WHY did Julia Gillard agree to appear on the ABC's Four Corners program? What was she thinking? Now federal Labor has no chance of winning the next election. Steve Barrett, Glenbrook
Politics
I WONDER what the Syrian residents of Homs make of all the petty leadership squabbles plaguing the Labor Party.
Joel Feren, Elwood
I DIDN'T much like Vegemite in the first place. Now I detest it.
Myra Mortensen, Toorak
WHERE was media frenzy when "core and non-core promise" John Howard involved us in the bloodshed of Iraq, based on the lie of "weapons of mass destruction"?
Joan Boyd, St Kilda
JULIA Gillard is the Liberals' best asset. Don't go, Julia, we would miss you.
Geoff Seidner, East St Kilda
DID Julia Gillard pinch Michelle Grattan's cornflakes one morning?
Frankie Rowlands, Mount Dandenong
The economy
I ASSUME union secretary Leon Carter and his members drive only Australian-made cars and wear only Australian-made clothes or is it only bank workers' jobs that should not be exported (The Age, 15/2)?
Dave Torr, Hoppers Crossing
GERMANY'S success is attributed to its local manufacturing servicing niche areas. Victoria can make and use trains here but our government misses this great opportunity.
Beverley Broadbent, East Brighton
AS USUAL, Ross Gittins is right on the money (Comment, 15/2). With unemployment holding steady at 5.2 per cent, why the spin?
Andrew Remington, Travancore
Health system
WHY not means test patients using the public health system as well. Maybe that will stop the abuse of the public health system.
Merilyn Tabor, Point Lonsdale
THE health insurance rebate has not benefited members, rich or poor. All the rebate and more has been captured by health providers and insurers.
Forbes Sprawson, Hampton
Banks
IF YOU have superannuation, you are a shareholder in at least one bank.
Lee Matthews, St Kilda
THERE seems to be a lot of anguish about the big banks' profits. Imagine the anguish if they were losing money and failed. Remember the State Savings Bank of Victoria.
Alan Harrison, Mornington
Finally
GERMAN financial administration of Greece would be the surest way to save the Greek economy and protect European economies.
Russell Blyth, Berwick
THE Paris Metro I know, Lisa Dooley (14/2), isn't sparkling clean. It is rickety, grubby, filthy, dangerous, and stiflingly hot.
David Thomson, St Kilda
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
How could political leadership drama (like the Julia Gillard debate in the article) affect everyday investors and the stock market?
The article’s letters highlight readers’ views that political leadership issues can change election prospects and public confidence. For investors, that means political instability or high‑profile media events can create short‑term market volatility and longer‑term policy uncertainty that may affect sectors such as infrastructure, banking and health. It’s sensible to monitor political developments and consider their potential impact on your holdings and asset allocation.
The article mentions unemployment holding steady at 5.2%. What should investors take from that number?
A reader in the article points out unemployment at 5.2% and questions the spin around it. For investors, a steady unemployment rate can signal a stable labour market, which influences consumer spending, corporate earnings and central bank policy. Use such headline figures as one data point alongside other economic indicators when assessing market outlooks.
The piece says 'if you have superannuation, you are a shareholder in at least one bank.' What does that mean for my retirement savings?
That comment in the article underscores that many superannuation funds hold bank shares, so ordinary investors often have indirect exposure to big banks through their retirement accounts. Be aware of this exposure when reviewing your super allocation—diversification across sectors can help manage concentration risk tied to bank profitability or regulatory changes.
What do the letters in the article say about bank profits and why should investors care?
The article captures readers’ concern about big banks’ profits and a reminder that bank failures would be far worse for depositors and the economy. For investors, bank profitability affects dividends and share prices, while systemic risk concerns affect broader market confidence. Keeping an eye on bank earnings, capital ratios and regulatory developments can help manage risk in financial sector investments.
How might proposed health policy changes (means testing or the health insurance rebate) impact investors in health insurers or providers?
Readers in the article suggest means testing public health users and say the health insurance rebate has been largely captured by providers and insurers. Such policy debates can affect demand for private health insurance, insurer margins and provider pricing. Investors in health‑related stocks should watch government policy, rebate changes and public sentiment, as these can influence revenues and margins.
The article mentions Germany’s manufacturing success and a missed opportunity for Victoria to make trains. What does that imply for investors interested in local manufacturing?
Letters contrast Germany’s strong local manufacturing niche with missed opportunities in Victoria, such as train production. For investors, this highlights the potential for government procurement and local manufacturing policies to create investment opportunities in domestic suppliers and contractors. Track infrastructure plans and local manufacturing initiatives to identify potential beneficiaries.
There’s a comment about German financial administration of Greece. How should everyday investors think about sovereign risk and European policy actions?
A reader in the article argues German administration might help save Greece and protect European economies. That reflects investor concerns about sovereign risk and how international policy responses can shape regional stability. Everyday investors should monitor sovereign debt news, potential bailouts or administrative interventions, and consider geographic diversification to manage exposure to country‑specific risks.
The letters reference media commentary (for example, Ross Gittins). How much should media opinion influence my investment decisions?
The article shows readers reacting to media commentary and questioning the spin around economic data. Media and opinion pieces can shape sentiment and short‑term market moves, but investment decisions are best based on fundamentals, diversified strategy and verified data. Use media as a source of ideas and context, but verify facts and avoid making knee‑jerk moves based solely on headlines.