No check will ever be foolproofThe allegations of child sexual abuse by a childcare worker are truly horrific, and my heart goes out to those parents and children affected. It has led to calls for stricter or changed Working with Children checks, and while the checks would be improved by cross border co-operation, no check will ever catch all future alleged abusers. Whether it is comprehensive checks for working with children, police checks for directors, checks for gun licences, or any other, all a clear comprehensive check really tells us is that the person hasn鈥檛 offended yet, or hasn鈥檛 been caught yet. There is no check which can ensure a person will not offend in the future in whatever field the check covers. We cannot make childcare risk free; we can only mitigate the risk. It will also be very unfortunate if this case results in fewer men in childcare. There have been cases of female child sexual abusers, and we must take the risk that women will offend or be without childcare entirely. Children need both female and male role models in their lives, as safe as we can make them, but unfortunately life cannot be entirely risk free.Louise Kloot, Doncaster
Call out racismIn the land that proudly calls itself multicultural, the ugly shadow of racism still lingers. From casual slurs whispered in workplaces, to systemic inequalities affecting First Nations peoples, migrants, and refugees, it is time we acknowledged racism is not a relic of the past 鈥 it is still very much alive in Australia.Many of us grew up hearing that Australia was the “鈦air go”鈦 country 鈥 a place where everyone had a chance to succeed. And yet, there is discrimination because of skin colour, religion, name, accent or cultural background. I have endured most of this in my almost 70 years here.Media must do far more to amplify diverse voices and challenge stereotypes, and criticise those politicians who promote racism. To remain silent is to be complicit. As citizens, we have a moral responsibility to confront racism 鈥 in our institutions, in our communities, and within ourselves.Australia must do better. Not just for those who suffer the sting of racism every day, but for the country we aspire to be.Ange Kenos, Niddrie
Women, rise upIf you look at the countries at the forefront of all the major conflicts in the world all are led by men. This despite the fact that women make up roughly half the population on the planet. The only way this can ever change is if women rise up and challenge this imbalance and take their rightful equal place in the leadership of countries. Providing quotas in a democratic country is just one small step towards achieving this.David Parker, Geelong West
Wrong prioritiesDevelopment Victoria has announced the construction of a $350 million three-storey building in the Albert Park reserve. The proposed development is presented as a community/sports centre rather than a pit building and entertainment space for the annual four-day F1 car racing. Victoria has far more urgent needs.Geoff Gowers, Merricks North