...AND ANOTHER THING

HOW about "State of Stagnation" for number plates, given Ted's inactivity and backflipping on such things as the World Parks Congress? Wayne Smith, Kew

By InvestSMART · 19 Oct 2011

By InvestSMART ·
19 Oct 2011

Comments

HOW about "State of Stagnation" for number plates, given Ted's inactivity and backflipping on such things as the World Parks Congress? Wayne Smith, Kew

The state

GRAND prix minister Louise Asher abandons the opportunity for Victoria to host the international parks congress because "of the nature of the event . . . and the cost to taxpayers". What concern. No funding worries, however, for the very low-priority New Street rail works.

Peter McNamara, Canterbury

THE government cancels a conservation conference that could have brought in $30 million, but persists with an annual Grand Prix that loses us at least that much every year.

Tony Andrews, Cowes

TED can't go back to Jeff's "Victoria on the move" slogan, Henry Herzog (18/11), because under his stewardship the state seems to have come to a complete standstill.

Walter Valles, Clayton South

HERE'S a safety slogan for number plates: "Back off, you're too #%@$ close."

Kevin Luxford, Mount Waverley

YOU know you're reading The Age when it publishes letters criticising the paper and its readers (18/10), unlike the Herald Sun, which runs editorial rants on the front page when it's caught out.

Andrew McFarland, Doncaster East

Politics

WHAT a sight Tony Abbott using a hammer to build something rather than destroy it.

Peter Rutherford, Barwon Heads

MEN and women turn against Gillard. Is it because she doesn't fit their stereotype "married with children"? But nor was Joan of Arc. She was burnt at the stake, too.

Myra Fisher, Brighton East

Other matters

LIVE to 150? That means the retirement age will need to go up to 130.

Anthony Yapanis, Kew

HOPE our superannuation lasts long enough to buy presents for the great-great-great-grandchildren.

Alison Barr, Rowville

WHAT a shame our vernacular is being superseded by the US's. In The Age (18/10) we find our sheep have been rustled. Once they would have been duffed.

Frank Alizzi, Queenscliff

AN EXECUTIVE on $5 million earns in one year what would take the average wage-earner 100 years. Food for thought.

Joan Peverell, Malvern

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

What did the article say about Victoria cancelling the World Parks (conservation) conference and its financial impact?

According to the article, the Victorian government cancelled a conservation conference that letters said 'could have brought in $30 million.' The cancellation was criticised because the government cited taxpayer cost while continuing other costly events.

How does the article describe the financial effect of the annual Grand Prix on Victoria’s budget?

The article highlights letters pointing out that the annual Grand Prix continues despite costing the state heavily — with readers saying it 'loses us at least that much every year,' a direct contrast to the cancelled $30 million conference.

Does the article suggest Victoria’s government is showing inconsistent spending priorities?

Yes. Letter writers in the article criticise the government for cancelling a conference that could have generated $30 million while persisting with the Grand Prix and funding low-priority works such as the New Street rail project, suggesting inconsistent priorities.

Why do readers call Victoria a 'State of Stagnation' and what could that mean for everyday investors?

The article quotes readers saying the state 'seems to have come to a complete standstill' under current leadership because of policy flip-flops and inactivity. For everyday investors, such political uncertainty or perceived paralysis can influence confidence in local projects, infrastructure spending and the broader investment climate.

How might cancelling a major conference affect local tourism and business revenue, based on the article?

The piece reports that the cancelled conservation conference might have injected about $30 million into the local economy. That suggests such cancellations can reduce tourism, hospitality and event-related revenues that benefit local businesses and associated investments.

What did the article say about longevity and retirement, and why should investors pay attention?

Letters in the article joked about living to 150 and pushed the retirement age to 130, and worried whether superannuation would last for many generations. The commentary flags longevity risk and the importance of considering how longer lifespans could affect retirement planning and super balances.

What point did the article make about executive pay, and what relevance does that have for investors?

One letter noted an executive on $5 million earns in one year what would take the average worker 100 years. The article raises concerns about pay disparity — a factor some everyday investors watch when assessing corporate governance, social licence and reputational risk.

What practical takeaway for everyday investors does the article offer about following state government decisions?

The article’s letters illustrate that event cancellations, big-ticket public spending (like the Grand Prix) and infrastructure choices can have real economic and fiscal effects. Everyday investors may find it useful to monitor such government decisions because they can affect local economies, budgets and investment opportunities.