The politicians’ urge to meddle

Claire Connelly’s piece (“Stealth attack on health”, April 30–May 6) highlights the perennial tendency of governments of both political colours to meddle with the governance and independence of statutory bodies. It’s interesting that elsewhere on the date of publication other media are reporting the incumbent government will slash the co-payment of medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme by $10 from July 1. Whether such will be achieved is in the hands of an electorate understandably confused and lacking confidence in the institutions created for the nation’s benefit.

– Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook, NSW