Tracing app take-up thwarted by tech, trust issues

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Tracing app take-up thwarted by tech, trust issues

Illustration: Cathy Wilcox

Illustration: Cathy WilcoxCredit:

The Herald has published views on the COVIDSafe app from two experts from different fields – an academic epidemiologist and an independent privacy adviser. It is to be hoped those with privacy concerns are convinced by Stephen Wilson's article ("Why this privacy expert has the COVIDSafe app", May 4) to install the app rather than deterred by Professor Mary-Louise McLaws' ("Most support app but only 16 per cent installed it", May 3) somewhat baffling decision not to install the app while at the same time recommending it for others. - Louise Dolan, Birchgrove

No, Amanda Vanstone, I am not a "selfish idiot" for not downloading the COVIDSafe app ("China should play ball on inquiry", May 5). I am the owner of a six-year-old mobile phone that cannot download it, although I really want to. The idiots are those responsible for not realising how many of us would be unable to do our bit to get back to our precious "normal" life. - Ann Babington, Lambton

I’m aware that for COVIDSafe to operate effectively, it needs to run in the foreground of the phone — i.e. be the focus on the screen. It is known there are some issues with the app’s data exchange while running in the background and thus reducing the effectiveness of data exchange. Most people are unaware that answering their phone or sending a text or using other apps sends COVIDSafe to the background and it then needs to be reactivated again. Why then are users not made aware of this to ensure maximum efficiency of data collection? - Elizabeth Maher, Bangor

The COVIDSafe app always had little chance of success; if they didn’t know that, they should have. iPhones, which make up about half the smartphones in Australia, are virtually useless as far as the app is concerned. Similarly, other phones only work with the app under very precise (and often unlikely) circumstances. - Bruce Hulbert, Lilyfield

We have all needed to adapt and become used to many changes in our lives during these unusual times. However, agreeing with Amanda Vanstone is a step too far. My world has turned completely upside down. Help. - Shona Kirchen, Kiama

Illustration: John Shakespeare

Illustration: John ShakespeareCredit:

Given that it is the best way yet found to save lives, control infection and safeguard the economy, I would argue that the decision to download it is either an IQ test, a test of sanity or one of common decency. - Jennifer Briggs, Kilaben Bay

In a moment of amazing lucidity, I realised that neither the American, Russian, Chinese or even the North Korean governments are in the slightest bit interested in anything I do, so I signed up. - Winston Etingoff-Lourie, Murwillumbah

We are so often misled by governments that we're still distrusting when, on the odd occasion, they're straight with us. That's their problem, that they should understand and address. Not ours. - Will Hagon, Bellbird

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Perhaps we might trust the app more if the government stopped trying to prosecute journalists who embarrass them and started proceedings against corrupt politicians. - Greg Thompson, Bega

It would be interesting to know what percentage of the New England electorate installed the app given our local member's opposition. Good teamwork, Barnaby. - Neil Reckord, Armidale

Ask not what app can I download for my smartphone? Ask what app can I download for my country?- Tim Walmsley, Mosman

Keneally devaluing migrant contribution

Kristina Keneally is not the first politician to use a crisis to argue for a cut in immigration ("Keneally's call for cut in immigration splits MPs", May 4). The 1990s recession was the platform on which Pauline Hanson and her followers emerged and it is worth pondering what might have been if we’d ended Asian immigration at that time. If you happen to fall sick in coming months, it is very likely that the doctors, nurses, porters, cleaners and other staff working to keep you alive will be immigrants, or the sons or daughters of immigrants. So it is particularly disappointing that Senator Keneally would choose this time, in a pandemic, to question the contribution that immigrants make to Australian society. - Stephen Jan, Annandale

Many of the migrants who come to Australia do jobs that Australians won't do or don't want to do. - Vincent Matthews, Warriewood

Keneally’s deft analysis of the immigration questions confronting our nation puts the wage stagnation in the past decade into perspective. Businesses big and small, rural and urban are flocking to temporary work visas as a way of cutting labour costs and extracting greater share of profit. Consumers, encouraged by large corporate retailers, turn a blind eye to this by failing to pay reasonable prices for everything from a punnet of blueberries to a good restaurant meal to looking after grandma. - Peter Hull, Hat Head

I came to Australia from Croatia and always understood that this country is a land of many opportunities. I am waiting for my partner visa outcome and am considered a temporary migrant. Processing times can take up to 29 months. During the waiting time, I am supposed to be able to support myself. Currently, with no source of income, how am I supposed to do that if the government does not want to help me when there is a global pandemic? I have paid $7715 for my visa application with no guarantee of success. Many Australians are immigrants or the children of immigrants. We often do the jobs no one else wants to do. The only advice we got was ‘go home’. Where is the justice in this? - Edita Ivancevic, East Ryde

The decision by the government not to extend assistance to international students and temporary visa holders is deeply disappointing and reflects a total lack of compassion for their situation (“Migrant workers deserve state support”, May 4). For those who have lost their jobs and are not able to return to their home countries, the financial, housing and mental health implications are clearly catastrophic. It’s time for the government to reconsider and step up. - Alan Morris, Eastlakes

Every nation has a responsibility to educate, train and provide jobs for its own people. Successive Australian governments have abrogated this responsibility by allowing too many cheap overseas workers to be imported and too many jobs to be exported. It is a stupid system where taxpayers pay more to keep Australians on the dole so businesses can hire cheap labour from exploited workers. - Eve Moyse, Dora Creek

Immigration is not a standalone issue. As governments dole out funding to keep the economy alive, giving it a real boost would be to tie it to economic growth in the areas of great need: TAFE funding, apprentice training, housing, rail and road building. This would help us know how much migration we need and where. - Glenda Gartrell, Artarmon

Newmarch House should be closed

The statistics from Newmarch House are an appalling indictment on the way we are treating the elderly ("Another death at western Sydney nursing home", smh.com.au, May 4). I can only imagine how distraught the residents and their families must be. Close the facility down now and prioritise the sick, elderly residents for hospital beds with more doctors and nursing staff to care for them. The residents and their families deserve better. - Chris Sinclair, West Pennant Hills

I am a retired registered nurse with experience in acute, community and aged care over my 45 years of nursing. Staff in aged care facilities are being asked to provide to these seriously ill residents a level of care that goes far beyond their normal duties. This would be incredibly stressful for them. I believe a doctor experienced in intensive care should be provided to examine and assess their condition so relatives can make an informed decision as to whether to allow their loved ones to remain at the facility or to be transferred to a hospital for their care. - Patricia Bartley, Charlestown

Subject to family approval, of course, I wish the reports of deaths at Newmarch House included the name of the deceased person. They are much more than just the latest death at the facility. A person with a name who lived a life taken by this terrible virus. They are a loss to all of us. - Deb Cansdell, Bonnet Bay

Remember WMD?

I am sure that when COVID-19 first broke out in China serious mistakes were made and there were attempts to suppress information, but would China allow an “independent” inquiry? Not a chance (Letters, May 4).

As Mike Pompeo continues to rant about a Wuhan lab, one may remember the call for independent investigations into weapons of mass destruction in Iraq by Western nations in the not so distant past. Despite UN inspectors finding no such evidence in Iraq, the US insisted they had, and the rest is history. - Vincent Wong, Killara

China’s role in discovering the source of the virus will show the world whether it wishes to be a global citizen or a pariah state. Co-operation is what we are looking for. Though if the source is found to be the capture/sale of wild animals, or wet markets, the world would be entitled to insist that such be closed down.

With China’s economic progress and its apparent step-up in standard of living, one could conclude they should have been eradicated years ago. Let’s hope a majority of countries join forces and strongly push for an investigation. - Stewart Copper, Maroubra

One rule for some

Last week the PM said the NRL would not receive any special treatment. The next morning the Warriors were given "special permission" to enter the country. Even a marketing guru like Scott Morrison would be hard-pressed to explain the distinction. It's obvious why the NRL wants to jump the queue: it needs the money. So do any number of businesses large and small, but they are prepared to obey the rules. - Brian Harris, Tamworth

The Member for NRL

Deputy Premier John Barilaro now won't run in Eden-Monaro after an initial loud song and dance about it ("Barilaro won't run for Eden-Monaro", May 4). He can concentrate on his other loud song and dance campaign – the importance of the NRL getting started. - Bernie Carberry, Connell's Point

How long before the good people of Eden-Monaro see industrial-scale pork barrelling? Maybe even some grants to sporting clubs whether they applied for them or not? - Evan Bailey, Glebe

The system you have ...

Illustration: Matt Golding

Illustration: Matt GoldingCredit:

One point demerit for selling alcohol to intoxicated customers ("Demerit plan for pubs, clubs", May 4)? Sounds like a Claytons system. - Ted Bush, Ermington

Before re-opening pubs and clubs, Health Minister Brad Hazzard must ban smoking at those workplaces all over NSW.

He must protect workers who cop potentially deadly tobacco smoke toxins into their lungs in smoking-allowed “back” gaming rooms in nearly every pub and club in NSW. - Margaret Hogge, North Curl Curl

The school of life

Parents seem so intent on passing their educational anxieties on to their children ("'It feels magical, we're all buzzing': Pupils pumped for class action", May 4). Missing formal schooling for a short period of time rarely renders a child irreparably behind. I have friends who quit before the HSC, travelled with their parents for a year or two, skived off surfing or just didn't want to pick up a book who have all excelled and made remarkable achievements. Distance learning students would also be having a bit of a giggle about parents who feel their kids can learn only in a classroom. - Michele Thomas, Mollymook Beach

As a teacher and principal, I was always interested and involved in the teaching of writing. Reading the letters full of humour, warmth, quirkinesses, appreciation and unbridled determination to succeed, I can only applaud the teachers who have developed in these kids the ability to take a blank sheet and convert it into something that evokes tears and laughter in equal proportions. - Trevor Somerville, Illawong

GDP in lockdown

Now that we are beginning to open up after the COVID-19 lockdown, Australia faces a stark reality: the road to economic normality goes beyond our borders.

Three major components of our GDP – education, tourism and immigration – cannot return to their former levels until our borders are open and international travel is again freely possible. That cannot happen until the pandemic is over elsewhere, indeed almost everywhere. The world’s considerable scientific, medical and economic resources must be harnessed in the most efficient way in the interests of everyone on the planet. - Robert Eales, Mosman

Surely by now ("Nation's spending sinks to new low", May 4) it's time to forget about the shape of an approaching economic bounce and to start discussing how to deal with the post-coronavirus recession. - Norm Neill, Darlinghurst

The “recession the medicos said we had to have”? (“After the anti-social lockdown comes the anti-jobs recession”, May 2-3). How witty: blame the medicos, not the virus. - Alan Garrity, North Narrabeen

Too many Cooks

George Megalogenis writes, correctly, that Scott Morrison's electorate of Cook is named after Captain James Cook ("Fruitless endeavour is pressure cooked", May 2-3). This is interesting because it means that, apart from Bob Hawke, Sir Joseph Cook is the only deceased prime minister not to have a federal electorate named in his honour. Can the electorate of Hawke be far away? - Kerry Bush, Abbotsford

Piano by numbers

A lot of people are taking up old activities whilst being stuck at home. I heard that ex-American vice-president Al Gore has tried playing the piano again but he finds it a bit frustrating. Apparently, he has forgotten his algorithm. - Rod Austin, Avalon Beach

Strongly rooted

Twiggy ("Can he fix it, he thinks he can", May 2-3)? Surely with all his green stuff, he should be called Leafy Forrest. - Geoffrey Taylor, Wollstonecraft

Fits the Bill

What were Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds thinking when they named their baby Wilfred? The little bloke is already being called Willy Johnson in London (Letters, May 4). - Robyn Lewis, Raglan

Chart for art's sake

Leunig's graph-ic response to coronavirus management (May 4). What a beautiful mind. - Pam Connor, Mollymook Beach

  • To submit a letter to The Sydney Morning Herald, email letters@smh.com.au. Click here for tips on how to submit letters.

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