Commenting on various Your views letters about heritage versus hospital

As a former member of the State Heritage Authority, I have noticed that a number of published comments about the Police Barracks suggest that heritage value is almost exclusively based on ‘architectural merit.’

That is not the case. If it were so we would likely only have reminders of our past today that project wealth and power – an utterly inadequate representation of our people and our history.

State heritage listing relies on several criteria including historical significance of place. These criteria align with international best practice as stipulated by the national Burra Charter and the International Council on Monuments and Sites. They appear on the SA Heritage Register website for anyone interested. – Elizabeth Ho

Commenting on the story: Locals clash with mayor over Crows’ Thebarton Oval move

Déjà Vu. Dear Thebarton residents, the situation you are facing mirrors the trajectory of the recent proposal to update the Alberton Oval – deals done before community consultation, disregard for commitments regarding increased greening and open space, and the notion of community consultation misused by pitching the resident community against the AFL membership community and its Victorian-based army headquarters.

Seeking comment about solutions does not represent genuine consultation, which needs to start at the beginning of the process. If the Alberton Oval outcome is any example, this focus on a final design does not allow for respectful engagement with residents, compromise or even improved outcomes.

The Alberton community will inherit a black monstrosity of a building, lose open space and dozens of mature trees. Hopefully Thebarton residents will fare better. – Eva Les

Commenting on the story: Govt slams Optus ‘lawyering up’ after data hack 

What a ridiculous comment from Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones. Pure populist nonsense.

Of course a public company threatened with a class action is going to retain lawyers to defend itself. How would the directors justify any other position to its shareholders? – Stephen Trenowden