Commenting on the story: Mining lobby digs in over ‘roadblock’ minister

Well done, Mr Koutsantonis. A sensible decision based on the big picture. – Ivan Loyd

Goodness me, a government Minister not automatically granting a mining company permission to open a new mine. Whatever next? Thinking for more than five milliseconds about sustainability? – Peter Martin

I was thrilled to learn that the mine project has been turned down by the government. It was only commonsense to to turn down such a short-term mining project in such a spectacularly stunning agriculture area that ordinary people can enjoy.

One cannot put a price on this wonderful luxury of beauty and clean air so close to our city of Adelaide. – Kathy Booth

Commenting on the opinion piece: Why politicians should always ask: ‘What if I’m wrong?

Great piece, Matthew. If only more politicians did ask that question.

My practice in politics was always to try to identify the unintended consequences of all “great ideas” – and there almost always are unintended consequences! – Nick Minchin

Commenting on the opinion piece: Adelaide Uni merger plan a study in wishful thinking

Professor Hanmer has laid out many of the reasons that a merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia is a terrible idea. I agree with the points raised.

An objective assessment of the merits of a merger should see this proposal scrapped. Sadly, as government seems to be the main driver of this initiative, it may get up.

I note there is no groundswell of support, or desire for a merger, from university staff or students. No convincing case for a benefit of the merger for teaching and research has been made by the government.

The international Uni rankings (a dodgy process that is gamed by all participants) is not a valid driver of university policies. In any event it is difficult to see how the Uni rankings methodology would result in a higher ranking for the merged university than the current ranking of the University of Adelaide.

As a former academic staff member of the University of Adelaide who has been through many departmental, School and Faculty reorganisations, I can predict that a merger and reorganisation of this size and complexity would occupy millions of hours of staff time, that could be spent much more productively on the core business of the universities. – Michael A. Nordstrom

I lament the lack of public critique and “pub test” analysis around the merger idea.

Who are we in South Australia now? Do we stand on the footpaths of King William St and applaud an emperor striding down the main drag naked? Let’s have a Conversation Month. Bring the voice of the people in. Abandon the self-interest of the elites trying to manoeuvre this for their own advantage.

Serious community analysis is an essential precursor, as the universities belong to all of us. – Tim Ryan