All adult Australians already have a voice in parliament – it’s called a vote

Thirty years ago, Australia rightly united with the rest of the world to put an end to apartheid in South Africa, or differentiation on the basis of race. Today, we face calls from some to introduce a form of apartheid here, in the guise of an Indigenous voice to Parliament. Whether enacted by legislation or constitutional amendment, the objective of a voice is the same – to differentiate between Australians by giving greater prominence to the opinions of those with an Indigenous background. To make some Australians more equal than others. As such it should be rejected by all Australians.

As Peta Credlin points out (“Say no to a voice for identity politics”, 15/7) advocates have shied away from seeking constitutional amendment in favour of enshrining a voice in legislation for the simple reason they realise any move to amend the Constitution to create two classes of Australians is doomed to failure. It is encumbent upon all of us to contact our local MPs and voice a protest at the introduction of a form of apartheid here without being given an opportunity to have a say. All adult Australians, including Indigenous adults, already have a voice in our governance. It is called a vote.

John McLeod, Sunshine Coast, Qld

Virtually overnight, The Australian’s Thursday Commentary page has a different and very welcome flavour. Could it be Peta Credlin’s arrival? Yes, it could be, in spades, and what a measured and intelligent tone she’s brought with her.

Credlin’s subject this week was the threatened incursion of a defined-by-race voice to Parliament. Almost every “tick-here-for-woke-themed-panel-show” has been showing an increasingly feverish and aggressive rhetoric concentrating on the “rights” of Indigenous people, as if they were in direct contrast to the rights of other Australians. Credlin has provided a timely warning.

Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield, NSW

McGowan’s misstep

I am disturbed by the article “China link an arts-breaker in west” (15/7). Why would the Perth Theatre Trust apologise to the Chinese government for allowing the Taiwanese Acrobatic Group to perform at the State Theatre Centre last year? Why is Mark McGowan pushing ever closer to the Chinese Communist Party and its alien culture? It seems to me that the people of Western Australia should take a long hard look at their Government and Premier to let them know that they are not lackeys of China, but independent Australians, and may it ever be so.

McGowan must keep in mind that WA is part of Australia and as such must not allow a foreign power to interfere with what happens in his state. Perhaps some of our premiers have delusions of grandeur since the advent of the national cabinet and think they can do just as they like without worrying as to what effect their actions will have on their state as well as on Australians as a whole.

Patricia M. Smith, Mt Martha, Vic

The West Australian Government is the most pro-China government in Australia and its Premier regularly rejects criticism of China because of the state’s economic dependence on mineral exports. Australia this week announced record export income from its mineral trade with China. But at what price to Australia? It is a very real security dilemma regardless of party political colour.

Last year, the West Australian Government acquiesced to strong protests from the Chinese embassy, which resulted in the Perth Theatre Trust apologising to the Chinese government after the Taiwanese Acrobatic Troupe performed at the State Theatre Centre. In simple terms on this matter, the WA Government has chosen to answer to the Chinese Government ahead of the Australian legal system and has even legislated a policy to do so in the future – such is the power of persuasion on the part of the Chinese.

This is a serious national security threat and must be formally investigated. This extreme discriminatory legislation needs to be torn up immediately and the Office of National Assessments evaluate this very harmful situation of foreign power interference that is being ratcheted up by the Chinese embassy in Canberra in a targeted, exploitative and strategically planned way.

Mary Jardine Clarke, Spearwood, WA

Curriculum fail

It would seem that those who drafted the proposed new school curriculum were intent on pursuing their own political views rather than ensuring that our students ended up with a fair and balanced education. As a society we have an overriding obligation to ensure our children receive a proper, balanced education.

Biased political views should be tossed out the school window, which is what should be done with the proposed school curriculum along with those who drafted it.

Brian Barker, East Brisbane, Qld