RECENTLY, I spent a day sitting in the public gallery at the ACT Legislative Assembly to observe proceedings. Apart from the usual formalised rhetoric one expects in this type of political arena, I was taken aback and, frankly, quite shocked at the amount of immature bickering, name-calling and general non-productive banter that occurred between members.

The Speaker had to correct and give warnings multiple times for behavioral infractions. At other times, the Assembly descended into something that resembled a shouting match, as some members strived to outdo one another.

When the Chief Minister, of all people, started to accuse the Leader of the Opposition of being an “immoral person”, quite irrelevant and off-topic, I was convinced that this highly paid group of officialdom was little better than a pack of bickering brats in the playground.

And they are the ones responsible for setting public policy and maintaining community standards. God help us all!

David Braybrooke, Point Piper, NSW

Shane’s each-way bet

I QUOTE from a press report of August 1: “Announcements were made at the Greens’ election campaign last Sunday when Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury confirmed the glaring conflicts in key policy areas, particularly light rail, meant that there was almost no chance the party would consider forming government with the Liberals”.

As also reported on the same day and quoting Mr. Rattenbury again:

“Changes to the freedom of information laws were one of the agreements in the power-sharing deal I signed with the then Chief Minister Katy Gallagher after the 2012 election and remains one of the few items still outstanding. I will now look for Liberal support, but the Liberals have not made up their minds yet…”

It appears Mr Rattenbury is willing to have a bet each way, but only to his advantage. I do hope that he makes his allegiances clear well before the forthcoming election.

Cedric Bryant, Watson

Back off, Mr Griffiths!

AS an elderly, frail lady, I am sure I speak for many in being infuriated by columnist John Griffiths’ rant (“Why are old people so damn rude?”, CN, August 4).

Nobody in my life aged under 65 behaves as he suggests. From my experience, people admire and treat me with respect. I appreciate the kind actions of so many people; enabling me to pursue an active and fulfilling life, and still try to make a contribution to the community. Back off, please, Mr Griffiths!

Wendy Huddleston (Mrs), Bruce