Compare their response to scientists warning of the devastating bushfires, weather events and damage to the health of the planet caused by climate change. In that case it's 'oh no, we can't take action because it would cause job losses and damage the economy'. It all makes no sense to the rational ones among us and I believe we can only conclude that the country is being run by people who don't really have the intelligence to understand the complexities of science.

Of course, inaction to either of these threats will cost far more and I have no faith in their ability to handle the big issues facing us. We have a minister for the energy sector, Angus Taylor, who uses untrue information to attack Sydney's lord mayor. He then keeps his job and now tries to convince us that he is up to the challenge. Can someone tell me, is he using fake or real scientific facts? I no longer trust them.

THE possible, or even likely, coronavirus pandemic could cause panic if people have no plan in place ('Risk of virus pandemic upon us: PM', Herald 28/2). The emergency rooms crowded by folk unable to afford local doctor fees can create the very panic we wish to avoid.

As someone who looks at other ways to achieve a desired outcome, is there another cost-effective way to avoid the crowded rooms and still have those in need tested?

Bowel testing kits are routinely sent out to reduce risks of this cancer. The collection of the sample is more complicated than a sputum sample, if this is what is needed. It is definitely a way that the public could be provided with sampling kits, plus questionnaire and a local drop off point, where early symptoms creating fear can either be confirmed or cleared.

Perhaps even psychosomatic seasonal hay fever or sinus usually ignored will send patients rushing to medicos unless they have alternatives.

Can we learn from the news out of other countries' hospitals, where overloaded staff are already dealing with unbearable pressure? Let us hope we all find strength to maintain some civility and support for those who will care for us if/when needed.

THANK you to the medical profession, paramedics and nursing staff.

Recently I had the misfortune to have had to be admitted to John Hunter Hospital. The paramedics arrived post haste. My sincere thanks to Jessica and Paul for their assistance during the middle of the night. On arrival at the hospital I was taken aback by the quick, efficient treatment I was given. These nursing people do not get enough praise.

These are nurses trying hard to keep some sort of semblance to keep going for the benefit of the general public, I say to those concerned thank you. Transferring to Ward G2 with my problems, once more tender loving care was provided. What great people who work beyond the contract. My many thanks.

ALL of us rejoiced when we heard that the government had made an agreement to settle the horrors for the people affected by the poisoning by the Defence Department ('We won', Herald 28/2).

However, by virtually settling on the court steps I think the indication is clear that the government were fully aware they were responsible for the compensation from day one but chose to let the residents in these suburbs go through five years of worry and, in some cases, physical and mental health dramas. Can we hope that the government will not use the negotiations to drag out the settlements and subject the residents to further worry and stress before they can start to rebuild their lives?

We can only hope.

THE lead economists from the Hunter Valley Research Foundation Centre expressed the idea that people cutting discriminatory spending was having significant adverse ramifications on our economy ('Region only safe as houses', Herald 28/2).

As far as the retail sector goes, this is obviously correct, but it is also true that our private debt, now $2.4 trillion and mainly from mortgages, has reached disturbing levels that pose a far greater threat. Dr Bill went on to add that recovery of the housing market - meaning rising prices - may boost spending household spending which can only drive us deeper into debt.

I believe it is an absurd situation only made possible by terrible economic theories that are dependent on unsustainable growth yet are worshipped by most economists. What is fascinating however is that people like Greta Thunberg, who has Aspergers, have a unique perspective that makes them think differently and see through the absurdities that blind many of us.

It was Greta who first so publicly linked economic growth with greenhouse emissions and earned her the eternal hatred of so many deniers. I believe her message is greater than any economic waffle: "We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money, and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you" (''You are failing us': Thunberg to UN', Herald 25/9).

POOR New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. She simply doesn't get what it takes to be Australian in the 21st century ('Ardern adds to push over deportations', Herald 29/2).

Our current government (and the two or three that preceded it) build upon their elder statesman John Howard's famed pronouncement that "we will decide who comes into this country and the means by which they get here".

All this current government is doing is expanding upon this popular edict by now saying who can go and the reasons for why they are going. Forget about any fanciful notion of empathy and forgiveness having done the time for committing the crime. No, we are superior and we will deport you as well. Our Prime Minister is a great believer in his subjects being quiet. I would think, Ms Ardern, that he feels similarly to our guests. You had better watch your step, or else you might find yourself on the next Air New Zealand flight back home too.

I HAVE written to you many times being critical of the City of Newcastle's lack of regard for many aspects of citizenship engagement. On Sunday, I had the pleasure of visiting both areas engaged in celebrating 90 years of the Civic precinct ('Carnival atmosphere for Civic Theatre and City Hall's birthday', Newcastle Herald 2/3). It was a revelation; the buildings, the organisation, the information supplied in booklets and the absolutely professional but engaging efforts of the guides. All in all a great day out, with apparently more to follow. Thanks to the City of Newcastle council.

SCOTT Hillard (Letters, 2/3) seems to think that pursuing an onshore electric vehicle manufacturing industry would be a waste of money as electric car sales are currently low. The present Australian government has forecast that half the new cars sold in 2035 will be electric. The Brits have put a ban on selling cars that are not fully electric by 2035. Unlike Mr Hillard, I believe the majority of the world are progressive thinkers. Thanks for your advice but you will surely understand that, as an optimist, I will not be taking it.

IF Scott Hillard (Letters, 2/3) places credence in the success or failure of a venture by the interest shown by investors, which is a good indication I would say, that leaves the coal-fired power station supporters up the creek, but then they have been told that over and over before ('AGL is committed to closing power plant in 2022', Herald 26/9/18).

AM I missing something? Greg Archbold (Short Takes, 26/2) quoting Peter Devey's sea level rises of two to three millimetres per year from 1920 to 2020 equates to two metres. Really?

PETER Ronne (Short Takes, 2/3), which religion interprets the entrails of their sacrificial animals at taxpayers' expense? While we're reviewing the tax status of religious groups, maybe also include other charities and not-for-profit entities such as GetUp, Greenpeace and trade unions.

WELL may we say we should be doing more for climate change, but nothing will stop the force of Mother Nature.

I BELIEVE 2040 will be an interesting year for cabinet records.

AN old cow cockie commented recently that between the Greens and the do-gooders it seems every plant and basically anything that moves in the bush is protected. He said about the only thing that wasn't was himself. I thought how ridiculously funny and true is that.

I WAS just watching the news. A government minister was advising against handshakes following the spread of Coronavirus. Jeff Corbett, you were always a big advocate for not shaking hands ('Shaking pudenda', Herald 14/4/08). How right you were.