Cut the PM some slack — he has a lot on his plate

Scott Morrison’s leadership is undergoing a fiery trial and he must step up to the challenge and responsibility of leading not only the Coalition regarding the issue of the treatment of women but also, as Prime Minister, the nation .

This is not just a “Canberra bubble” problem. It has revealed itself to be cancer-like throughout many spheres of our society, as illustrated recently by the behaviour of young male students toward their female peers, as well as the series of incidents over many years involving sporting and corporate figures.

Although Morrison is not personally responsible for the repugnant behaviour of the offending males, he does as Prime Minister bear a significant responsibility for leading the nation out of this morass. However he is not alone in this. We all — women and men — have a part to play, and a solid start would be a united, non-partisan front against this plague. This may mean relinquishing the lure of other cherished political and ideological agendas and giving undivided focus to draining this swamp and keeping it drained.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern East, Vic

For goodness sake, give the guy a break. Earning a twentieth of the head of Macquarie Bank, the Prime Minister has overall responsibility for the finance, health, defence, economics, international policy and welfare of 25 million people and he has been subject to scrutiny so intense that anyone would consider it to be unhealthy.

Driven by journalists, commentators and opinion writers who sit at their keyboards and consider carefully every word they put into print, he is expected to be word and intent perfect in all his answers to questions put to him with no suggestion of “interpretation” or context. Without the support of his faith, family and commitment to his position as an elected democratic leader with a mandate to bring this country back from the abyss the rest of the world faces he would falter at the enormity of the challenge.

Cut him some slack and get behind him. The alternative does not bear thinking about.

D. Adams, Toorak, Vic

Is it not reasonable to ask what might happen to an inebriated worker in private enterprise found indulging in a bit of sexual self-expression at the back of the storeroom or occupying the boss’s desk after hours for some horizontal exercise? To what extent can the right to self-expression be permitted to trash respect for Parliament and its processes? Where are our leaders? Is it not time for a spot of governing?

Jan Westwood, Prahran, Vic

I am an 86-year-old survivor of World War II in England, ex- RAF, a quiet, non-placard waving white male (not popular). The present situation in this country brings back some memories. Winston Churchill led Britain through the hell of war to victory, an incredible physical and mental feat. But what thanks from a grateful country? He was thrown out at the next election.

Today, we have a Prime Minister who, with his Treasurer and cabinet, steered this country to the safe haven of no virus and an economy that is already starting to recover. What thanks does he get? Constant putdowns by the ABC sisterhood. Every word that he utters is twisted by them, so that he becomes responsible for everyone’s misdemeanors. I hope silent Australians see the Marxist light at the ballot box. Keep your eyes open, folks.

Arthur Disney, Hornsby, NSW

Paul Kelly’s article “PM struggles to rescue his reputation on women” (24/3) and the editorial “Staffer’s solo sex acts bring Morrison back to reality” (24/3) focus largely on holding the PM accountable for the treatment of women in Parliament House. And, yes, the buck stops at the top. But let’s get real here. Are not the parliamentarians who employ the staff in their officers responsible for their behaviour? Is it only Coalition staffers who behave this way? Are men who frequent the “prayer room” not accompanied by women? And the list goes on. The fact is every single parliamentarian, be they Liberal, Labor or any other party, has responsibility to manage their staff and set the right example for the way in which all those who work in “that place” are treated. Instead of politicising the issue perhaps, just for once, all politicians can get behind the PM and play their part in making their workplace an example for others to follow.

Ian Murray, Cremorne Point, NSW