JOHN Arnold's praise for Labor's excellent track record due to the vision of Anthony Albanese must be scrutinised ("History on Labor's side", Letters, 15/1). The world has changed since the Labor government was in office. I expect the success of projects at that time were determined first of all by need.
No data has been made public regarding statistics to warrant a very fast train (VFT) from Newcastle to Sydney. What is the criterion for the viability and need for this diagnosis? Stakeholders must be informed of the pros and cons of this undertaking. Conditions throughout the world have been transformed from secure employment, considered decision making and worldwide travel, to a heartbreaking, unknown effect of a pandemic. Priorities have become the most logical issues to address.
Agreed, the present government has exercised an "I believe in miracles" approach to governing during their time in office and more recently spouted that "people must take personal responsibility" to deal with present challenges. What may have been an election promise, pipe dream, or a look-at-me moment, the fact is a VFT from Newcastle to Sydney is not going to alleviate the pain, confusion and uncertainty.
