In spite of the gaps, Job Keeper and the increased payments of Job Seeker have saved the day for an enormous number of people facing devastating loss. We have been impressed and delighted by the actions of the Treasurer and PM.

So what a shock and deep disappointment to hear the petulant outburst of the Treasurer blaming Victoria and its Premier for the economic chaos facing the nation. What has happened to cooperation and mutuality of "being in this together"?

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Without failing to recognize the seriousness of the enormous deficit in the national accounts and the consequent intensity of the Treasurer's anxiety, I am saddened by the degrading political blame-game.

But why? Surely the harassed Treasurer, preparing an announcement of the first recession in our history for a very long time, faces the fact that it has happened on his watch. To take the pressure off him, he has placed the blame clearly on Victoria and Dan Andrews.

Mistakes have been made. But the criticisms imply that Andrews has sabotaged the national economy! The fact is that a unique crisis has gripped the globe calling for cooperation and mutual respect.

My hope for a new day of political maturity and wisdom has been dashed!

Whilst we are lying low during this period of lockdown, I would like to let readers know of something that has not been widely reported at this time- the link between infectious diseases and climate change.

From the "Black Death" in 1350 to HIV/Aids in 1981 and, more recently Ebola in 2014, to Covid 19 in 2020, there is a long history of pandemics stretching from the beginnings of civilization to present day.

In many of these plagues and pandemics, millions of lives were lost. Throughout the 20th century and continuing on into this one, much research is being done on this subject, and the search for an anti-viral vaccine to stop the spread, is nothing new.

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Although it has been reported that this (Covid 19) virus apparently started in winter, in a cooler climate, overall global temperature rise is an important factor in the incubation and spread of the disease.

With the gradual warming of the oceans and the atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect, we have created the ideal conditions for this to occur. Isn't that the scariest thing?

Our tinkering with the climate by overloading the atmosphere with pollution, has led to the threats that we are now facing: drought, unstoppable bushfires, extreme weather events and now - a deadly infectious disease.

Please take a moment to write a letter to your local MP and tell them that, in accordance with the science, the burning of fossil fuels must cease and be replaced by an immediate transition to renewables.

Each week one submission will win its author a $30 Coles voucher.

Please send letters to addynews@austcommunitymedia.com.au or complete the digital form