AUKUS remains our best long-term option for national security

Anthony Albanese’s homecoming must have left him feeling more than a little crestfallen, as President Trump had a more pressing need to listen to Israel’s defence issues in its unfolding war with Iran.

Albanese would have been wise to taking a leaf out of Keir Starmer’s book by accepting the challenge to increase defence spending in our national interest. Unlike Israel, we do not have an Iron Dome to fend off the aggressor. We have very minimal defence technology. When Chinese warships came for an around-Australia cruise unchallenged, we didn’t even have a spare harbour ferry out there to intercept them.

Without a functional AUKUS pact, we would not be in a position to defend ourselves. AUKUS is our best hope.

Stephanie Summers, North Turramurra, NSW

Iran’s nuclear goal

Our government harps on about diplomacy and de-escalation. But the Iranians have never resiled from their stated aim to wipe Israel off the map.

Can Israel trust Iran to pursue its nuclear ambition merely for peaceful purposes? Israel has no guarantee any treaty between Iran and the US would be honoured. Iran is leading the world by the nose, stalling for time to produce the nuclear bomb.

Andrew Sholl, Townsville, Qld

Henry Ergas’s fine display of scholarship reminds us of the peril in not safeguarding the teaching of history, and the methodology of critical thinking, in our schools (“Iran’s rulers hellbent on apocalyptic stupidity”, 20/6). We must recognise the fundamental beliefs of other societies, and understand the direction of their governments.

Despite the protestations of Paul Keating, this also has relevance to the rise of the People’s Republic of China.

Vicki Sanderson, Cremorne, NSW

Penny Wong has appeared somewhat stressed during her last couple of public statements on the Israel-Iran crisis.

Her recent admonishments have fallen, not on her usual bad guy, Israel, but on Iran. Is she realising that she has been backing the wrong horse all this time?

Julie Winzar, Palm Beach, Qld

Health fearmongering

The recent article by Associate Professor Julian Rait warning of “US-style managed care” creeping into Australia needs to be seen for what it is: fearmongering from a union representing the financial interests of private medical specialists (“Symptoms of sick US healthcare system are spreading to Australia”, 12/6).

Private specialists, such as psychiatrists, obstetricians and surgeons, are currently defending their own role in charging excessive fees for consultations, which is causing patients considerable distress and limiting access to private hospital care.

Let’s be clear: US-style managed care is illegal in Australia. The AMA has been shroud-waving about this for decades and it hasn’t happened. Here’s why. Health insurers cannot direct doctors, psychologists, dentists, or any other health professionals to act against patients’ best interests. Health insurers are also prohibited from pre-authorising treatment or restricting people to narrow hospital networks.

If you have private hospital cover, you can choose your doctor and your hospital. When Medicare pays for a service, your health insurer must pay too – regardless of whether clinical guidelines were followed. That’s the law. And unlike the US, your health cover isn’t tied to your job. Australians are free to switch insurers easily if they’re not happy.

The reality is some medical specialists are more interested in preserving very high incomes than improving affordability for patients. Their real concern is competition from more affordable, convenient and higher-quality services. Meanwhile, health insurers are investing in hospitals and healthcare services to lower out-of-pocket costs and improve convenience – with no clinical interference. Patients deserve better than fear campaigns that distort the facts.

Rachel David, CEO of Private Healthcare Australia, the peak body for health insurance funds

Coalition energy case

Adam Creighton’s column should be compulsory reading, for all politicians, of all persuasions, from all tiers of government (“Net-zero mirage makes a mockery of a nation going broke”, 20/6). While the Labor Party is busy in the energy space, the Coalition is hand-wringing and being Labor-lite. Now is the time for the Liberal Party and the Nationals to offer the electorate a genuine alternative. Dumping net zero would be a good place to start.

The Coalition needs to prosecute the case for prioritising affordability over emission targets, especially when Australia’s global contribution is just over 1 per cent. We have a veritable smorgasbord of energy options.

Gabrielle Baker, Carina, Qld