One more example of Australia's empty society popped up this morning: the Hotels Association has called for a cut in draft beer excise because of their loss of business during Covid lockdowns and restrictions.

Alcohol is a dangerous drug: more so than illicit drugs because it is socially acceptable; non-users are often regarded as freaks.

During lockdowns, alcohol use increased, as did domestic violence.

Why can't it be just because it is the right thing to do full stop?

It is interesting to do some sums. 5,000 Tongans coming out as seasonal pickers to assist in our agricultural industry, presumably because they are more productive than locals. The government gives $35 million in aid each year.

Each of those workers needs to add just $7,000 in productivity toward our GDP in order to cover it. I guarantee it would be a hell of a lot more than that. This in my view only adds to our moral obligation.

People need to quit whinging about it and support deserved assistance going to Tonga in their time of need

Wow for once I agree with Steele !
We should help Tonga first because we are neighbours and anyway in the
present strategic sense it is a good defense move and a cheap one at that.

Australia wasn't even there 10 mins before they infected the place with Covid.

Which peoples interests do you care about exactly?
Theirs or ours?