Leave legal electric bike riders alone
I happened to be chatting with my mother and my daughter when the story about the UK lowering the voting age to 16 came up. I pointed out that my mother left school at 14 and started working full time (although she was unable to convince my 19-year-old daughter that 'typist' was a genuine job). My mother was married at 19, and had her first baby with her at her 21st birthday. Yes, she was 'worldly' and mature and experienced at a young age.
My daughter still lives at home with her mum and dad at 19 years of age, which is in no way uncommon. She won't finish her schooling (at university) before she turns 21, and probably won't be in full-time work until a few years after that. Again, that's not uncommon.
Clearly, kids 'grow up' much later in life now than they did two generations ago. This should be a factor in rejecting the move to allowing 16 year olds to vote.
Geoffrey McNaughton, Glen Huntly
Proceed with caution
The Greens who are wanting the vote for 16-year-old Australians, believing, perhaps mistakenly, that these young people would be more likely to support their cause, should remember that, unlike the UK, we have compulsory voting. Certainly, many 16 year olds can articulate their socio-political opinions and would be worthy contributors to national debates. But many would no doubt rely on the example of parental voting patterns and information (false or true) from social media for their views. Indeed, many less mature children may indeed simply add to the informal vote.
Kay Moulton, Surrey Hills
Educate, then vote
Following the UK example, considering if 16 year olds should have the vote in Australia is worthy of discussion. However, there needs to be some thought as to how young voters can be enabled to make informed choices.
Most of the students I taught over a 40-year span in the secondary setting were very vague about Australian politics and the mechanics of the parliamentary system. This year, volunteering for an MP during the election campaign, I was surprised at the number of voters who also had a limited understanding of the workings of the electoral system.
Although the secondary curriculum is very overcrowded, perhaps there is merit in introducing a short and tightly structured unit on Australian politics for senior students. The more voters know about how government functions in Australia will make our democracy even more robust.
Louise Edwards, Sorrento
Reading choice
Interesting to reflect on the 'expert views' of your contributors to the 'debate' about the value of reading to children. One certainly must acknowledge the pressures on parents, be that financial or competing choices, and peer pressure amongst many such considerations.
However, ultimately we all make choices and perhaps these are not always well considered. Do I go and watch the latest episode of a favourite series or talk to my kids or read them a story? Not always an easy choice, but it is a choice with consequences?
Charles Griss, Balwyn
Call this democratic?
What other democracy gives one category of people two votes each while another category of people, get one vote as is the case in City of Melbourne council elections? Another Jess Kennett legacy apparently. This needs to be urgently addressed (″ Reece moots electoral reform for Melbourne ″, 19/7).
Jenny Macmillan, Clifton Hill
Infants at risk
The guilt, grief and anger described by Wendy Syfret (Opinion, 19/7) as she was forced to leave her crying baby in childcare due to the financial necessity to work, is echoed daily in childcare centres across this land. The choices of parents are now greatly diminished, narrowed by the cost of housing and justified in the name of productivity.
Babies need secure and consistent care by people they know and trust. Being exposed to multiple staff in a childcare system driven by profit and riddled with staff recruitment and retention problems, puts infants at serious risk of emotional abuse, with potentially long-term harm. We have known this for a long time – it was why we closed babies' homes in the 1970s.
In addition to all the measures needed to make childcare safe for very young children, let us think broadly about the solutions. Housing affordability, extending paid parental leave, increasing work flexibility for fathers as well as mothers, means-tested family benefits in lieu of childcare subsidies for parents who prefer to be at home with their infants – all these should be high on the government's agenda.
Emeritus Professor Dorothy Scott, Australian Centre for Child Protection, Adelaide, SA
Plastics in the stream
I thought I had a fair grasp of plastic recycling in Australia and was fairly confident that I was doing the right thing, but the article ″ The plastic that contaminates our recycling stream ″ July 19, was a depressing eye-opener. What will it take to achieve nationwide, clear and consistent labelling that is both legible and specific to local recycling capabilities, along with mandatory extended producer responsibility? The onus is on government, manufacturers and consumers alike to effect the positive change so desperately needed.
Vikki O'Neill, Ashburton
ICYDK about RPET
I am curious if any other conscientious, well-intentioned, would-be recyclers who read the article 'The plastic that contaminates our recycling stream″ now feel even more confused than they were before.
Opaque PET? Is that a plastic milk carton? RPET? Does that mean any recycled plastic is a pointless nuisance if included in your recycling bin? We try our best, and yet again I feel we are Sisyphus dwarfed by the growing mountain of rubbish and plastic we generate. If the governments and councils cannot get their act together to help us understand how to do things better, perhaps The Age could enlighten us all by running a short series investigating all the common things Victorian households recycle (or mistakenly try to recycle).
Sam Bouchier, Kyneton
Solar panel regret
I have just received notice of upcoming increases in my electricity rates. All have gone up except the solar feed-in tariff which has gone from 4.5 cents (a pittance) to 1.5 cents (an insult).
If I bypass the meter I would be charged with theft, if they bypass reasonable compensation it is called 'business'. I regret ever having installed solar panels. My $8000 plus investment will never pay for itself and only serves to subsidise the electricity company. There is even a suggestion to pay us nothing or charge for feeding in solar. I consider that amounts to theft, taking something and selling (fencing) it to someone else.
Floris Eringa, Hinnomunjie
Lawless actions
The renaissance of consciousness of MAGA members about the Epstein 'cover-up' by the Trump government should prompt cautionary introspection. The impunity enjoyed by those who partook of Epstein's paedophiliac activities is probably trivial in comparison to the risk posed by the lawless actions of ICE towards minors.
The taking of children by ICE, combined with the staggering absence of accountability, must be enormously attractive to paedophiles, eyeing the opportunity to abuse infants without the intervention of the rule of law.
It would be a blessing to humanity if the rise in consciousness currently being exhibited by MAGA members extended to the protection of children today.
Martin Bell, Balgowlah, NSW
AFL sell-out
I paid to attend a socially relaxing night of AFL football, only to find that the main event was advertising. Even during the game, we were continually assaulted by flashing, running billboard lights so distracting that you could hardly watch the game. I had to retire to the bar and watch it on TV. Is it time government banned excess advertising at public events? We have always had limits on public TV. Greed is destroying our environment, our national sport and our social relaxation. They are selling its soul.
Michael Yencken, Armadale
AND ANOTHER THING
Diplomacy
Peter Hartcher's article ‴ Adolescent' nation coming of age ″ (19/7), reflects Australia's movement away from the time-honoured ″all the way with L.B.J.″ to a more practical policy, ″on our way the Albo way″.
Jim McLeod, Sale
One has to hope and pray that Albanese's bromance with Xi isn't a modern version of Pig Iron Bob.
Tom Stafford, Wheelers Hill
Trump
The political tyrant Trump suing the media tyrant Murdoch will be an interesting spectator sport.
George Djoneff, Mitcham
Donald Trump is to sue Rupert Murdoch for $15 billion. Rupert, 'Reap what you sow'. Enjoy.
Rod Eldridge, Derrinallum
Trump in one word:'Tariffiying'.
Barry Greer, Balnarring
Furthermore
Re ' Think you're getting old?' (20/7). I must be getting old. It reports 'don't say the word ridiculous in front of your adult children'. That sounds ridiculous to me.
Robin Jensen, Castlemaine
As a teacher of more than 35 years, I have no more concern about lowering the voting age for students as I do in allowing some of the parents to continue to vote.
Craig Jory, Albury, NSW
Seriously, is anyone surprised about anything to do with Mark Latham? And to think he was once an option for prime minister. Lol.
Michael Carver, Hawthorn East

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9 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
UN urges Australia to lead global renewable energy race
The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. Falling short of expectations would come at a significant cost, the organisation warns, as natural disasters caused by climate change could "cripple" local food production and undermine Australians' living standards. United Nations climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell issued the warnings at an event in Sydney on Monday before he is due to meet with Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen. The call comes two months before the federal government is due to release 2035 climate goals, but also as former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce introduced a private member's bill to parliament to repeal Australia's 2050 net-zero target. 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The Climate Change Authority, which will advise the government, is considering an emissions-reduction target between 65 and 75 per cent by 2035. Current Australian climate targets include a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases and 82 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The federal opposition is yet to release a climate policy. The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. Falling short of expectations would come at a significant cost, the organisation warns, as natural disasters caused by climate change could "cripple" local food production and undermine Australians' living standards. United Nations climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell issued the warnings at an event in Sydney on Monday before he is due to meet with Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen. The call comes two months before the federal government is due to release 2035 climate goals, but also as former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce introduced a private member's bill to parliament to repeal Australia's 2050 net-zero target. The race to develop, sell and use clean energy products had already begun across the world, Mr Stiell told the Smart Energy Council event, with major renewable investments in countries including China and India. Australia's "defining moment" for the market could arrive in September with its 2035 climate plan, he said, which, could lay the foundation for future jobs and businesses, and send a clear message to investors worldwide. "(It's one shot) to strengthen Australia's economic security and regional influence, building an on-ramp to the Asian clean-tech boom," he said. "(It's one shot) to anchor future industries - green hydrogen, clean metals, critical minerals - in policies that give investors confidence, give communities certainty, create good jobs paying good wages, and a rising national tide that lifts living standards for all." His call comes less than a week after an International Renewable Energy Agency study found 91 per cent of renewable energy projects were more cost-effective than those using fossil fuel. Solar projects saved 41 per cent on average, while onshore wind projects cut costs by 53 per cent, the research found. Australia's existing renewable energy targets were effective, Mr Stiell said, but more ambitious goals could further reduce the costs of energy production and help Australians avoid costly climate risks. "Climate disasters are already costing Australian home-owners $4 billion a year and that figure is only going one way," Mr Stiell said. "Australia has a strong economy and among the highest living standards in the world – if you want to keep them, doubling down on clean energy is an economic no-brainer." Under the Paris climate agreement, the Australian government must submit its 2035 climate targets by September this year. The Climate Change Authority, which will advise the government, is considering an emissions-reduction target between 65 and 75 per cent by 2035. Current Australian climate targets include a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases and 82 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The federal opposition is yet to release a climate policy. The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. Falling short of expectations would come at a significant cost, the organisation warns, as natural disasters caused by climate change could "cripple" local food production and undermine Australians' living standards. United Nations climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell issued the warnings at an event in Sydney on Monday before he is due to meet with Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen. The call comes two months before the federal government is due to release 2035 climate goals, but also as former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce introduced a private member's bill to parliament to repeal Australia's 2050 net-zero target. The race to develop, sell and use clean energy products had already begun across the world, Mr Stiell told the Smart Energy Council event, with major renewable investments in countries including China and India. Australia's "defining moment" for the market could arrive in September with its 2035 climate plan, he said, which, could lay the foundation for future jobs and businesses, and send a clear message to investors worldwide. "(It's one shot) to strengthen Australia's economic security and regional influence, building an on-ramp to the Asian clean-tech boom," he said. "(It's one shot) to anchor future industries - green hydrogen, clean metals, critical minerals - in policies that give investors confidence, give communities certainty, create good jobs paying good wages, and a rising national tide that lifts living standards for all." His call comes less than a week after an International Renewable Energy Agency study found 91 per cent of renewable energy projects were more cost-effective than those using fossil fuel. Solar projects saved 41 per cent on average, while onshore wind projects cut costs by 53 per cent, the research found. Australia's existing renewable energy targets were effective, Mr Stiell said, but more ambitious goals could further reduce the costs of energy production and help Australians avoid costly climate risks. "Climate disasters are already costing Australian home-owners $4 billion a year and that figure is only going one way," Mr Stiell said. "Australia has a strong economy and among the highest living standards in the world – if you want to keep them, doubling down on clean energy is an economic no-brainer." Under the Paris climate agreement, the Australian government must submit its 2035 climate targets by September this year. The Climate Change Authority, which will advise the government, is considering an emissions-reduction target between 65 and 75 per cent by 2035. Current Australian climate targets include a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases and 82 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The federal opposition is yet to release a climate policy. The United Nations is urging Australia to set ambitious climate and renewable energy targets in its next net-zero update to secure future jobs and a rich vein of clean exports for the country. Falling short of expectations would come at a significant cost, the organisation warns, as natural disasters caused by climate change could "cripple" local food production and undermine Australians' living standards. United Nations climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell issued the warnings at an event in Sydney on Monday before he is due to meet with Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen. The call comes two months before the federal government is due to release 2035 climate goals, but also as former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce introduced a private member's bill to parliament to repeal Australia's 2050 net-zero target. The race to develop, sell and use clean energy products had already begun across the world, Mr Stiell told the Smart Energy Council event, with major renewable investments in countries including China and India. Australia's "defining moment" for the market could arrive in September with its 2035 climate plan, he said, which, could lay the foundation for future jobs and businesses, and send a clear message to investors worldwide. "(It's one shot) to strengthen Australia's economic security and regional influence, building an on-ramp to the Asian clean-tech boom," he said. "(It's one shot) to anchor future industries - green hydrogen, clean metals, critical minerals - in policies that give investors confidence, give communities certainty, create good jobs paying good wages, and a rising national tide that lifts living standards for all." 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The Climate Change Authority, which will advise the government, is considering an emissions-reduction target between 65 and 75 per cent by 2035. Current Australian climate targets include a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases and 82 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The federal opposition is yet to release a climate policy.


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24 minutes ago
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'Why do we need that?': Push to ban AI nudity apps
Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. Possessing nudify apps, digital platforms that allow users to insert a person's photos and use generative artificial intelligence to sexualise them, would become a criminal offence and carry up to 15 years in jail under proposed laws. "Why do we need that in an Australian community?" International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children's Dannielle Kelly told reporters in Canberra on Monday. One in four children has experienced sexual abuse, according to the Australian Child Maltreatment Study. Independent MP Kate Chaney, who introduced the proposed laws, said the federal government needed to respond more nimbly to ensure it wasn't outpaced by technological developments, such as AI being used to exploit children with little consequence. The proposed laws contain small carve-outs for law enforcement and researchers. "This is just the start, but it's something that the government could do right now," Ms Chaney said after introducing her private member's bill on Monday. The legislation follows a roundtable on AI-facilitated child exploitation, which called for urgent action. Child safety advocates and law enforcement representatives at the roundtable called for AI literacy for young people, the use of new technology to detect child exploitation material, legal restrictions on downloading such apps and better resourcing for police to tackle the issue. There was a consensus that AI was being weaponised to harm children, from creating deepfakes - which digitally manipulate images and video to superimpose someone's face or voice - to generating child abuse material, creating the potential for exploitation, blackmail and bullying. MP Zali Steggall, who seconded Ms Chaney's bill, branded it every parent's worst nightmare. "When a criminal is downloading this technology to then create this material, that's going to have a lifelong impact on children and is really damaging," the independent MP said. "We need these guardrails with urgency, we need the government to show it can act quickly. "My concern is, amidst the paralysis of a broad review of AI, we have these very clear areas of harm that go unaddressed for months at a time ... this is a very clear area of harm identified that can be dealt with very quickly." International Justice Mission Australia chief executive David Braga called for the government to legislate a digital duty of care, requiring platforms to actively take steps to prevent harm. "Now is the time for the Australian government to strengthen the Online Safety Act to require companies ... to detect and disrupt child sexual abuse material in all its forms on their platforms," he said. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said keeping vulnerable Australians safe was the government's priority, and it would consider the legislation. "Keeping young people safe from emerging harms is above politics and the government will give appropriate consideration to the private member's bill," she said in a statement to AAP. Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. Possessing nudify apps, digital platforms that allow users to insert a person's photos and use generative artificial intelligence to sexualise them, would become a criminal offence and carry up to 15 years in jail under proposed laws. "Why do we need that in an Australian community?" International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children's Dannielle Kelly told reporters in Canberra on Monday. One in four children has experienced sexual abuse, according to the Australian Child Maltreatment Study. Independent MP Kate Chaney, who introduced the proposed laws, said the federal government needed to respond more nimbly to ensure it wasn't outpaced by technological developments, such as AI being used to exploit children with little consequence. The proposed laws contain small carve-outs for law enforcement and researchers. "This is just the start, but it's something that the government could do right now," Ms Chaney said after introducing her private member's bill on Monday. The legislation follows a roundtable on AI-facilitated child exploitation, which called for urgent action. Child safety advocates and law enforcement representatives at the roundtable called for AI literacy for young people, the use of new technology to detect child exploitation material, legal restrictions on downloading such apps and better resourcing for police to tackle the issue. There was a consensus that AI was being weaponised to harm children, from creating deepfakes - which digitally manipulate images and video to superimpose someone's face or voice - to generating child abuse material, creating the potential for exploitation, blackmail and bullying. MP Zali Steggall, who seconded Ms Chaney's bill, branded it every parent's worst nightmare. "When a criminal is downloading this technology to then create this material, that's going to have a lifelong impact on children and is really damaging," the independent MP said. "We need these guardrails with urgency, we need the government to show it can act quickly. "My concern is, amidst the paralysis of a broad review of AI, we have these very clear areas of harm that go unaddressed for months at a time ... this is a very clear area of harm identified that can be dealt with very quickly." International Justice Mission Australia chief executive David Braga called for the government to legislate a digital duty of care, requiring platforms to actively take steps to prevent harm. "Now is the time for the Australian government to strengthen the Online Safety Act to require companies ... to detect and disrupt child sexual abuse material in all its forms on their platforms," he said. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said keeping vulnerable Australians safe was the government's priority, and it would consider the legislation. "Keeping young people safe from emerging harms is above politics and the government will give appropriate consideration to the private member's bill," she said in a statement to AAP. Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. Possessing nudify apps, digital platforms that allow users to insert a person's photos and use generative artificial intelligence to sexualise them, would become a criminal offence and carry up to 15 years in jail under proposed laws. "Why do we need that in an Australian community?" International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children's Dannielle Kelly told reporters in Canberra on Monday. One in four children has experienced sexual abuse, according to the Australian Child Maltreatment Study. Independent MP Kate Chaney, who introduced the proposed laws, said the federal government needed to respond more nimbly to ensure it wasn't outpaced by technological developments, such as AI being used to exploit children with little consequence. The proposed laws contain small carve-outs for law enforcement and researchers. "This is just the start, but it's something that the government could do right now," Ms Chaney said after introducing her private member's bill on Monday. The legislation follows a roundtable on AI-facilitated child exploitation, which called for urgent action. Child safety advocates and law enforcement representatives at the roundtable called for AI literacy for young people, the use of new technology to detect child exploitation material, legal restrictions on downloading such apps and better resourcing for police to tackle the issue. There was a consensus that AI was being weaponised to harm children, from creating deepfakes - which digitally manipulate images and video to superimpose someone's face or voice - to generating child abuse material, creating the potential for exploitation, blackmail and bullying. MP Zali Steggall, who seconded Ms Chaney's bill, branded it every parent's worst nightmare. "When a criminal is downloading this technology to then create this material, that's going to have a lifelong impact on children and is really damaging," the independent MP said. "We need these guardrails with urgency, we need the government to show it can act quickly. "My concern is, amidst the paralysis of a broad review of AI, we have these very clear areas of harm that go unaddressed for months at a time ... this is a very clear area of harm identified that can be dealt with very quickly." International Justice Mission Australia chief executive David Braga called for the government to legislate a digital duty of care, requiring platforms to actively take steps to prevent harm. "Now is the time for the Australian government to strengthen the Online Safety Act to require companies ... to detect and disrupt child sexual abuse material in all its forms on their platforms," he said. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said keeping vulnerable Australians safe was the government's priority, and it would consider the legislation. "Keeping young people safe from emerging harms is above politics and the government will give appropriate consideration to the private member's bill," she said in a statement to AAP. Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Parents are being warned their kids may be exploited online for child abuse material, amid a push to criminalise the use of apps that "nudify" pictures. Possessing nudify apps, digital platforms that allow users to insert a person's photos and use generative artificial intelligence to sexualise them, would become a criminal offence and carry up to 15 years in jail under proposed laws. "Why do we need that in an Australian community?" International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children's Dannielle Kelly told reporters in Canberra on Monday. One in four children has experienced sexual abuse, according to the Australian Child Maltreatment Study. Independent MP Kate Chaney, who introduced the proposed laws, said the federal government needed to respond more nimbly to ensure it wasn't outpaced by technological developments, such as AI being used to exploit children with little consequence. The proposed laws contain small carve-outs for law enforcement and researchers. "This is just the start, but it's something that the government could do right now," Ms Chaney said after introducing her private member's bill on Monday. The legislation follows a roundtable on AI-facilitated child exploitation, which called for urgent action. Child safety advocates and law enforcement representatives at the roundtable called for AI literacy for young people, the use of new technology to detect child exploitation material, legal restrictions on downloading such apps and better resourcing for police to tackle the issue. There was a consensus that AI was being weaponised to harm children, from creating deepfakes - which digitally manipulate images and video to superimpose someone's face or voice - to generating child abuse material, creating the potential for exploitation, blackmail and bullying. MP Zali Steggall, who seconded Ms Chaney's bill, branded it every parent's worst nightmare. "When a criminal is downloading this technology to then create this material, that's going to have a lifelong impact on children and is really damaging," the independent MP said. "We need these guardrails with urgency, we need the government to show it can act quickly. "My concern is, amidst the paralysis of a broad review of AI, we have these very clear areas of harm that go unaddressed for months at a time ... this is a very clear area of harm identified that can be dealt with very quickly." International Justice Mission Australia chief executive David Braga called for the government to legislate a digital duty of care, requiring platforms to actively take steps to prevent harm. "Now is the time for the Australian government to strengthen the Online Safety Act to require companies ... to detect and disrupt child sexual abuse material in all its forms on their platforms," he said. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said keeping vulnerable Australians safe was the government's priority, and it would consider the legislation. "Keeping young people safe from emerging harms is above politics and the government will give appropriate consideration to the private member's bill," she said in a statement to AAP. Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028