Dutton the right person to head Defence in uncertain times

After a succession of “unimpressive defence ministers”, as your editorial puts it (“Dutton must grasp Defence nettle at key strategic time”, 5/4), Peter Dutton has the mammoth task of re-establishing the importance of the portfolio and the resources and morale of the ADF. Under Labor, Defence suffered 37 cuts and deferments of programs, along with no fresh shipbuilding projects. Some direction was finally established under Tony Abbott’s second attempt in Kevin Andrews, until a Turnbull government handover to Christopher Pyne’s concept of defence as an Adelaide job creation scheme — along with the submarine fiasco –—scuttled any progress. Morale has also suffered under some ADF chiefs, more sensitive to progressive causes than the needs of service personnel and the national interest. Scott Morrison has made a belated but definitive appointment in Dutton, a proven performer who will inspire confidence among serving men and women.

John Morrissey, Hawthorn, Vic

Your editorial on Defence Minister Peter Dutton’s message that Australia seeks to work “collaboratively” with China is gratifying. Dutton’s message seeking a peaceful coexistence with China is both pragmatic and helpful to repair our damaged relationship.

Above all, with a friendly relationship, Australia can be a powerful moderating influence on China. I disagree with former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo’s view that China is trying to undermine democracy everywhere (“Pompeo rallies allies against China threat”, 3-4/5).

Pompeo was in charge of US foreign policy over the past four years. His belligerent brand of diplomacy did not help to solve any international problems during his time in office and has left the US with less influence and power. Heaven forbid that his aim to become the next president of the US succeeds.

Bill Mathew, Parkville, Vic

Wisdom of Solomon

It was good to see the Premier of the Malaita province in Solomon Islands, Daniel Suidani, featured on the front page of the Australian for refusing a bribe by China to give up recognition of Taiwan. (“No thanks: the leader who said no to China bribe”, 5/4).

The integrity of Suidani ought to be heralded throughout the Pacific. It would not be easy for politicians of impoverished countries to refuse monetary bribes.

The Accountability Round Table in Australia gives integrity awards to politicians who are exemplars of integrity. I would hope there would be an international body that would consider Suidani for an integrity award. It is only through integrity that sovereignty can be guaranteed for Pacific nations.

David Muir, Indooroopilly, Qld

Supply and demand

The Economist (“Global supply chains still a source of strength”, 5/4) makes a strong argument in favour of free trade and a continuation of globalised supply chains to maximise efficiencies, rather than a reversion back to subsidised and protected industries in the name of national resilience, which would lead only to higher domestic prices and creeping inefficiencies.

Nevertheless, this argument relies on countries playing by international trade rules and, with China blatantly breaking them, countries like Australia have to diversify both sources of supply and the destinations for our exports.

An efficient globalised supply function is based on the law of comparative advantage, where production is based on those countries that have distinct advantages or strengths, leading to better worldwide outcomes.

While Australia is a world-leading minerals exporter for this very reason, the tragic mistake Australia is making is throwing away its advantage in cheap and reliable energy that could create advantages in manufacturing and heavy industry both for the local economy and as potential exports.

Ron Hobba, Camberwell, Vic.

Vale Carla

Carla Zampatti’s death comes, as has been often quoted, “like a thief in the night” to us of the same generation (“Farewell Queen Carla”, 5/4). She had an immortality about her as well as elegance, style and sophistication. Accompanying these qualities was her exceptional design capabilities and her business acumen. She is the epitome of the successful, and perhaps unassailable, woman.

Geoff Dornan, Beecroft, NSW

Super reform

Eva Scheerlinck, the chief executive of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees, demands that super should not be the ideological plaything of the government of the day (“Canberra’s super funds overreach”, 5/4). She declined to say that neither should it be the cash cow of the union movement to support the Labor Party. Selective argument?

D. Adams, Toorak, Vic