Business as usual won’t secure the nation’s prosperity in longer term

Paul Kelly nails the parlous state of political discourse in Australia running up to the federal election (“Beware the looming mediocre contest”, 8-9/3).

Kelly writes that, so far, 2025 has been dispiriting, devoid of new ideas, political courage and any effort to break years of complacency. Business as usual is not good enough in the face of declining living standards, weak economic growth, cultural division and social inequity. The electorate is crying out for reform and a compelling national narrative and vision. They will trust change if offered transparency and accountability.

Everyone knows the taxation system needs reform and productivity must be addressed. Band-Aid solutions do not change anything. Voters will likely turn to independents when they are fed up with the major parties. These are the reasons Anthony Albanese or Peter Dutton are unlikely to win convincing victories.

David Muir, Indooroopilly, Qld

Paul Kelly confirms what many have already suspected. He writes that “our political system cannot effectively identify and respond to the numerous and contradictory demands being imposed on Australia”. Our political class is devoid of any “new ideas and political courage to break the years of complacency”. It is a bad dream rerun by every government since John Howard.

A creeping malaise stymieing progress and prosperity is caused by mediocre governments afraid of acting in the best long-term interests of our nation.

Both major parties are paralysed by the fear of rejection at the ballot box and have shown shameful weakness, showering and matching the ridiculous spending on short-term popular sugar hits over tough long-term decisions that will place our nation in a better position to face the geopolitical threats that are looming and build long-term economic prosperity for all of us.

Lynda Morrison, Bicton, WA

One can only hope that key players in the Coalition read the outstanding column by Paul Kelly. This is not about micro politics, it’s about who has the courage to tackle the macro issues in a rapidly changing world.

“Get Australia back on track” sounds promising, but it should be much more than about returning to stability.

As Kelly points out, this will take courage – but unless reform of a significant nature starts now, Australia will be left further behind and that we cannot afford.

Ian Murray, Cremorne Pt, NSW

I suspect most readers will relate to Paul Kelly’s gloom concerning our upcoming federal election. Voters are wedged by government cowardice and good old incompetence. But voter depression is made only worse by the existential alarm and fury raised by Mike Pezzullo’s article (“Real and present danger: flotilla flags 10 urgent must-dos”, 8-9/3).

The significance of Chinese vessels circumnavigating Australia is being denied by the government. The pathetic priority of holding and winning seats is constantly overriding Australian security interests. Instead, patron­ising verbiage and reassurances hide the SOS Pezzullo delivers.

Betty Cockman, Dongara, WA

Two articles in The Weekend Australian – one by Paul Kelly, the other by contributing editor for military affairs David Kilcullen – should make us start to think seriously about our defence posture and preparedness (“Trump’s gift to the world: a wake-up call to geopolitical reality”, 8-9/3).

Kelly highlights the weakness and lack of both foresight and courage that exist within the political class when it comes to a range of issues, especially defence.

Kilcullen focuses more on the need for us to accept reality: the US, via the ANZUS Treaty, is there to assist in protecting our sovereignty but not to do the hard yards for us.

We need to be much more self-sufficient in defence. Those who take a deep interest in defence have been expressing these views for decades, but the political leadership just doesn’t seem to want to know.

They shy away from the issue because it is not a winner of the broader hearts and minds where welfare and the hip pocket are the priorities.

Australia needs an awakening. This can occur only if our politicians get serious; if they demonstrate the courage to put defence centre stage.

John George, Terrigal, NSW