More of the same

THE article about Hills families facing food insecurity (The Courier, June 22), demonstrates the sad but common state of affairs in first world countries.

Our new Government was elected on the promise they would fix things, but, as I predicted, they just blame the previous one and say things will only get worse.

Alarmingly they also believe that the only way out is to do more of the same.

So how did we get into a situation where a taxpayer-funded politician on a six-figure salary refuses to stand next to the Australian flag, while some people go hungry or can’t afford to heat their homes (ones lucky enough to have one)?

The answer is simple: for far too long we’ve let the Brian Measdays of this world drown out the voice of reason.

Cheap reliable energy lifted millions out of poverty by providing employment, affordable goods, and comfortable homes.

It is still doing so in other parts of the world where coal and gas aren’t demonised. Our obsession with renewables over the last few decades put an abrupt end to that.

At the risk of sounding like a worn-out record, wind, solar and batteries can’t deliver base load energy. According to Alan Finkel (our chief scientist), we need a decade to develop a commercial hydrogen industry.

Assuming this venture is successful, what are we going to plug the 10-year gap with?

Australia has more than 100 years of gas reserves under our feet. It makes economic and environmental sense to use it for the bulk of our energy needs until the new hydrogen or nuclear technology has proven itself and is able to transition into commercial reality.

One final thing. If prioritising common sense over political brownie points makes one a “dreaded conservative” than I will wear that badge with pride.

Kon Stachovic, Meadows