thousands abroad, it’s evident that minimal use of the card anywhere in the world reduces the likelihood of the incredible stress that accompanies this eventuality. No argument, cash is good. One should never be without. Geoff Harding, Chatswood
