Yes Sean Kelly, this is good as it gets (“As the fog of inflation lifts, Dutton is cast in a harsher light”, February 3). The best the Coalition can come up with is free lunches for businesses and a department for cutting government costs. Namely, 36,000 public service jobs will go, as will the services they provide and our veterans and welfare recipients will suffer. This will restore the status quo of the Morrison era, a deeply unsatisfactory outcome. We have heard that equity and diversity will be under threat, a very Trumpian move. Stand by for the whole gamut of Trump’s MAGA suite of anti-government moves, which would make our lives more difficult. Still we hear from Dutton that nuclear power is the answer to all our problems, with nothing on its cost, all to be borne by the taxpayers. The Labor government has done a good job dealing with inflation. While leadership and vision need to improve, it is not threatening to take us back a century like Dutton is. Geoff Nilon, Mascot
The fog of inflation is lifting.Credit: Joe Benke
I agree wholeheartedly with correspondent Catherine Rossiter (Letters, January 3). Bold policies that tackle wealth polarisation, the housing crisis and climate change are needed. However, don’t expect any of these areas to improve under Dutton. The Coalition supports business, small government and trickle-down economics.
Labor’s resolve for tax reform was weakened by the surprise 2019 federal election loss to Scott Morrison. To facilitate good policy, we need to evict 300 professional lobbyists from Parliament House, ban large political donations and introduce truth in political advertising. This would prevent a repeat of Clive Palmer’s $50 million disinformation scare campaign in Queensland in 2019. Only then will good politicians enact strong policy without fear of a powerful business lobby backlash. Anne Matheson, Gordon
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dutton announced, as part of his bold plan to make Australia great again, that he will impose tariffs on imports from Canada, China and Mexico. Dave Watts, Avalon
With the federal Coalition’s apparent policy alignment with that of Donald Trump, you have to wonder, if it were elected, how long it would be before Peter Dutton announced the appointment of Gina Rinehart as secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the allocation of a grant to CSIRO to develop disinfectant-based vaccines? Paul Clynick, Moffat Beach
Seriously Peter Dutton? You’re questioning the lack of transparency over the “caravan explosives” saga and the prime minister’s knowledge and response. This from the man who oversaw the disgraceful denial of human rights in Operation Sovereign Borders and who regularly parroted, “We don’t discuss operational and on water matters”.
For once, could Dutton show leadership and maybe get in the same lane as the government for the safety and betterment of our community? Peter Snowden, Orange
Chris Minns’ handling of the antisemitic violence is lauded, yet a similar response by Anthony Albanese is under constant attack by a carping opposition. How fortunate is Minns that the NSW Coalition opposition isn’t obsessed with the same political point-scoring attitude and that on certain issues it works toward solutions with his government. It would be reassuring if the same co-operation could be shown from Peter Dutton’s party on this vital issue, which would benefit with a bipartisan and co-operative response. Carey Buls, Saratoga
It is time to look at the Albanese government’s scorecard. The up-front promises to lower electricity bills by $275, improve productivity, give meaningful wage rises, build 1.2 million homes, reduce our gross debt, prevent domestic violence and restore honesty and civility into parliament all lie in ruins. Then there are subsequent failures, such as the Voice, dealing with antisemitism, the growing reach of China into our region, the parlous state of our defence preparedness, massive energy price increases, looming electricity shortages, industries closing down and lawlessness in some cities and towns. It would take a very forgiving person to give Labor a tick rather than the flick. Ian Morison, Forrest (ACT)
Why is it that we say a federal election is “looming” as though its approach is something ominous or threatening? A federal election in a democratic country, held under the auspices of a reputable electoral commission, is a gift and an opportunity. Rather than projecting a mood of doom and gloom, we should welcome it, engage fully with the process and contribute our best. Meredith Williams, Baulkham Hills
Cut PM perks
If Dutton and Albanese are looking to cut “wasteful spending”, they could start by removing the extravagant perks for past prime ministers (CBD, February 3). The need to appear relevant by renting expensive inner-city office space with harbour views, (estimated by your columnists at $338,000 a year), which is then used for party political functions definitely fails to pass the pub test. Surely the very generous parliamentary superannuation and a gold Opal card should be more than sufficient reward for services rendered. Party get-togethers, fundraisers, private business expenses and free international flights to speak at right-wing gatherings should not be at taxpayers’ expense. Alan Marel, North Curl Curl
Is this painting hanging on Tony’s wall? Credit: Michael Leunig
While public service staff worry about job cuts proposed by a Coalition election win, Tony Abbott has a taxpayer-funded office in Martin Place estimated to cost $6500 per week. Why do ex-prime ministers need an office? With the current plethora of PMs the taxpayer must be forking out big bikkies to fund these privileges. Maybe it’s time to reassess them, although if the Liberals return to power, that is most unlikely. Judith Rostron, Killarney Heights
Coalition members are targeting Welcome to Country ceremonies which cost about $1260 per ceremony, at a total cost of around $450,000 over two years. The same figure as the ceremonies cost during the previous three years of a Coalition government. If they want to cut costs to the public purse, Coalition members might look closely at what ex-PMs charge us on the lifelong Gold Pass for travel, office expenses, chauffeur-driven cars et cetera, on top of their generous superannuation. Paul Parramore, Sawtell
Perhaps Peter Dutton and shadow minister of government efficiency Jacinta Nampijinpa Price should start their efficiency cuts with ex-PM Tony Abbott. Michael Cronk, Dubbo
Memo to shadow minister for government efficiency. Investigate “hot-desking” for former PMs. Potential significant savings on multiple office rentals with harbour views. Catherine Turner, Cremorne
Economics overhaul
A heavy emphasis on mathematical modelling is not new in the discipline of economics (“Want more economics students? Drop the obsession with maths”, February 3). I know my 1980s masters degree in economics left me skilled in such techniques as econometric modelling without a commensurate understanding of the real-world implications of how the economy works with society and with politics. That I had to glean elsewhere. Perhaps we need to return to where the modern discipline of economics began: political economy, a blend of economics and political science. Greg Baker, Fitzroy Falls
The number of students studying economics has been falling. Credit: Louise Kennerley
Ross Gittins makes some good points. The number of students completing HSC economics is now just over 5000 (from a total HSC cohort of about 70,000), down from more than 20,000 in the early 1980s. It is no coincidence that during this time, we have seen the quality of the economic debate decline markedly. This decline is very evident with the current falsehoods being pushed globally about tariffs and domestically about renewables, nuclear energy and climate change. A basic economics education is essential for voters to see through the lies and half-truths that politicians constantly peddle. Malcolm Freak, Armidale
Lessons learnt
It is good to see a crackdown on dodgy vocational training schools, many of which were set up when a previous Coalition government decried that private training centres were cheaper than the TAFE system which in the past had provided skilled workers with exceptional training (“‘Shocked’ college ordered to shut after students accused of cheating”, February 3). In many cases, they also led to the exploitation of the visa system for overseas students as well as some domestic students entering the workforce with inadequate skills. Josephine Piper, Miranda
Be Kind
People in our neighbourhood and surrounding suburbs have been shocked, saddened and genuinely frightened by the recent violence and hatred shown towards Jewish people. The Sydney Community Foundation exists to drive collective giving in our city and tackle local issues; it is one of the community foundations set up across the world to bring people together to foster inclusion and belonging – a measure of a vibrant and successful community.
Sydneysiders are proud of our multiculturalism and diversity. So how did we get here? To a place where Jewish school kids are scared of getting the school bus and ask their parents why people hate them; where I worry when I see men on the train wearing their kippah?
The violence and hatred has to stop. We need to call it out and champion kindness, understanding and tolerance. I call on Sydneysiders to get involved in their communities, look out for each other and be kind. Together, we can make 2025 a year where understanding triumphs over hatred, where our diversity makes us stronger and where every Sydney resident feels safe and welcome in the place they call home.
Sophie McCarthy, CEO Sydney Community Foundation
Wong a fine ambassador
I find it incredible that a letter writer is holding Penny Wong personally responsible for carrying out her duties as our government’s foreign minister (Letters, February 3). She is accused of being largely responsible for voting repeatedly against the interests of Israel at the UN. She has done no such thing. She, together with 154 other nations, has voted in favour of a two-state solution to a conflict that has festered for more than 76 years. However, in so doing, she was representing the wishes of the Australian government. The writer’s stance on Penny Wong’s attending Auschwitz is equally distasteful. She was attending in her capacity as foreign minister. Peter Dutton’s similar stance on this matter is no cause for his adulation. It is simply in keeping with his sustained negative approach to anything the current government does. Michael Bright, Moss Vale
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong places a candle at the Auschwitz-Birkenau former Nazi death camp. Credit: AP
Many would disagree with Monday’s letter regarding Penny Wong. The Australian foreign minister is widely respected for her nuanced and balanced comments on the tragic events in Gaza. And her positions at the United Nations have placed Australia firmly with the majority of Western nations. She is to be commended for her actions. Robert McKenna, Darlinghurst
The only people who thought Penny Wong was unsuitable to represent Australia in Auschwitz were those who confuse the interests of Israel with the interests of the Netanyahu government. Mark Porter, New Lambton
Tariffs not a quick fix
It would be helpful if Americans were the only ones to experience the pain inflicted by Trump’s tariffs (“‘We have to stand up to him’: Trump tariffs could hit Australia”, smh.com.au, February 3). Unfortunately, undoing globalisation and relocating jobs to the US mainland will take time, as will curbing the immigration and illegal drug trade that Trump says are part of the reason for inflicting these tariffs. Whether or not Australia is included in the tariff regime, we will be caught up in the flow-on effects. Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls
For a New York real estate tycoon devoid of any ideology or moral principles other than self-interest, Trump seems to regard tariffs as one of his core beliefs (the other being anti-immigration). His obsession with tariffs as a coercive diplomatic weapon is either spectacularly economically illiterate or dishonest – maybe both. Trump has deluded just enough gullible voters into thinking foreign countries bear the brunt of tariffs (the importers do) and American consumers won’t be hurt with rising costs as a result (they will). Since the election was largely decided by electoral concerns over grocery prices, this is a very courageous decision, as Sir Humphrey Appleby would say. Han Yang, North Turramurra
Trump’s simplistic “trade wars are good and easy to win” is typical of his many superficial MAGA claims. Rather than safeguarding US jobs, many economists made the sound argument that the impact of price increases for users of steel and aluminum, such as the auto and oil industries, will destroy more jobs than the tariff curbs on imports create. His “yes-men” cabinet, chosen on loyalty rather than expertise, does not provide a necessary strong sounding board. Steve Ngeow, Chatswood
President Trump loves the idea of tariffs, despite the almost unanimous ridicule of any economists worth their salt. Australia used to have a tariff wall, but the Hawke government dismantled the wall for a good reason. In every customs house in Australia there was a tariff section driving an army of clerks collecting the tariffs on all goods imported goods into Australia, making them a lot more expensive. Imported cars were only for the seriously well-heeled. Locally made cars were a long way behind the imports in introducing power steering, power windows, air-conditioning, etc. Why? They did not need to keep pace with the outside world because they were protected from the reality of competition. Tariffs had created a fantasy world where the basic rules of commerce did not apply.
For a current leader like Trump to willingly go back in time to create tariff walls says a lot about his knowledge and that of his advisers. That is a problem for the Americans, but Australians should look carefully at any of our political parties which want to use parts of the Trump playbook; there is a good argument that he is clueless. Joe Weller, Mittagong
Trump using the excuse of fentanyl from Mexico to raise tariffs beggars belief when it’s the citizens of the US who supply the demand. As long as there’s money to be made, drug cartels will always find a way to maintain supply. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is correct when she asserts the US should do more to combat the sale and consumption of drugs on the streets of its cities. Larry Woldenberg, Forest Lodge
Work perks
The armchair critics and anonymous keyboard warriors probably have little understanding about the daily lives of senior politicians. It is full-on and non-stop. Jo Haylen has had a rough time since she was appointed transport minister, some of it, admittedly, of her own doing. I dare say she was still taking calls while on her way to have lunch with a colleague in the Hunter Valley in the incident in question. I don’t begrudge her operating within the rules and using her driver for the trip. Dale Bailey, St Leonards
Jo Haylen’s fast-tracked appointment of a former Labor staffer in 2023 is still fresh in our minds, and here she goes again using official transport on a 13-hour personal trip. She will be lying low in the next few weeks for sure, as all these erring politicians are wont to do. How many more errors of judgement must we be asked to overlook? Cristina Corleto, Stanmore
Silly woman. Should have used the chopper. Peter Bourke, Rockdale
I always thought minister Jo Haylen was more interested in her fringe rather than fringe benefits. Vicki Zvargulis, Corrimal
Trump 2.0
Michaelia Cash says Dutton will be like Trump (“Dutton would deliver the ‘exact same’ attitude as Trump”, smh.com.au, February 3). Tell us something that’s new, Michaelia. Dutton has already targeted diversity in the public sector, fuelled divisive cultural wars, promised magical nuclear solutions without any details, and seemingly received instructions from our home-grown, unsurprisingly uranium-exploring oligarch Gina. Are you saying Dutton is going place tariffs on New Zealand and demand Indonesia sell Bali? Derek Elmes, Faulconbridge
Michaelia CashCredit: Alex Ellinghausen
All the hate and aggression that we are seeing in this country had its foundations when John Howard (ahead of his time, I guess) decided to lie about refugees throwing children overboard to win an election. And there are a lot of us out here that never forget it – and will never forget him for changing the culture of this once fair-minded country.
Wendy Atkins, Cooks Hill
Dunny dispute
It was upsetting to see your article about a toilet in Paddington which had a misleading headline of “Put it in Blacktown” (‘Put it in Blacktown’: Paddington residents upset new public toilet doesn’t respect heritage”, February 3). The actual quote from Mary Langley was “You can put it in Blacktown or something, but not in Paddington”, which isn’t the same as the headline implies. And they certainly can do that, because there used to be one outside Blacktown station.
Oliver Townshend, Birchgrove
Some good folk of Paddington are concerned that the city council’s new toilet installation in Oxford Street is not fitting within the design guidelines of this heritage area. Maybe they may be happy with an old corrugated iron shed, complete with a dunny can, a swinging door and even an old telephone book, for those who may need it. What I do know is that in my moment of need, I will happily use this facility and quietly thank Clover Moore and team. Dennis Halloran Paddington
Something fishy
There is a lovely story told of former England cricketer Derek Randall that on the ’76-’77 tour to India, tasting caviar for the first time, he advised Tony Greig to avoid the blackcurrant jam because it tasted of fish. Nick Walker, Springwood
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