Eden-Monaro by-election result shows need for electoral reform

The alleged manoeuvring by NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro in the Eden-Monaro by-election is another good reason to consider scrapping the preferential voting system (“Barra on the hook as Libs fish for answers”, 6/7). The first-past-the-post system is far simpler and rewards the candidate with the most votes without all the messy and sometimes verging on sleazy deals.

The minor parties and independents would become largely irrelevant and permit the government to get on with its manifesto without obstructionism.

Dick Crane, Killarney Heights, NSW

“Gob-smacked” senior Liberals who are “filthy” on John Barilaro’s effort (“Barilaro bastardry to blame for robbing PM of historic victory”, 6/7) could be reminded of some of their own acts of betrayal, such as standing a Liberal candidate against a sitting Nationals member at recent elections.

John Marks, Werribee, Vic

The behaviour of John Barilaro is one of the reasons many of us view our politicians with cynicism and distrust. He has put himself ahead of his party, the Coalition and the electorate of Eden-Monaro. He should resign.

Graham Reynolds, Soldiers Hill, Vic

With so much dead wood warming the seats in state and federal parliaments, one hopes that a place can be found within the Liberal Party for the talented Dr Fiona Kotvojs.

PJ McLeod, Salamander Bay, NSW

Federal Labor must be baffled by its falling primary vote. There are many reasons, but the ALP needs to stop sending mixed messages on coal and energy, wealth creation and reward for initiative, investments and class envy, border protection, connections to the Greens and China lobbyists. If the ALP’s ideology continues to be based around political fluidity, it will leave voters confused and unconvinced that it can be trusted to deliver sound economic growth and foreign policy in the national interest.

Glenn Marchant, Pascoe Vale, Vic

Changing climate

Chris Kenny explains how US author Michael Shellenberger has become a target of the green-left media for challenging the catastrophist zeitgeist on global warming (“Environmental convert turns the tables on the so-called progressives with transparency tactic”, 6/7).

Yet we’ve seen this play out before when former prime minister Tony Abbott penned the excellent “Daring to Doubt” speech for London’s Global Warming Policy Foundation, with many in the media going into irrational meltdown.

Fortunately, many followers of Abbott’s and Shellenberger’s contributions can, like Kenny, recognise common sense and simultaneously reject green-left media nonsense.

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW

A new way for welfare

Sit-down money is poison to all. Race is irrelevant. Noel Pearson’s idea of a job guarantee has merit — but there are two flaws (“A fairer plan towards honest work for all — guaranteed”, 4-5/7). The first lies in saying that all who are ‘”willing and able” must take one of the guaranteed jobs. Drop the word “willing” for a start and make it quite clear that no work equals no pay. The second flaw lies in paying the minimum wage rate. It’s a guaranteed job so it shouldn’t attract full pay. For full pay, people would have to apply for and get an unsubsidised, non-guaranteed job. If they are happy with a guaranteed job, at Newstart rates, then fine. At least they’re working — giving them structure, identity and dignity. If they want more/better, then go for it.

Sit-down money poisons the work ethic, often for generations, and chips away at incentive. We all see it; we all know it; we’ve known it for years; and it’s time to start talking about it.

Jane Bieger, Brisbane, Qld