Peter Dutton says that one of the first things he will do if elected is to stop displaying the Indigenous flag at media conferences and other official functions (“The Indigenous flag is an easy target for Dutton when he’s kicking down”, smh.com.au, December 10). He says it divides the nation. Seriously? With all the problems the country is currently facing, is that something that demands his immediate attention? Recognising the country’s original owners brings us closer together; to remove the flag divides us. Dutton knows this and is taking a page out of Trump’s playbook. Matt Kaarma, North Nowra
Peter DuttonCredit: Cathy Wilcox
I thoroughly endorse Peter Dutton’s decision not to stand in front of Indigenous flags. But he doesn’t go far enough. For a starter, some of those uppity Indigenous people have started to speak their own traditional languages. This should be banned: English is the only language that should be permitted in our proud monocultural country. And Mr Dutton should direct the ABC to stop referring to Sydney as “Gadigal country”. That all ended in 1788 when the whitefellas brought civilisation, guns, grog, and syphilis to Terra Nullius. And don’t get me started on sport! The Welcome to Country before the AFL grand final has also got to go. And while you are at it, make sure to defund any athlete that drapes an Indigenous flag around their shoulders. (Cathy Freeman should have been ashamed of herself at the Sydney Olympics.) If all these actions were taken, Mr Dutton, we could safely return to the 1950s when Australia rode on the sheep’s back, we stood up to sing “God save the Queen” and Indigenous people knew their place – under the thumb of the white man. Mike Reddy, Vincentia
Peter Dutton will only stand before a flag, selected before Federation in 1901, which reflects the British colonial view of Australians of that era. That was an overwhelmingly white population with Anglo-Celtic heritage. Only Peter Dutton could fail to acknowledge that the Australian flag is not representative of the multicultural nature of modern Australia. Anything to resonate with his far-right base. Mark Berg, Caringbah South
Peter Dutton doesn’t get it. Displaying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at official functions shows respect for our Indigenous people and an acknowledgement of their importance in our shared history. Far from dividing us, displaying our official flags shows our cultural diversity and tolerance. Not everyone has British ancestry, which is represented by the Union Jack on our national flag. Most Australians will see this latest attempt to divide Australia for what it is: a blatant attempt to appeal to populist sentiments and grab some votes. Robert Hickey, Green Point
First Nations people will be celebrating Peter Dutton’s decision not to stand in front of the Indigenous flags. It would have been hypocritical of him to do so. He will be very comfortable standing in front of our current flag representing colonialism; the Union Jack imposing itself on the Southern Cross. Rick Johnston, Potts Point
Peter Dutton wants us to unite under one flag. Is it not time to exclude the Union Jack from our flag? Judy Wotton, The Hill
From migrants to refugees, Melbourne’s African gangs, Muslims, his 2022 call to “prepare for war against China” and now the Aboriginal flag, it’s always all about race for Dutton. Jack Amond, Cabarita
One has to laugh when Peter Dutton talks about unity. Apparently, even after being on the winning side in the Voice referendum, there is still room to put down Indigenous people. Geoff Teys, Chippendale
I’m confused about the country and cultures Dutton represents. On the one hand he loudly advocates for the defence of Israel, whilst denouncing the statehood rights of Palestinians and criticising the PM for calling an end to the Gaza occupation. On the other hand, he appears to dismiss the significance and importance of the world’s oldest culture in his own backyard – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Just who does Peter Dutton stand for and represent? Stephane Kerr, Rozelle
Negative development
For those challenging Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council’s plan to develop Lizard Rock in Belrose, it would appear acknowledging the truth and consequences of colonisation pose the greatest risk (“Plan to build 450 homes on bushland a firetrap, says locals”, December 10). For over 200 years, Aboriginal people have been excluded from Australia’s contemporary economy. The cost of this economic apartheid in terms of lost prosperity is immeasurable. Against this socioeconomic reality, the lopsided environmental position of those opposing the development fails to consider the overwhelmingly positive outcomes achieved from Aboriginal self-determination. For any sustainability argument to be posited, it must balance the environmental, economic and social impacts of the project. Attempts to use the consequences of non-Indigenous induced climate change to prevent Aboriginal Australians from fairly participating in the Australian economy is rank hypocrisy. The real risk in the proposed Lizard Rock development is to the institutionalised racism that pervades Australian society and privileges whiteness. Chris Andrew, Turramurra
Residents are continuing to oppose the development of bushland at Belrose.Credit: Wolter Peeters
It is disturbing that the greatest threat to remaining bushland on the northern beaches is now posed by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC). People who have devoted decades of voluntary time and effort to caring for the local environment lined up to speak to the planning panel. All brought impassioned pleas to save the Belrose bushland at the site known as Lizard Rock or Patyegarang. The proposed development would clear 50 hectares of intact bushland and severely compromise another 20 hectares to build 450 houses – despite its many native plants and animals and the site’s high to extreme bushfire risk. Despite the Rural Fire Service and Northern Beaches Council recommending rejection. Despite years of overwhelming, sustained community opposition.
This is the fourth sale of MLAC bushland on the northern beaches that I have opposed. The others have been sold, cleared, and developed.
Turning bushland into cash is no way to atone for the appalling abuse of Aboriginal people since 1788. We can find better ways to help Indigenous groups and truly care for country. Jenny Cullen, Scotland Island
Last supper
Every Tuesday, when I pick up my Herald, I go to Good Food and turn to Terry’s review (“Why I’m giving up the best job in Sydney”, December 10). I’ll miss it. His words not only capture the specialness of the food but the spirit and mood of the venue under review. His advice has encouraged me to visit a variety of restaurants that I would not have been aware of. He has been enthusiastic about developing young chefs as well as differing cuisines. Terry, all the best for your future. Thank you for helping to develop Sydney’s diverse dining culture. Philip Smith, Waterloo
I have just one question for the urbane and erudite Terry Durack, soon to leave these pages. How have you managed to keep your svelte figure after all those years of dining out? Ross MacPherson, Seaforth
Terry DurackCredit: Nikki To
I am sorry to read that Terry Durack is “giving up the best job in Sydney”. He was my first Tuesday read. I think that I only visited one of his selected restaurants, and it was great. Where will he eat now? Somewhere great, I presume. Graham Russell, Clovelly
Banking on change
It is nice to see that the ANZ is thinking out of the box by appointing Portugal-born Nuno Matos as the new CEO (“ANZ chief’s exit opens the door to ‘star player’”, December 10). It gives the bank a chance to see someone who has moved around the world and brings new strategies and ideas to develop overseas markets. All Australian major banks are so reliant on the domestic safe market for their growth that they don’t seem to have any future strategy to go outside of Australia and New Zealand. It is too risk-averse and it is time to develop, in particular, a huge Asian market. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill
Australia fare
We are told that eating invasive species may set up the economic incentive to spread these pests and so increase their numbers (“ABC show reckons we should eat invasive species. It’s a recipe for disaster”, December 10). Maybe encouraging people to eat endangered species will have the same effect. Koala stew anyone? Greg Baker, Fitzroy Falls
Crazy to attack PM over tennis
While struggling in the polls, the performance of the Labor government needs be put in perspective (“Voters back migration cuts as Dutton retreats on target”, December 10). They have not lied about cuts to the ABC, SBS, health, education and pensions (Abbott), considered invading Russia (Abbott), gone to Hawaii when the country was on fire (Morrison), done robo-debt (Turnbull) or had a list of secret ministries. In fact, there hasn’t even been any decent philandering scandals. Instead, we get a hit of tennis on the other side of the country. To me that sounds like game, set and match! Malcolm Freak, Armidale
Criticism of Anthony Albanese for playing tennis hours after the synagogue bombing is nothing short of ludicrous! Is the prime minister supposed to drop his schedule after every adverse event – to do what? Pursuit of the culprits is up to the police, who have responded appropriately by establishing a taskforce.
Stephanie Edwards, Leichhardt
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits the Adass Israel synagogue on Tuesday.Credit: Justin McManus
What sensible person thinks that the PM should be in mourning for the entirety of every day that something serious and concerning happens to a community in our nation? And for those who think he should be, what would be an acceptable activity? Would it be OK for him to take a walk, eat a meal with friends, or have a laugh? Perhaps, because it seems that it’s all about the optics, it would be acceptable for him to enjoy himself, but definitely not to be seen doing so. Prue Nelson, Cremorne Point
Your correspondent is being misleading in saying teal voters may as well vote for the Labor Party (Letters, December 10). The Labor Party requires caucus solidarity in parliament whereas independents can negotiate with the government on legislation with respect to their own beliefs and those of the community they represent. That the teals voted 75 per cent of the time with Labor and the Greens is not only a reflection of the community they represent but also on the overt negativity of the Coalition. Rodney Crute, Hunters Hill
When I was growing up, the Liberal Party under Robert Menzies implemented such “leftist” policies as Commonwealth scholarships for university students, showing both economic foresight and social awareness. What the teals actually represent is the resurgence of a strong strand of the Liberal Party traditions, one that reflects the values of their communities. It is a rebirth of “small-l” liberalism. Garry Wotherspoon, Darlinghurst
No doubt Paul Fletcher’s resignation from the seat of Bradfield at the next election will teach those stupid teal voters a thing or two. Wayne Duncombe, Lilyfield
We’re all familiar with the use of “small-l liberal” to distinguish between progressive ideas and the conservative, often reactionary, views of the Liberal Party. Perhaps it’s time to distinguish between “small-g greens” (environmentalists) and the Greens, who have a broader, not always environmentally positive, agenda. Paul Fletcher seems to want to conflate the two groups. And while we’re at it, aren’t they small-t teals (shirt colour), not teals (political party)? Rob Baxter, Naremburn
The attack on the synagogue in Melbourne was antisemitic and a crime. Peter Dutton said the perpetrators should have their visas cancelled and should be deported. As a former police officer, I assume he knows that one needs evidence. So could he please pass on his information to the AFP? And, should the perpetrators be born and raised Australian white supremacist neo-Nazis, could he please advise us all to which country they would be deported? Esther Scholem, Macquarie Park
New Dutton makes Abbott look good. We are doomed. Mokhles Sidden, South Strathfield
What’s the point of Parramatta’s light rail?
Parramatta’s light rail serves no good purpose (“Patience wears thin as Parramatta’s light rail stalls”, December 10). It was an ill-conceived concept from the start. The current government, and the community, is stuck with it. The previous Coalition government was hellbent on opening up the historic Fleet Street Heritage Precinct for development. The rail now bisects the precinct, damaging the chances of World Heritage listing. Before the work began in Church Street, state MP Geoff Lee stated that “we have learnt our lesson from George Street”. The poorly executed construction affected many small businesses in Parramatta and Westmead over several years. There was no assistance from the government other than an exciting competition to go into a draw to win 50¢ off your next coffee. Bob Edgar, Moss Vale
Sneaky tactics
A block of units is designated a “state significant development” – what a joke. A backdoor and reprehensible way for the state government and developers to bypass the community and council to get through massive over-the-top developments that don’t meet planning controls or community expectations (“Why a north shore council wants this 22-storey apartment block plan cut down”, December 10). John Berry, Cammeray
This building is proposed for a prominent site on the Pacific Highway.Credit: NSW Independent Planning Commission
It may seem wonderfully practical to clump family-sized high-rise apartments close to rail stations, thereby limiting car ownership to ease the housing crisis. To support this, councils in areas such as North Sydney allow these multistorey dwellings to have no provision for parking, including visitors. It’s time to rethink this concept.
Rather than jamming hundreds of carless units with overshadowing, a lack of green space and looming crisis of overcrowding in local public schools, a mix of lower-rise dwellings throughout the suburbs would create a pleasant environment. Access to rail transport, parking stations and buses could be made available. We have to ask ourselves, what type of environment do we want to leave future generations? Are we solving a housing crisis or creating future substandard living conditions or in the worst case, slums? Christina Foo, Wahroonga
The Trump bandwagon
Nick Bryant makes a valid point (“Ground is shifting as the year ends”, December 10). It’s happening here too, where billionaires are jumping on the Trump bandwagon, emboldened by his right-wing rhetoric. The madness in some sections of our media has also shifted up a gear, where our incumbent government is blamed for all our woes, despite the opposition and crossbench stopping many of their sensible attempts to ameliorate our plight. Political nonsense has never been more prevalent. Dutton and Angus Taylor pop up at every announcement and are never challenged on their statements. Truth has become a casualty of this nonsense and people are too jaded or too stupid to look past what is being fed to them and ask questions. Question everything and think for yourself – not so radical really. Geoff Nilon, Mascot
Murdoch’s new guard
The news that Rupert Murdoch and son Lachlan have failed in their high-stakes effort to amend the irrevocable trust is a world-significant event (“Rupert Murdoch fails in bid to change family trust”, December 10). Hopefully Lachlan’s siblings – Prudence, Elisabeth and James – can now repudiate the dangerous and irresponsible climate change denial that has, unfortunately, been a defining feature of the Murdoch media empire and frustrated climate mitigation. Rob Firth, Red Hill (ACT)
Members of the Murdoch clan at court (from left) Rupert Murdoch and his wife Elena Zhukova, Lachlan Murdoch, and Elisabeth Murdoch with husband Keith Tyson.Credit: AP/NTY
Sweet and simple
Today we purchased three packets of German pfeffernusse (gingerbread) from the supermarket, made in Germany, at a mere $1.99 each (“It’s gift time, so get your festive bake on”, December 10). Poring over Emilia Jackson’s recipe in Good Food now, I’m happy not to be a baker! Rhoda Silber, Manly
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